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 featuring a park

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

If you're spending some time in Southeast Salem, Honeywood Winery and Willamette Heritage Center are top sights worth seeing.

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

When in North East Salem, you can plan a visit to Oregon State Fair Skychairs and Oregon State Fairgrounds Pavilion, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

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 2 Aug 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 €83 per night from 19 Aug to 20 Aug
€83
19 Aug - 20 Aug
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 (1,004 reviews)
"Right next to the freeway but wasn't top noisy. Snacks and coffee in the lobby. Staff is excellent!"

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

Days Inn by Wyndham Black Bear
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Salem OR

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Salem OR

3 out of 5
890 Hawthorne Avenue SE, Salem, OR
The price is €115 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
€115
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (654 reviews)
"Breakfast was pretty crappy"

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Salem OR
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.
Spacious Mid Century 5-bedroom house in S Salem with AC, WiFi, Pool, Bar Area

Spacious Mid Century 5-bedroom house in S Salem with AC, WiFi, Pool, Bar Area

Salem
Stay at this vacation home in Salem. Enjoy private pools, laundry facilities, and a pool table. Popular attractions Cottonwood Lakes Golf Course and Minto-Brown ...
Team gathering
"This property is awesome and very unique. From the large indoor pool with diving board, to the old time cassette player, to the beautiful views. Our group of 12 people slept very comfortably (almost every bedroom has its own bathroom) and had a lot of fun. Only negative is that the electrical system ..."

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Spacious Mid Century 5-bedroom house in S Salem with AC, WiFi, Pool, Bar Area
Stylish Salem Speakeasy Downtown

Stylish Salem Speakeasy Downtown

Salem
Stay at this vacation home in Salem. Enjoy laundry facilities. Popular attractions Willamette Heritage Center and Saturday Market are located nearby.
8.6/10 Excellent! (3 reviews)
Excellent place to stay.
"Took a coastal road trip with my sister. We hit all the good hikes! Booked this place as a central place to stay and loved it! We needed to come in a day early and she was very quick to respond to our request and accommodate. The only thing that threw off the trip was the road construction in front ..."

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Stylish Salem Speakeasy Downtown
Spacious basement apt. Off-street parking, washer & dryer, kitchenette, sleeps 4

Spacious basement apt. Off-street parking, washer & dryer, kitchenette, sleeps 4

Salem
Stay at this apartment in Salem. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Salem Armory Auditorium and Oregon State Fairgrounds ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
Salem stay
"Great location. Was able to walk to downtown. Easy access property. Property came with all the home amenities needed."

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Spacious basement apt. Off-street parking, washer & dryer, kitchenette, sleeps 4
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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