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Perfect Salem Itinerary (+15 Epic Things To Do in Salem, MA!)

• September 9, 2023

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Want to visit the Halloween capital of America? Then get ready, because Salem has some incredible things to do on a day trip – from the historical to the haunted.

People from all over the world have heard of Salem, whether that’s because of the witch trials or the movie Hocus Pocus. 

Most people visit Salem from Boston on a day trip, and, since it’s just 17 miles away, this makes perfect sense!

One day is the ideal amount of time to spend in this fascinating city.

It’s also the perfect way to extend your trip to Boston .

I was so unbelievably excited to visit Salem on my US trip, and it didn’t disappoint. I went on a wonderful Salem day trip from Boston and you can do the same by following this tried-and-tested one day in Salem itinerary .

So, here’s everything you need to know to take a great day trip from Boston to Salem.

Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Day trip to Salem from Boston – How to Get There

Salem is one of the best day trips from Boston by public transport . You can usually catch the Newberry/Rockport train from Boston’s North Station.

The journey takes around 30 minutes and costs $8 each way .

From the Wonderland T station in Boston you can catch a direct bus (number 455 ) to Salem. This journey takes around an hour and is the cheapest way to get to Salem.

It costs just $1.75 each way with a Charlie Card!

The most fun way to get from Boston to Salem, by far, is to take the ferry!

The journey takes around 1 hour and is the perfect way to start your day trip to Salem, MA in style!

It’s far more scenic than taking the bus or train.

Plus, since a visit to Salem is sure to be such a memorable event there’s no reason not to celebrate!

A one-way ticket costs around $27 , with a return ticket costing $49 . If you’re keen to stick to a budget head to Salem on the ferry and return on the bus.

It’s the perfect way to balance out your transportation costs.

Click here to book your ferry tickets!

Things to Do in Salem, MA (In One Day)

Wondering what to do in Salem Massachusetts? I’ve got you covered. Here’s how to spend a brilliant day in Salem.

Oh – and you don’t need to arrive in Salem super early since there aren’t a million things to do here, so enjoy that lie-in!

I recommend arriving in Salem at around 11-11.30am so you’ll be able to check out a few attractions before lunch.

Stop 1 – The Witch House

Why not start your day trip to Salem from Boston with the best attraction in town – The Witch House !

Also known as the Jonathan Corwin House , this place was the home of the judge who presided over the Salem Witch Trials in 1692.

This black-painted house is the quintessential Salem landmark, and a trip to Salem without a visit here would be a waste!

Entry costs $9 , and inside you’ll find the house restored to how it probably looked during the era of the witch trials.

There are a few historical artefacts here, as well as plenty of information regarding the Salem witch trials and life in Salem in the 17th century.

The house itself is pretty small so you’ll probably only need 30-45 minutes here.

Be prepared to queue here, though, if you’re visiting in October!

Stop 2 – Ropes Mansion and Garden

Just a couple of buildings down from the Witch House is the Ropes Mansion and Garden, built in the 1720s .

This stunning building was built for Samuel Bernard, a local merchant, before it was passed to Judge Nathaniel Ropes Jr in the 1760s.

The house was occupied by the Ropes family until 1907, and it opened as a museum in 1912.

The Ropes Mansion is free to enter. Wahoo!

It also has passionate guides who can answer any question you have on the history of the house as well as the history of Salem.

The gorgeous Ropes Garden is located behind the mansion. It’s small but lovely, with a small pond, flowers, and vines.

It’s a peaceful spot to wander around for a few minutes and imagine what life would have been like for the Mansion’s inhabitants.

Stop 3 – Lunch at Bambolina

If you’re looking for an incredible plate of pasta and some unique craft beers, look no further than Bambolina.

The service here is fabulous and the pasta here is to die for !

Make sure you arrive hungry because the portions here are ENORMOUS! You’ll need space in your bag, too, as you’ll likely need to take your leftovers to go. 

I ordered the Fettuccine Bolognese, which cost me $23 , and I can vouch for it!

Stop 4 – The Burying Point & Salem Witch Trials Memorial

Eating at Bambolina puts you in the perfect location to explore more of Salem’s most famous things to do.

Next up on your Boston to Salem day trip itinerary is the Burying Point graveyard.

In this graveyard, you’ll find the resting places of Revolutionary War heroes and Bartholomew Gedney, a Judge of the Salem Witch Trials.

It is also thought that the bodies of some of the Witch Trial victims were buried in unmarked graves in this area.

Just outside the graveyard you’ll find the harrowing Salem Witch Trials Memorial , a small park square surrounded by large stone slabs jutting from the wall.

Each slab has the name of a victim of the witch trials as well as their execution date.

You’ll see that some people have left coins or flowers on these slabs in memory of the victims.

If you take the time to go around and read each name, you’ll be surprised by how many of the victims were male.

There’s a misconception that the Salem Witch Trials only affected women, but at this memorial you’ll see that this wasn’t the case.

Stop 5 – The House of the Seven Gables

Just a 10-minute walk away from the Salem Witch Trials Memorial is the House of the Seven Gables.

This is one of the most photographed buildings in Salem Massachusetts.

This colonial mansion was built in 1668 and made famous by the novel ‘The House of the Seven Gables’ by Nathaniel Hawthorne.

Its black exterior is the perfect spooky backdrop for your Halloween photos, and it’s an essential stop on any Salem itinerary.

The House of the Seven Gables complex also contains the birthplace of Nathaniel Hawthorne , which was originally located elsewhere in Salem and relocated here in 1958. 

There are two different tickets you can purchase for the House of the Seven Gables.

The first is a ticket to the entire complex, which includes entry to the House of the Seven Gables itself via a guided tour, which costs $20 .

The second is a Grounds Pass, where you can explore the grounds, enter the Nathaniel Hawthorne House and see the House of the Seven Gables from the outside. This costs $12 .

I opted for the Grounds Pass, because I didn’t care enough about it to pay an additional $8 to see the inside of the House of the Seven Gables.

I felt happy with my choice to save some money and still got to check out how cool the house looks from the outside.

Stop 6 – Ye Olde Pepper Companie

For an afternoon pick-me-up, it’s time for a sugar rush from Ye Olde Pepper Companie, Salem’s oldest candy shop .

It’s so old that Ye Olde Pepper Companie claims to be the oldest candy company in America, apparently dating back to 1806 !

This shop is just a couple of minutes’ walk from the House of the Seven Gables and looks so old-fashioned and adorable from the inside.

Here, you’ll find fudge, brittle candy, old-fashioned sweets and artisan chocolates.

I bought some strawberry and watermelon boiled sweets and they were such delicious souvenirs!

Stop 7 – Salem Common

In the centre of downtown Salem you’ll find Salem Common, which has been a public park since the 17th century .

There’s nothing in particular to do here, but you’ll be passing anyway and it is pretty lovely – and worth a couple of photos!

Stop 8 – Bewitched Sculpture

In nearby Lappin Park you’ll find the 9-foot tall bronze statue showing the character of Samantha from the hit 1960’s TV show “ Bewitched ”.

Aside from just having a witchy vibe (hence the name, I guess), Salem has a lot more to connect it to this TV show.

That’s because, in 1970, the show’s Hollywood set burnt down.

The producers, looking for a solution, decided to film a few episodes in Salem itself whilst the original set was repaired!

It’s one of Salem’s most popular places to visit and you’ll likely find a small queue of people waiting to take a photo of themselves with the sculpture.

Stop 9 – Take a Ghost Tour!

If you have time I recommend extending your day trip to Salem so that you can attend this haunted history guided tour . This is easily one of the best things to do in Salem Massachusetts!

This tour will appeal to history nerds and ghost hunters alike as your guide leads you to the most haunted historic sites in Salem.

This would be the perfect way to round off any fall day trip to Salem, but a Salem ghost tour is worth taking any time of year .

After all, Salem embraces its spooky side, and you should too!

The tour lasts 80 minutes and stops at around 10 haunted locations.

This is by far the best way to learn first-hand why Salem is deemed one of the most haunted places in the USA!

Click here to book your spot!

More Things to Do in Salem, MA

Got more time, or you’re just very quick and rocketed through this itinerary in record time? Want some more suggestions of cool Salem activities?

I’ve got you covered.

Here are my top recommendations for what to do in Salem Massachusetts when you’ve already seen the top attractions:

• Peabody Essex Museum : a museum showcasing an extensive collection of art and cultural artifacts from around the world, spanning centuries.
• Witch Dungeon Museum : offers a vivid (if not slightly gimmicky) glimpse into the 1692 witch trials, featuring live reenactments and historical displays.
• Salem Maritime National Historic Park : lovely green space commemorating Salem’s maritime heritage with historic buildings, wharves, and the Friendship of Salem replica ship.
• Salem Pioneer Village : established in 1930, this replica village provides a journey back to 1630, recreating the earliest settlement of the Massachusetts Bay Colony with authentic structures and exhibits.
• Gallows Hill Museum : delves into the dark events of the Salem witch trials, bringing to life the stories and legends associated with the accused and their fates.
• Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery : perfect for horror enthusiasts, this gallery hosts an impressive collection of lifelike figures and memorabilia from classic to contemporary horror films.

Getting Around Salem

Salem is very small and very walkable .

Like, very walkable.

The great news is that you won’t need to use public transport during your one day in Salem MA.

If you have mobility issues, or if the weather isn’t on your side, you can use the public bus system, which is surprisingly not bad.

The Google Maps app is pretty accurate when it comes to bus times and routes, so I recommend searching from A to B there and it’ll give you the best route.

Best Time to Visit Salem

October is definitely the most popular time to spend a day Salem MA, and this is when the town comes into its full spooky season celebrations .

However, October is the most crowded time of the year, and you’ll have to queue for a few attractions.

If you’re visiting Salem in October try to visit on a weekday, or arrive early as everything will take longer!

I visited Salem in early June and this was a wonderful time to visit as there were no crowds and the weather was on our side.

However, there’s not a bad time to visit Salem!

In fact, it’s one of the best winter day trips from Boston.

There’s something so cosy about Salemy’s old-fashioned vibe that makes you just want to snuggle up over a coffee and escape the winter weather.

Where to Stay in Salem, MA

Tempted to extend your stay in Salem?

I don’t blame you! There are so many cool events, beautiful places, and interesting things to do in Salem. Plus, experiencing Salem at night is half of the fun of visiting!

But you’ll need a place to lay your head after an evening of ghost hunting, following in the steps of the Sanderson sisters, or hanging out at Salem’s many craft beer spots.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a huge range of accommodation options in Salem.

However, if you’re looking for something centrally-located yet affordable this chic hotel will meet all of your needs.

Prices start at just $140 per night for a double room, including breakfast.

It has an outstanding 9/10 rating on Booking.com and looks stunning!

Click here to check availability

FAQs About Going on a Salem Day Trip

Is salem massachusetts worth visiting.

Salem is definitely worth visiting if you’re interested in learning more about the morbid history of the Salem witch trials, or you’re really into all things spooky and Halloween! However, it’s not for everybody.

I have a full post to help you decide whether or not Salem is worth visiting for you .

Can You Visit the Salem Witch Trials?

You can visit many sites made famous by the Salem Witch Trials in Salem, Massachusetts. Although many of the original buildings are no longer standing, you’re still able to visit the Witch House, the Salem Witch Trials Museum, and the Burying Point, Salem’s oldest graveyard.

Is Salem MA Walkable?

All of the sights you’ll want to see on your Salem day trip are close together, and the centre of Salem is very walkable. Unless you have mobility issues you won’t need to use public transport on your one day trip to Salem.

How Many Days Do You Need in Salem MA?

One day is the right amount of time to spend in Salem, MA. Unless you’re visiting Salem at Halloween, you won’t find enough things to do in Salem to keep you busy for two or more days.

Conclusion: Day Trip to Salem Itinerary

As you can see, there are lots of cool things to do in Salem Massachusetts – it’s easy to build an awesome Salem itinerary.

If you follow this tried-and-tested one day in Salem itinerary, I’m certain you’ll have a great day trip to Salem MA and really enjoy yourself!

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Ella Moore is the founder of Many More Maps. Growing up just 45 minutes away from Liverpool, Ella has spent years exploring the city inside out. In her teenage years, she was introduced to the music of The Beatles, and the rest, they say, is history! Today, she stands as a leading authority on Beatles tourism in Liverpool, helping over 40,000 people a month to plan their dream trip to the city.

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Is there a way to print the itinerary so that we have it in front of us?

Hi Shelley, I don’t currently have printable versions of my posts but it’s something I’m working on! However, you can right click on anywhere in the post to print it, it just won’t be formatted very well. Hope you have a great time in Salem 🙂

this was so helpful! thank you!!!

You’re welcome! Thanks Ziggy

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New England Wanderlust

Massachusetts  ·  April 22, 2022

How To Plan The Perfect Salem, MA Day Trip: 19 Ideas + Tips! (2024)

Salem is known for being the ultimate New England destination for the entire month of October, and while that’s a really fun time to visit, a Salem day trip makes for a great excursion year-round. With so much history, waterfront scenery, beautiful streets, and awesome restaurants, there’s plenty to do that doesn’t involve anything spooky (but there’s also plenty of spooky to go around if that’s your reason for visiting!).

This post will be all about how to plan the perfect Salem, MA day trip, including my tips for visiting, ideas on things to do, and if visiting in October is actually worth it. With that, let’s begin!

New England Wanderlust contains affiliate links, and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from any purchases you choose to make from our links, at no additional cost to you. For more information, please refer to our  Privacy Policy .

Taking a day trip from Boston? Definitely consider taking the ferry to save you the hassle of parking! 🛳 Click here to check out the Boston → Salem ferry!

Is Salem, MA Worth Visiting?

Salem, MA is definitely worth visiting, whether it’s for a day trip, or a weekend getaway. It’s packed with New England charm at every corner with countless things to do that vary from historic walking tours and museums, to beautiful lighthouses and charming neighborhoods. It even makes my list of the best places to visit in New England!

Salem is also part of the North Shore region of Massachusetts, and makes for a great home base to explore the coastline of Cape Ann and surrounding areas.

Is Visiting Salem, MA In October Worth It?

Having been to Salem in October, as well as other times throughout the year, I personally think Salem is worth doing once in October. There is an undeniable energy in October, and it’s really exciting to be a part of. It is, after all, one of the ultimate Halloween destinations in the entire world!

During the month of October, the town has Haunted Happenings events every single day, which includes special Halloween tours, activities, fairs, and parties. The entire town is also perfectly decorated to celebrate the season, and so many houses go all out with really amazing decorations.

Tips For A Salem Day Trip In October

✓ Plan for crowds. October is most definitely the most busy and crowded time to visit Salem, and weekends especially will be the most packed. The busiest weekend tends to be the weekend closes to Halloween, which is also when the Halloween Ball takes place.

✓ To avoid crowds, try to visit on a weekday in October. Having been to Salem in October both on a weekday and a weekend, I can confirm that weekdays are less crowded! It’ll still be busy, but not quite as bad.

✓ Plan and book your tours and activities in advance. Many will sell out a few days beforehand in October, especially on weekends.

✓ Have a plan for how you want to get to Salem. Traffic getting there and around in October is very busy. If you want to drive in, arrive as early in the day as you can, and have a plan for parking. See the next section in this post for tips on where to park!

✓ I also recommend taking the ferry from Boston if that’s where you’re visiting from, as Salem is very walkable, and you won’t really need your car once you park downtown. The ferry is a bit expensive, but I think it’s worth it to avoid parking and traffic, especially on an October weekend! Just remember to book your return ticket, too, which is done separately!

🛳 Click here to check rates & availability for the Boston → Salem ferry!

Best Places To Park In Salem

My personal favorite place to park for a Salem day trip is the South Harbor Garage, which is located between the Maritime National Historic Site, and the center of the main part of Essex Street.

It’s also convenient to get to The House Of Seven Gables from this garage. I typically always find spots here if I arrive in the morning, and I think the daily/hourly rates are reasonable.

The town of Salem has an entire page on their website with information on parking. Click here to read more about parking in Salem .

Ideas & Things To Do On A Salem Day Trip

If you’re wondering how to plan your Salem day trip, here are the absolute best things to do in Salem, MA. You likely won’t be able to see and do everything on this list in a day, but you’ll be able to tackle most everything since Salem is pretty small and easy to walk around. Scroll down below to read my suggested itinerary of how to see as much as possible during your Salem day trip!

1. Visit The House Of Seven Gables

Made famous as the setting of Nathaniel Hawthorn’s book of the same name, The House Of Seven Gables is an actual historic landmark you can visit during your Salem day trip. Built in 1668 by Captain John Turner, a highly successful maritimes businessman, this waterfront home has 350 years of history and stories to share during tours.

Not only can you tour the inside of the house, you can also walk around the gorgeous and extensive coastal gardens, and take in views of Salem’s harbor front the front lawn of the property, which are worth the price of admission alone.

Tip : If you don’t want to pay to see the house, you can get a partial view of it from the street. Just type “House of Seven Gables” into Google maps, and it will take you right there. At minimum, I do suggest you pay for the gardens-only ticket because the grounds and the water views are definitely worth it!

2. Reflect At The Salem Witch Trials Memorial

One of the best things to do in Salem, MA during your day trip is to visit the Witch Trials Memorial. It’s a very simple display next to Burying Point Cemetery with a stone bench for each of the victims of the Salem Witch Trials. But as simple as it is, it’s also rather moving and memorable.

3. See The Lighthouse At Winter Island Park

Just outside of downtown is Winter Island Park, where you can visit Winter Island Lighthouse and enjoy views of Salem Harbor. This is a quiet little spot that’s not often crowded, which makes it a great place to venture to if you’re looking for a peaceful moment during your Salem day trip.

While you can walk to Winter Island Park from downtown, it’s almost 2 miles one-way, so it’s best to drive. I suggest you stop here either before parking your car for the day downtown, or at the end of the day just before leaving Salem (as long as it’s still light out).

4. Stop At The Salem Witch House

One of the most famous sites and best things to do in Salem, MA is to visit the Witch House , also known as the Jonathan Corwin House. This house is significant because it’s the only known house in Salem that’s still standing to have direct ties to the Witch Trials, as Corwin was one of the judges during the infamous trials.

The house itself, especially at night, has an eery feel to it, and if you decide to purchase tickets for a tour of the inside, it’ll feel even more spooky because of how cruel the owner was.

