Planning two days in Salem? You’re in the right place!
Salem may be famous for its witch trials and spooky history, but there’s so much more to this fascinating Massachusetts city! That’s why we’ve planned out the perfect 2-day itinerary that will have you wandering its historic waterfront and sailing aboard a traditional schooner, as well as checking out all of the wonderfully witchy attractions, of course.
Fitting everything into just two days can feel a little overwhelming, especially during Salem’s famously busy fall season, but don’t worry. We’ve planned out all of the timings, meals, and logistics for you. So, grab your broomstick and let’s get ready to explore Salem!
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!
Itinerary Overview
🏛️ 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.
Day 1
Breakfast – Red’s Sandwich Shop
We’ve got a busy morning ahead, followed by a late lunch, so start the day with a hearty breakfast at Red’s Sandwich Shop. This classic American diner has been serving Salem locals since 1945 and opens at 7 am, giving you plenty of time to eat before your tour begins.
We loved this spot because it felt so cozy and traditional, and the food was excellent! They’ve got tons of filling breakfast options you’ll love. Plus, Red’s is also tucked just behind Old Town Hall, where you’ll meet this morning’s tour at 9 am, so you won’t need to worry about rushing across town afterward.
Morning – Discover Salem’s history and hauntings
There’s no better way to begin your trip than with this top-rated history and hauntings walking tour! We recommend booking the 9 am departure, which finishes at around 11 am.
You’ll meet your guide on the steps of Salem’s Old Town Hall, and over the next two hours, you’ll explore 400 years of the city’s fascinating and often unsettling past. Of course, we learned what really happened during the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, but the tour also delved into Salem’s colonial and maritime history, local legends, and the modern-day witch community.
As we wandered through the historic streets, we stopped at eerie landmarks including the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, the Witch House, the Ropes Mansion, and the much-photographed Bewitched statue. We also explored part of the McIntire Historic District, where the elegant old architecture showed us a completely different side of the city.
What we loved most was that the tour was educational without ever feeling dry. Our guide brought Salem’s stories to life with plenty of humor and a few suitably spooky tales along the way. It was the perfect introduction to the city and gave us lots of useful context for the rest of our trip. And with over 15,000 glowing reviews, it’s clearly a winner!
Just remember that the tour runs in all weather, so dress accordingly!
Midday – Explore Salem Maritime National Historical Park
After your walking tour, spend the next two or three hours exploring Salem Maritime National Historical Park. We loved seeing this completely different side of the city and learning more about the global shipping industry that once made Salem one of New England’s most important trading ports.
Start with a walk along Derby Wharf to the Derby Wharf Light Station. This small, square lighthouse was built in 1871 to guide ships safely into Salem Harbor, and it’s now one of the city’s most recognizable waterfront landmarks. You can’t go inside, but we loved the walk out to it because of the gorgeous harbor views and plenty of photo opportunities.
From here, you can explore more of the park’s historic sites, including the Friendship of Salem tall ship and the Custom House, which was famously connected to author Nathaniel Hawthorne. Depending on what’s open during your trip, you can also visit the Derby House, Narbonne House, and West India Goods Store.
We found the waterfront to be super peaceful and scenic, so don’t rush through it. Take your time wandering the wharf and soaking up the views before heading to lunch whenever you’re ready.
Late lunch – Sea Level Oyster Bar
After exploring Salem’s historic waterfront, head to Sea Level Oyster Bar for a well-earned late lunch. It’s right by the maritime park and just a short walk from the departure point for this afternoon’s schooner cruise, so the location couldn’t be more convenient.
As the name suggests, this spot is all about seafood! We recommend ordering some oysters or trying their fresh lobster rolls – this is New England, after all! Do try to grab a table overlooking the water if you can, but don’t get sidetracked by the views and stay too long because you’ll need to head over and check in for your cruise!
Afternoon – Go sailing on a historic Schooner yacht
After lunch, it’s time to see Salem from a completely different perspective! We absolutely loved this historic schooner cruise, and it was easily one of the most memorable experiences of our trip.
You’ll step aboard the beautifully restored When And If, a classic sailing yacht built in 1939 for General George Patton. From here, you’ll spend around two hours sailing across Salem Sound and enjoying unobstructed views of the Massachusetts coastline.
