Planning a trip to Salem, Massachusetts soon? You’re in for a real treat!
Salem might be best known for the infamous 1692 witch trials, but there’s a lot more to this historic coastal city than its spooky reputation. Think beautiful old architecture, fascinating maritime history, quirky local shops, and plenty of great places to eat along the way.
Of course, if you’re visiting around Halloween, you can expect Salem to fully embrace its spooky side! But no matter when you visit, there’s plenty here to fill a few days.
To help you plan your trip, we’ve rounded up our favorite things to do in Salem, including the historic sites and local experiences we think are most worth your time.
Don’t miss out!
Our Top Choice
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our FAVORITE thing we did in Salem was this haunted history walking tour! Equally spooky and entertaining, we learned the fascinating history of Salem and got our bearings in the city – perfect for our first visit!
Salem At A Glance
Salem is a walkable city that’s easy to get around in. However, a little planning goes a long way here, especially if you’re visiting during the busy fall season.
Here are a few practical tips to know before you go:
Fall is the busiest tourist season: If you’re visiting in September and October (especially in October), know that this is the most crowded time of year. Prices will increase significantly during this time, so your hotel and any tours should be booked well in advance!
Getting around Salem: If you’re visiting in October, we recommend leaving the car behind because traffic can get seriously congested! Instead, take the train or ferry from Boston and plan to explore Salem on foot. Outside of the busy fall season, driving is much easier and can be a convenient way to get to and around the city.
Be respectful: As fun as walking through the witch-filled city is, please remember that this is still people’s home! Many of the historic sights are actual private residences, so be respectful when you are taking photos and visiting residential streets.
How I Would Spend 2 Days in Salem
🏛️ Day 1: Haunted History Walking Tour & Sunset Sail
Discover Salem’s spooky history on a walking tour and then explore the historic waterfront by yourself before setting sail aboard a traditional schooner!
🧹 Day 2: Broom Making Workshop, Visit Museums, & Haunted Pub Crawl
Choose between a witchy broom-making workshop or a scenic hike, then spend the afternoon checking out local museums and murals. Finally, end your time in Salem on a haunted pub crawl.
See our complete 2-day Salem itinerary for all the details!
Things to do in Salem, Massachusetts
1. See Hocus Pocus film locations
Tour Details
If you grew up watching Hocus Pocus every Halloween, this filming locations walking tour is easily one of the most fun things you can do in Salem. The 1993 Disney classic was filmed in several spots around the city, and this tour takes you straight to some of the most recognizable locations.
Over the course of two and a half hours, you’ll walk roughly 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) and visit five filming locations. Highlights include Max and Allison’s high school, Old Town Hall (where that unforgettable Halloween party took place!), and the beautiful Ropes Mansion, which you’ll probably recognize immediately as Allison’s house.
What we really like about this tour is that you get more than a checklist of movie locations. Your local guide will share behind-the-scenes stories and Hocus Pocus trivia along the way, while also showing you around Salem’s historic downtown. So even if someone in your group isn’t quite as obsessed with the movie, they’ll still get a great introduction to the city!
The tour finishes near Pioneer Village, which was used for the movie’s opening scenes set in 1693. Admission to the Pioneer Village isn’t included, but you can visit separately if it’s open during your trip.
2. Discover Salem’s history and hauntings
Tour Details
Salem has a deeply complex past, and trying to separate the historical facts from the spooky folklore can be difficult to do on your own. That’s why we love this history and hauntings walking tour – it explores both, giving you a fuller picture of the city and the events that shaped it.
Over two hours, your historian guide will lead you through Salem’s historic streets while sharing stories about the 1692 witch trials, local legends, and some of the city’s most famous hauntings. Along the way, you’ll visit important landmarks like the Salem Witch Trials Memorial and see the exterior of the Witch House, which is the only building still standing in Salem with direct ties to the trials.
We especially love that you can choose between daytime and evening departures. If you’re visiting Salem for the spooky atmosphere, we’d definitely go after dark! But if spooky isn’t really your thing, you’ll definitely have just as much fun on a daytime tour.
We’d also like to mention that the entire tour takes place outdoors, so make sure to dress warmly if you’re visiting in fall, especially for evening tours.
3. Visit Salem Maritime National Historical Park
Long before Salem became the Halloween destination we know today, it was actually one of the most important seaports in early America!
Salem Maritime National Historical Park brings that history to life across nine acres of Salem’s waterfront, and we think it’s well worth spending a few hours here. It also makes a nice change of pace if you’ve already spent plenty of time exploring the busier witch trial attractions downtown.
One of the biggest highlights is the Friendship of Salem, a beautiful full-scale replica of a 1797 East Indiaman tall ship docked along the waterfront. When the ship is open to visitors, you can step aboard and walk around the decks while learning more about the sailors who once traveled from Massachusetts to destinations across Asia, trading goods like spices, silk, and tea.
