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
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
new hotel, big lobby with nice seating area. best hotel I've found in downtown Salem.
Reviewed on 23 Nov 2025
The Grand Hotel - Salem
Staff couldn’t be friendlier. Love the warm cookies at check in. Room was large and comfortable and clean. The lobby I’d large and comfortable and invites you to come sit and rest. Love this hotel!
Reviewed on 21 Nov 2025
The Hotel Salem
Driving from Seattle to SAn Francisco with a dog. I was there for 1 night. Property has a good dog area and my dog loved it.
Reviewed on 30 Nov 2025
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Salem OR
Liked the assortment of snacks Staff was nice , breakfast was good enough Rooms were clean , but lighting could be upgraded / that’s rooms were dark even with lights on
Reviewed on 24 Nov 2025
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Woodburn
No option for food
Reviewed on 28 Nov 2025
Best Western Plus Mill Creek Inn
Property and accommodations were great but needed to eat at Denny's for food or drive elsewhere
Reviewed on 30 Nov 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 House Museum and Soap box derby 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.
