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.
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)
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)