Salem Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary
Explore the historic coastal city famed for its 1692 Witch Trials, maritime heritage, and vibrant cultural scene just north of Boston. From the cobbles of Chestnut Street to the bustling wharves, Salem offers a bewitching blend of past and present.
Salem is a city where history hangs heavy in the salt air, a place where the 17th century feels just a heartbeat away from the modern bustle. While famous globally for the tragic Witch Trials of 1692, this coastal gem offers far more than just spooky legends. It was once one of the wealthiest ports in America, leaving behind a legacy of Federal-style architecture, grand mansions, and a maritime spirit that still defines the waterfront today.
Walking the brick-lined streets, you will find a vibrant community of artists, chefs, and historians who have transformed Salem into a cultural hub. Whether you are here to pay respects to the past, explore the literary world of Nathaniel Hawthorne, or simply enjoy fresh seafood by the harbor, Salem weaves a spell that is difficult to resist.
Seasonal Weather Guide
Plan your perfect getaway with our detailed seasonal forecast.
A City of Layers: Beyond the Witch Trials
While the witch trials are the main draw for many, Salem’s maritime history is equally compelling. In the late 1700s, Salem ships were the first American vessels to trade with Japan and Zanzibar, bringing back exotic spices and immense wealth. This era built the stunning architecture you see in the McIntyre District. You can still feel this global connection at the Peabody Essex Museum, which houses art and artifacts brought back by those very captains.
The city also boasts a quirky, modern edge. Known as the “Witch City,” it has embraced its reputation with a sense of fun, hosting one of the world’s largest Halloween celebrations. However, look closer and you’ll find the “Point Neighborhood,” an open-air museum of large-scale murals, and a dining scene that rivals Boston, blending New England tradition with contemporary culinary innovation.
Things to Do
Unforgettable experiences await you.
Peabody Essex Museum (PEM)
One of the oldest continuously operating museums in the US, featuring a stunning collection of Asian art, maritime history, and a transplanted 200-year-old Chinese house.
Schooner Fame of Salem
Sail on a replica of a War of 1812 privateer schooner around Salem Sound and learn about the city's rich maritime history from the water.
The Witch House (Corwin House)
The only structure still standing in Salem with direct ties to the Witch Trials of 1692, offering a dark look into 17th-century life.
Salem Food Tours
A guided walking tour that explores the spice trade history of the city while stopping at high-quality local eateries for tastings.
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The Icons You’ll Want to See
The House of the Seven Gables - Made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel, this 1668 mansion offers guided tours that include a climb up a secret staircase. It sits right on the harbor, offering beautiful garden views. Adult tickets are approximately $25 USD.
Salem Witch Museum - Located opposite the Salem Common, this museum uses stage sets and narration to tell the story of the 1692 trials. It is a great starting point for understanding the history. Tickets are roughly $17.50 USD.
Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) - A world-class museum with a massive collection of maritime and Asian art. Do not miss the Yin Yu Tang house, a complete 18th-century Chinese home reassembled inside the museum. Admission is generally $20 USD for adults.
Salem Maritime National Historic Site - This nine-acre park includes the wharves and buildings that drove Salem’s economy. Walking to the end of Derby Wharf to see the lighthouse is a highlight and completely free. It extends about 0.5 miles into the harbor.
The Witch House - The home of Judge Jonathan Corwin is the only structure open to the public with direct ties to the 1692 trials. It offers a stark look at 17th-century living conditions. Entrance is around $9 USD.
Essential Guide
Everything you need to know.
Must-Visit Spots
Local Cuisine
Where to Stay
Travel Tips
Insider Tips
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Salem is part of the adventure. If you are coming from Boston, the Salem Ferry is the most scenic option, taking just under an hour from Long Wharf and offering a bar on board. Alternatively, the MBTA Commuter Rail (Newburyport/Rockport line) runs frequently from North Station and takes about 30 minutes. Driving is possible, but parking can be scarce and expensive, especially in October.
Once you arrive, Salem is incredibly walkable. Most major attractions are within a one-mile radius of the downtown area. However, the streets are often paved with brick or cobblestone, so comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable. If you visit in October, pack layers; the days can be warm, but the coastal wind bites once the sun goes down.
When to Visit
Choose the perfect time for your adventure.
