Nothing screams autumnal bliss better than planning a getaway up north to New England! Today, we’re sharing our picks for great places to see and things to do in the sleepy, seasonally spooky town of Salem, Massachusetts. From ghosts and ghouls to magical witches and maritime pleasures, there is no shortage of excitement to be had in this coastal city.
This is the prime time for tourists and visitors to flood the city limits, but we’re pleased to let you know it’s just as wonderful in the off-season, too! Check it out and plan your visit with your pals and family today.
We’ve gathered some of our best picks for for interesting and unexpected things to experience while visiting Salem, Massachusetts!
Peabody Essex Museum is a maritime history lover's dream! This incredible history museum houses more than 840,000 works of historical significance and cultural art. Exhibits include maritime lore and history, American Art, Asian Art, Oceanic Art, and AFrican art, as well as two libraries which house more than 4000,000 books and manuscripts. Depending on what areas interest your group most, you can spend anywhere from 1 to 4 hours exploring on average!
Salem Witch Museum is a wonderful pit stop in your local history and lore exploration. You’ll spend at least an hour exploring the life and times of Salem residents and those accused of witchcraft. From live reenactments and theatrical history lessons, it’s a live and up-close way to immerse yourself in 17th century American history
The House of the Seven Gables offers guided tours and history lessons which take about an hour, and then you’ll be free to wander and explore the grounds! Known for the setting of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1851 novel of the same name, you’ll have a blast exploring the grounds and gardens for a few hours, and seeing where Nathanial himself was born.
The Witch House of Salem is a nice short stop off while you’re in town, and is the only historical building with direct ties to the original 1692 witch trials. Self-guided tours of the former home of judge Jonathan Corwin can be as quick as 15 minutes, or you can opt for a more thoughtful stroll reading the displays for an hour or so.
Salem Maritime National Historic Site is a 9 acre park comprising 3 wharves and 9 historical buildings along the Salem Harbor on Derby Street. A well-planned tour can cover the grounds in about 3 to 4 hours, which leaves you plenty of time to hit up the shopping or shorter excursions in town. You’ll explore 600 years of history as you wander along the waterfront and its grounds, trails, and gardens. It’s a great way to learn while also stretching your legs!
The Burying Point Cemetery is the oldest maintained graveyard in all of Salem, and one of the oldest historical cemeteries in the United States. It opened in 1637 and several notable historic figures of the city are interred here. It’s a great way to follow up your visits at the Peabody Essex Museum and the Witch Trials Memorial.
Salem Willows Park and Beach is a non-witchy, non-halloweeny spot to visit in the area. The peaceful grounds coer more than 35 acres with oceanfront views and picturesque picnic grounds. Enjoy the family-friendly park, fishing pier, outdoor theater, vintage classic arcade, kids rides, and even a beachfront for swimming if and when the weather permits. The Salem Willows Park Loop is a half mile trail around the park that takes about 10-15 minutes to stroll if you’re looking for a leisurely follow-up to a light picnic lunch.
The Witch Dungeon offers more live reenactments of the trials as well as a walking tour of the dungeon itself. Touted as one of the most exciting experiences in Salem, it puts visitors right in the center of the action with an educational experience and more than a few thrills and chills!
Breakheart Reservation and Trails are a nearby set of gorgeous,moderately challenging trails winding in, around, and through a beautiful nature reservation. Your efforts will be rewarded with incredible views of Boston and central Massachusetts as well as New Hampshire. The reservation has two freshwater lakes, a dog park, scenic vistas, and plenty of hiking trails for all experience levels. It’s family friendly and pets are welcomed.
Halloween Museum of Salem is perfect for kiddos with short attention spans or those adults looking to fill a gap in between guided tours of the other historic sites. Over the course of 30 minutes, you’ll wander through the black-lit museum and enjoy it’s quirky, and creepy little seasonal exhibits with optional 3D glasses (though it does enhance your visit) You’ll enjoy family-friendly exhibist about fortune telling, vintage halloween artifacts and decor, halloween-themed movie screenings, costume exhibits, and more!
Other areas and activities of note include: