South Central Travel Guide
Salem
Visit South Central
Popular places to visit
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.
Bush Barn Art Center
A treasure trove of regional arts and crafts is showcased at this exciting and educational contemporary art center, located on a heritage Oregon farmstead.
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 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.
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.
Things to do
Silver Falls Waterfall Hiking Tour from Portland
Amazing Scavenger Hunt: Salem Oregon's Beautiful Capital
Private Wine Excursion Willamette Valley, Oregon - Wine Tour
Willamette Valley Boutique Winery Tour with Lunch
Private Group, Full Day - Willamette Valley Wine Tour
Private - Willamette Valley Wine Tour From Portland (tasting fees included)
Top hotels in South Central
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
Best Western Woodburn
Very comfortable for a one night between flights.
Reviewed on 22 Apr 2026
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Woodburn
This hotel is conveniently located for our visit to the city, and the staff were very friendly. My only major issue was the bed—the mattresses were terribly uncomfortable, and it was the same in both rooms our family booked.
Reviewed on 24 Apr 2026
Comfort Suites Salem
Pool/spa area is open until midnight. Kids screaming, running in haul ways and slamming doors. No apparent attempt at controlling them, even after what I know were multiple calls to the front desk to complain.
Reviewed on 24 Apr 2026
Doubletree by Hilton Salem
There are hotels that claim to be classy and exclusive, and there are hotels that are top notch 5 star quality this Doubletree Hilton is,, and I stayed across the street at the competitors but there is no comparison.
Reviewed on 25 Apr 2026
The Independence
Everything was great only thing is the windows dont open for fresh air and it would be nice to see breakfast at 6 am for people who are staying for sports .
Reviewed on 26 Apr 2026
Other neighbourhoods around South Central
Central Area
If you're spending some time in Central Area, Elsinore Theater and Oregon State Capitol are top sights worth seeing.
Southeast Salem
If you're spending some time in Southeast Salem, Wunderland and Willamette Heritage Center are top sights worth seeing.
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.
Morningside
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Morningside and surrounding area, you can visit Bush House Museum 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.
Grant
Though Grant may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Willamette Heritage Center and Oregon State Capitol.