Once the sails were raised, we watched Salem’s waterfront disappear behind us and passed sights like Marblehead and some gorgeous coastal homes. The crew shared plenty of history with us along the way, but in a way that felt relaxed and fun, rather than a structured history lesson. We especially enjoyed learning about Misery Island, which was so named after a shipbuilder was stranded there for several days during a winter storm in the 1600s!
As you sail along, you can just relax and enjoy the scenery, but if you’re lucky you might also get the chance to help hoist the sails or take a turn at the wheel! There’s a bar on board, so if you fancy a drink, why not enjoy the views with a cocktail or a local cider in hand? For us, this was the perfect way to unwind and enjoy a relaxed afternoon in Salem. And we’re clearly not the only ones who loved it, since you can read 200+ 5-star reviews here!
Evening – Grab a local beer, cider, or spirit
We love sampling local craft drinks when we travel, and Salem has a fantastic beer, cider, and distillery scene to explore. After your sailing trip, choose whichever option takes your fancy and grab a pre-dinner drink!
For beer, head to Notch Brewery or East Regiment Beer Company in downtown Salem. Notch is a fun spot with a beer garden overlooking the river, while we like East Regiment for its old-school feel and its military theme.
If cider is more your thing, Far From The Tree is just a few minutes outside the center and serves a range of locally made ciders. Deacon Giles Distillery is nearby too if spirits are more your thing. They serve amazing cocktails made with their handcrafted gins, vodkas, and rums. In fact, you could even visit both Far From The Tree and Deacon Giles if you have time, since they’re so close together!
Dinner – Settler
Finish your first day with dinner at Settler, one of Salem’s best-loved restaurants. Located right in the heart of downtown, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing.
The menu changes with the seasons, showcasing the very best of fresh New England ingredients! We had the most amazing oysters here and followed it up with some delicious roast chicken, but they’ve also got handmade pasta and prime steaks on the menu. In short, whatever you’re in the mood for, you really can’t go wrong here! Just be sure to book a table in advance, especially if you’re visiting during the busy fall season.
Why We Book Tours with Viator
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Day 2
Breakfast – Ugly Mug Diner
Kick off your second day in Salem with breakfast at the Ugly Mug Diner, one of the city’s most popular breakfast spots. In true Salem style, it feels quirky and offbeat, and it opens at 8 a.m., which gives you plenty of time to enjoy your food before this morning’s activities begin.
The menu puts a fun twist on classic diner favorites. I tried the Eggs Benedict, while Dan went for the Cowboy Breakfast, and we both left feeling very full and happy! Plus, this spot is located right in downtown Salem, so it’s a convenient place to eat whether you’re heading to the broom-making workshop or to one of the nearby walking trails.
Morning – Your choice!
How you spend this morning depends on just how witchy you want your Salem trip to be! For the full Witch City experience, we recommend joining a hands-on workshop where you’ll make your very own broom to take home – how cool is that?
Or, if you’d prefer a break from Salem’s spooky side, head out for a hike instead. There are several scenic trails within easy reach of downtown, so you can enjoy some fresh air and explore the area’s natural beauty before returning to town for lunch.
Option 1: Make your own witch broom
If you really want to embrace Salem’s witchy side, this hands-on broom-making workshop is the way to do it! We recommend booking the 10 am session, which takes place just across the street from Old Town Hall, where yesterday’s walking tour began. Plus, it’s only a minute from breakfast.
Over the course of 90 minutes, we created our own custom witch’s broom using traditional broomcorn, colorful ribbons, charms, and other decorations. There were loads of materials to choose from, so every broom ended up looking completely unique.
Don’t worry if you’re not especially crafty, either. The instructors guide you through every step of the process, from wrapping your broom to attaching your chosen decorations.
Along the way, we also learned about the symbolism behind different charms and how brooms have long been associated with protection, good fortune, and, of course, witches! It’s so much fun and a really special way to connect with Salem’s most famous folklore. It’s also a great chance to get creative and leave Salem with a totally unique, handmade souvenir.
Option 2: Go for a hike
If broom-making doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, or you’d just prefer to do something a bit more active and adventurous this morning, you can always take advantage of the city’s beautiful surroundings and go hiking instead! There are several lovely walking trails close to downtown Salem, and none of them are that far away, so you can easily take an Uber if you don’t have a rental car.
One important thing to keep in mind is that ticks are prevalent during the summer. These nasty little bugs live in the brush and can easily latch onto your body if you wander off trail. Stick to the path, wear long-sleeved clothing and bug protection, and do a tick check from time to time! Now, onto the hikes!