We also recommend walking all the way out along Derby Wharf, which stretches nearly half a mile into the harbor. At the end, you’ll find the tiny Derby Wharf Light Station and some lovely views back toward Salem’s waterfront, so it’s definitely worth the stroll!
Before you leave, make sure to check out the historic Custom House across the street. Famous author Nathaniel Hawthorne once worked here, and it offers another fascinating glimpse into Salem’s days as a booming international trading port.
Best of all, the park grounds are free to explore, making this an easy (and budget-friendly!) addition to a day of sightseeing in Salem.
4. Go sailing on a historic Schooner yacht
Tour Details
Salem’s history goes far beyond witches and ghost stories. It’s also a historic port city, so we think getting out on the water is an absolute must while you’re here. This sailing cruise aboard a historic schooner is easily one of the most memorable ways to do it.
You’ll spend two hours sailing around Salem Sound aboard When and If, a beautiful wooden schooner originally built in 1939 for General George Patton. As you cruise, you’ll get fantastic views of the coastline and Marblehead while learning a little about the boat and the area’s maritime history.
What we really love is that you can be as involved as you like. If you’re feeling adventurous, the crew may invite you to help raise the sails or even take a turn at the wheel! Or, you can simply grab a drink from the onboard bar, find a comfortable spot on deck, and enjoy the scenery.
If you can, we’d definitely recommend booking a later departure. Seeing the coastline in the afternoon light is absolutely beautiful and makes this experience feel extra special. Just remember to bring an extra layer, as it can get surprisingly chilly once you’re out on the water, even during summer.
5. Have a witchy photo shoot
Tour Details
If there’s anywhere you can get away with dressing head-to-toe as a witch and having a professional photo shoot, it’s Salem! This witch-themed photo experience is such a fun way to embrace the city’s spooky side and come away with a pretty unique souvenir from your trip.
The experience takes place at Witch Pix, where you’ll start by choosing your look with help from a personal stylist. There are hundreds of costumes to choose from, complete with robes, capes, hats, and plenty of dramatic accessories, so you can really go all out!
Once you’re dressed, you’ll head onto a theatrical set designed to transport you back to old Salem. And don’t worry if you’re usually awkward in front of a camera. The professional photographers will help with poses throughout the shoot, and reviewers consistently rave about how friendly and encouraging the staff is.
In our opinion, this activity is especially fun for couples, families, or groups of friends looking for something completely different to do between Salem’s museums and historical attractions. Plus, the whole experience only takes around 45 minutes, so it’s super easy to fit into a busy day of sightseeing.
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
6. Visit local museums
If you want to dive deeper into Salem’s history (or you need somewhere to escape the weather for a few hours!), the city has some fantastic museums to choose from.
Of course, the most famous is the Salem Witch Museum, which offers a good introduction to the witch trials if you don’t know much about them before visiting.
For something completely different, we highly recommend the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM). It’s one of the oldest continuously operating museums in the United States, with an incredible collection spanning maritime art, Asian export art, and early American history. The bright, modern building is beautiful in its own right, and there’s enough here to keep you busy for several hours. If you’re an art or history lover, this is definitely the museum we’d prioritize!
Then there’s the Witch Dungeon Museum, which offers a live reenactment of a witch trial based on original historical transcripts, followed by a tour through a recreated dungeon. This museum is definitely a big hit with older kids, teenagers, and anyone fascinated by Salem’s darker history.
7. Get outside and hike!
After a few days of museums, historic buildings, and busy downtown streets, you might be ready for a little fresh air! Luckily, you don’t have to travel far from Salem to find some beautiful walking and hiking trails.
For something close to town, we recommend the Salem Woods Loop. This moderate 2.3-mile (3.7-kilometer) trail winds through the forests and wetlands of Salem Woods, and it feels surprisingly wild considering how close you are to the city. The terrain can be a little rugged and muddy in places, so make sure to wear decent walking shoes!
Another option is the Marblehead Rail-Trail. This mostly flat, easy trail follows an old railway route toward neighboring Marblehead and stretches for around 8.5 miles (13.7 kilometers). Of course, you don’t have to walk the whole thing! Just turn around whenever you’ve had enough, or rent a bike and cover more of the route on two wheels.
Finally, families with younger kids will love the Salem Willows Park Loop. This easy waterfront walk takes you past beaches, historic willow trees, and the old-school Salem Willows Arcade (a must-visit in my opinion!).
8. Make your own witch broom
Tour Details
If you’d rather make your Salem souvenir than buy one from a gift shop, this witch broom-making workshop is such a fun way to spend an afternoon! You’ll get to create your own personalized broom from scratch and learn the traditional techniques that go into making one.
