Central Area Travel Guide
Salem
Visit Central Area
Popular places to visit
Salem Riverfront Park
After visiting Salem Riverfront Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Salem. While you're here, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.
Oregon State Capitol
Watch legislative sessions, learn about key moments in Oregon’s history and admire the art deco architecture of one of the most recognizable buildings in the state.
Willamette Valley Vineyards
You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Willamette Valley Vineyards during your travels to Turner. While in this family-friendly area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.
Bush's Pasture Park
Bush's Pasture Park is just one of the places to see in Salem, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Experience the area's festivals or attend a sporting event.
Bush House Museum
Step back in time at this original late-19th-century farmstead and art gallery to discover Oregon’s pioneering history and the legacy of one of its founding families.
Willamette University
Explore the campus of Willamette University during your trip to Salem. While you're in the area, wander around picturesque gardens.
Things to do
Amazing Scavenger Hunt: Salem Oregon's Beautiful Capital
Private Wine Excursion Willamette Valley, Oregon - Wine Tour
Private Group, Full Day - Willamette Valley Wine Tour
Silver Falls Waterfall Hiking Tour from Portland
Willamette Valley Boutique Winery Tour with Lunch
Top hotels in Central Area
Holman Riverfront Park Hotel Salem, Tapestry by Hilton
Clean, quiet and comfortable
Reviewed on 19 Apr 2026
The Grand Hotel - Salem
Room was excellent and food at Bentleys was also excellent. Breakfast also was great.
Reviewed on 22 Apr 2026
The Hotel Salem
Clean, safe, kind and friendly staff, etc etc etc. Stay here often, as a traveling nurse on contract nearby. No complaints. Always VERY helpful. Seriously, no concerns.
Reviewed on 23 Apr 2026
Oregon Garden Resort
The entire experience was excellent. We would highly recommend the resort. A beautiful setting with excellent service and restaurant
Reviewed on 23 Apr 2026
Doubletree by Hilton Salem
The room we got was on the first floor right next to the breakfast area. Woke up to all the noice from the waffle maker and people. The restroom had a urine smell. They told us all the other rooms were fully booked as soon as we got there. I booked over two months ago and it didn’t seem full. The ...
Reviewed on 22 Apr 2026
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Woodburn
yes, it was awesome
Reviewed on 21 Apr 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Central Area
Court-Chemeketa Historic District
While there might not be top attractions in Court-Chemeketa Historic District, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Oregon State Capitol and Willamette Heritage Center.
Grant
Though Grant may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Willamette Heritage Center and State Capitol State Park.
Northeast Neighbors
If you're spending some time in Northeast Neighbors, Oregon State Fairgrounds Pavilion and Salem Armory Auditorium are top sights worth seeing.
South Central
If you're spending some time in South Central, Bush House Museum and Historic Deepwood Estate are top sights worth seeing.
Highland
While Highland isn't home to many top sights, L. B. Day Amphitheater and Oregon State Fairgrounds Pavilion are some notable places to visit nearby.
Southeast Salem
If you're spending some time in Southeast Salem, Willamette Heritage Center and Honeywood Winery are top sights worth seeing.