The Salem Woods Loop is a moderate but super scenic loop in Salem Woods Highlands Park. It’s a 3.7 kilometer (2.3 mile) trail that should take you somewhere between 30 minutes and an hour to complete. You’ll walk through shaded woodland trails and sections of boardwalk, and enjoy views of the pretty Duck Pond as you go!
If you want a longer hike, then we recommend the Marblehead Rail-Trail. This flat, easy route stretches for 13.7 km (8.5 miles), but as it’s an out-and-back trail, you don’t need to do the entire thing! You can just walk as far as you like before turning around, so this one is ideal if you want something relaxed and completely flexible.
Last but not least, Salem Willows Park Loop is a shorter option that’s right in town! It offers lovely coastal views and at just 0.6 kilometers (0.4 miles) long, it’s perfect for families or anyone who doesn’t feel like walking too far this morning.
Lunch – Gulu-Gulu Cafe
Head back into downtown Salem for lunch at Gulu-Gulu Cafe. It’s a casual spot, but in true Salem style, it has a funky, eclectic atmosphere! Whatever you’ve been up to this morning, we think that this is the perfect place to chill out for a while and enjoy a bite to eat.
There are lots of salads and soups on the menu, as well as filling sandwiches and coffee to perk you up after a busy morning! And since this spot is right in the heart of Salem, it’s a convenient stop before heading off to explore the city’s museums and murals this afternoon.
Afternoon – Visit local museums
This afternoon, explore one or two of Salem’s museums, depending on how much time and energy you have left. There are several excellent options, covering everything from the witch trials to international art, but we highly recommend making time for the Punto Urban Art Museum.
Despite the name, Punto isn’t a traditional museum. It’s an open-air gallery spread across the El Punto neighborhood, where more than 75 large-scale murals have completely transformed the surrounding streets. We loved wandering around and discovering colorful works by both local and international artists, especially as it showed us a side of Salem that many visitors miss.
The museum is also part of a wider social justice initiative run by North Shore CDC. Its purpose is to use public art to break down socio-economic barriers, build neighborhood pride, and support the local community.
Afterward, you may have time for one more museum. The Salem Witch Museum offers a fascinating and very accessible look at the 1692 witch trials, or you can amp up the eeriness with a visit to the Witch Dungeon Museum to watch a trial reenactment and explore a creepy replica dungeon.
Or for something totally different, you could always head to the Peabody Essex Museum for a dose of art and culture. It’s a modern museum that houses a fantastic collection of American and Asian art, and there are always interesting exhibitions to check out relating to fashion, culture, and more!
Dinner – The Tavern
Before tonight’s haunted pub crawl, enjoy dinner at The Tavern. This cozy gastropub is just a 3-minute walk from the tour’s meeting point, so you can relax and enjoy your meal without worrying about getting there on time.
We like the menu here because it puts a bit of an upmarket twist on pub classics – the seared steak with mashed potatoes is especially good! But there’s also plenty of fresh seafood on the menu, as we’re still in New England, after all. Plus, there are lots of local beers on tap if you fancy getting into the spooky spirit a little early before tonight’s haunted pub crawl.
Just a quick heads up: we definitely recommend making a reservation here if you’re visiting during the busy fall season! At other times of year, you should be okay to walk in, although you can still book a table for peace of mind if you prefer.
Evening – Go on a haunted pub crawl
What better way to end two days in Salem than with a haunted pub crawl? We recommend booking the 8:15 pm tour, when the city’s historic streets feel even eerier after dark!
Over the next couple of hours, you’ll visit a handful of Salem’s pubs and bars while hearing chilling stories about the city’s haunted past. Along the way, your guide shares tales of witchcraft, ghost sightings, mysterious deaths, and the paranormal activity that’s reportedly still experienced at many of the locations today. Eeeeek!
We loved that this tour struck the perfect balance between spooky storytelling and a fun night out. Between ghost stories, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy local craft beers, ciders, and cocktails while you get to know the rest of your group.
And as you walk between haunted, historic taverns, you’ll also stop outside several of Salem’s most infamous haunted buildings, including the Joshua Ward House, where you’ll hear some of the city’s most spine-tingling legends! Whether you believe in ghosts or not, it’s a brilliant way to experience Salem after dark and a memorable way to wrap up your trip.
Where to Stay in Salem, Massachusetts
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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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 two-day itinerary.
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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