Salem

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Travel Salem
Photo provided by Ron Cooper/Travel Salem
Photo provided by Ron Cooper/Travel Salem
Oregon State Capitol showing street scenes
Photo provided by Ron Cooper/Travel Salem
Visit Oregon’s capital to discover its roots and explore itsparklands. Climb to the top of the State Capitol Building to seethe city from above.

Tucked away within the Willamette Valley, Salem is a nature-lover’s delight. The humble capital of Oregon is a historic city,originally founded as an agricultural community in the first half of the 19th century. It has been the state capital since1859. 

See the dozens of significant buildings in the historic downtownprecinct, including the towering State Capitol Building, cappedby a “Gold Man.” Green parks line Salem’s streets and walkingtrails traverse the city. 

Check into a downtown hotel to be close to the action or enjoythe serenity provided by the outskirts of town. Explore thehistoric downtown precinct on foot to get to know the localculture. 

Climb to the peak of the State Capitol Building on a sunny dayfor sweeping views across the valley. Take a photograph of the giant Oregon Pioneer statue, or the “Gold Man,” that sits at the top, as itglistens in the Oregon sun. 

The downtown precinct is a great place to purchase freshproduce from Oregon’s farmers. A number of delis and marketscan be found in the area, alongside restaurants, cafés and bars.Take a picnic to Bush’s Pasture Park, the large urban park thatsprawls southward from State Capitol Plaza. Farther afield, findthe walking trails and natural beauty of Willamette MissionState Park.

Venture outside the city limits for more natural beauty. Reach Silver Falls and the Cascade Mountains within an hour by car. Oregon’s picturesque wine country is even closer. Spend a day sampling the state’s renowned pinot noir and pinot gris wines and take a bottle home to have with dinner. 

Arrive in the city via Portland, less than an hour to the north, orEugene, just over an hour south. Both are major transportation hubswith international airports and interstate railway stations. Rent acar during your stay in the city so you can delve into the richnatural beauty of Oregon’s heartland, just a short drive away. 

Where to stay in Salem

Salem which includes a garden

Central Area

If you're spending some time in Central Area, Elsinore Theater and Oregon State Capitol are top sights worth seeing.

Central Area
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Southeast Salem

While visiting Southeast Salem, you might make a stop by sights like Honeywood Winery and Willamette Heritage Center.

Southeast Salem
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West Salem

When in West Salem, you can plan a visit to Salem Riverfront Carousel and Union Street Railroad Bridge, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

West Salem
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Northgate

While visiting Northgate, you might make a stop by sights like Oregon State Fair Skychairs and Salem Armory Auditorium.

Northgate
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North East Salem

Though North East Salem might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Oregon State Fair Skychairs and Oregon State Fairgrounds Pavilion.

North East Salem
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Northeast Neighbors

If you're spending some time in Northeast Neighbors, Oregon State Fairgrounds Pavilion and Salem Armory Auditorium are top sights worth seeing.

Northeast Neighbors
The Hotel Salem

The Hotel Salem

3 out of 5
4370 Commercial St Se, Salem, OR
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Salem. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"enjoyed our one-night stay. very nice hotel with an excellent included breakfast."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

The Hotel Salem
Days Inn by Wyndham Black Bear

Days Inn by Wyndham Black Bear

2.5 out of 5
1600 Motor Ct Ne, Salem, OR
The price is P5,177 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
P5,177
P5,824 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Salem. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
6.8/10 (1,002 reviews)
"Jared was great! Good times!"

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

Days Inn by Wyndham Black Bear
Best Western Plus Mill Creek Inn

Best Western Plus Mill Creek Inn

2.5 out of 5
3125 Ryan Drive SE, Salem, OR
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P7,852 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P7,852
P8,878 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Salem. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,003 reviews)
"Location was ideal for our visit to the customer, just off the highway, not too noisy. Building was a little tired but rooms were clean and ideal for an overnight stay"

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Best Western Plus Mill Creek Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
3rd Street Flats

3rd Street Flats

3.5 out of 5
219 NE Cowls Street, McMinnville, OR
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in McMinnville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (114 reviews)
"Great friendly staff."

Reviewed on Oct 6, 2024

3rd Street Flats
Douglas on Third

Douglas on Third

3 out of 5
703 Northeast 3rd Street, McMinnville, OR
Stay at this 3-star apartment in McMinnville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Gallery Theater and R Stuart & Co. are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (112 reviews)
"Lovely, well- appointed room. Communication was clear and timely."

Reviewed on Jul 24, 2025

Douglas on Third
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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