Personally, I don’t think touring the inside is worth the price of admission. You’re only able to see a few rooms, and you may leave feeling like, “Was that it?” If you’re a big history buff and want to tour as many historic homes as possible, it may be worth it for you, but if you pay for admission to one historic home, I would suggest The House Of Seven Gables over this.

I definitely think it’s more than worth it to stop by the house to see it in person, and snap some photos. It’s a popular landmark for the town and a really cool place to see, but the tour itself may not be worth it for you.

5. See The Elizabeth Montgomery Statue

This is a fun little stop to make during your Salem day trip, and it’ll only take a few minutes of your time. I especially love it because my mom named me after Samantha on Bewitched , so it has a special place in my heart. But if you’re a fan of the show, or the actress, or just witches in general, be sure to swing by and snap a photo with this statue!

The Bewitched statue can be found at the corner of Washington and Essex in downtown Salem.

6. Walk Around The Salem Maritime National Historic Site

One of the best things to do in Salem, MA is to enjoy the waterfront, and visiting the Maritimes National Historic Site is a great way to spend some time by the water. This area isn’t very large, and more like a small park, but it makes for a scenic walk and allows you some nice photo opportunities.

The Sail Loft is a gorgeous building that’s worth stopping by to see, and you’ll often find the Friendship of Salem ship docked here, which is an exact replica of the 1797 ship used to charter through the East India Trading Company routes.

7. Stroll Over To Derby Wharf Light Station

While at the Maritime National Historic Site, be sure to walk all the way to the end of the path to visit Salem’s other lighthouse, Derby Wharf Station. This is a small little lighthouse, but worth your time during a Salem day trip for some great picture opportunities, and to feel like you’ve escaped from the lively downtown area for a few minutes.

8. Get A Psychic Reading

I’m not sure if I entirely buy into psychics, but I’ve had a reading done during a Salem day trip, and it was eerily accurate! To add to the mystical vibe of your Salem trip, this is something you may want to consider as something fun and different to do!

I chose to have my reading done at Magika , and my husband and I did it as a joint session. And during the reading, the medium knew that myself and my father-in-law suffered from the same illness, that my mother lost her dad when she was young from a heart condition, and that my husband and I would buy lots of land in our future together. At the time, the land thing threw us and we laughed about it, but when we bought our house, it came with 25 acres, which we hadn’t been looking for.

Some tips that I had read about getting an authentic psychic reading were helpful before our session, so here are some things I suggest:

• Do your research and check claims that a medium makes before booking. If they claim they can talk to the dead, or make predictions with 100% accuracy, then they’re probably not legit.
• Don’t provide anything but your name (and phone number if they require it, which most will) when booking your appointment.
• Don’t tell the medium why you’re there. Keep it vague and say, “I’m just interested to know what you see or feel.”
• Try not to show emotion, or give indication of whether or not the medium is right or wrong.
• Take everything with a grain of salt. If they say something that goes against your gut instinct, rely on your own intuition. Even mediums admit that what they feel or see is not always accurate, or is misinterpreted.

I’m glad I did this experience once! It was fun, and added some mystery to one of our mystical Salem day trips in October.

9. Go On A Hocus Pocus Tour

While most of the sites that are in Salem from the movie Hocus Pocus can be found on your own, and are free to visit, if you want to take the stress out of planning each stop, this is an awesome place to take an official tour.

During the guided tour, you’ll go to 5 filming locations for the movie and get some great expert knowledge on Salem’s past and how it became known as the Witch City. If you’re a big fan of the movie, this is one of the best things to do in Salem, MA.

Click here to book your Hocus Pocus Walking Tour in Salem!

10. Get Some Homemade Chocolates & Fun Candies

Salem is home to two really amazing chocolate shops: Harbor Sweets and Ye Olde Pepper Companie, and they’re both worth visiting on your day trip! Also, there’s a very fun candy store called Curly Sue that you’ll definitely want to have on your radar.

Harbor Sweets is an adorable little shop that makes their own chocolates in small batches, and also sells some luxury and speciality chocolate brands for an amazingly curated chocolate feast at your fingertips!

Be sure to get some sweet sloops, which are little sailboat-shaped almond, buttercrunch and toffee chocolates that were invented in the neighboring town of Marblehead. But you can also pick up anything from caramels and truffles to chocolate sauces and dips while here.

Ye Olde Pepper Companie is the oldest candy shop in the country, so obviously, you’ll want to make a stop here, too 😉 This sweet little shop still uses original recipes that have been handed down over many generations, and you’ll find everything you could possibly want here.

At Pepper Companie, you’ll want to keep an eye out for Gibralters, which is a special rock candy invented in Salem, as well as Blackjacks, the first stick candy to be produced and sold in the U.S.!

Finally, be sure to pop into Curly Sue Candy Shop to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings. They have one of the best gummy candy selections I’ve found, and this is especially perfect if you happen to visit during Halloween. They change out some of their candies seasonally, so no matter when you visit, you’re sure to find something that you can’t leave without.

They also have a great mix of traditional candies, too, for those who prefer all the classics.

11. Sip On A Lobster Martini At The Lobster Shanty

My favorite restaurant in town is The Lobster Shanty, which is a casual restaurant that has awesome comfort food and seafood dishes. One of the best things to do in Salem, MA is to order a lobster martini here, which will come with a giant lobster claw garnish (which will make for the perfect photo opp!).

Some great menu items here are the lobster roll, crab cake sandwich, lobster grilled cheese and fish ‘n chips. They also have vegetarian menu selections and great cocktails!

12. Find All The Historic Houses

Being that Salem was one of the earliest established colonies in the New World, there are plenty of historic homes that are still standing around town, and one of the best things to do in Salem, MA is to walk around and take a self-guided tour of the houses.

All the historic homes will display a plaque with the date the house was built, and usually the original owner’s name and occupation. Just walking around and reflecting on how long these houses have been around, and the fact that they’re still standing and being used today, is an incredible experience on your Salem day trip.

My favorite neighborhood for touring historic homes is right by The House of Seven Gables. At the intersection of Derby and Turner, walk on Derby toward Carlton, and explore that area. One house in particular I really like in this area is the Stephen Daniels House, located at 1 Daniels Street.

13. Walk Around Pickering Wharf

Close to the Maritime National Historic site is Pickering Wharf, which is a small harbor-front destination with shops and restaurants. This is also where a lot of boat and sailing tours dock (including Schooner Fame), so if you’re looking to head out onto the water, this is a great place to check out.

While here, stop for lunch or drinks at Longboards , and snag an outdoor table with a water view. And if you’re in the market for some souvenirs to remember your Salem day trip by, the Marble Faun Books & Gifts shop is a cute little place with some unique finds and some lovely paper goods.

14. Stroll Along Chestnut Street

Chestnut Street is one of the first planned streets in the country, and I think one of the prettiest streets to visit during your Salem day trip. Originally planned in 1796, and then renovated in 1803 to make the street wider, it’s currently lined with gorgeous homes, and trees that will provide tons of color in the fall.

If you visit during peak foliage season in October, this is definitely a place you’ll want to visit to see the fiery red and orange color lining the entire street, which will make a great backdrop for a photo.

15. Visit The Shops & Boutiques

One of the best shopping areas in Salem is along Essex Street, where you’ll find tons of shops and restaurants. There’s also a section on Essex called the Pedestrian Mall, which is where you’ll find the Essex Peabody Museum, and as I’m sure you’ve guessed, is a pedestrian-only walkway. This is a great area to stroll through if you’re looking to visit the local stores and grab a bite to eat during your Salem day trip.

Best Shops In Salem, MA To Check Out

• Wicked Good Books – A small but absolutely charming little bookshop that I love visiting each time I come to Salem.
• The Cheese Shop Of Salem – More than just cheese! A really lovely little stop to make to peruse not only amazing cheeses, but also wines and specialty foods. A great place for stocking your pantry.
• 100 Derby Store – Of all the gifty-type shops in Salem, this is my favorite because it’s reminiscent of an old country store, and also features some locally-made items.
• Oak + Moss – A gorgeous homewares boutique that sells live plants, and a beautifully curated selection of gifts and things for your home.

16. Set Sail On Schooner Fame

One of the best things to do in Salem, MA is to head out onto the harbor waters on Schooner Fame, which is a replica of a significant ship that set sail during the The War of 1812. Fame has five daily charters to choose from in-season, and you’ll learn about the history of the ship, get some amazing views from the harbor, as well as try your hand at hoisting the sails if you’d like!

The Schooner Fame crew also allows you to bring snacks aboard the ship (just no coolers to allow rooms for all guests aboard), and they also have snacks and drinks available on the ship for the duration of the cruise.

17. Explore The Peabody Essex Museum

The Peabody Essex Museum is a nationally-recognized, incredible destination that’s dedicated to the preservation of history, art, science and nature. It’s also one of the oldest operating museums in the U.S. that’s known for having one of the largest collections of Asian art.

Here at the museum, you’ll be able to admire paintings from the 1700s, walk through the Art & Nature center and visit the Museum Garden. You’ll also be able to see the model ship that was used to build the Friendship of Salem. It’s absolutely worth your time during a Salem day trip, especially if you have a particular interest in history and art.

18. Make Your Own Broom

The Witchery in Salem is a great place to visit to make the ultimate souvenir to bring home: your own, handmade, customized broom!

Workshops to make your own broom can be made online, and take about an hour. You’ll get to pick your own broom handle, embellishments like dried flowers, and then learn how to put it all together. When you’re done, you’ll walk out with a new piece for your home to remember your trip by.

Pro Tip : The Witchery also offers bookbinding workshops, if that’s more your speed!

19. Explore The Town By Trolley

If you’re looking for an easy tour around town, Salem Trolley is a great one to consider. This hour-long narrated tour takes you through many of the best sites to see, and includes history and fun facts along the way to learn something new.

Pro Tip: The trolley tour is not designed as a hop-on/hop-off tour. They’ll sometimes allow visitors to use it that way when it’s not busy, but generally in the fall, it’s required that you experience it as the one-hour tour.

What’s The Scariest Thing To Do In Salem, MA?

Doing anything at night in Salem will automatically be scarier. Add in a ghost or spooky stories walking tour, and you’re sure to get goosebumps!

The scariest tours you can take in Salem would be the Mysteries & Murders of Salem Walking Tour and the Salem Voodoo, Vampires & Ghosts Walking Tour . Both are guided tours that take place at night, and go into the spooky history and stories surrounding Salem. Click the links below to book your tours.

Click here to check out the Mysteries & Murders of Salem walking tour!

Click here to check out the Salem Voodoo, Vampires & Ghosts Walking Tour in Salem!

Free Things To Do In Salem, MA

One of the great things about visiting Salem for a day trip is that a lot of things are free to see and do. Below is a list of all the free things you can do in Salem:

• The Salem Maritime National Historic Site
• Winter Island Park & Lighthouse
• Derby Wharf Light Station
• Tour the historic homes and side streets
• Take a peak at The Witch House from outside
• Walk through Essex Street and the Pedestrian Mall
• The Elizabeth Montgomery/Bewitched Statue
• Take a peak of The House of Seven Gables from outside
• The Salem Witch Trials Memorial
• Walk around Salem Common
• Walk along Chestnut Street
• The Salem Heritage Trail

Is The Hocus Pocus House in Salem?

Yes! Max and Dani’s house that was featured in the movie Hocus Pocus is in Salem, and can be found at 4 Ocean Avenue.

It’s not located right in the downtown area, but if you walk about a mile outside of downtown, you can see it. It’s important to be respectful when visiting because an actual family lives in the house, so be sure not to trespass, enjoy it from a distance, and be respectful.

Can You See Salem, MA In One Day?

Salem is very easy to see in a day! While it’s a city, most the attractions you’ll want to visit are all located within in a mile or so of each other, making it easy to get from one place to the next. While you can absolutely spend longer than a day here, a Salem day trip is more than doable.

How Do I Spend A Day In Salem, MA?

While a Salem day trip is very easy, it’s still a good idea to have a plan to make the most of your time. Below is a basic itinerary option that you can adjust based on your own preferences, which factors in where each attraction is, and groups them all together to maximize your day.

• Start or end your day at Winter Island Park & Lighthouse.
• Park at the South Harbor Waterfront Garage, and walk to the Maritime National Historic site, and also visit Derby Wharf Light Station.
• Then walk to The House of Seven Gables, and walk around some of the side streets, including visiting the Stephen Daniels House. You can also visit Ye Olde Pepper Companie in this area.
• Walk over to the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, then head over to Essex Street and visit the Peabody Essex Museum, or walk the Pedestrian Mall and the rest of Essex Street. As you make your way down Essex, you can also visit Old Town Hall (another Hocus Pocus filming location!), the Bewitched Statue and end at the Witch House.
• Stop for lunch at The Lobster Shanty, which can also be done during your walk along Essex (it’ll be just a few blocks away).
• From either Witch House or Lobster Shanty, head over to Chestnut Street and enjoy this picturesque New England street (I recommend also visiting some of the side streets in this area – they’re all beautiful).

That covers all the major sites! You’ll want to adjust based on your preferences, where you park, and also where you want to eat, and also if you do any tours.

Can You Do A Day Trip To Salem From Boston?

A Salem day trip is very easy to take from Boston. Whether you drive or take the ferry, the journey is only about an hour, which will leave you plenty of time to explore Salem, and not feel rushed. If you’re planning a fall trip to Boston and want to visit Salem for a day trip, I highly recommend it.

How To Get From Boston To Salem

The best ways to get from Boston to Salem for a day trip are to either drive or take the ferry. The drive will take about an hour or less, depending on traffic, and the ferry also takes about an hour dock to dock.

Click here to check out the ferry from Boston to Salem!

Tip : Keep in mind that the Boston to Salem ferries only run seasonally , so if you plan to visit Salem in the off-season or winter, you’ll likely have to drive.

Is Salem, MA Walkable?

Salem is a very walkable city, and most of the attractions are very close to each other. Once you arrive in Salem, I recommend you park your car for the entire day, and get around everywhere by foot. You shouldn’t need a car unless you’re not able to walk more than a mile, or if you want to drive to Winter Island Park.

Is There Uber In Salem, MA?

Yes, Uber is available in Salem. If you’re visiting in October, there will be higher than average wait times, as traffic is more congested. However, it’s pretty easy to navigate year-round.

Day Trips From Salem, MA

One of the great things about visiting Salem is that you’re able to take so many day trips to surrounding areas along the North Shore region of Massachusetts. You could easily make this a stop on a longer road trip through the coast of Northern MA, and visit some amazing places. Below is a list of all the beautiful towns that are easily drivable from Salem along the North Shore:

• Marblehead (10-15 minute drive from Salem)
• Manchester-By-The-Sea (25 minute drive from Salem)
• Gloucester (30 minute drive from Salem)
• Rockport (35 minute drive from Salem)
• Essex (30 minute drive from Salem)
• Newburyport & Plum Island (45 minute drive from Essex)
• Portsmouth, NH (1 hour drive from Salem)

Here are some posts you may find helpful while planning a trip to this area:

• Best Things To Do On Cape Ann
• Best Things To Do In Rockport, MA
• Best Things To Do In Marblehead
• Cape Cod vs. Cape Ann
• Best Things To Do In Newburyport, MA & Plum Island

If you’re not taking a Salem day trip from Boston, you can also get to Boston’s downtown in less than an hour from Salem, and visit the South Shore, which consists on the cute towns of Scitute, Cohasset, Hanover and Plymouth.

Best Time To Visit Salem, MA

October is the most popular and busiest time to visit Salem, and lots of events happen throughout the month to celebrate Halloween, and the town’s ties to all things spooky.

But Salem is actually a really great place to visit year-round, and if it’s not important to you to experience the Halloween festivities, June, July, August & September are also great months to visit, with November being another one of my favorite months for a Salem day trip.

In early November, there’s often still some beautiful foliage around (even if a lot of it is on the ground), and the crowds have thinned out, making it more enjoyable to walk around. A great weekend to visit Salem is the first weekend after Halloween, as a lot of houses will still have their Halloween decorations up, and it still feels very much like October.

Psst! I have a more detailed guide on the best time to visit Salem if you need more information 😉

What Is Salem, MA Known For?

Salem, MA is most known for the infamous Salem Witch Trials, where 19 innocent people were sentenced to death by hanging after being accused of witchcraft.

Salem also has a deep and rich history in New England maritimes, and recently, President Obama signed a bill that officially recognized Salem as the birthplace of the National Guard.

Best Restaurants In Salem, MA

If you’re looking to dine at the best restaurants during your Salem day trip, below is a list of my favorite places to eat while visiting:

• The Lobster Shanty – I know I’ve already mentioned this as one of the best things to do in Salem, MA, but it bears repeating! You’ll often find people lining up here for a table, which speaks volumes about how great the food is.
• Howling Wolf Taqueria – Fresh and delicious Mexican-inspired food and yummy margaritas.
• Bella Verona – A small little Italian place that’s always packed because the food is that delicious.
• Ledger Bar & Restaurant – A really cool and upscale bar/restaurant with traditional menu offerings and really good cocktails.
• Melt – Awesome ice cream!
• A&J King Artisan Bakers – Great for a cup of coffee/warm beverage and baked goods. Any flakey pastries like croissants are especially great here.

More posts you may find helpful:

• Massachusetts In The Fall: Your Ultimate Guide On What To Do & Where To Go!
• Best Boston Hotels Near The Aquarium
• Best New England Day Trips
• Best Things To Do In New England In The Fall
• Best New England Ghost Tours
• The Perfect New England Fall Road Trip
• My Unforgettable Boston To Bar Harbor, Maine Road Trip Itinerary

That’s A Wrap On Planning The Perfect Salem, MA Day Trip

Now that you know all the best things to do in Salem, MA, you’re ready to begin planning your Salem day trip. Hopefully you can see that Salem is a great destination to visit all year-round, but if you’re looking for the ultimate New England Halloween day trip, then visiting in October is definitely memorable. But regardless of when you visit, Salem makes for a perfect day trip getaway.

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The 11 best things to do in Salem, Massachusetts

Oct 6, 2023 • 14 min read

Pumpkins at Halloween outside The Witch House in Salem, Massachusetts © Georgios Antonatos / Shutterstock

Founded in 1626, just six years after the Mayflower arrived at what became Plymouth Colony, Salem is one of the oldest settlements in New England.

Most famous – or infamous – for the 1692 witch hysteria that led to the deaths of 20 people, this walkable small city also has a rich maritime history, a world-class museum of art and culture, an abundance of architecturally interesting historic homes and a famous literary native son – 19th-century author Nathaniel Hawthorne. 

