Accessible Hotels in Salem, Oregon (and Things to Do)

If you’re planning a visit to Oregon’s capital, Salem, you might be surprised by just how laid-back and accessible it can be. It’s not a huge city, but that’s part of its charm. Nestled in the Willamette Valley, it offers a mix of small-town ease and scenic surroundings — with historic neighborhoods, quiet parks, and a growing art scene.

For travelers with disabilities, accessible information can be hard to find or full of vague promises. That’s why we’ve gathered verified details for four hotels in and around Salem, plus some low-key things to do, a cozy café, and a few annual events worth timing your trip around. Because a little clarity can make planning a lot easier.

Is Salem Accessible for Travelers with Disabilities?

Yes it is! Salem’s compact layout and relatively flat terrain make it a manageable destination for many travelers with disabilities. Downtown streets have curb ramps at most intersections, and sidewalks are wide and generally well-maintained. For those driving, it’s a fairly easy place to navigate, and accessible parking is commonly available in public lots and near major attractions.

If you’re not driving, Salem offers a public transportation system called Cherriots, which runs accessible buses across the city. Each one has a ramp or lift for boarding, space for two mobility devices, and kneeling steps to make getting on easier. Priority seating is available near the front, and stops are announced both out loud and on a digital display — so you’ll always know where you are. It’s a convenient option if you plan to explore town without a car.

Accessible Hotels in Salem

The Grand Hotel in Salem

Right in the heart of downtown, The Grand Hotel is exactly what it sounds like — elegant without being over the top, and one of the most conveniently located places to stay in Salem. It’s connected to the Salem Convention Center, which makes it popular with business travelers, but it also works beautifully for a laid-back weekend getaway. The lobby has a cozy fireplace, and there’s a free hot breakfast served every morning in the lounge. Rooms are spacious, quiet, and easy to navigate in a wheelchair.

Expect classic furnishings, friendly staff who actually know what they’re doing when it comes to accessibility, and perks like free underground parking and an on-site restaurant. If you want to explore the area on foot, you’re just a few blocks from the Salem Art Association and the downtown Riverfront Park.

Accessibility Details Available in Your Room

Holman Riverfront Park Hotel Salem, Tapestry by Hilton

Modern, sleek, and steps from the Willamette River, the Holman is one of Salem’s newest downtown gems. Its design feels more like a boutique hotel in a big city—clean lines, soft lighting, and local art throughout the halls. You’re in the perfect spot here: just a block from Riverfront Park and the Riverfront Carousel, and a quick stroll to Taproot Lounge & Café, a cozy little spot for brunch or a laid-back dinner.

Rooms are spacious and thoughtfully laid out, with plenty of turning space for wheelchairs and modern bathrooms with roll-in showers. Bonus: they have in-room dining and a solid selection of local Oregon wines on the menu.

Accessibility Details Available in Your Room

Independence Hotel

If you’re looking to slow things down, this riverside stay in the town of Independence (just 20 minutes from Salem) hits the mark. The Independence Hotel is peaceful, stylish, and surrounded by nature—yet you’re still close enough to zip into Salem for a show or museum visit. Think rooftop deck views, oversized soaking tubs, and a wine bar downstairs that features bottles from nearby Willamette Valley vineyards.

Accessible rooms here include both fixed and portable shower seats, and the layout offers a generous 11 inches of under-bed space, which can be a lifesaver if you’re traveling with medical or mobility equipment. The setting is quiet, the staff are friendly, and it’s a great spot if you’re pairing your city time with a little nature and wine country escape.

Accessibility Details Available in Your Room

Oregon Garden Resort

Want to really lean into the peaceful side of the Willamette Valley? Oregon Garden Resort in Silverton (about 30 minutes east of Salem) offers the kind of getaway that’s all about fresh air, forest paths, and botanical views. It’s set right next to the Oregon Garden, which spans 80 acres of accessible trails, plants, and seasonal displays. The on-site restaurant features farm-to-table fare, and during cooler months, there’s a wood-burning fireplace in the lobby that makes it extra cozy.

Rooms here offer a calm, rustic feel—think stone fireplaces, wood accents, and patios overlooking the gardens. The accessible suites are spacious and thoughtfully designed, with both fixed and portable shower seating and wide bathroom turning space. It’s especially popular during the holidays, when the Garden is lit up for their winter lights festival.

Accessibility Details Available in Your Room

Accessible Things to Do in Salem

While Salem isn’t packed with flashy attractions, it does have a few gems that are worth checking out — especially if you’re looking for easygoing, accessible activities during your stay.

• Salem’s Riverfront Carousel: This locally loved carousel sits right along the Willamette River and is a great spot for a relaxing break. The entrance is ramped, the layout is open and easy to move through, and there’s accessible parking nearby. Whether you’re riding with kids or just enjoying the view, it’s a gentle, welcoming space.
• Willamette Heritage Center: History buffs will appreciate this quiet complex of 19th-century buildings, which includes step-free paths, elevators, and a mix of indoor and outdoor exhibits. It’s a calm, self-paced environment with benches, accessible restrooms, and plenty of open space.
• Salem Art Association: Tucked into a park setting, this gallery space showcases local art in a low-key, welcoming environment. Exhibits are viewable from a wheelchair, and the flooring is mostly smooth with room to move. It’s a great place to unwind and enjoy something creative at your own pace.
• Gilbert House Children’s Museum: If you’re traveling with little ones, this interactive museum offers a mix of indoor exhibits and an outdoor play area. There’s step-free access throughout, family restrooms, and open turning space — making it easy for wheelchair users or parents with strollers to navigate.

Annual Events in Salem

If you’re planning your trip around a certain time of year, it’s worth checking out some of Salem’s annual events. From cultural festivals to community celebrations, these happenings give you a taste of local flavor — and many take place at accessible venues with step-free access and accessible restrooms.

• Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival (late March–late April) – Located about 30 minutes from Salem in Woodburn, this colorful spring festival features 40+ acres of tulip fields, food vendors, wine tastings, and even hot air balloon flights. Admission includes access to the fields, a complimentary shuttle to reduce walking, and compact paths that are manageable for many mobility devices.
• Salem Art Fair & Festival (July) – Held in Bush’s Pasture Park, this long-running outdoor arts festival features dozens of artists, live music, food vendors, and hands-on activities. The park grounds are mostly level with paved paths, making it an accessible and fun way to spend the day.
• E.Z. Orchards Harvest Fest (October) – About 10 minutes from downtown, this fall festival includes a pumpkin patch, hayrides, cider donuts, and live music. Most of the farm is flat with compact dirt paths and wide open areas — just be prepared for a slightly uneven surface in spots.
• Holiday Tree Lighting in Downtown Salem (Late November/Early December) – This festive gathering brings the community downtown for music, cocoa, and the lighting of Salem’s holiday tree. Held at a central plaza, the event is outdoors with step-free access and space to navigate comfortably in a crowd.
• Mid-Valley Wine & Food Festival (Fall) – Hosted at the Salem Convention Center (connected to The Grand Hotel), this indoor event showcases Oregon’s best wines and food in an accessible, climate-controlled space — perfect for rolling around with a tasting glass in hand.

Plan a Worry-Free Getaway

Tucked into Oregon’s Willamette Valley, Salem is a town worth visiting. It’s the kind of place where things move at a slower pace, where you can explore local art, grab a cozy meal downtown, or take a drive to nearby wine country without the stress. The surrounding towns, like Independence and Silverton, offer peaceful riverside walks and garden views, with accessible stays that make weekend getaways feel easy.