Peak Season: October (Haunted Happenings)
Pros
- Incredible festive atmosphere
- Extended museum hours
- Special events and parades
- Beautiful autumn foliage
Cons
- Extreme crowds
- Premium hotel prices
- Traffic gridlock
- Reservations required months in advance
Shoulder Season: Late Spring & Early Fall (May-June, Sept)
Pros
- Pleasant walking weather
- Manageable crowds
- Better hotel availability
- Gardens in full bloom
Cons
- Some unpredictable rain
- Not all Halloween attractions are open
- School groups in spring
- Water can be cold for boating
Off-Peak: Winter (Jan-Mar)
Pros
- Lowest accommodation rates
- No wait times for museums
- Authentic local vibe
- Cozy dining atmosphere
Cons
- Cold and potential snow
- Some attractions close for season
- Shorter daylight hours
- Ferry service is suspended
Salem is a destination that changes its mask with the seasons. While the October energy is unmatched, visiting in the shoulder seasons allows you to appreciate the city’s architecture and history without the crush of crowds. No matter when you choose to visit, the magic of this historic seaport is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Sample Itineraries
The Classic Witch City Weekend
A focused two-day trip hitting the major historical sites related to the 1692 trials and the literary history of Nathaniel Hawthorne.
Day 1: Trials and Tribulations
- Morning: Start your day at the Salem Witch Museum to get a theatrical overview of the 1692 events, with tickets costing roughly $17.50 per adult. After the presentation, walk two blocks to the Salem Witch Trials Memorial and the adjacent Old Burying Point Cemetery to pay respects to the victims.
- Afternoon: Head to the Witch House on Essex Street, the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, where entry is about $9 per person. Afterward, grab a casual lunch at Red’s Sandwich Shop, a local staple located just around the corner inside the historic London Coffee House building.
- Evening: Embark on the Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour starting at 8:00 PM for a spine-tingling walk through the city’s darkest history. Finish the night with a late dinner at Rockafellas, which offers a lively atmosphere in the center of town.
Day 2: Maritime Glory and Literary Legends
- Morning: Walk down to the waterfront to visit The House of the Seven Gables, where a guided tour costs approximately $25 and includes a climb up the secret staircase. Allow about 90 minutes to explore the mansion and the seaside gardens that inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne.
- Afternoon: Stroll along Derby Wharf at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site to see the Custom House and the Friendship of Salem replica ship. Stop for lunch at Sea Level Oyster Bar to enjoy fresh local seafood and views of the harbor, costing around $40-$60 for two.
- Evening: Conclude your trip with a visit to the Peabody Essex Museum, specifically checking their evening event schedule or late hours on select days. Dinner at Ledger Restaurant provides a high-end culinary finish to the trip, housed in a stunning 19th-century bank building.
Hocus Pocus & Hidden Gems
A pop-culture focused itinerary visiting filming locations from the movie Hocus Pocus combined with local favorite hangouts.
Day 1: The Sandersons’ Trail
- Morning: Begin at Pioneer Village in Forest River Park, the opening setting for the 1600s scenes in Hocus Pocus, with a $5 entry fee. Afterward, drive or take a short rideshare to Ropes Mansion to see ‘Allison’s House’ and admire the beautiful free gardens in the back.
- Afternoon: Visit the Old Town Hall in Derby Square, the famous filming location for the ‘I Put a Spell on You’ party scene. Grab lunch nearby at Flying Saucer Pizza Company, known for their sci-fi decor and creative slices, costing about $25 for two.
- Evening: Take a sunset stroll to Phillips Elementary School on the Common, which served as the high school in the film. End the day with dinner at Turner’s Seafood at Lyceum Hall, a historic building that is allegedly built on the land of the first victim of the witch trials.
Day 2: Local Art and Seaside Fun
- Morning: Escape the downtown tourists and head to Salem Willows Park for a morning coffee and a walk along the pier. Play some vintage arcade games and grab a bag of the famous Hobbs popcorn for a nostalgic treat costing less than $10.
- Afternoon: Explore the Punto Urban Art Museum, an open-air museum featuring over 75 large-scale murals in the Point Neighborhood, completely free to the public. For lunch, try some authentic Dominican cuisine at one of the local spots in the neighborhood.
- Evening: Return to the downtown area to browse the quirky shops on Essex Street like Harrison’s Comics and Wicked Good Books. Wrap up your visit with craft cocktails and light bites at All Souls Lounge, a vintage-inspired bar that locals love for its relaxed vibe.
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