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.
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.
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.
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
Private - Willamette Valley Wine Tour From Portland (tasting fees included)
Top hotels in Central Area
Holman Riverfront Park Hotel Salem, Tapestry by Hilton
It’s always a pleasure staying at the Holman. The location is great and gives you the ability to walk not only to the beautiful waterfront or simple eat your way though downtown Salem.
Reviewed on 11 Jan 2026
The Grand Hotel - Salem
B
Reviewed on 28 Dec 2025
The Hotel Salem
Wonderful staff. Clean rooms. Comfortable beds. Nice amenities.
Reviewed on 15 Jan 2026
Best Western Plus Mill Creek Inn
Great staff, comfortable beds
Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026
Comfort Suites Salem
Lobby set-up, breakfast, and overall amenities inclyding water, fruits, and cookies in the lobby.
Reviewed on 14 Jan 2026
Oregon Garden Resort
All around good exo
Reviewed on 15 Jan 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 Elsinore Theater.
Grant
Though Grant may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Salem Armory Auditorium and Oregon State Capitol.
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 Soap box derby 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.
Southeast Salem
If you're spending some time in Southeast Salem, Honeywood Winery and Wunderland are top sights worth seeing.
