Salem Tours & Activities

Plan your trip to Salem, Massachusetts — handpicked tours and activities, the best time to visit, where to stay and eat, how to get there, and a sample itinerary.

Top things to do in Salem

• Peabody Essex Museum. One of the oldest continuously operating museums in America (founded 1799 by Salem sea captains), PEM spans 130,000 square feet of global art and culture across 25 galleries, including the only complete Chinese domestic home — Yin Yu Tang — on display outside China. It also holds the only authentic objects from the…
• Salem Witch Trials Memorial. Dedicated in 1992 by Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel, this sobering granite memorial on Liberty Street bears the names of all 20 victims of the 1692 trials etched on stone benches. Interrupted words from the accused, cut off mid-sentence in the threshold stones, make the injustice viscerally felt.
• House of the Seven Gables. Built in 1668 by merchant John Turner, this National Historic Landmark on Salem Harbor inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne's famous 1851 novel. The seaside campus includes two acres of colonial revival gardens and several restored historic structures, all a short walk from downtown.
• Salem Witch Museum. Salem's most-visited museum brings the 1692 hysteria to life through dramatic life-size stage sets and interactive presentations exploring how neighbor turned against neighbor. Extended hours run through the summer and deep into October's Haunted Happenings season.
• Salem Heritage Trail. A self-guided, roughly 3-mile walking route marked by a yellow line that stitches together Salem's most significant historic sites — from Indigenous Peoples' heritage to the witch trials, maritime trade, abolitionism, and immigrant stories. Start anywhere; no fixed beginning or end.
• History and Hauntings Walking Tour by Witch City Walking Tours. Ranked the #1 Cultural and Historical Tour in the United States by TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice three years running, this two-hour guided walk ventures off the beaten path to uncover Salem's 400-year history, architecture, hauntings, and hidden gems with expert local guides.
• Salem Maritime National Historical Park & Derby Wharf. America's first National Historic Site (est. 1938) preserves nine acres of 17th–19th century waterfront along Salem Harbor, including a replica of the 1797 East Indiaman Friendship and the 1871 Derby Wharf lighthouse at the end of a free half-mile harborside walk. Admission is free.
• Proctor's Ledge Memorial. Confirmed by researchers in 2016 and dedicated in 2017, this simple, powerful memorial at the base of Gallows Hill marks the true site where 19 people were hanged during the 1692 witch trials. Stones inscribed with the victims' names are set into a curved granite wall.

Best time to visit Salem

September, or early October for Halloween atmosphere without peak-weekend crowds. Destination Salem recommends September for pleasant fall weather, smaller crowds than peak October, early Haunted Happenings events, and the Salem Literary Festival. First-timers wanting full seasonal museum access are directed to April–August

Salem weather by month

Getting to Salem

Take the MBTA Commuter Rail from Boston's North Station to Salem Station on the Newburyport/Rockport line — about 30 minutes, far cheaper than parking, and it drops you a short walk from all major attractions. Salem is highly walkable once you arrive. A seasonal Boston-to-Salem ferry (operated by City Cruises, not MBTA) departs Long Wharf in downtown Boston from late May through October 31. The scenic harbor crossing takes under an hour and docks at 10 Blaney Street, a short walk from downtown. Book ahead; it sells out in October.

• BOS Boston Logan International Airport — 35 min drive
• MHT Manchester-Boston Regional Airport — 65 min drive
• PVD Providence T.F. Green International Airport — 80 min drive

Where to stay in Salem

Where to base yourself, by neighborhood.

• Downtown Salem — Washington Square and Essex Street. The beating heart of the city, centered on the Salem Common, Essex Street pedestrian mall, and Washington Square. Staying here puts you steps from the Salem Witch Museum, Peabody Essex Museum, the Heritage Trail, and dozens of restaurants and shops. The… Good for: First-time visitors, culture-seekers, October Halloween travelers.
• Derby Waterfront and Pickering Wharf. Salem's scenic harbor district along Derby Street and Pickering Wharf offers waterfront hotel rooms with harbor views, easy access to the House of the Seven Gables and Salem Maritime National Historic Site, and a lively cluster of seafood restaurants and… Good for: Couples, romantics, seafood lovers, photography enthusiasts.
• McIntire Historic District — Chestnut Street and Federal Street. Salem's most architecturally distinguished residential neighborhood, home to some of the finest Federal-style streetscapes in America — Chestnut Street is frequently cited as one of the most beautiful streets in the country. Quieter and more residential than… Good for: Architecture enthusiasts, romantics, returning visitors seeking a quieter base.

Where to eat in Salem

A curated set of standout tables and local favorites.

Local favorites & classics

• Settler. Downtown Salem · Mediterranean-inspired — Chef Aaron Chambers's intimate wine-bar restaurant emphasizes seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and scratch-made pastas in a cozy room on Lynde Street.…
• Turner's Seafood at Lyceum Hall. Downtown Salem · New England Seafood — A family with 100 years in the fish business operates this classic oyster bar and seafood grill in the historic Lyceum Hall building (1843). Famous for…
• Finz Seafood & Grill. Pickering Wharf · Seafood and Sushi — A 23-year Pickering Wharf institution with floor-to-ceiling harbor views, a 40-seat raw bar, and a menu ranging from local oysters and chilled lobster to maki…
• Sea Level Oyster Bar. Pickering Wharf · Seafood and Raw Bar — Two floors of waterfront dining overlooking Salem Harbor, open daily until midnight with a sustainable raw bar, 20 craft beers, craft cocktails, and outdoor…
• Bella Verona Ristorante. Downtown Salem — Essex Street · Italian — An established Italian trattoria on Essex Street offering handmade pastas, classic entrees, and a curated wine list in an elegant but approachable room.…
• Turner's Seafood at Lyceum Hall, Salem, MA. 43 Church St · 4.7★ (4,551 reviews)
• Finz Salem. 86 Wharf St · 4.5★ (3,457 reviews)
• Village Tavern | Bar & grill. 168 Essex St · 4.4★ (3,741 reviews)

