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
Private Wine Excursion Willamette Valley, Oregon - Wine Tour
Willamette Valley Boutique Winery Tour with Lunch
Private - Willamette Valley Wine Tour From Portland (tasting fees included)
Top hotels in South Central
The Loft Downtown
Place was cute, bed very comfortable.
Reviewed on 24 Apr 2026
Oregon Garden Resort
Such a beautiful setting near the Oregon Gardens. So nice to have spacious rooms in separate buildings on the grounds. Very reasonable as stay included breakfast and admission for both of us to the Oregon Gardens next door. Breakfast included eggs and sausage and all sorts of sweets.
Reviewed on 13 May 2026
Comfort Suites Salem
Soaking tub was very nice. Bed was very comfortable but we're glad we brought our own pillows as the room's had no support as seems to be typical for hotels nowadays. Not enough light in the bedroom. Tile floor in the main room was sticky - we think it's the cleaning products because it didn’t appear ...
Reviewed on 11 May 2026
The Independence
This was absolutely first class , awesome staff , loved playing some shuffleboard and enjoying the river. I had never been to independence Oregon so it was a great little town and a great travel spot.
Reviewed on 12 May 2026
The Hotel Salem
Clean room, friendly staff, Breakfast was awesome, Parking is easy and plenty of spaces.
Reviewed on 13 May 2026
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Woodburn
Todo muy tranquilo el personal muy amable
Reviewed on 12 May 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 Oregon State Capitol and Elsinore Theater.
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 Salem Armory Auditorium.
