Central Area Travel Guide
Salem
Visit Central Area
Popular places to visit
Elsinore Theater
Get tickets for a show at Elsinore Theater, a popular theatre 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.
Orchard Heights Winery
You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Orchard Heights Winery during your travels to Salem. While you're here, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.
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.
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
Self-Guided 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
Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt: Salem Oregon's Beautiful Capital
Willamette Valley Boutique Winery Tour with Lunch
Top hotels in Central Area
Holman Riverfront Park Hotel Salem, Tapestry by Hilton
Yes
Reviewed on 20 Oct 2025
The Grand Hotel - Salem
Just a short staycation
Reviewed on 20 Oct 2025
The Hotel Salem
Best handicapped hotel shower: bath chair provided, plenty of grab bars and the wall-fixed soap and shampoo dispensers were easy to reach.
Reviewed on 24 Oct 2025
Best Western Plus Mill Creek Inn
Breakfast is across the parking lot at the Denny’s, which is nice because you can order off the menu, but if you’re in a hurry, it may take you a bit longer than if it was right at the hotel
Reviewed on 24 Oct 2025
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Salem OR
Nice front desk person.
Reviewed on 21 Oct 2025
Best Western Woodburn
Hallway terrible smelled of dog….but room was good
Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025
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 Salem Armory Auditorium.
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 Barn Art Center and Bush House Museum are top sights worth seeing.
Southeast Salem
If you're spending some time in Southeast Salem, Honeywood Winery and Wunderland are top sights worth seeing.
Highland
While Highland isn't home to many top sights, Salem Armory Auditorium and L. B. Day Amphitheater are some notable places to visit nearby.