Cafés, bakeries & casual

• Ledger Restaurant & Bar. Downtown Salem · Progressive New England — Set inside the circa-1818 former Salem Savings Bank with original vault doors intact, Chef Daniel Gursha (2022 James Beard nominee) delivers wood-fired New…
• Bernadette. Downtown Salem · French-inspired — A warm, market-driven French bistro from the same husband-and-wife team behind Settler. Classic preparations with local, seasonal ingredients and an unpretentious…
• Red's Sandwich Shop. Downtown Salem · American Breakfast and Lunch — Salem's most beloved breakfast institution since 1945, occupying the c. 1766 Old London Coffee House on Central Street — a Revolutionary-era gathering…
• Ugly Mug Diner. 122 Washington St · 4.5★ (2,305 reviews)
• Derby Street - Jaho Coffee Roaster & Wine Bar. 197 Derby St · 4.4★ (2,071 reviews)
• Coffee Time Bake Shop. 96 Bridge St · 4.7★ (1,265 reviews)
• Goodnight Fatty. 1 Washington Square W · 4.8★ (1,020 reviews)
• Crave. 199 Rantoul St · 4.8★ (658 reviews)

A 7-Day Salem Plan

1. Day 1 — Witch Trials & Dark History. Begin at the Salem Witch Trials Memorial on Liberty Street, a somber granite monument honoring the 1692 victims, then step next door to Charter Street Cemetery (Old Burying Point), Salem's oldest burying ground dating to 1637 with graves of judges and early settlers. Walk to the…
2. Day 2 — Maritime Heritage & Waterfront. Spend the morning at Salem Maritime National Historical Park on Derby Street, exploring the restored tall ship Friendship of Salem, the Custom House where Nathaniel Hawthorne once worked, and the historic Derby Wharf stretching into Salem Harbor. Stroll along Pickering Wharf…
3. Day 3 — World-Class Art & Culture. Dedicate your morning to the Peabody Essex Museum on Essex Street — one of the oldest continuously operating museums in the U.S. — exploring its extraordinary maritime art, Asian export art, and the fully reconstructed Yin Yu Tang Chinese house. Continue through the museum's…
4. Day 4 — Literary Legacy & Hidden Memorials. Visit the House of the Seven Gables on Derby Street, the 1668 mansion that inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne's gothic novel — tour includes the secret staircase and Hawthorne's nearby birthplace cottage on the same grounds. Follow the Salem Heritage Trail, a red-line walking…
5. Day 5 — Neighborhood Exploration & Local Life. Wander the McIntire Historic District, named for architect Samuel McIntire, admiring the finest collection of Federal-style mansions in America along Chestnut Street, then grab breakfast at Front Street Coffeehouse. Explore the Witch City Mall and Derby Street area for…
6. Day 6 — October Hauntings & Festival Magic. Immerse yourself in the Haunted Happenings Festival — Salem's legendary monthlong October celebration — beginning with the morning parade and outdoor market stalls on Essex Street featuring local artisans, costumers, and pumpkin carvers. Attend a Haunted Happenings vendor…
7. Day 7 — Scenic Farewell & Final Discoveries. Return to any highlights you want to linger over — many visitors revisit the Peabody Essex Museum's PEM North building or spend more time at the Salem Maritime National Historical Park's less-visited Narbonne House and Central Wharf Warehouse. Take a scenic drive or…

Events & festivals in Salem

• Salem Literary Festival (Early September (typically first week; e.g., Sept 3–7, 2025)). Annual multi-day festival run by the Salem Athenaeum featuring author talks, readings, workshops, and literary events in downtown Salem.
• Salem Haunted Happenings (October 1–31 (annual); peak events October 25–31). Annual festival established 1982; described by organizers as the largest Halloween celebration in the world, drawing over one million visitors. Includes a grand parade, costume balls, ghost tours, and street performers.

Top-rated tours & activities in Salem

• History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour — 4.9★ (15,356 reviews)
• Salem Kids Slightly Spooky Tour — 4.9★ (131 reviews)
• Historian's Guide to the Salem Witch Trials — 4.9★ (66 reviews)
• Immersive Costume Photography Salem MA Pequot House Velvet Parlor — 4.8★ (186 reviews)
• The Salem Witch Walk — 4.7★ (1,322 reviews)
• Salem Booze and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl by US Ghost Adventures — 4.6★ (491 reviews)
• Witch City Broom Making Workshop in Salem — 5.0★ (136 reviews)
• Salem Kids History & Mystery Tour — 5.0★ (42 reviews)

Salem travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Salem?

September, or early October for Halloween atmosphere without peak-weekend crowds.

What are the top things to do in Salem?

Top experiences include Peabody Essex Museum, Salem Witch Trials Memorial, House of the Seven Gables, Salem Witch Museum, Salem Heritage Trail.

Which airport is closest to Salem?

Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is the nearest, about 35 minutes away.

Where should I stay in Salem?

Popular areas to base yourself include Downtown Salem — Washington Square and Essex Street, Derby Waterfront and Pickering Wharf, McIntire Historic District — Chestnut Street and Federal Street.

How do I get around Salem?

Take the MBTA Commuter Rail from Boston's North Station to Salem Station on the Newburyport/Rockport line — about 30 minutes, far cheaper than parking, and it drops you a short walk from all major attractions.