In recent years, Salem has also become known as a dining destination, with dozens of restaurants serving up a diverse mix of cuisines in settings ranging from extremely casual to elegant fine dining. You’ll find restaurants and bars scattered throughout the downtown area, with particular concentrations along and around Washington and Derby Streets.

1. Salem Maritime National Historic Site

The sea has been an integral part of Salem’s identity for as long as people have been living here. In fact, the original Native American name for the area, Naumkeag, derives from an Algonquian word meaning fish. With the arrival of the first English colonizers, Salem eventually grew into one of the leading seaports in the Americas, sending tall ships to far corners of the globe during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Salem Maritime National Historic Site is the place to go to explore this fascinating maritime heritage. Stroll along the downtown waterfront to the city’s longest wharf, Derby Wharf, which extends nearly half a mile into the harbor. Here stands the Pedrick Store House, which dates to 1770 and played a role in the Revolutionary War as a warehouse for British goods captured by privateers.

Docked alongside is the Friendship of Salem, a replica of an 18th-century three-masted merchant ship that voyaged to many distant destinations before being captured in the War of 1812 – it’s open to visitors on weekends. Walk to the far end of the wharf for beautiful harbor views and a close-up look at the Derby Wharf Light Station, first lit in 1871 and still in operation. 

Across Derby Street, a gilded eagle sits atop the elegant red-brick U.S. Custom House from 1819, which once bustled with trade-related activity. Nathaniel Hawthorne worked as a revenue inspector here for three years and incorporated elements of the experience into his novel The Scarlet Letter . Surrounding the Custom House are several historic homes, stores and warehouses, many of them open to visitors.

Stop by the Salem Visitor Center in the old Salem Armory on Liberty Street for information and a free orientation film (usually shown three times a day) or download free digital tours and interactive materials from the park’s website to guide your exploration.

Planning tip:  Ranger-guided tours are also available –  check the website for current details.

2. Peabody Essex Museum

The oldest continuously operating museum in the United States, the Peabody Essex Museum began as the East India Marine Society, an organization founded by a group of Salem sea captains and merchant ship officers in 1799.

The Society’s charter established a “cabinet of natural and artificial curiosities” filled with objects members had collected in far-flung places across the globe. Over the years the organization expanded and evolved into a world-class museum of art and culture.

PEM’s holdings of more than 1.8 million works include impressive collections of maritime art and artifacts, American art in addition to art from China, Japan, Korea, South Asia, Oceania and Africa. Much of the museum’s core collection comes from Salem’s maritime heritage and its strong trade connections with Asia during the 18th and 19th centuries.

A highlight is Yin Yu Tang, a 200-year-old wooden house built for a prosperous merchant’s family in southeastern China and brought to Salem in 1996. PEM also hosts numerous special exhibits each year.

3. The Witch House

The popular name for this house on the corner of Essex and North Streets is a misnomer: no one accused of witchcraft ever lived here. It was actually home to the Corwin family, whose patriarch, Jonathan Corwin, purchased the house in 1675 and served as one of the judges during the witchcraft trials 17 years later.

One of the oldest houses in Salem, it’s the only remaining building open to the public with a direct connection to the trials.

The house consists of four rooms, two upstairs and two downstairs, furnished as they would have been when the Corwin family lived here. After a brief introduction by a staff member, the visit is self-guided. There are some exhibits about the witchcraft trials in the last room, but overall it’s really more of a look at what life was like in Salem in the late 17th century. 

Planning tip:  Halloween is understandably a busy season in Salem and advance reservations are required for the Witch House during the month of October. 

4. The McIntire District

Located west and south of the Witch House, this residential district is renowned for its concentration of 18th and 19th-century homes, many of them built by Salem-born woodcarver and architect Samuel McIntire (1757-1811), including the Peirce-Nichols House (80 Federal Street) from around 1782. 

Overall, the McIntire District contains examples of building styles from 1640 to 1940, making it a wonderful place to go for a walk if you’re at all interested in architecture. The main streets are Federal, Essex, Chestnut and Broad Streets between Summer/North Street and Flint Street. Chestnut Street has been called one of the most beautiful streets in America thanks to its many fine Federal-period buildings including Hamilton Hall, built by McIntire in 1805 as a society gathering place. 

Most houses in the McIntire District are private residences, but limited tours are available of the Federal-style Phillips House (34 Chestnut Street) and the Ropes Mansion (318 Essex Street), built in 1727 in the Georgian style and remodeled in 1894. The garden is open daily, free of charge. Salem’s oldest house, the Pickering House , built in 1660, is at 18 Broad Street. 

5. Salem Witch Trials Memorial

Just off Liberty Street, a small plaza with four-foot-high stone walls on three sides honors the victims of the 1692 witchcraft trials. This simple but moving memorial consists of 20 rough stone benches, each carved with the name of one of the victims together with his or her execution date and means of execution.

Nineteen people were hanged, while one elderly man, Giles Corey, was accused and tortured with stones piled on his chest. Refusing to confess, he was ultimately crushed to death. On the open side of the memorial is a stone threshold carved with words from the accused taken from transcripts of the trial proceedings. 

6. Charter Street Cemetery

Also known as the Old Burying Point, this is Salem’s oldest cemetery, dating from 1637. Early wooden markers have rotted away, so the oldest identified grave is that of Doraty Cromwell, who died in 1673.

Though rather incongruously surrounded by modern brick buildings, the cemetery’s worn, crooked gravestones are an intriguing reminder of Salem’s long and fascinating history.

The cemetery was recently reopened after a landscape restoration project, and visitors are required to remain on the paths to protect the site. This puts many of the stones out of reach, but some of the key graves of historic interest can still be viewed up close.

Among these are the grave of Mayflower Pilgrim Richard More, who died in 1692; witch trials judge John Hathorne (a great-great-grandfather of Nathaniel Hawthorne); and architect Samuel McIntire. The entrance to the cemetery is through a small gate next to the Salem Witch Trials Memorial.

7. The House of the Seven Gables

Built in 1668 for the wealthy merchant and shipowner John Turner, this beautifully preserved historic house stands among lovely gardens overlooking Salem Harbor.

Also known as the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion, it was home to three generations of Turners before being sold to Captain Samuel Ingersoll and eventually passing to his daughter Susanna. Her second cousin, Nathaniel Hawthorne, visited often and became fascinated with the house, which eventually inspired his 1851 novel The House of the Seven Gables . 

The house went through various metamorphoses over the years, with gables removed and quirky features added, such as a hidden staircase inside a chimney. Restored in the early 20th century to its perceived original appearance and furnished with period decor to match actual historic inventory lists, the house provides a fascinating insight into what life was like for the Turner and Ingersoll families.

Admission to the house itself is by guided tour, followed by self-guided exploration of the gardens and grounds, including the house in which Hawthorne was born (originally located a few blocks away and moved to the property in 1958).

Planning tip:  Although the guided house tour is the best way to get the full historic experience, reduced-rate tickets are also available for just the gardens and grounds portion.

8. Guided Walking Tours

A guided walking tour is one of the best ways to see Salem and learn about the city’s history. Skilled local guides bring Salem’s dramatic past to life in a way that the various witch-related attractions struggle to do with dioramas and recorded presentations.

There are many good tour options to choose from, depending on your specific interests and whether you want a day or night tour, a history-focused tour or one that plays up the ghostly, witchy theme. 

Bewitched After Dark and Witch City Walking Tours are both good options for two-hour walking tours blending deep historical knowledge with excellent storytelling skills.

For a spookier option, try Spellbound Tours , whose popular Voodoo, Vampires, and Ghosts tour mixes history with paranormal elements, guided by experienced paranormal investigators. The Salem tourism office has a useful guide to the many different types of tours available. 

9. Salem Trolley

For a good general overview of Salem, take the hour-long trolley tour that begins at Armory Park outside the Salem Visitor Center. The route travels through downtown, the historic waterfront and the McIntire District, passing most of the city’s major points of interest.

The trolley route makes two different loops with a return to the Visitor Center in the middle, so you’ll want to stay on for both parts to get the full experience. Tickets are valid for a full day and allow you to get on and off at different attractions.

Planning tip:  Note that the hop-on-hop-off option may be limited on October weekends when Salem is at its busiest.

10. Oceanfront Parks

About a mile and a half northeast of downtown Salem lie two city parks with beautiful waterfront views, both stops on the Salem Trolley route. Overlooking Beverly Harbor and the Salem Channel, Salem Willows Park has several small beaches, plenty of picnic tables and grassy areas shaded by the park’s massive namesake trees.

The scenic setting and recreational opportunities make “The Willows” a favorite local place for summer fun and strolls in any season. Despite signs calling it an amusement park, you won’t find big carnival rides here, though there are two arcades with games, bumper cars, a carousel and other fun for kids.

There are also numerous take-out fast food restaurants, including the popular Clam Shack under the willow trees and E.W. Hobbs, which has been selling popcorn, ice cream and other treats since 1897. The arcades and restaurants are open seasonally, generally between April and October, though hours vary. 

Nearby, on a peninsula at the mouth of Salem Harbor, lies Winter Island Park , a decommissioned U.S. Coast Guard air station and a site of strategic importance since as early as 1643, when construction began on what eventually became known as Fort Pickering.

Largely rebuilt during the Civil War, the fort has deteriorated to ruins, though remains of earthworks and bunkers can be seen on Winter Island’s eastern side, near the Fort Pickering (Winter Island) Lighthouse, which dates from 1871. In addition to gorgeous ocean and harbor views, Winter Island has a beach, a boat launching ramp and a campground with space for tents and RVs. 

11. Other witchy things to do in Salem

It wouldn’t be Salem without lots of witch-related attractions, some better than others. Here’s a roundup of what to expect from some of the more prominent sights related to Salem’s dark past, so that you can make informed decisions about how and where to spend your time and money in the Witch City.

Salem Witch Museum

Despite its name, the Salem Witch Museum isn’t really a museum at all, but rather a pair of witch-related presentations. The first takes place in a darkened room, with recorded narration and 13 life-sized dioramas illuminated in turn.

For the best views, sit on one of the stools in the middle of the room. The presentation gives a decent overview of the witch hysteria and trials, but it feels rather dated and might be a bit frightening for young children. 

The second part of the visit looks at evolving perceptions of witches, with another recorded narrator discussing earlier witch hunts in Europe and the way witches have been portrayed in popular culture.

There’s plenty of interesting information here, but time is limited and the space gets crowded, even though large groups are divided in two, with half waiting in the gift shop. Still, if you keep your expectations modest, you may find this a useful, though somewhat overpriced, introduction to Salem’s witchy history.

Haunted Happenings

In most places, Halloween is a one-day event. Not so in Salem. Here, the entire month of October is filled with witchy, spooky activities including horror movies, ghost tours, costume balls, witch trial reenactments and late-night ghost hunts, all capped off with a fireworks display on Halloween night.

During this month of Haunted Happenings , downtown Salem fills with vendors, street performers and costume-clad visitors who come from far and wide to tour the city’s attractions, shop for witch-related souvenirs, visit a local psychic or join in the special events.

If you love Halloween – the witchier and kitschier, the better – October in Salem is for you. If crowds, queues for attractions and restaurants, and an overabundance of witch costumes sounds more like Helloween to you, you’re better off planning your visit for a different time. 

Witches, Dungeons & Pirates

The Witch History Museum, Witch Dungeon Museum and New England Pirate Museum are a trio of attractions under the same management. If you’re interested in all three, buy the combo ticket, which will save you money, though the price is still a bit steep for what you get.

Like the Salem Witch Museum, the Witch History Museum uses dioramas with department-store-type mannequins to illustrate scenes from the witch trials. But where the Salem Witch Museum is a sit-down presentation with pre-recorded audio, the Witch History Museum involves an introduction by a tour guide, followed by a walk through a series of scenes with live guiding and pre-recorded sound effects. Though somewhat underwhelming, it can be a useful historical overview.

At the Witch Dungeon Museum , the visit begins in a theater-style room where a guide introduces the history of the witch trials, after which two performers act out a trial scene based on transcripts from the actual events of 1692. Afterward, the guide leads the way to the basement.

Here there are replicas of the dungeons where the accused were kept – in some cases for many months – while awaiting trial. Some of the jailed were kept in cells so small they had to remain standing, even while sleeping, for the duration of their imprisonment. The aging mannequins are slightly cheesy, but the dungeon does give a sense of the horrible conditions the accused endured. If you only have time for one, this is probably the best of the trio.

Like the others, the New England Pirate Museum consists of a guided tour of various dioramas. The history of piracy in New England is quite fascinating and not very well known, but how much you get out of your visit will really depend on the guide.

There are a few interesting artifacts in the first room and some signs worth reading along the way, but like its sister attractions, it’s really not a museum, so keep your expectations modest. It’s probably only worth visiting if you’re really interested in pirates or if you’re visiting the Witch History Museum and the Witch Dungeon Museum anyway and feel like spending a few extra dollars for the combo ticket that includes all three.

This article was first published Oct 6, 2021 and updated Oct 6, 2023.

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Editor's Choice – Salem Massachusetts

Salem, and its neighbors Marblehead, Gloucester, and Rockport, are on Cape Ann, a stretch of land arcing into the Atlantic just north of Boston. Salem encompasses many of the attractions that bring people to Massachusetts: early American history and literature, seafaring lore, a lively arts scene, history and art museums, cool cruises, and good dining. In Salem, you can learn about the infamous witch trials of 1692, tour the real House of the Seven Gables, and visit a national park of Colonial maritime life and trade. Take a beautiful waterfront drive to get to the fine dining and art galleries of nearby Gloucester and Rockport. Coming from a northerly point, routes 127 and 127A will take you on a lovely loop through Rockport and Gloucester. Below, you will find some suggestions for day trips to those outlying towns. - View Map

Getting Here

If you are in Boston and contemplating a side-trip to Salem, a sweet option is the ferry that travels between Salem Wharf and Long Wharf North in Boston. The one-hour trip on the high-speed catamaran Nathaniel Bowditch is restful and informative. Onboard staff members even tell you a bit about the natural and man-made history of Salem, Marblehead, and Boston harbors.

The nearest major interstate highway serving Salem is I-95. The town is 25 miles northeast of Boston and 98 miles south of Portland, Maine. The nearest major airport is Logan in Boston. A quick look at the map will show you that I-95 – designed for fast travel – is deep inland. You may wish to get to Salem quickly and then explore or to travel to the town along shoreline (and slower) roads with marvelous ocean views. If you're coming from the Boston area, take Route 1A for ocean views and you may even want to veer over to Route 129 into Marblehead.

Things to Do/Museums

Peabody essex museum.

The world-class Peabody Essex Museum in Salem has an airy and modern interior and a museum store that will tempt you to empty your bank account. The permanent collection includes maritime art about Salem's China trade; lots of interesting public and seasonal events. The museum's gift shop is packed with beautiful and artistic gifts – you will be captivated.

Salem National Historic Site

Salem Maritime National Historic Site at Derby Wharf is an easy walk from the center of town. These of wharves and buildings on Salem harbor trace the history of seaside Colonial towns and early maritime trade. Exhibits bring these salt-drenched times to life. In Colonial times, Salem was the launching point to send merchants, adventurers, and seafarers of all kinds out to all points on the compass. Merchants brought fine products home from all parts of the world, especially China and the Far East. This national park, including a fine visitors center, buildings, wharf, and a replica tall ship, describe the mariners of Salem who helped the most powerful national economy in the world of its time.

House of the Seven Gables

Tour the House of the Seven Gables , built by a sea captain in 1668 and sold to another sea captain, Samuel Ingersoll, in 1782. The Ingersoll family was connected to author Nathaniel Hawthorne, who used the home as his setting for "The House of the Seven Gables." Hawthorne's birth home has been moved onto the same property. Enjoy the three-season Colonia-era gardens and climb the secret stairway. Tours offered daily.

Salem Witch Museum

Salem is where local Puritans put hundreds of people on trial for witchcraft during a period of hysteria in 1692 and 1693 and executed 20 of them. You've seen the story on the screen or read about in ancient and contemporary interpretations. The Salem Witch Museum in Washington Square tells the story. Haunted Happenings, in October, is a giant witchcraft and Halloween festival.

Castle Hill on the Crane Estate

Castle Hill on the Crane Estate , in Ipswich, a 20-minute drive from Salem, is a magnificent Italian Renaissance villa on a lofty hillside with dramatic views of Ipswich Bay and many inland estuaries. Lots of walking trails, including some to the beach below. Picnickers welcome.

Things to Do/Drives

Drive to rockport.

Visit Rockport , a 30-to-40-minute drive up the coast from Salem (this could also be an all-day venture). This seaside town is an enclave of the visual arts; you can meander from one gallery to the next all day. Take a look at the famous Motif #1 fishing shack on the water. Shoppers and browsers will enjoy the well-known Bearskin Neck, a neighborhood of Rockport that is a short walk to the tip of a tiny peninsula. The walk through Bearskin Neck is lined with fun and interesting shops and eateries. Great for gift and souvenir shopping. Drive to Marblehead Hop onto Route 114 and take a 10-minute drive into neighboring Marblehead, across the cove from Salem. Wander the streets lined with 17th- and 18th-century buildings. Take Ocean Avenue to the point and walk along the lovely harbor.

Drive to Gloucester

A nice out-of-town drive is a 30-minute trek northeast to Gloucester along Route 127. This is the world-famous fishing port (home of the "The Perfect Storm" story). See Gloucester Fishermen's Memorial on Route 127 and visit the Annisquam or Eastern Point lighthouses .

Things to Do/Tours by Land and Sea

Cruise on fame of salem.

Visit and take a cruise on the magnificent Fame of Salem , a replica of an 1812 privateer, at Pickering Wharf Marina on Wharf Street. The Fame is a full-scale replica of this famous schooner. She takes visitors on tours of Salem Sound, May to October. Choose a self-guided walking tour and hit the sidewalks. The National Park Service hands out excellent brochures for the African American History Trail, A Walking Tour of the Great Age of Sail, and the Nathaniel Hawthorne's Salem. Each walking trail takes about one hour.

Nightlife and Live Music

Salem nightlife is not only about witches and cemeteries. The club In a Pig's Eye on Derby Street offers many genres of live music. On weekends, enjoy Celtic bands at O'Neill's Irish Pub and Restaurant. A cool nightspot with music is Opus Underground. Visit the Notch on Derby Street for a selection of craft beers.

Good Eating

The Ugly Mug Diner at 122 Washington Street in Salem is all right based on its name alone. Delicious food: cheesy grits, bangers, chicken & waffles with streusel butter.

Red's Sandwich Shop at 15 Center Street in Salem offers classic diner food, prepared well, with plenty of heft and value for your dollar. Many patrons recommend the Lobster asparagus Benedict and the Ultimate Bloody Mary.

The Landing on Front Street in Marblehead has a deck overlooking the town cove. Rustic and down-homey; good clam chowder, of course!

Gulu Gulu Café , 247 Essex Street offers good and satisfying food in a friendly atmosphere that invites you to kick back. Tasty craft beer and coffee; even and old-time Scrabble board welcomes you.

Nathaniel's at the Hawthorne Hotel in Washington Square is the heart of Salem physically and historically. This traditional and elegant hotel, built in 1925, has welcomed presidents, media icons, and Hollywood characters. The service is white-tablecloth quality.

Finz Seafood & Grill at Pickering Wharf . Located on a Salem wharf with a deck overlooking the water, Finz gets happy reviews from people loving the views, the friendly service and excellent seafood, especially the sesame tuna, Buffalo calamari, seared scallops.

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THE 10 BEST Salem Tours & Excursions

Salem tours.

• Walking Tours
• Ghost & Vampire Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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• Chinese (Simplified)
• Likely to Sell Out
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour

2. Bewitched Walking Tour of Salem

3. The Salem Night Ghost Tour

4. Day Trip from Boston To Salem Witch Exhibits

5. Salem Witch Trials Historical Walking Tour

6. Mysteries and Murders of Salem Guided Night-Time Walking Tour

7. Salem High Speed Ferry to/from Boston

8. Salem "Hocus Pocus" Movie Locations Tour (31st Anniversary)

9. A Ghost Hunting Tour Specters and Apparitions in Salem

10. Salem Voodoo, Vampires, and Ghosts Guided Walking Tour

11. 1692 Salem Night Walking Tour

12. Discover Salem & Craft Spells with A Real Witch(Small Group Tour)

13. Real Pirates Salem Museum General Admission Ticket

14. Boston All-Inclusive Pass: 45+ Attractions including Trolley Tour

15. Privateer Schooner Sailing Tour in Salem Sound

16. 1692 Salem Day Tour

17. Ultimate Historic Salem and Witch Trials Self-Guided Walking Tour

18. Self-Guided Smartphone Ghost Walking Tour in Salem

19. Satanic Salem Walking Tour

20. Salem Ghosts: Witches, Warlocks, & Hauntings

21. Maritime History Tour

22. Black Cat Ghostly Night Tour in Salem

23. Haunted Footsteps Ghost & Paranormal Salem Tour

24. AM Coffee Walks with Salem Food Tours

25. Witch Costume Photo Shoot - Olde Salem Village theatrical set

26. Requiem for Salem Walking Ghost Tour

27. Go City: Boston Explorer Pass - Choose 2, 3, 4 or 5 Attractions

28. Boston Day Tour by Ferry: Salem Witch Trials Past to Present

29. Wicked Awesome Tours: Witch Trial History and Salem Haunts!

30. Salem and North Shore Full Day Private Tour

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The 9 Best Things to Do in Salem, Massachusetts

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Located just over 30 minutes north of Boston, Salem is a coastal New England town with quite a bit of history. While it's best known as the site of the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, the town was also one of the most prominent seaports in our country’s early days.

From celebrating Halloween during the annual Salem Haunted Happenings to exploring historical landmarks, read on for our recommendations for the best things to do in Salem, Massachusetts.

Celebrate Halloween at the Annual Salem Haunted Happenings

As you might expect, Salem really knows how go all out for Halloween. In fact, over 250,000 people come to town to partake in the annual Salem Haunted Happenings, a big Halloween celebration that lasts the entire month of October. Events include a festive parade, the Haunted Biz Baz Street Fair, family movie nights on the Common, ghost tours and haunted houses , live music, and lots more. If there’s ever a time to check out Salem, October is when to do it.

Close Out the Year with the Salem Holiday Happenings

The Salem Holiday Happenings event has been around for less time than the Haunted Happenings celebration, but it’s a similar concept with a Christmas twist. Tour historic homes all dolled up for the holiday season, browse stores participating in the holiday window contest, and shop at the Salem Winter Market. Come just after Thanksgiving to see Santa arrive at the Hawthorne Hotel and parade over to Lappin Park for the holiday tree lighting.

Tour Salem Sights Along the Salem Heritage Trail

The Salem Heritage Trail takes on a similar role as the Freedom Trail in Boston. With a red line as your guide, this walking path (which is also referred to as the "Salem Red Line"), takes you to 127 attractions via three different loops.

For those looking to get the full experience, consider starting at the National Park Service Salem Regional Visitor Center to watch a 27-minute film for a quick overview of Salem's history. From there, you can explore everything from the Peabody Essex Museum and House of Seven Gables to the Salem Witch Museum, First Church, and more.

Learn About the Salem Witch Trials & Witch-Hunts of Today at the Salem Witch Museum

If you’re visiting Salem, it’s likely you want to learn at least something about the Witch Trials of 1692. At the Salem Witch Museum , you can read up on the mass hysteria, fear, and illness that led to false accusations of witchcraft and sent 150 innocent individuals to prison—19 of whom were hung. While you tour the museum, you will also see the role witch-hunts play in today's society.

The learning doesn't stop here: There’s also an option to take a self-guided tour in and around Salem. More details on that are available here .

Visit The House of the Seven Gables

The Turner-Ingersoll Mansion, known as The House of the Seven Gables , was built back in 1668 for the head of one of New England’s most well-known maritime families. With many of its original architectural features still in place (including the foundation it was built on), it's one of North America's biggest timber-framed mansions and the inspiration behind Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The House of the Seven Gables."

General admission will get you a 45-minute guided tour, with a visit to the birthplace of Nathaniel Hawthorne included. Download the app for an audio tour, which will take you through and around the gardens, grounds, and waterfront.

Experience Artwork from New England at the Peabody Essex Museum

The Peabody Essex Museum was started back in 1799 when the East India Marine Society was founded; the members—each of whom successfully sailed past the Cape of Good Hope or Cape Horn—brought home all sorts of artifacts from their sailing adventures. Many of these are still on display at the Peabody Essex Museum, along with a variety of galleries with local and worldwide works of art and culture.

Stay at the Hawthorne Hotel

Get another taste of Salem's history when you book a night at the Hawthorne Hotel . Since it opened in 1925, this downtown Salem hotel—named after author Nathaniel Hawthorne—has welcomed more than a million guests. The rooms and architecture throughout the hotel still resemble that of the 1920s.

If you plan on staying here, be sure to check out the packages and specials the hotel offers , such as the “Witch Way” package, which comes with tickets to the Salem Witch Museum. The “History and Culture” option, on the other hand, gets you tickets to the House of the Seven Gables.

Take the Salem Ferry Between Boston and Salem

Whether you’re staying right in Salem or downtown Boston, you can experience both on one trip without even having to rent a car. The Salem Ferry, owned by the City of Salem and operated by Boston Harbor Cruises, makes that possible thanks to their ferry, which takes less than an hour each way. The boat, called the Nathaniel Bowditch, accommodates nearly 150 people and has two decks to enjoy during nice weather.

Spend a Summer Day at the Beach

If you want to stay in Salem but get out of downtown, pack up a towel and head to one of the nearby beaches. Dead Horse Beach is a popular choice, and can be found in Salem Willows, a seaside park with a video arcade. It’s open year-round and offers free parking. 

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3 Days in Salem: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary

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It’s rather difficult to think of Salem and not think of the 1692 Salem Witch Trials. The trials will forever remain in our history books, and we have more questions than answers about what could have led to such a gruesome time in our history.

Salem today embraces its past and celebrates a culture that was once persecuted. The Salem witch community is thriving, and they’re eager to tell you more about what exactly witchcraft is when you visit the aptly nicknamed Witch City. 

But celebrating witches is just one part of the many things to do in Salem. For some parts of Salem, it’s Halloween all year round. For other parts, it’s a place with fine dining, boutique shopping, and live music every night. With museums on every corner dedicated to history, art, and much more, there’s always something to keep you busy in Salem.

But visiting Salem for a 3-day weekend is best done at certain times of the year. If you want to get the full witchy experience, the best time to visit Salem is in October, when the city is gearing up for its massive Haunted Happenings events. From galas to tours to haunted houses, it’s a month of spooky fun. 

However, Haunted Happenings brings about thousands of visitors every year. The crowds during this time are intense, and they get worse the closer to Halloween you visit. Visiting earlier in the fall will let you enjoy some spooky activities, as well as the changing leaves and other autumn beauty, without all the people around.

Visiting in summer lets you enjoy an entirely different side of Salem. The weather is perfect for kayaking trips, sailing on historic boats, and dining by the water. Plus, there is always some spookiness about in Salem, so you’ll still find scary things to do, like ghost tours. 

Salem is a highly walkable city, but because of how cold it gets in the winter, you won’t want to be outside for long. When scheduling your long weekend, stick to late spring to mid-fall.

Planning a long weekend trip in Salem? With so much to do and see in this historic city, it’s tough to know where to start. We’ve put together a 3-day Salem itinerary to help you see all that you can of Witch City. Follow these recommendations, from where to eat to what to do, and you’re bound to have an amazing time exploring Salem!

If you’re still deciding where to stay then make sure to check out our article on the  best boutique hotels in Salem !

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

How to Spend a Weekend in Salem, Massachusetts

Getting around salem.

You don’t really need a car in Salem. Salem is a very walkable city. You’ll find that much of our Salem itinerary can be accomplished by foot, with a few taxis or Ubers thrown in to help get to some places that are a little ways from downtown. 

The only time you may want to consider renting a car is to get from the airport to Salem. You’ll most likely be flying into Logan International Airport in Boston for your 3-day Salem vacation. The airport is between a 30- to 45-minute drive from Salem. 

If you don’t want to have a car with you during your vacation, you can most likely just take a taxi or Uber from the airport to Salem, though it can be a bit costly. Still, taking this one long taxi or Uber ride is likely less expensive than renting a car for the whole trip.

Your other option is to take the subway and train system, though the way to get to Salem is a bit complicated. You would take the T, or Boston’s subway system, from the airport to Boston’s North Station. From there, you’d take the commuter rail to Salem. 

As someone who lived in Boston, I honestly wouldn’t recommend this method. If you have a plane to catch or a strict timetable for when you need to get into Salem, you’re not going to want to be at the mercy of the T. 

The T is a great, inexpensive public transportation option, especially for those living in Boston. However, it can be a bit unpredictable, and you may end up being delayed on your journey because of it. 

That said, the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) does do a good job of keeping up with the demand to get to Salem. If you were to take the commuter rail, you’d take the Newburyport/Rockport Line.

Recognizing that more people want to visit Salem in October during the area’s Haunted Happenings festivities, the MBTA adds more trains to this line to accommodate the added guests. So, you’ll still likely be able to get into Salem using this method, even during its busiest season. 

If you’re visiting Salem in the summer and fall, and you’re not in any rush, you may want to take the ferry instead. It’s a scenic cruise that’s a lovely way to see the Boston area. 

This ferry departs from Long Wharf. You can either take an Uber or taxi to the wharf or take the T to the aquarium and take a quick stroll to the wharf’s ferry station from there.

Salem Weekend Itinerary – Day 1

For Day 1 of your 3 days in Salem, you’ll enjoy the spooky and unexplainable side of Salem. Start your Salem weekend with breakfast at Deb’s Diner on Boston Street. This unassuming family diner is serving up one of the best breakfasts in Salem. 

The menu is simply filled with all your favorite breakfast staples, and you’ll be amazed by the massive portion sizes. You’ll leave here very satisfied and fueled up to start your Salem vacation. 

Crow Haven Corner 

Once you’ve finished up breakfast, head on over to Crow Haven Corner on Essex Street for one of the most unique things to do in Salem. You’ll either want to take a quick Uber or taxi ride or enjoy a long stroll to get there. 

Are you a believer in the unbelievable? You’ll find a home at this shop, the oldest witch shop in Salem. But what makes this store a must-do is its owner, Salem’s famous love clairvoyant. 

Lorelei has been a staple of Salem for over 35 years, performing psychic readings for visitors, particularly of the love variety. Lorelei often books up far in advance, especially if you’re trying to book her during the spooky season. 

So, it’s best not to wait until the last minute to schedule a reading. But if you can’t get Lorelei, don’t fret – she has a well-trained team that specializes in all different types of readings, from tarot readings to mediumship to career guidance.

Over on Derby Street, you’ll find Jolie Tea Company . If you’ve ever wanted a classic and classy high tea lunch, you’ll find it at this bright and colorful location. Featuring teas of all kinds, scones, tea sandwiches, and macarons, you’ll feel full and fancy after dining here. Though Jolie Tea Company does take walk-ins, it’s best to make a reservation to schedule your high tea time.

Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery

After lunch, head over to Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery on Essex Street, the only museum in Salem dedicated to cinema’s greatest monsters. Named for the main antagonist of the classic 1922 German silent film Nosferatu , it’s the perfect place to visit in Salem if you love the history of the horror genre.

You’ll find more than 60 life-sized creatures in this one-of-a-kind gallery. Werewolves and vampires and zombies, oh my! The detail work in these sculptures is truly astounding and maybe just a bit terrifying. 

Nathaniel’s

All that screaming probably worked up an appetite, so take a short stroll over to the Hawthorne Hotel, where you’ll find Nathaniel’s . This supposedly haunted hotel is home to one of the best fine-dining restaurants in Salem. 

Offering live jazz in a lounge-like atmosphere, with classic and delicious American fare on the menu, you’ll have a positively delightful evening at this hotel. Though you may have a few additional dinner guests if the haunting rumors are true. 

Salem Ghosts

After dinner, embrace the night with a ghost tour, like the ones provided by Salem Ghosts . Explore the darker side of Salem when you meet famous ghosts like Mr. Derby, the once-prominent merchant who is rumored to be at Old Town Hall, or Abigail Ropes, whose angry spirit haunts the hallowed halls of the famous Ropes Mansion. 

All tours meet at the Salem Five Savings Bank on Essex Street, an easily-accessible location in Downtown Salem that’s only a few doors down from Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery. You can take either the standard tour, which is one hour and has eight stops, or the extended tour, which is 90 minutes with 12 stops. Both are walking tours.

Enjoy a Salem Ghost Tour

Salem Weekend Itinerary – Day 2

For the second day of your 3-day trip to Salem, we’re going to focus less on the spooky and more on the history of this iconic location. Start your day off at Fountain Place on Essex Street, a family-friendly breakfast joint that feels like home. 

Though the restaurant offers plenty of waffle and omelet options, their specialty is their eggs benedict, which is served in tons of different ways. From ones with housemade crab cakes to options with corned beef hash, everyone is sure to find a style of this breakfast favorite that they’ll love.

Salem Witch Museum

After breakfast, head to the Salem Witch Museum in Washington Square, which unpacks the tragedy of the Salem Witch Trials. This museum consists of two exhibits. In the first, you’ll be provided an immersive look into the events of 1692 through 13 life-size stage sets depicting the Salem witch hunt. 

But the second exhibit provides a more hopeful look into the reality of witches. Though there’s a great deal of questioning about whether or not anyone who was punished during the Witch Trials was actually a witch, there is a thriving witch community in Salem today. In this second exhibit, you’ll explore the meaning of the word witch and how it’s evolved with time. 

Visit the Witch Museum

Red’s Sandwich Shop 

Over on Central Street, you’ll find the perfect place for lunch on the second day of your 3 days in Salem: Red’s Sandwich Shop . This historic restaurant is a local favorite for a good reason. Dive into a Monte Cristo, chow down on a Buffalo Chicken Roll-Up, or munch on a Red’s Grilled Cheese Club. You really can’t go wrong with anything on this menu. 

Peabody Essex Museum

Once you wrap up lunch, explore a different sort of history at the Peabody Essex Museum on Essex Street. The story of this museum dates back to 1799. The East India Marine Society, an organization of Salem captains and supercargoes who sailed beyond the Cape of Good Hope or Cape Horn, wanted to build a place for their “cabinet of natural and artificial curiosities.” These curiosities came from all over the world, from the Americas to Asia to Africa and beyond. 

When the museum as we know it today was established in 1992, it contained more than 840,000 works of art and culture. Two libraries on-site boasted over 400,000 books, manuscripts, and other historical documents. Today, the collection has grown to over one million works. 

But the museum is more than just one building. It covers three city blocks and several off-site properties, including the famous Ropes Mansion, the Quaker Meeting House, and the John Ward House, all of which you can visit on a self-guided tour. 

Stroll on over to the famous Turner’s Seafood at Lyceum Hall for dinner. Before Lyceum Hall became a historical landmark, it was an apple orchard owned by none other than Bridget Bishop, the first woman to face her demise during the Witch Trials. Diners at Turner’s have said that Bishop haunts the halls.

But whether you want to see a ghost or not, you’ll love dining at Turner’s, which serves fresh New England seafood in upscale ways. From Gloucester Hake Masala to Mussels & Calamari Fra Diavolo, there’s nothing on this menu that isn’t fresh and delicious. 

You’ve had a long day of exploring, but if you’re still ready for more, end the night with drinks at one of the most haunted places in the city, Mercy Tavern , located on Derby Street, which has quite a history. It was once a brothel that supposedly used to take part in kidnapping the young sailors who frequented it to force them into servitude aboard ships that lacked a crew. 

The brothel had underground tunnels, and although those tunnels have mostly been filled, people claim they hear shouting and fighting under the building. And more than one patron says they’ve seen a specter of a sailor roaming the halls of the pub. 

Today, though, Mercy Tavern is simply a lovely historic place to have a few drinks with friends and listen to live music. But you just may end up having someone unexpected join you for your drink.

Salem Weekend Itinerary – Day 3

You’ve had a weekend filled with adventuring around Salem. Now it’s time for a bit more leisurely day of just exploring the sights for the final day of your long weekend trip to Salem. 

Caramel French Patisserie 

Start the last day of your Salem vacation with breakfast at Caramel French Patisserie . It’s a great place to stop if you don’t want a full breakfast and instead just want something quick to grab on your way. Don’t forget to stock up on macarons for dessert later!

After picking up your pastry, spend the morning wandering Essex Street. Especially around October, this area of the city is perfect for finding witchy souvenirs. But even throughout the rest of the year, you’ll love exploring this downtown area. Don’t forget to check out the iconic Bewitched statue at the corner of Essex and Washington Streets.

Pickering Wharf

Enjoy strolling down Essex Street and stop by the Salem Common. It’s a wonderful place for a picnic. But if you’d rather grab a bite to eat elsewhere, head to your next destination: Pickering Wharf.

From Essex Street, head to Pickering Wharf for some more scenic views and chances to explore the city. For lunch, visit the Regatta Pub , located in the Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites. The menu is simple and delightful, sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. From lobster rolls and fish and chips to burgers and chicken tenders, there’s something for everyone.

Then, head out to explore more of the wharf. Although Essex Street is a perfect place for witchy souvenirs, Pickering Wharf is more focused on Salem’s maritime history and has plenty of shops dedicated to the beachy, watery side of Salem. Shop around these stores, which often have local wares you can’t get anywhere else.

You’ll want to stick around Pickering Wharf when the sun goes down to take in the sunset over the water. At night on the wharf, you’ll often hear live music in the breeze emanating from the area’s many restaurants. 

Our top pick for dinner and drinks, along with great music, is the Sea Level Oyster Bar . Serving up local seafood, inspired libations, and waterfront views, it’s the ideal place to end your weekend in Salem. This restaurant offers seafood with clever twists. From white clam pizza to Baja tacos to baked seafood pie, you’ll leave this place satisfied, happy, and eager to come back.

More Places to Eat & Drink in Salem

Eat and play at Bit Bar : This barcade offers old-school arcade games, as well as a playful menu, like deep-friend mac and cheese and a burger made with brisket and short rib. Despite being a bar setting that’s 21 and up after 8 pm, it’s a family-friendly establishment throughout the rest of the day. There’s even a full menu for little ones, who also get $3 in game tokens with their kid’s meal.

Have a pizza at Bambolina : This rustic Italian eatery serves up wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pizzas that are truly inspired. But what’s even better about this location is that its sister restaurant, Kokeshi , can now be found here, too. So you can now enjoy Kokeshi’s Asian street food on the same menu as Bambolina’s Italian fare.

Enjoy cozy vibes, live music, and comfort food at Gulu-Gulu Cafe : This boho spot is where you’ll find local craft beer, coffee that would please even the biggest coffee lover, eclectic cocktails, an all-day breakfast menu, tons of sweet treats, and simple and not-so-simple sandwiches. Plenty of this menu is vegetarian- or vegan-friendly, making it even easier to find something for everyone.

What to do if you have more than 3 days in Salem

Salem trolley.

Hop on the Salem Trolley . Running daily from April to November and on weekends throughout November, the Salem Trolley takes you on a tour of Witch City, guiding you around the most beloved spots in Salem. On select nights, the trolley transforms into the Tales & Tombstones Tour, showing you the darkest sides of the city. And for a truly unique holiday celebration, you can catch a one-of-a-kind performance of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens aboard the trolley from the end of November to the end of December.

Haunted Happenings

Attend the Haunted Happenings . All throughout October, the Witch City truly lives up to its name with a unique festival put on by the Salem Chamber of Commerce and the Salem Witch Museum . Guests are invited to numerous events, from costume balls to spooky tours to terrifying haunted houses. There’s plenty to do for everyone. It’s a family-friendly festival, but there are also haunted houses that are definitely best left to the biggest of thrill-seeking adults.

Take the Haunted Salem Walking Tour

Salem Willows

Hang out in the Salem Willows . You may think that Salem is best for fall travel, but visiting in the summer allows you to spend some time at the family-friendly Salem Willows. Sitting on over 35 acres of oceanfront views, you’ll find two arcades in addition to picnic areas, a band shell, and basketball and tennis courts. From bumper cars to water boats to a 1905 carousel, it’s a perfect place to take little ones on a Salem vacation. You can also rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to take out on the water here or book yourself a tour.

Fame of Salem

Enjoy becoming a part of the crew on the Fame of Salem . Running from May to October, the Fame offers one of the best sailing cruises in the Salem area. This Fame is a replica of the 1812 privateer of the same name. While you can sit back and relax on this ride, you can also help raise the sails yourself.

Take a trip into Boston. If you’re in the Salem area for longer than three days, you shouldn’t pass up the chance to spend a day in historic Boston. From walking the Freedom Trail to seeing a Red Sox game at Fenway , Boston has so much to do. For more things to do in Boston, check out our guide to the 15 best things to do in the city !  

Boston Hop On, Hop Off Trolley Tour

We hope you enjoy your weekend trip to Salem, MA! Should we add something else to our 3-day Salem itinerary? Let us know in the comments.

Planning a trip to Massachusetts? Check out our favorite travel guides and resources!

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Jacqueline is a writer and editor pursuing the freelance life to explore the world. Born and raised in New Jersey, she spent her college years in Boston before settling down with her partner and puppy in Monterey, California. When she’s not writing, you can often find her planning her next trip. Road trips are her favorite, whether it’s driving across the country or simply exploring a new city in her own backyard. She loves uncovering the history of every new place she goes. Jacqueline has a restless passion for learning and makes it a goal to pick up a new skill every year. She’s picked up embroidery, crocheting, knitting, and cross-stitching, but she’s hoping to master more languages to help her in her travels. She’s also a published author, with short stories and poetry appearing in several anthologies.

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Bewitched by Salem: 25 Unique Things to Do in Salem, Massachusetts

Located just 30 minutes from Boston, Salem is an easy destination for a day trip or weekend getaway. The town blends New England maritime history, bewitching folklore, and a vibrant cultural scene. Whether you’re a history buff, a literature enthusiast, or simply seeking an enchanting getaway, enjoy our guide to best things to do in Salem, Massachusetts.

This article includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase something or take an action on one of these links. This is how we are able to finance this website. DISCLOSURE

Table of Contents

Our Witch City 25: Salem Massachusetts Things to Do

No doubt most visitors to Salem come because of the infamous Salem witch trials. And the town has certainly capitalized on this with museums, shops, and lots of witchy happenings. But there’s more to Salem than witches. Salem is a beautiful seaside town with lovely brick lined streets and an active waterfront. Let’s explore a bit of its New England history before we turn to the witchy side of Salem.

But who doesn’t love a bit of witchy fun? Not me and my high school BFF! We’ve been meeting in Salem for ‘playdates’ for years. And we’re not above posing for silly pictures, like this one with the ‘Bewitched’ statue.

Feel free to skip ahead if you’re here for just Witch City history and attractions .

Salem Maritime History

Salem will celebrate the 400th anniversary of its founding in 2026. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Salem emerged as one of America’s most prosperous and influential seaports. Its maritime activities included trade, privateering, and shipbuilding, making it a bustling hub of economic and cultural exchange.

The Salem-based East India Marine Society, founded in 1799, played a crucial role in promoting maritime exploration around the world. In 1825 the society’s East India Marine Hall was established as the group’s headquarters and collecting museum. This building and its collections are now the centerpiece of the world-class Peabody Essex Museum.

Today, Salem embraces its maritime history, offering visitors a chance to explore its seafaring legacy through museums, exhibits, and maritime-themed events. The city’s picturesque waterfront serves as a reminder of its illustrious maritime past.

Salem Trolley Tour

Salem is a very walkable city, but if new to the area, I recommend you take the trolley tour for a great introduction to the city.

The narrated one-hour tour will orient (and entertain!) you.

Salem Trolley , 2 New Liberty Street

Salem Maritime National Historic Site

Discover Salem’s seafaring past at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site. This open-air museum encompasses several historic buildings, wharves, and a replica of a merchant vessel. Learn about Salem’s role as a major port during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Derby Wharf

Stroll along Derby Wharf and soak up the maritime ambiance while taking in breathtaking views of Salem Harbor. As part of the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, this waterfront promenade offers a tranquil escape and a chance to see historic structures, including the Custom House (the opening setting of Hawthorne’s Scarlet Letter). Enjoy a picnic, go fishing, or simply unwind while relishing the scenic beauty.

Friendship of Salem

Explore the Friendship of Salem, a replica tall ship that offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of a seafarer during the 18th and 19th centuries.

The original  Friendship , a two-decked, three-masted, square-rigged, 342-ton vessel was built in Salem in 1797. This ship made 15 world voyages before being captured by the British as a war prize. The War of 1812 had begun while  Friendship  was in Russia, but the captain and crew were unaware of that and had set off to return to Salem, only to be captured in the Atlantic Ocean. The Friendship  was later sold at auction in England.

Charter Street Cemetery

Charter Street Cemetery, also known as the Old Burying Point Cemetery, holds a significant place in Salem’s history. Established in 1637, it is one of the oldest burial grounds in Massachusetts and is an important stop for visitors seeking a glimpse into Salem’s past.

Located near the center of Salem, Charter Street Cemetery served as the primary burying ground for the early settlers and prominent citizens of the town. It contains the final resting place of several notable Salem residents such as Judge John Hathorne (ancestor of Nathaniel Hawthorne), Mary Corey (wife of Giles Corey, who was accused during the Salem witch trials), and many others.

Ropes Mansion (and other historic homes in Salem’s McIntire District

The stately Ropes Mansion, built in 1727, was home to four generations of the Ropes family and is recognized as one of New England’s most significant and documented historic houses. The extensive gardens are FREE to explore and a reason to visit alone. The Peabody Essex Museum currently owns and operates the mansion. Check with the museum for tour information.

Peabody Essex Museum – Ropes Mansion , 318 Essex Street

After your visit to the Ropes Mansion take a walk around the McIntire District neighborhood, Salem’s historic district, to admire the architectural legacy of Salem’s maritime past. The McIntire historic district is rich with Georgian- and Federal-period houses designed or influenced by renowned architect Samuel McIntire.

Salem’s Pioneer Village

Pioneer Village is a living history museum, a recreation of an early English settlement, representing what life was like for the early European settlers who arrived in Salem in the 17th century.

Pioneer Village was constructed in 1930 as part of the 300th anniversary celebration of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The village was created using authentic construction techniques and materials, with some of the buildings modeled after actual structures from the period.

Salem’s Pioneer Village , 98 West Ave.

Art and Literature in Salem

Salem has a rich history in literature and art. From museums and galleries to literary landmarks, Salem offers some great destinations for lovers of all things culture.

The House of the Seven Gables

Literature enthusiasts will not want to miss visiting The House of the Seven Gables, the home made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel of the same name. This historic house, dating back to the 17th century, stands as a symbol of Salem’s rich maritime and literary history. Step into Hawthorne’s world as you explore the rooms, gardens, and hidden corners of the 1668 house.

The House of Seven Gables also offers literary programs, lectures, and events that celebrate the legacy of one of America’s most beloved authors.

House of the Seven Gables , 115 Derby Street

Peabody Essex Museum (PEM)

At the heart of Salem’s art scene stands the Peabody Essex Museum, a world-class institution that showcases an extensive collection of art and cultural artifacts from around the globe. With a particular emphasis on maritime history, Asian art, and contemporary works, the museum offers an enriching and diverse experience for all kinds of art lovers.

Be sure to schedule a timed entry to the Yin Yu Tang house. This unique and historic Chinese house is one of the museum’s most treasured exhibits. It was originally constructed in the late 18th century and reassembled within the museum.

Peabody Essex Museum , 161 Essex Street

The Custom House

Salem is steeped in literary history, and as you explore the city, you’ll encounter various landmarks associated with renowned authors. Visit the Custom House, as depicted in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s iconic novel, “The Scarlet Letter,” and envision the setting that inspired his literary masterpiece. Hawthorne worked at the Custom House as a surveyor until a change in the town’s political parties forced him out of this job.

Custom House, 176 Derby St

Galleries and Studios

Salem’s vibrant arts community is evident in its numerous galleries and studios. Take a stroll through the city’s streets, particularly around the Essex Street pedestrian mall, to enjoy visiting the galleries. Engage with local artists, explore their studios, and immerse yourself in the artistic energy of Salem.

Get outside in Salem

Take a break from the historical sites and immerse yourself in Salem’s natural beauty. Stay in town and explore the Ropes Mansion Garden, a tranquil oasis within walking distance of the historical sites or head a bit afield for more adventures.

Salem Willows Park

For family-friendly fun, head to Salem Willows Park. This charming seaside park features a long promenade, scenic picnic areas, arcade games, and a carousel. Take a walk along the waterfront, indulge in some classic arcade games, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of this beloved local attraction.

Salem Willows Park, 165 Fort Avenue

Misery Islands

The Misery Island is an 87-acre nature reserve accessible by boat. The unusual name comes from shipbuilder Robert Moulton who was stranded on the islands for three days during a winter storm in the 1620s. At one time the island was a popular summer resort, but a devastating fire ended that. Now people head to the island to hike, bird-watch or just enjoy the views.

Bike Salem – rail trails, waterfront, and woods

Whether you prefer leisurely rides along the coastline or more challenging routes through wooded trails, Salem has something to offer for cyclists of all skill levels. Here are some of the best places to bike in Salem:

• The Salem Bike Path (3.8 miles) is a popular route that provides a picturesque and mostly flat ride for cyclists. The path runs through scenic areas, including parks, waterfronts, and historic neighborhoods. It’s a great option for a leisurely ride while taking in the sights and sounds of Salem.
• Marblehead Rail trail (8.5 out and back) While technically located in the neighboring town of Marblehead, the Marblehead Rail Trail begins at Canal Street in Salem and offers a beautiful biking route. The trail follows the former Danvers to Marblehead railroad line and takes cyclists through woodlands, wetlands, and residential areas.
• Winter Island Maritime Park: Winter Island Maritime Park is a great spot for those who enjoy off-road biking. The park features dirt trails that meander through wooded areas, offering a more adventurous biking experience.

These are just a few of the beautiful bike trails you can enjoy in Southern New England.

History of the Salem Witch Trials

There is a startling dichotomy in how Salem handles its witch trials legacy. The town acknowledges the horror of these crimes against innocent people, yet its businesses capitalize on the tragedy with festivals, etc. It’s all in good fun, of course, but it’s important that visitors to Salem be aware of the real people persecuted by the Salem Witch Trials.

Salem, Massachusetts, is infamous for the witch trials that of 1692, that left an indelible mark on American history. The witch hysteria began when a group of young girls in Salem Village claimed to be possessed by witches, sparking widespread fear and paranoia. Accusations of witchcraft grew, resulting in the arrest, trials, and execution of 20 individuals, mostly women. The trials unfolded in a Puritan society heavily influenced by religious beliefs and a rigid social order. This madness was fueled by superstition, spectral evidence, and a belief in witchcraft.

Ultimately, the events of the Salem Witch Trials revealed a dark chapter in colonial America, highlighting the dangers of mass hysteria and the tragic consequences of unfounded accusations. Salem, recognizing the significance of this dark chapter, has dedicated museums, memorials, and historical sites to preserve the memory and educate visitors about the witch trials. Today, tourists can learn about the historical context and the tragic consequences of this haunting episode in American history. Hopefully Salem’s commitment to remembering and educating about this dark chapter will encourage visitors to reflect on the consequences of scapegoating, intolerance, and unchecked beliefs.

The legacy of the witch trials and the Salem attractions that celebrate the occult can be upsetting to many, especially young children. Check beforehand to determine what is appropriate for your family.

Learn more- Read one the best books on the Salem Witch Trials

Salem Witch Trials Memorial

An important stop on any visit to Salem is to the Salem Witch Trials Memorial. This somber memorial park pays tribute to the 20 innocent individuals who lost their lives during the witch hysteria. The memorial was established in 1992, for the 300th anniversary of the Salem Witch trials.

Visitors can walk through the small park lined with stone benches inscribed with the names of the victims and take a moment to reflect on this dark chapter of American history.

Salem Witch Trials Memorial, 24 Liberty Street

The Witch House

Step back in time as you visit the only remaining structure directly connected to the witch trials, the Witch House. This was the home of Jonathan Corwin, one of the judges for the Salem Witch Trials. The 17th-century house offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of one of Salem’s wealthier early residents. Explore the well-preserved rooms, period furnishings, and intriguing artifacts while learning about the trials and the customs of the era.

Interesting Note: The property on which the Jonathan Corwin House stands is thought to be where the early 1630s home of Roger Williams once stood. Williams, who was the acting pastor of the Salem church in 1634, believed that Native Americans should be paid for their land and that Church and State should be separate. For his views he was banished from the Massachusetts Bay Colony by the General Court of Massachusetts. Williams ended up fleeing south where he eventually founded Rhode Island.

The Witch House , 310 1/2 Essex Street

Crow Haven Corner

Visit Crow Haven, the oldest witch store in Salem. for palm reading, tarot cards, etc. The very popular Salem Witch Walk leaves from this store twice daily.

Crow Haven Corner, 125 Essex Street

Salem Witch Museum

Most visitors to Salem will make a stop at the Salem Witch Museum. Through captivating exhibits, multimedia presentations, and life-sized dioramas, the museum unravels the myths and realities surrounding the witch trials. Visit the museum to gain a deeper understanding of the social, political, and cultural factors that led to the tragedy and the lasting impact the trials have had on Salem’s identity.

Note: the museum exhibits and the building alone are worth the admission fee, but in my opinion the multimedia presentation needs updating.

Salem Witch Museum , 19 1/2 Washington Square

Witch Dungeon Museum

The museum is located on Lynde Street, near the heart of downtown Salem. As you enter, you’ll be transported back in time to the 17th century through the museum’s meticulously recreated dungeon setting. The dungeon is designed to resemble the actual confinement space where accused individuals were held during the witch trials.

During the guided tour, costumed actors reenact scenes from the trials, bringing to life the experiences of the accused, the courtroom proceedings, and the subsequent execution of some of those convicted.

Witch Dungeon Museum , 16 Lynde Street

Take the kids to the Good Witch store

Daily activities and events make the Good Witch more than just a store but a fun destination for families visiting Salem with young children. Just walk in for some magical fun, or book an “Experience” for a more in-depth activity. The Good Witch Store is run by Ashley Tina, a former elementary teacher.

Review the content and atmosphere of the Good Witch Store beforehand to determine if it aligns with what you believe is appropriate for your children.

The Good Witch of Salem , 2 North Street

Visit the Hocus Pocus Film Locations

Hocus Pocus , the Halloween favorite starring Bette Midler, is filmed in part in Salem. Take a guided tour of the locations or just check them off yourself as you explore Salem.

