Central Area
Salem
Visit Central Area
Popular places to visit
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 savor the top-notch restaurants.
Elsinore Theater
Enjoy a performance at Elsinore Theater, a storied theater in Salem. While you're here, you can savor 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.
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
Private Wine Excursion Willamette Valley, Oregon - Wine Tour
Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt: Salem Oregon's Beautiful Capital
Private Group, Full Day - Willamette Valley Wine Tour
Private Wine Excursion Willamette Valley, Oregon - Wine Tour
Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt: Salem Oregon's Beautiful Capital
Top hotels in Central Area
Holman Riverfront Park Hotel Salem, Tapestry by Hilton
Great hotel and location! The staff was friendly and helpful. Only drawback was parking was full and the other offsite parking was a few blocks away.
Reviewed on Jan 5, 2026
The Grand Hotel - Salem
B
Reviewed on Dec 28, 2025
Best Western Plus Mill Creek Inn
Clean room. Kind Staff. Comlimentary water. Good breakfast at Dennys.
Reviewed on Jan 7, 2026
The Hotel Salem
The room was clean, and we were able to get adjoining rooms so we could spread out but keep the kids close by. The pool was a big attraction, but the water was highly chlorinated and led to some irritation on my youngest grandson who has more sensitive skin. Breakfast was a typical hotel breakfast ...
Reviewed on Jan 10, 2026
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Salem OR
Fantastic.
Reviewed on Jan 10, 2026
Comfort Suites Salem
Staff were fabulous. Breakfast had many options. Our room was clean and comfortable. There was noticeable road noise but otherwise everything was great.
Reviewed on Jan 10, 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Central Area
Court-Chemeketa Historic District
Court-Chemeketa Historic District might not have many top sights, but Oregon State Capitol and Elsinore Theater are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
Grant
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Grant and surrounding area, you can visit 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
While visiting South Central, you might make a stop by sights like Bush House Museum and Historic Deepwood Estate.
Highland
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Highland and surrounding area, you can visit Salem Armory Auditorium and L. B. Day Amphitheater.
Southeast Salem
While visiting Southeast Salem, you might make a stop by sights like Willamette Heritage Center and Honeywood Winery.