The workshop starts with choosing all your materials, including the wooden handle and color of your broomcorn. Then comes the really fun part: decorating it! You can personalize your broom with different ribbons and charms before learning how to wrap and bind everything together.
Don’t worry if you’re not particularly crafty, either. The instructors guide you through the entire process, and the small group size means there’s plenty of help available if your broom isn’t quite cooperating!
In our opinion, this is the perfect activity to do if you need a break from walking around Salem on a rainy or chilly day. And best of all, you’ll leave with something completely unique to remember your trip by. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to get your new broom home, so it’s worth thinking about luggage space if you’re flying.
9. Wander through the Punto Urban Art Museum
For something completely different from Salem’s historic attractions, head over to the Punto Urban Art Museum. Despite the name, you won’t find a museum building here. Instead, the streets of the Point neighborhood have been turned into a huge outdoor gallery!
There are more than 75 murals scattered across the neighborhood, painted on the sides of buildings and local businesses by artists from Salem and around the world. They’re colorful, creative, and seriously impressive, so give yourself around an hour to wander around and see how many you can find.
What we really love about this project, though, is the story behind it. The museum was created to celebrate the Point neighborhood and its community while using public art to help break down socioeconomic barriers.
It’s completely free to explore, and since it’s only a short walk from downtown, it’s super easy to add to your day. Plus, after spending so much time learning about Salem’s past, we think it’s really nice to see this more modern and creative side of the city!
10. Go on a haunted pub crawl
Tour Details
Can’t decide between a night out and another ghost tour? In Salem, you don’t have to! This haunted pub crawl combines local bars, creepy stories, and some of the city’s darker history into one seriously fun evening.
Over the course of around 90 minutes, you’ll follow your guide through historic downtown Salem, stopping at local taverns and cocktail bars. Between drinks, you’ll hear stories of alleged hauntings, true crime, and some of the darker events from Salem’s past, with plenty of eerie landmarks thrown in for good measure.
We think this is an especially fun choice for couples, groups of friends, or solo travelers who want to meet other people while they’re in town. It’s much more social than a traditional walking tour, and you’ll still get your fill of spooky Salem stories! Plus, with several departure times throughout the afternoon and evening, it’s pretty easy to fit around dinner or your other sightseeing plans.
Just keep in mind that drinks aren’t included in the tour price, so you’ll need to purchase anything you want at each stop. You’ll also need to be at least 21 years old and bring a valid ID.
Related Read: Need help organizing your trip? See our 2-day Salem itinerary for many of these top activities and other can’t miss sights, all planned out for you!
Where to Stay in Salem
If it’s your first time visiting Salem, we highly recommend staying in the downtown area. This puts you within easy walking distance of the city’s top attractions and tours, and you’ll also be able to pop back to your hotel for a break before heading out again for dinner or an evening tour.
To make finding the perfect hotel a little easier, we’ve rounded up our top picks for every budget.
Luxury – $$$
For our luxury pick in Salem, we cannot recommend The Merchant enough!
This gorgeous boutique hotel is right in the heart of Salem’s historic district, and it has quite the history of its own. The rooms are wonderfully luxurious, with heated bathroom floors, gas fireplaces, and seriously comfortable beds. We also love the location, as you’ll be just a five-minute walk from the Peabody Essex Museum and right near the heart of downtown Salem.
You can expect rooms to typically range from $250 to $450 USD per night, depending on the season. Check prices and book your stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites is located just steps from the waterfront, the Friendship of Salem tall ship, and plenty of great seafood restaurants.
The hotel itself is really comfortable, with spacious rooms, a heated indoor pool, and an onsite restaurant and lounge. We also love that there’s free onsite parking, which is a huge bonus in Salem if you’re traveling with a car!
Rooms typically range from $180 to $280+ USD per night, depending on the season. Book your mid-range hotel in Salem here!
Budget – $
The Cove at Salem is just a short walk from downtown and has fun themed rooms, including a haunted circus and pirate hideaway, which feels very fitting for a trip to Salem! There’s also a lovely outdoor patio where you can relax after a busy day of exploring. And perhaps best of all, you’ll get free parking, which isn’t always easy to find this close to downtown Salem.
You can expect rooms to typically range from $130 to $190+ USD per night, depending on the season. Check availability and book your stay on Booking.com.
For more options, see all of the hotels in Salem, Massachusetts here!
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Tips for Renting a Car in the USA
What You Need to Rent a Car in the USA
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Thanks for reading!
Salem, Massachusetts is such a unique place to visit! Between the witch-filled history and the sea-front views, this town is charming! Even if you’re not into the witchy vibes, there’s plenty to love about Salem, as you can see in this list of top things to do!
Before you go, check out the rest of our USA travel blogs. We have tons of resources to help you plan a memorable trip, from where to stay to planning your itinerary, and more. Here are a few related blogs to help you get started. Cheers!
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