• Old Town Hall is in fact Salem’s Old Town Hall in Derby Square.
• Allison’s home – The exterior shots are of the Ropes Mansion.
• Salem Village was filmed at Pioneer Village
• Max and Dani’s House is a private residence, but can be seen ( respectfully , at a distance) at 4 Ocean Ave.
• The cemetery scenes were filmed not in Salem but in neighboring Marblehead’s Old Burial Hill.

Take a Ghost Tour in Salem

With Salem’s history of witchcraft and the supernatural, it’s not surprising that ghost tours are a popular activity in the city. Some of the top-rated tours:

The Salem Night Tour : Experienced guides lead you on a lantern-lit walking tour through the city’s eerie streets, sharing stories of haunted houses, local legends, and infamous witch trials.

Black Cat Tours : this local company offers a range of ghost tours that cater to different interests and preferences. Choose from their various tour options, such as the “Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour” or the “Spirits of the Old Burying Point Cemetery Tour.”

“The Ghosts of Salem Tour” run by Ghost City Tours is suitable for families with younger kids.

Bewitched statue with Elizabeth Montgomery

Last, but not least, every tourist has to take a picture by the Bewitched statue (see my picture above!). It was unveiled in 2005 with a bit of controversy but ultimately has become a popular landmark for locals and visitors alike. The statue depicts the actress Elizabeth Montgomery as Samantha Stephens, the show’s main character, who was a witch with the ability to perform magic but chose to live a normal life as a suburban housewife.

The controversy: Some critics felt that the statue, with its whimsical portrayal of a witch, undermined the serious nature of the witch trials and the tragic events that occurred in Salem’s past. They also argued that the statue perpetuated the perception of Salem as solely associated with witchcraft, diverting attention from other aspects of Salem’s past.

235 Essex Street

Indulge in High Tea at Jolie Tea Company

For a completely different Salem experience, head to Jolie Tea Company on Derby Street. This charming shop offers a wide selection of teas for your sipping pleasure. You can even create your own blend! (As an afternoon tea lover, I look forward to a visit to Jolie’s!)

Reservations are not required but I’d suggest you call, especially if you’re visiting with a group or you’re interested in the Friday afternoon kids high tea.

Jolie Tea Company , 316 Derby Street

Book a room at the Hawthorne Hotel

The Hawthorne Hotel is a historic landmark located in the center of Salem. The hotel has been welcoming guests since 1925. With its distinct architecture and elegant charm, the Hawthorne Hotel offers a unique blend of historical ambiance and modern comforts.

The hotel’s exterior reflects the classic New England style, featuring brickwork, white columns, and a grand entrance that exudes timeless elegance. Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere. The lobby showcases the hotel’s commitment to preserving its historic character, with vintage furniture, traditional decor, and rich wood accents.

Be sure to check out the Hawthorne hotel even if you’re not staying in the city.

Hawthorne Hotel, 18 Washington Square

Best places to eat in Salem

Salem boasts a vibrant culinary scene that caters to various tastes and preferences. Enjoy clam chowder at a seafood restaurant on Pickering Wharf, traditional food at the Hawthorne Hotel, or a unique pizza option at Flying Saucer Pizza Company.

More suggestions for dining in Salem:

• Ledger Restaurant & Bar: Located in a former 19th-century savings bank, Ledger offers a unique dining experience with its rustic and elegant ambiance. Enjoy contemporary American cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients.
• Sea Level Oyster Bar: Situated on Pickering Wharf, Sea Level Oyster Bar is a seafood lover’s paradise. Feast on fresh oysters, succulent lobster rolls, and other delicious seafood delights while enjoying stunning waterfront views. .
• Adea’s Mediterranean Kitchen: Experience the flavors of the Mediterranean at Adea’s Mediterranean Kitchen. This cozy restaurant serves up delectable dishes inspired by Greek and Lebanese cuisines.
• Howling Wolf Taqueria: For those craving Mexican cuisine, Howling Wolf Taqueria is a top choice. Enjoy a lively atmosphere and savor mouthwatering tacos, burritos, and quesadillas bursting with flavor.
• Adriatic Restaurant & Bar: If you’re in the mood for Italian cuisine, head to Adriatic Restaurant & Bar. This family-owned establishment offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
• Gulu-Gulu Café: For a bohemian vibe and a delightful selection of craft beers, coffees, and light bites, Gulu-Gulu Café is the place to be. The café features live music, art exhibits, and a menu that includes sandwiches, salads, and tasty desserts.

Things to do in Salem Massachusetts in October

Salem in October is an extraordinary experience, as the city comes alive with Halloween celebrations and festivities. Known as the “Witch City,” Salem embraces its bewitching reputation this month.

Be advised that Salem in October is VERY busy, and the crowds can be overwhelming. The city is experienced in handling Halloween excitement and offers many family-friendly activities and events. However, as with any crowded tourist destination, it’s always important to take necessary precautions and keep an eye on your children.

Here are some of the fun things to enjoy during Halloween season in Salem:

• October is when Salem’s Haunted Happenings festival takes place, offering a month-long celebration of all things Halloween. The city hosts a variety of events, including street fairs, parades, costume parties, haunted houses, and ghost tours.
• Enjoy Seasonal Decorations: Salem adorns itself with elaborate and festive decorations during October. From storefronts to historic buildings, you’ll find pumpkins, hay bales, and other spooky adornments throughout the city.
• Unique Shopping: Salem’s eclectic shops and boutiques offer a delightful shopping experience, particularly during October. You’ll find costumes, accessories, and decorations for your Halloween celebration.
• The Peabody Essex Museum offers spooky events all month including Hocus Pocus nights at the Ropes Mansion.
• The Salem Food Truck Festival and the Salem Arts Festival are both popular events drawing tourists to Salem in October.
• A Halloween Ball is held at the Hawthorne Hotel
• And finally, the month ends with a fireworks display on Halloween night.

Explore Salem through movies and books (a few of the best books on the Salem Witch Trials)

Modern day Salem is a mix of history and folklore. I recommend preparing a bit before your trip to gain an appreciation for what makes Salem unique.

Salem Classics

Nathaniel Hawthorne is without doubt Salem’s most famous author. He was born in Salem and grew up in a town steeped in history, witchcraft folklore, and a puritanical past. These influences played a significant role in shaping his writing style and subject matter. Two books I’d recommend by Nathaniel Hawthorne:

• The Scarlet Letter : Set in Puritan-era Salem, the novel explores themes of sin, guilt, and redemption against the backdrop of a judgmental society.
• House of the Seven Gables : Built over an unquiet grave, the House of the Seven Gables carries a dying man’s curse that blights the lives of its residents for over two centuries. Hawthorne drew inspiration for this story of an immorally obtained property from the role his ancestors played in the Salem witch trials.

Best books on the Salem Witch Trials

• Nonfiction – A Storm of Witchcraft: The Salem Trials and the American Experience by Emerson W. Baker: Delve into the historical context of the Salem witch trials with this engaging and well-researched account, which offers insights into the social, political, and religious dynamics of the time.
• Fiction – The Heretic’s Daughter by Kathleen Kent: Based on the author’s own family history, this novel portrays the gripping story of Martha Carrier, who was accused of witchcraft during the Salem witch trials, providing a personal and intimate perspective of the events.
• Fiction – The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe: This historical fiction novel weaves together the stories of an aspiring historian and her ancestor, connecting their lives through a mysterious and powerful book of spells set in Salem.

And for school aged kids:

• What Were the Salem Witch Trials? by Joan Holub

A Witch City Movie Night

• “ The Crucible ” (1996): Based on Arthur Miller’s play, this film adaptation brings the Salem Witch Trials to life, exploring themes of hysteria, false accusations, and the power of mass manipulation.
• “ The Witch ” (2015): A chilling horror film set in 17th-century New England, it explores themes of witchcraft, isolation, and religious fervor, immersing viewers in a haunting and atmospheric experience.

And for school aged kids and teens:

• “ Hocus Pocus ” (1993): While a light-hearted comedy, this cult classic set in Salem during Halloween captures the whimsical spirit of the city and has become a beloved staple of the season.

How to get to Salem

Train – MBTA Commuter Rail – 30 minutes from Boston’s North Station on the Newburyport/Rockport line to Salem Train Station. (Walking distance to the historic areas of Salem)

Car – ~35-60 minutes from Boston (traffic dependent!) Check your GPS for best driving directions as it varies depending on your starting location.

Bus – 56 minutes from Boston -Haymarket to Essex Street. Or, if coming directly from Logan Airport, take the bus from Wood Island near the airport.

Ferry – ~60 minutes from Long Wharf in Boston.

Salem’s’ enchanting blend of history, and culture, makes it one of the top tourist destinations in New England. Whether you’re drawn to the tragic legacy of the witch trials or the rich maritime heritage, Salem offers something for everyone. From historic sites and museums to waterfront promenades and family-friendly parks, there are endless things to do in Salem, Massachusetts. A visit to Salem promises an immersive and unforgettable experience. I hope this article will entice you to visit and enjoy the bewitching charms of Salem.

Amy, a writer on responsible bucket list travel, is your reliable source for insightful travel advice. With a career background in libraries, and a degree in biology and mathematics, Amy's approach to travel is rooted in meticulous research and planning, and her commitment to eco-conscious adventures.

Amy’s dedication to sustainable travel practices, including efficient packing techniques, ensures that every adventure leaves a positive impact on both the environment and the traveler's well-being. Trust Amy to guide you towards meaningful and eco-friendly travel, making the most of your retirement years.

A lifelong New England resident, Amy is also the source for insider tips on travel in the Northeastern U.S.

• 101 Unique Things to Do in Boston: an insider guide to hidden gems
• 25 Tips to Conquer Travel Anxiety: How to Make Travel Easier (and almost stress-free!)
• Easy Elegance: 3 Capsule Wardrobe Templates for Travel Planning
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4 thoughts on “ Bewitched by Salem: 25 Unique Things to Do in Salem, Massachusetts ”

There’s a group in Florida called Witches of Dunedin and we dance for different charities in the month of October. We talk about it all the time making a trip up the the homelands aka Salem. Thanks for all the witchy info! 🧙🧹

Thanks for pointing out the dichotomy between the dark history and modern festivals. It’s a good reminder that the tragedy of the witch trials. The memorial would be an important place to visit. Thanks for the books and movie suggestions, which will keep me interested until I can visit!

Salem has been on my bucket list for so long, so it was such an interesting article to read. I would love to visit during October. Thanks for sharing.

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Salem, MA   Travel Guide

Courtesy of DenisTangneyJr | Getty Images

Why Go To Salem, MA

You can't visit Salem, Massachusetts, without delving headfirst into this New England town's eerie past. Best known as the location of the 1692 Salem witch trials, a period of mass hysteria that resulted in the deaths of 25 people, Salem has developed a reputation as one of the most haunted destinations in the United States (and one of the most historic ). Today, tourists flock to the Witch City for its fascinating history, elaborate Halloween festivals and, of course, to relive their favorite scenes from classic films and TV shows like "Hocus Pocus" and "Bewitched."

Despite Salem's strong roots in all things spooky – just check out the Witch House or Old Burying Point Cemetery to see for yourself – this small coastal town has more to it than just witches. Located roughly 20 miles northeast of Boston , Salem is home to a thriving arts scene, beautiful parks, eclectic eateries and stunning Colonial architecture. Set aside some time for exploring sites like the Peabody Essex Museum and the House of the Seven Gables , and don't forget to hit up the shops in Essex Street Pedestrian Mall before you leave. If you're short on time, consider signing up for one of the best Salem tours . Led by knowledgeable locals, these tours offer an in-depth history lesson and hit up many of the city's top sights.

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• # 10 in Best Historical Cities to Visit in the USA
• # 16 in Best Weekend Getaways in New England

Best of Salem, MA

Best hotels in salem, ma.

• # 1 in Amelia Payson House
• # 3 in Northey Street House
• # 4 in The Merchant

Best Things to Do in Salem, MA

• # 1 in The House of the Seven Gables
• # 2 in Peabody Essex Museum
• # 3 in Salem Witch Trials Memorial

Popular Tours

History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour

(8780 reviews)

from $ 32.94

Bewitched Walking Tour of Salem

(1325 reviews)

from $ 30.00

The Salem Night Ghost Tour

(3347 reviews)

from $ 26.00

Salem, MA Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Salem is September through November. Although you'll have to contend with hordes of tourists looking to explore the Witch City come October, Salem's jam-packed calendar of events, breathtaking fall foliage and spooky Halloween decorations make it worth the trip. A summer visit won't disappoint either, as warm weather in the 70s and 80s makes exploring Salem's outdoor attractions like Winter Island and Salem Willows Park a treat. Come winter, the chilly weather calls for added layers, but this is also the best time of year to catch a deal on airfare and hotels. If you can't handle the cold, but don't want to deal with the summer and fall crowds, visit between March and May when many of Salem's tours and attractions reopen for the season.

Weather in Salem, MA

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

Follow the red line If you're wondering what that red line is painted on the sidewalk, that's Salem's Heritage Trail. This red line connects all of Salem's most famous attractions, including the Peabody Essex Museum , the Witch House , House of the Seven Gables and Old Burying Point Cemetery . Spend the afternoon following it and see where you end up.

Bring your costume If you're visiting Salem in October, you can expect to see hordes of visitors decked out in their favorite Halloween attire – don't get left out of the fun by leaving yours at home.

Parking is scarce Salem is a small town and parking spots are limited, especially if you visit in summer or fall. Combat this by using public transportation when you can – the Salem Ferry offers convenient service to and from Boston, and the Salem Trolley and Salem Skipper , a ride-sharing service, make getting around town a breeze. Visitors can also take advantage of Salem's affordable public bike share system, Bluebikes . When in doubt, lace up your walking shoes for a stroll around town.

Be respectful Salem's reputation as a haven for Halloween lovers precedes it. But visitors looking for a fun weekend in Salem shouldn't forget the serious history behind the costumes. In 1692, 25 people lost their lives after being accused of practicing witchcraft: 19 were executed by hanging, one was pressed to death and five more died in jail. Please be respectful when visiting historic sites and landmarks.

How to Save Money in Salem, MA

Visit during the offseason Although visiting Salem during October is a rite of passage for Halloween enthusiasts, this is also one of the most expensive times of the year for a trip to Salem. Save some coin by visiting in the winter and spring offseasons, or by timing your visit for September ahead of the October crowds.

Opt for public transportation Ditch the car for a ride on the Salem Skipper . This on-demand ride-sharing service picks passengers up from any location within Salem and matches them with other passengers heading in the same direction. Not only does this reduce the traffic within Salem, it is more convenient and cost-effective than driving. Rides before 7 p.m. cost a mere $2 each, while rides after 7 p.m. cost $3 each.

Purchase a combo ticket Salem is full of must-see attractions. Luckily, many of these attractions offer specials throughout the year, along with discounted combo passes on tours, performances and events. Do your research ahead of time to ensure you get the best deal.

Try roughing it Scoring an affordable hotel room can be tough during Salem's busy summer and fall seasons. Luckily, this is also when temperatures are at their most comfortable, which makes camping an excellent option for travelers on a budget. Pack a tent or load your family into an RV for a stay in Winter Island Park . Located only 2 miles from downtown Salem, campsites here range from $35 to $50 per night.

Located a mere 15 miles northeast of Boston , Salem is one of New England's most alluring seaside cities. 

Explore More of Salem, MA

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40 Things to Do in Salem Massachusetts, Bucket List Experiences

Top things to do in salem massachusetts.

If you are planning a trip to Salem Massachusetts and looking for the best things to do, see and eat while visiting, you are in the right place. Salem was the center of the 17th Century witchcraft hysteria. Ride the Salem trolley for a city overview, follow the Salem Heritage Trail, explore the street art, tour the Witch House, have your palm read, attend a séance or learn to cast spells. Browse the list of must-see attractions, off-the-beaten-path experiences, outdoor activities, and museums to create your personal Salem bucket list. Then, plan the itinerary for your Salem day trip with these top things to do, see, and eat. Salem is a great day trip from Boston, or there is enough to do and see for a weekend getaway. Enjoy your time out of the office!

Read Two Week New England Road Trip Itinerary: Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut

Things to Do in and Around Salem Massachusetts

Watch the Salem Witch Hunt Film at The National Park Service Visitor Center

Follow the Salem Heritage Trail through the town

Ride the Salem Trolley

Check out the murals of the Punto Urban Art Museum

Take a photo with the Bewitched statue of Elizabeth Montgomery

Dress up for a Witch Pix

Learn about the 1692 witch trials at the Salem Witch Museum

Find the secret staircase at the House of Seven Gables

Browse the Peabody Essex Museum

Pay respect at the Witch Trial Memorial

Wander Pickering Wharf

Go for a walk on the Salem Harbor Walk

Photograph the Friendship of Salem Ship

Wander the historic homes along Chestnut Street

Photograph Hamilton Hall

Tour the Phillips House

Relax in the garden of the Ropes Mansion

Shop for souvenirs at the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall

Browse the stalls on Artist’s Row

Spend a few hours at the Salem Witch Village

Go for a hike on the Great Misery Islands

Tour the Witch House

Watch a spell castling at the Witching Hour

Check out the reenactments at the Witch Dungeon Museum

Browse Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery

Watch a reenactment from the Revolutionary War at Fort Sewall

Check out the filming locations of Hollywood’s Hocus Pocus

Visit Pioneer Village, a living history museum

Tour the haunted Hawthorne Hotel, beware of the 6 th floor and room 325

Attend a séance or have your palm read

Watch the Salem Witch Trial reenactment at Gallows Hill Museum Theater

Attend the Cry Innocent performance

Buy a souvenir from Crow Haven Corner, the first witch shop in America

Explore the potions at HEX Old World Witchery

Have a picnic at Salem Common

Check out the Salem Wax Museum and Frankenstein’s Castle Haunted House at Salem Witch Village

Check out Fort Pickering and the Winter Island Light

Watch a spell-casting demonstration at Within the Witching Hour

Go for a walk at Salem Willows Park

Browse the New England Pirate Museum

Be sure to check the Salem Massachusetts Tourism Board website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.

Bookmark and Pin Things to Do in Salem Massachusetts

Plan Your Trip to Salem Massachusetts

Salem massachusetts travel guide.

Pick up a Massachusetts Travel Guide from Amazon.com to browse on the plane.

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Salem Massachusetts Attractions and Day Tours

The best attractions sell out! Don’t chance it, get your tickets now and relax when you arrive.

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Thanks for letting us know places or things that worth to do during visit in Salem Massachusetts. What I know is that Salem is most famous for its Witch Trials of 1692.

It is! And there is a lot to experience and learn about that time period in the city

I have not visited this part of the country but surely to keep in mind when travelling the next time. There seems to be some very interesting things to see and do here and the ones that take my attention are to Watch the Salem Witch Hunt Film at The National Park Service Visitor Center followed by Ride the Salem Trolley. The heritage trail again an interesting thing to do with my family. Overall looks interesting and one you can enjoy with the entire family . thanks for sharing

There was s sooo much history in Salem. You may enjoy the museum in the Town Hall too

Wow Tour the Witch House in Salem Massachusetts sounds really exciting. You have provided a long list of things to do there. It is really great as people can choose the activities based on their interest. Loved reading and knowing about it

Thank you! I gather a lot of information before I travel and then pick and choose how to spend my time. Love to share my listicle with others.

Salem looks like an interesting place to visit. I am fascinated about the Salem Witch Museum. It would be interesting to attend a seanće. The entire Salem Heritage trail seems so interesting to me. Hope to visit this place some day.

I hope you do too!

Salem is famous for a person like me who does not live in the US. But when I actually visited I saw that there are many towns called Salem! Your post is of the famous one of course and it looks to be intriguing. The architecture is very interesting and who wouldn’t want to visit a witchcraft museum and dress up for a witch pix ?

For years I’ve wanted to visit Salem for the robust history and all the legends and mysteries. However, I had no idea all the fun I was missing out on with the palm readings, seances, witch hunt reenactments and learning to cast spells! It’s as I feared…. I’ve been missing out all these years!

You need to fix that and book a flight!

That’s an amazing list of things to do in Massachusetts. My favorite is oddly the tour of witch house. Maybe it’s because of the photograph and the connection to witch village. I’m sure it will be an emotional tour considering the history of witch hunt.

I think the presentation at the Town Hall museum was the most emotional

Salem is such a beautiful town I love New England houses. The witch trials are extremely sad and it’s important to remember this piece of despicable history. I’m glad today we’re starting to celebrate differences. I visited Salem when I was younger on a school trip but it would be great to visit again as an adult as there is so much to do there!

The Cry Innocent program was really good, the interaction was great and I learned a lot

Oh! This is a unique experience. I have never been to Massachusetts and would love to follow the Salem Heritage Trail. It would be fun to attend a séance. Thank you for sharing. Will definitely consider during our future trips.

I actually was too chicken to attend a seance…

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The Perfect Salem, MA Day Trip Itinerary

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you buy or book through one of these links, I may earn a small commission .

Did you grow up watching Hocus Pocus as a fall tradition? Or maybe you begrudgingly read the Scarlett Letter in school, and walked away mystified by 17th century Salem’s harsh Puritan society. If either of these are true, then a day trip to Salem, MA is a must for your next New England itinerary.

A day trip to Salem, MA can easily be combined with a Boston trip, as it’s only about 17 miles north from the city center. You should aim to be in Salem between the core hours of 9am to 5pm, since that is when most tourist sights are open. Plan to be in Salem even later if you wish to eat dinner or do an evening walking tour.

While I typically don’t jam-pack my itineraries, this Salem, MA day trip is an exception. There are just so many awesome sights in the “Witch City”, including a maritime history that once made Salem one of America’s wealthiest cities. I’ll note below what places to skip if you prefer a slower pace.

With that, put on some comfortable shoes, grab a coffee, and let’s explore!

The Perfect Day Trip to Salem, MA

Ultimate Salem Day Trip Itinerary

8:30am – hocus pocus house.

Kick off your Salem, MA day trip with an iconic Hocus Pocus filming site: Max and Dani’s home from the movie. The house, located at 4 Ocean Ave., is a private residence in a quiet neighborhood, and doesn’t feature a museum or even parking. That said, this photo spot will quickly get you into the spirit of the Witch City.

While the owners don’t mind visitors taking photos, I still recommend being brief and discreet. For parking, street spots in this harborside neighborhood are mostly reserved for residents. I left my car in the lot next to Forest River Park, which was just a short, pleasant walk away.

Note: If you are not a Hocus Pocus fan or haven’t seen the movie, this sight probably won’t mean anything to you, so feel free to skip!

Also Read: Best Things to do in Salem, MA in October

9:00am – House of Seven Gables

If you enjoy Nathaniel Hawthorne’s works or historical homes, a visit to Salem’s House of Seven Gables is a must. This 17th century post-medieval style mansion once belonged to a wealthy sea captain, John Turner I.

Between 1845-1849, Hawthorne visited the house while working in Salem, becoming inspired by its appearance to write a namesake novel. Today, a $20 ticket includes a guided house tour and access to the grounds. Book your time slot in advance here . You can park your car on site for the tour, but will need to move it when you’re done (locations suggested below).

During the tour, your guide leads you through rooms with low ceilings and fine furnishings. You even get to climb a secret stairwell! Fun fact: During the 18th century, four of the gables were removed as the house was modernized; they were restored in the early 1900’s.

Before leaving, head next door to explore Nathaniel Hawthorne’s birthplace, which was moved onto the property in 1958 from its original Union Street location.

10:00am – Derby Wharf Light Station

Continue your harborside explorations with visit to Salem’s historic Derby Wharf Light Station, which dates back to 1871. Reaching the lighthouse first requires a pleasant walk across a gravel path that juts out into the harbor.

Derby Wharf Light Station’s squat, square structure is only 20 feet tall and visitors cannot go inside. Therefore, this lighthouse is unlikely to intimidate visitors who are afraid of heights like me. It’s simply a place where you can appreciate the lovely harbor and enjoy a moment of calm in the gentle sea breeze.

10:30am – Explore the Salem Maritime National Historic Site

Continuing along the waterfront, you’ll enter the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, which became the first US site to receive this designation on March 17,1938. This nine-acre area encompasses historic wharves and structures that preserve Salem’s history as a major colonial port town.

Salem was once among the richest city’s in America due to its bustling seaport. Sea captains displayed their wealth by building mansions like Derby House . At one time, the wharves were lined with warehouses that stored goods from all over the world.

Unless you visit on a weekend, most of the structures are not open to enter . Instead, there are placards along the waterfront that explain the significance of each site. It makes for a pleasant stroll through history with the serene waterfront location.

Don’t forget to pop into the Waite & Pierce Park Store, which is filled with cute nautical-themed gifts and decor!

11:30am – Lunch/Coffee Break

After your morning explorations, it’s time for a food break. Here are a couple cute cafes in Salem to check out for coffee and lunch:

• Gulu-Gulu Cafe : Centrally located in the heart of Salem. I enjoyed their oat milk cappuccino and avocado toast.
• Jaho Coffee Roaster & Wine Bar : Charming little spot near the waterfront with an enticing case of baked goods. The smoked salmon bagel was the perfect mid-day fuel I needed.

If you are in the mood for seafood, there is a collection of spots near the harbor, some of which have water views. To watch the boats while enjoying a hot bowl of “chowda”, check out Sea Level Oyster Bar .

12:20pm – Stroll Across Salem Common

After lunch, head towards the center of Salem by crossing Salem Common. This green space has been in use since the 17th century, and was originally where the local militia would perform drills.

In 1637, for the first time, a militia gathered to perform drills for the common defense of multiple communities. This act led to Salem later being acknowledged as the “Birthplace of the National Guard” .

12:30pm: Walking Tour or Museum

Option 1: Walking Tour

You’ve explored Salem’s maritime history, and now it’s time to learn about the city’s most famous occurrence: the Salem Witch Trials. Doing a Salem walking tour is the best way to learn about the paranoia and hysteria that swept Salem’s Puritan society in the late 17th century. Plus, the tours give more meaning and background to Salem’s historic buildings and streets.

Personally, I prefer doing this tour after dark, when temperatures are more comfortable for walking and the atmosphere feels spookier. The guides also tend to throw in a couple ghost stories, and the darkness helps to bring them to life.

If you’d rather save your Salem Walking Tour for the evening, you could allow more time for lunch or consider the below alternative.

Option 2: Peabody Essex Museum

Founded in 1799 as the East India Marine Society, the Peabody Essex Museum is considered to be America’s longest continuously running museum. The museum’s collections feature art and artifacts from all over the world.

However, my favorite exhibit is “Salem Stories”, which features original artwork, documents, furnishings, etc. collected over time that tell the story of Salem’s evolution. The are even some items relating to the witch trials!

3:00pm – Visit the Witch House

You will probably pass the Witch House during your walking tour, which looks out of Godric’s Hollow with its high pitch and angular roof. The home, grand in its day, dates back to 1675 and belonged to Jonathan Corwin, the wealthy judge who presided over the witch trials.

It’s worth purchasing the $9 ticket to tour the inside of the residence, where you will see period wood furnishings and learn more about Puritan beliefs and daily life. Unsubstantiated rumors even suggest that some interrogations during the witch trials took place within those very walls.

There creepiest thing I saw in the house was a small exhibit on corpse medicine , when people took parts from the deceased to treat various ailments. Though disturbing, it illuminates a way of thinking in early New England that could very well have had a part in allowing the witch trials to escalate as far as they did.

3:45pm – Stroll Historic Streets

Keep strolling down Essex Street past the Witch House and beyond Ropes Mansion. You are entering the McIntire Historic District, which features stunning colonial homes. Many of them were designed by or based on the style of acclaimed 18th century architect, Samuel McIntire.

This walk is pretty during summer, but is especially magical during autumn. During my early November walk, the colorful trees and crunchy leaves underfoot transformed my surroundings into a fall wonderland.

Continue strolling down Essex Street and turn left onto Flint Street. Follow this short stretch and turn left onto Chestnut Street to continue past the stately mansions on this wide thoroughfare.

When you reach Cambridge Street, look across Chestnut Street to your right to see Hamilton Hall, a gathering space designed by McIntire in 1805. Turn left onto Cambridge Street to return to Ropes Mansion, standing nobly straight ahead. The mansion is open seasonally for weekend tours, and you are always free to wander its gardens.

4:30pm & Beyond – Dinner/Evening Walking Tour

If you didn’t already do a daytime Salem walking tour , plan to do one in the evening around 7 or 8pm. For full disclosure, I will be honest and admit there is a downside to nighttime tours; it’s harder to appreciate your surroundings in the dark.  You can’t beat the mood though!

For laid back dining beforehand, visit the Lobster Shanty for some for some of the best clam chowder I’ve had in Massachusetts. For more sophisticated fare, make a reservation at Ledger Restaurant on Washington Street.

Getting to Salem

It’s easy to access Salem from the highway, via MA-1A N, MA-107 N, or I-95N. My husband and I were based out of Woburn, MA, since we were primarily in town for his work trip. Therefore, I hopped on I-95 N for a 34-minute drive from our hotel, though times could be longer or shorter depending on traffic.

Most parking in Salem is paid. Credit cards are usually accepted, but some machines require change.  There is a huge garage right by the Peabody-Essex Museum in the main tourist center.  Otherwise, I like the small surface lot on the corner of Bridge Street and St. Peter Street.

From Boston’s North Station, it is also possible to access Salem via train on the purple Newburyport/Rockport Line . Leaving every 30 minutes during peak times, the train ride often ends up being faster than driving from Boston, taking only 31 minutes. Upon arrival, Salem Station is just a ten-minute walk from the main tourist sights.

When to Visit Salem

I’m going to put it right out there and say the best time to visit Salem is fall.  I know, the Witch City in the fall… groundbreaking. This is simply fact if you want optimal Hocus Pocus vibes and to experience Salem when it’s decked out in colorful fall foliage.

October can be a madhouse, so I recommend a November visit for the tail end of foliage season with thinner crowds. If you must visit in October, then be sure to buy entry tickets and book tours online well in advance.

Summer is a great time to explore Salem’s historic harbor and dine at waterfront eateries.  This is also when you’ll see flowers blooming all over town.

Winter and spring are typically slow times for tourism.  While you’ll have many sights to yourself, some places have limited hours or might be totally closed. A weekend visit brings the best chance for your most desired sights to be open.

Whichever season you choose, always double check opening and closing hours before heading out.

There you have it – the ultimate day trip to Salem, MA. This itinerary is wonderful during any mild-weathered month. However, if you want to see Salem at its most magical, then visit in fall when the city’s history and spirit feel most alive.

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Everything you need to know when planning a trip to Salem, Massachusetts

Categories Massachusetts

Last Updated on January 29, 2024

A small town located 40 miles north of Boston, Salem was the site of one of the most infamous chapters in early-American history. The Salem witch trials of 1692-1693 saw what mass hysteria can do when harnessed by the greedy and powerful. When all was said and done, more than 200 people were accused of witchcraft, 30 were found guilty, and more than 20 died either by hanging or from languishing in jail. These days, Salem is a quaint little town (population 44,000) with less spectacular things going on, and yet, nearly a million people visit Salem every year. And almost all of them travel to Salem in October, which means it gets crazy busy there around Halloween!

Salem embraces its dark and sinister heritage, rather than try and run from the past. Given the amount of money local businesses make from tourism every year, it’s no surprise! However touristy Salem may feel – it is definitely worth visiting if you’re interested in learning more about the 1692 witch trials that put the spotlight on Salem.

Whether you’re visiting during the spooky time of year or choosing to go when it’s less crowded, the following things are worth knowing when planning a trip to Salem:

Table of Contents

Things to know when planning a trip to Salem

When to visit salem.

If you’re thinking about taking a trip to Salem, the first thing you need to do is decide whether or not you want to be there for Halloween . It’s kind of like being in Times Square for New Year’s Eve. If that’s the goal, you need to plan months in advance .

You should also be ready for the crowds. That’s because Halloween happens to in the same month that sees a lot of visitors travel to New England to see the fall foliage , and Salem makes for the perfect side trip from Boston or even from the Mohawk Trail.

Warning: If you do plan a trip to Salem in October (especially on a weekend!), get ready for long lines, bring patience, be aware that finding parking may be a struggle, and remind yourself that you chose to visit during this time of year. Note that Salem is considerably less busy on weekdays.

Tip: If you’re eager to learn about the witchcraft trials, but you’re not a fan of crowds, I’d recommend visiting not in October. If you do enjoy a spooky atmosphere, visit just after Halloween, when most of the decorations are still up, but the crowds are gone. The moody November weather contributes to the atmosphere.

My other tip would be to visit Salem in September instead of October, because most of the Halloween stuff starts going up early in Salem.

Transportation to and within Salem

If you’re able to book a room within the Salem area, walking will be the best way to get around town. The town also has a trolley , though it’s more of a tour-based experience than a functional mode of transportation.

Boston to Salem

Those staying in Boston can travel to Salem in several ways. They can get there by car, take MBTA buses, or ride MBTA commuter trains. All provide fast and reliable ways to travel between Boston and Salem. There are also organized day trips via ferry – which is the most scenic route (see below for more details).

If you visit Salem outside of October, you shouldn’t have problems finding parking. On October weekends , visitors are encouraged to park in satellite parking lots on the outskirt of town and take a free shuttle service to Downtown Salem. You can find more information about the free parking lots and shuttle here .

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, also known as MBTA or by the locals simply referred to as the T, has commuter trains running between Boston and Salem every hour. The journey takes 30-35 minutes and a ticket is $8. Trains depart from Boston’s North Station, and the line you’re looking to take is the Newbury/Rockport Line .

If you want to take the scenic route, take the ferry! The ferry from Boston to Salem takes about 50 minutes, and there’s a cash bar on board to make the ride even sweeter. The ferries leave from Long Wharf in Boston and arrive in Salem at the Salem Wharf at 10 Blaney Street. The first ferry departs Boston at 9:30am – y ou can check ferry times and book your tickets here .

Click here for ferry tickets to Salem!

If you are on a very tight budget, you can also take a bus from Boston to Salem. The tickets are just over $4, and the ride takes about 75 minutes. Route 450 leaves from Congress Street at Haymarket Station and runs every 35 – 45 mins. Even though this is the cheapest way to get from Boston to Salem, I’d recommend taking the train, which is also inexpensive but only takes half an hour.

Organized tours from Boston to Salem

If you don’t want to deal with getting to Salem on your own, you can book an organized day trip from Boston to Salem. Organized tours cost $119 and take you to Salem on the ferry! These guided trips include admission to the Witch Museum and a tour guide who will tell you everything you need to know about the 1692 Witch Trials.

The tour also includes a visit to the Salem Witch Trial Memorial, the Burying Point, and there’s time to roam the streets of Salem to admire the quirky storefronts and historic homes, and visit other sights such as the Bewitched Statue and Ropes Mansion (the setting of Hocus Pocus). 

Book a guided day trip from Boston to Salem here .

Attractions in Salem

It’s no surprise most attractions in Salem center around the witch hysteria of the 17th century. The Salem Witch Museum ($17.50) and Salem Witch Trial Memorial (24 Liberty Street, Salem, free to visit) are certainly worth a visit. There’s also the Burial Point Cemetery , which is, apparently a place known for paranormal activity, but also a burial ground with 700 headstones and 17 box tombs dating back to the 17 th , 18 th and 19 th centuries. The Witch Dungeon Museum (open 1 April -30  November 30th) has live re-enactments of the Salem Witch Trials. Check the schedule here .

However, there’s more than spooky stuff to see and do in Salem. Pioneer Village (aka Salem 1630) is the first living history museum in the U.S. and shows you what life in Salem in the 17th century looked like. Admission is only $5 and a visit is well worth your time. The excellent Peabody Essex Museum (oldest continuously operating museum in the U.S.!) features a vast collection of artwork and architecture (including a 200-year-old house from China). Fans of American literature may also want to stop by the House of the Seven Gables , a 1668 colonial mansion made famous by the Nathaniel Hawthorn novel of the same name. Guided tours are $25.

The best-rated tours in Salem

There are plenty of guided tours in Salem that focus on the witchcraft trials and the fascinating history of this little town. There are also a number of ghost tours and a tour that focuses on Hocus Pocus and other movies filmed in Salem. Check out the top-rated tours in Salem:

• 1692 Witchcraft Trials Walk (from $25; duration 90 mins)
• Secrets of Salem Hidden History Walking Tour (from $32; duration 2 hours)
• Hocus Pocus Movies and More Tour ($25; duration 90 mins)
• Salem: Haunt and History Guided Night Tour (from $26; duration 90 mins)
• Voodoo, Vampires, and Ghosts Guided Tour (from $25; duration 90 mins)
• Ghosts of Salem Walking Tour (from $25; duration 90 mins)
• Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl (from $35; duration 2 hours)

Haunted Houses in Salem (Seasonal)

There are a number of haunted houses in Salem – and some of them are NOT limited to spooky season! If you are planning to visit Salem in October, make sure that you book your tickets in advance.

• Witch Mansion – Open May through October, and every day/night in October. Admission: $13 adults/ $10 children.
• Chambers Of Horror – Open Mid-September through the end of October, noon to 10pm. $15 adults / $10 children.
• Frankenstein’s Castle – Open daily 12-4 pm in July and August and daily 10 am-10 pm in October. Price: $12 adults / $10 youth & seniors.
• Haunted Witch Village – Open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am – 10pm in October. The haunted witch village is part of the Salem Wax Museum, which also includes the above mentioned Frankenstein’s Castle. Check out combo tickets for both here .

Hocus Pocus Sites in Salem

If you’re a fan of the movie Hocus Pocus, add these places to your itinerary, or take a guided Hocus Pocus Tour :

• Max and Dani’s House is at 4 Ocean Avenue.
• Allison’s House is the Ropes Mansion (318 Essex Street):  This Georgian Colonial mansion is operated by the Peabody Essex Museum and open to the public. You can buy tickets here .
• The Old Town Hall ( 32 Derby Square ) is where the Halloween party took place in the movie
• Pioneer Village , also known as Salem 1630, is where the beginning of movie with Binx and Emily was filmed
• Salem Common is where Max flirts with Allison
• Phillips Elementary School , on South Washington Square, just off Salem Common, is the Hocus Pocus High School
• Old Burial Hill Cemetery in nearby Marblehead is the cemetery in the movie. Marblehead is about a 20-min drive from Salem.

Where to eat in Salem

Whether you need quick service or fine dining, Salem has several high-rated options to choose from. New England Soup Factory and Clam Shack are top recommendations for quick service, while those looking for traditional dining should check out Turner’s Seafood and The Tavern (inside the Hawthorne Hotel). Ye Olde Pepper Companie is a must-visit place for candy and chocolate lovers. Again, busy times of year call for booking a table days or even weeks in advance, so keep that in mind before having your heart set on that award-winning lobster bisque!

Here are some of the best places for breakfast, beer, and lunch:

• Notch Brewing – craft brewery with a nice riverside garden
• Ugly Mug Diner – classic diner food, but they especially known for their breakfast menu
• Gulu Gulu Cafe – a lovely coffeehouse right by the Bewitched sculpture
• Fountain Place – excellent place for breakfast & lunch
• Finz Seafood & Grill – seafood restaurant right on the waterfront
• Longboards – American food at Pickering Wharf 
• Ledger – best option for an upscale meal (reservations essential)
• Rockafellas Of Salem – casual restaurant in a 19th century historic building
• Howling Wolf Taqueria – Salem’s best Mexican restaurant

Hotel Reservations for Salem

As a center point for tourism, Salem and the surrounding area have several excellent hotels. The hotels in Salem range from humble bed-and-breakfasts to standard chains. If you hope to book a room in one of the more historic options, early planning will be required no matter what time of year you visit.

Fortunately, the more standard options like Hampton Inn tend to have plenty of availability during the spring and summer. If you’re planning to visit Salem around Halloween, make sure to book your accommodation as early as possible. As always, check the location of the hotel before booking to ensure it’s situated close to the attractions you plan to visit.

Shopping in Salem

As a town synonymous with spooky legends and horror stories, it’s no surprise most shops in Salem make a point to keep plenty of witchcraft-related knick-knacks novelties in stock. While most of it is kitsch, some of the things you find may catch your eye, such as Salem-themed t-shirts and other gifts for people back home.

The pedestrian mall along Essex includes a variety of shops specializing in everything from housewares to clothing, providing an alternative to the more touristy shops wedged in between. 

Here are some shops that stand out:

• Hex: Old World Witchery – Spell kits, books about witchcraft & sorcery, potions, divination tools, jewelry and much more
• HausWitch Home + Healing – Urban boutique with vintage & secondhand furnishings, Salem souvenirs, witchy and handmade products from New England
• Emporium 32 – Vintage lifestyle boutique selling handmade jewelry, enamel pins, home decor, beard/moustache care, and more
• Die With Your Boots On – Weird fashion for weird people is their slogan, but they have lots of goth-inspired clothing & cool outfits for Halloween
• Modern Millie – Vintage Clothing
• Wicked Good Books – Salem’s prime indie bookstore

Photo Credit: Images used via Flickr’s Creative Commons Licensing. (1) Halloween in Salem by Massachusetts Office Of Tourism ; (2) Salem by Amy Meredith ; (3) Salem by Yawnn

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Friday 16th of September 2022

can you recommend a travel guide for salem?

Friday 14th of October 2022

Here's a great overview that has all the things to do and see in Salem; and here's a 1-day Salem itinerary. If you're looking for a guided tour in Salem, check out all the available Salem tours on GetyourGuide.

10 Day Trips From Boston That Are Worth Packing Up And Leaving The City

B oston gains most of its popularity from its ranking as the largest city in Massachusetts. The city boasts a population of over 650,000 residents, and there are many outdoor activities for everyone. Boston is famous for Fenway Park and the iconic Boston Tea Party Ships & Museums , among other tourist attractions to visit in the area.

But sometimes, residents must step out and explore the beauty of nearby attractions. With neighboring destinations like New York City, Rhode Island, and everything in-between, here are some of the best places to visit on a day trip from Boston.

Related: Road Trip USA: 10 Most Famous Routes To Travel In America

Niagara Falls, New York

Niagara Falls is a long drive from Boston, so tourists who want to go on a day trip to this fantastic destination will have to pack their bags before the break of dawn. Considering the distance, tourists might want to turn it into a long weekend trip instead and consider spending a night at Cherry Hill Campground . Plus, there are plenty more accommodation choices at the best state parks near Niagara Falls for camping .

The beauty of this city lies in its powerful waterfalls, making it the envy of nearby cities. These waterfalls are most famous for the large volumes of water flowing over them. Adventure seekers can climb to the top of the Niagara Falls Observation Tower , which serves up majestic views of the waterfalls.

• Distance from Boston: 476 Miles
• Where to Visit: Niagara Falls State Park
• Niagara Falls State Park Entry Fee: Free

Falmouth, Massachusetts

Tourists who want to take a day trip from Boston will enjoy exploring Falmouth , which is only a little over an hour away from Boston. This charming coastal town is situated in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, and is known for its beautiful beaches, among other picturesque things to see.

Visitors can hike the scenic Shining Sea Bikeway , a paved rail trail for bikers and joggers alike. And tourists who want a little more greenery – or a lot of it – can explore the paradisiacal Highfield Hall & Gardens and roam these enchanting gardens alone or with family.

• Distance From Boston: 77 miles
• Highfield Hall & Gardens Fee : $10

Providence, Rhode Island

Providence is the capital city of Rhode Island, which makes it one of the most popular places to visit near Boston. But there are more things to love about Providence, as this enchanting city is dotted with an array of tourist attractions.

Tourists can go on a camel ride at the 40-acre Roger Williams Park Zoo or go on a free guided tour around the iconic Rhode Island State Capitol and explore its neoclassical charm. Boston residents are in luck, as this day trip is only an hour away.

• Distance from Boston: 51 miles
• Roger Williams Park Zoo Fee: $20.95/adult
• Rhode Island State Capitol Entry Fee: Free

White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire

White Mountain National Forest is 137 miles from Boston via US-3 N and I-93 N, so tourists who want to go on a road trip to this spectacular destination should brace up for a two-hour drive. However, there are many amazing sights along the way, including Mount Washington, the highest peak in the northeastern United States.

Tourists can either take a scenic drive along Mount Washington Auto Road or hike to the summit of the mountain, which stands at an elevation of 6,288 feet above sea level and serves up panoramic views of the surrounding White Mountains.

• Distance from Boston: 137 miles
• Mount Washington Height: 6,288 feet
• Things to See: Mount Washington, Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves, Pemigewasset Wilderness, Arethusa Falls, Mount Chocorua, Sabbaday Falls
• Day Pass: $5

Although this is one of the top day trips from Boston, travelers will need at least four to five days to experience the best of the White Mountains .

Related: Why The White Mountains Are The Best Places To Hike Along The Appalachians

Nantucket, Massachusetts

Boston residents who want a scenic break from the mundane can take a day trip from Boston to the Massachusetts Island of Nantucket . This gorgeous island is not as famous as other top attractions near Boston, so tourists can have all the privacy they need while exploring its hidden gems.

Nantucket is a popular spot for whaling, and the famous Whaling Museum makes it a top choice for the history buff. Nantucket is an adventure haven, and the three-hour ferry ride from Boston is exciting enough to get the adrenaline rushing.

• Distance from Boston: 100 miles
• Whaling Museum Entry Fee: $20/adult

Salem, Massachusetts

Salem is known for its infamous 1692 witch trials , which have been featured in several movies. But the fame of Salem goes beyond its tragic history, as this city is most famous for its tranquility and has been dubbed the City of Peace.

An exquisite collection of hidden gems near Boston are tucked away in Salem, which is only 35 minutes away. Tourists can take a boat ride to Misery Islands and enjoy spectacular views of Salem’s beautiful scenery. But only daring tourists can tour Salem’s Witch House and the Burying Point Cemetery in the dark of the night and delve into the spine-chilling history of Salem and its attractions .

• Distance From Boston: 24 miles
• Spookiest Attractions: Witch House, Chambers of Terror, Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery.
• Address: 345 Mountain Rd, Princeton, MA 01541

Related: 8 Things To Do In Salem: Complete Guide To The Spellbinding Witch City

Wachusett Mountain State Reservation, Massachusetts

Tourists who want to go on outdoor adventures near Boston will enjoy a day trip to Wachusett Mountain State Reservation . It’s popular to see why this mountain is a year-round day trip near Boston. This tourist destination boasts several trails which lead to the summit of 2,006-foot Mount Wachusett and present the best views of the towns of Westminster and Princeton.

And it gets even more exciting during winter, as these trails become a popular destination for snowboarding and skiing enthusiasts, so there’s no shortage of things to do in the area.

• Distance From Boston: 64 miles
• Mount Wachusett Height: 2,006 feet

Related: 10 Routes That Make For The Perfect New England Road Trip

Hampton Beach, New Hampshire

Hampton Beach is among the best places near Boston to visit on a day trip. It's a hive of tourist attractions, making it one of the most popular day trips near Boston. This beautiful beach resort is situated along the Atlantic Ocean, so tourists can enjoy the beautiful sight of crashing waves from iconic vantage points such as the boardwalk.

Hampton Beach hosts numerous yearly events and festivals, so tourists who want to experience Hampton Beach like a local should check out the full event calendar and visit during festive periods.

• Distance from Boston: 52 miles
• Annual Beach Festivals: Sand Sculpture Event, Miss Hampton Beach Pageant, Talent Competition, Cirque du Hampton Beach, Seafood Festival, Annual Fire Show

New York City, New York

New York City is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the United States, making it an excellent spot for a day trip from Boston. Almost four hours long, this isn't exactly a short day trip, so tourists who want to fully explore this adventurous city may have to spend a night — or two — at Mandarin Oriental or Equinox Hotel , among other five-star hotels with stunning views of the NYC skyline .

During the day, tourists can explore nature up close at Central Park or take an elevator ride to either of the two observatories in the iconic Empire State Building , famed as one of the best places to visit in NYC.

• Distance from Boston: 225.6 miles
• Where to Visit: Central Park, Empire State Building, Top Square
• Central Park Entry Fee: Free
• Empire State Building Ticket: $47

Related: Boston To New York City: 10 Things To Know About This Amtrak Route

Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

Everyone falls in love with Martha’s Vineyard at first sight. Located south of Massachusetts' Cape Cod, this beautiful island boasts an impressive collection of coastal cliffs, sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters. Tourists can spend a day at Oak Bluffs and Inkwell Beach, among other must-visit beaches that provide ample opportunities to enjoy exciting water sports.

Tourists can also explore scenic trails at scenic locations such as Menemsha Hills , Long Point Wildlife Refuge , and Cedar Tree Neck Sanctuary . Not only are these trails perfect for biking, but they are also a treasure trove for wildlife spotting, making this entire place one of the top day trips from Boston to take if one loves the great outdoors and nature.

• Distance From Boston: 90 miles

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Interested in taking a walking tour of Salem? The city offers several kinds of Salem walking tours for any kind of tourist. Choose the Salem witch tours which give visitors a front-row seat into Salem’s role in the Salem Witch Trials. If you’re interested in ghouls and goblins, check out the city’s ghost tours where guides will share stories all about the mysterious creatures, mythology, and folklore that have been lurking around for centuries.

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Home » Things to Do » Tours

Salem Trolley

8 Central Street Salem, MA

Witch City Walking Tours

32 Derby Square Salem, MA

Vampire Ghost Adventures

20 Hawthorne Boulevard Salem, MA

1692 Before and After, LLC

272 Essex Street Salem, MA

Bewitched Historical Tours

131 Essex Street Salem, MA

Salem Witch Walk

125 Essex Street Salem, MA

St. Peter’s Church Historic Presentations & Tours

24 Saint Peter Street Salem, MA

Spellbound Tours

213 Essex Street Salem, MA

Salem Vintage Postcard Tours

Salem Historical Tours & Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour

Salem Uncovered Walking Tours

1 Houdini Way Salem, MA

Salem Night Tour

127 Essex Street Salem, MA

Forest Lore Tour

75 Willson Street Salem, MA

Salem Walking Tours (Formerly Salem Morning & Afternoon Stroll)

190 Essex Street Salem, MA

Salem Witch Hunt: Myths & Misconceptions

2 New Liberty Street Salem, MA

Black Cat Tours

234 Essex Street Salem, MA

Salem Food Tours

159 Derby Street Salem, MA

Candlelit Ghostly Walking Tour

288 Derby Street Salem, MA

Salem Kids Tours

316 Essex Street Salem, MA

Salem Wax Museum of Witches & Seafarers Tour

1 New Liberty Street Salem, MA

Tours for Touring Tourists

29 Congress Street Salem, MA

Wolfe Adventure Tours, LLC

163 High Street Newburyport, MA

Privacy Overview

The Satanic Temple

Review Highlights

“ I know most people come here for photos with the Baphomet statue , not really knowing what TST is about or what their message is. ” in 4 reviews

“ This museum is so cool, there's so much art to see and the statue and throne room are epic. ” in 4 reviews

“ Tom was a great guide, super knowledgeable about the history of the town and able to convey it with gusto. ” in 4 reviews

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

64 Bridge St

Salem, MA 01970

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About the Business

The Satanic Temple is a nontheistic religious group with over 350k registered members across the globe. Our core tenants are to Encourage Benevolence And Empathy, Reject Tyrannical Authority, Advocate Practical Common Sense, Oppose Injustice, And Undertake Noble Pursuits. The Salem Art Gallery exhibits local and international artists, hosts ritual celebrations, black masses, book-talks, lectures, and is home to the internationally-infamous 8 1/2-foot-tall bronze statue of Baphomet. …

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It's always a pleasure visiting, I wish they would let guests stay overnight. Can't wait to visit again, I'd also like the add the staff is always so welcoming

The Satanic Temple is a very nice place and I don't care about what city on a hill church in Fitchburg Wisconsin talks about The Satanic Temple and the pastor Dave Jacobson of city on a hill church in Fitchburg Wisconsin was preaching that The Satanic Temple is false and cutting down The Satanic Temple. Hail Satan

AMAZING EXPERIENCE!! This museum is so cool, there's so much art to see and the statue and throne room are epic. When my boyfriend and I were booking our Salem trip this was a must that we knew we needed to hit. If you're a fan of art, and even just a little bit interested in satanism as an art, this place is right up your alley and a perfect addition to a Salem trip.

See all photos from Emily B. for The Satanic Temple

Underwhelming, but tbh I'm not entirely sure what I was expecting? I freely grant you - that is on me for having expectations of something that were probably unwarranted. Tbf, the art gallery was pretty neat. I did appreciate seeing the artist renderings of various horror films and monsters. It always really impresses me how talented folks are. The highlight was the statue of Baphomet. Not sure how much that thing cost to have built, but it was worth it. Especially because it is sure to make a great many people squirm and gasp in collective horror. And for that, I support it.

A very small gallery which had an amazing style of paintings and artwork. Inside you can take a selfie with the Baphomet statue and some throne chairs. The Misfortune Teller in the gift shop might have been my favorite humorous aspect in all of Salem.

We started our trip to Salem with a visit to the Satanic Temple and Art Museum. Our host was super friendly. All the art was really cool. There was a large Baphomet statue which you could take pictures with. The throne room was another awesome photo opportunity. My girlfriend and I had an amazing time and would love to come back.

See all photos from Harry S. for The Satanic Temple

Interested place to visit. I didn't know what to expect. Was it worth the $13 to tour the place...no. the art was cool but not super impressive. The statue of Baphomet was truly incredible. It really takes your breath away. Lastly, the person giving us the tour rules did NOT have to talk that fast. It's completely unnecessary. All I heard was don't touch the curtains.

Also known as the "Salem Art Gallery." This is not a big stop. I only spent about half an hour here. But it was a lot of fun, and how many people can say they've been to the headquarters of the Satanic Temple?! Many people don't understand what the Temple stands for--equality, equity, autonomy of body and spirit, and more (I recommend the documentary Hail Satan!). A lot of provocative art pieces and photo ops, and staff onsite very nice. Baphomet statue as well. About 7/10ths of a mile from downtown and has onsite parking. Twelve dollars for admission, which gives you a discount in the gift shop.

See all photos from Hunter S. for The Satanic Temple

Underwhelming I expected more. There was not enough said about the art. It was really just a cool walk through with photo opts. The gift shop had a lot of fun and cool pieces. The outside garden was very nice

Such an incredible place to check out, even if you aren't a member of the satanic temple (if you are there is a discount) gorgeous place with some incredible artwork. Of course the most important thing here is the 8 foot baphomet statue that you can sit on and take photos with. I think this is an important stop over in the area regardless of your religion or spiritual prowess, as it is very educational to everyone. Absolutely check it out well worth the trip!

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