Just a 30-minute train ride from Boston, Salem is the perfect spot for a quick day trip if you have some time to spare. Known for its rich history and the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692, there’s something about this town that I can’t quite put my finger on. Maybe it’s the dark history, or perhaps there’s something inherently mystical about the name “Salem” that always seems to pique my curiosity.
If you are curious about Salem and would like to visit this lovely town, you are in the right place. From the best things to do to tips on how to get here, here’s your complete travel guide to Salem:
- Salem Things to Do Map
-
10 Best Things to Do in Salem
- Take Photos with the Bewitched Sculpture
- Visit Old Town Hall
- Check Out Blackcraft Store
- Tour Around The Witch House
- Visit Ropes Mansion and Garden
- Pay Respect to the Victims of the Witch Trial at Salem Witch Trials Memorial
- Explore Peabody Essex Museum
- Tour Around The House of the Seven Gables
- Visit the Witch Museums in Salem
- Hang Out by Derby Waterfront District
- Where to Stay in Salem?
- How to Get to Salem?
- How to Get Around Salem?
- How Many Days to Spend in Salem?
- What to Pack for Salem?
- Further Reading for Northeast USA
Salem Things to Do Map
10 Best Things to Do in Salem
1. Take Photos with the Bewitched Sculpture
One of the first things you will see when you arrive in Salem is the Bewitched Sculpture, a nine-foot-tall bronze sculpture honoring Elizabeth Montgomery, the actress who portrayed Samantha Stephens in the 1960s television series "Bewitched."
The statue was unveiled in 2005 and has become quite a popular photo spot for visitors who are big fans of the show. Fun fact: in 1970, several episodes of "Bewitched" were filmed in Salem, making the statue even more fitting. You can stop by here for a quick photo before we continue exploring Salem.
2. Visit Old Town Hall
Old Town Hall is one of the most significant historical structures in Salem. Located in the heart of downtown Salem, this stunning Federal-style building is one of the earliest surviving municipal structures in the city, constructed between 1816 and 1817.
- The Salem Inn (Mid-Range)
- The Hotel Salem (Mid-Range) 👍 Top Pick
- The Merchant (High-End)
- History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour (2 hours) 👍 Top Pick
- Bewitched Walking Tour of Salem (2 hours)
- Salem History & Sightseeing Guided Walking Tour (2.5 hours)
It was originally built as a public market on the first floor and housed town offices on the second floor. Today, it is used as a public art space and hosts various events throughout the year. When I was there, it was October and Halloween was just around the corner, and they were holding a witch trial reenactment inside where anyone can attend.
The show was performed by actors and actresses dressed in colonial clothing, reenacting key events from the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692. They were out on the streets, handing out event brochures while staying in character, dancing around, and accusing passersby of practicing witchcraft. I thought it was pretty cool!
If you happen to be there during one of these events, be sure to stop by and check out Old Town Hall. The event usually takes place in the courtyard in front of the building.
3. Check Out Blackcraft Store
Nothing shows how much the people of Salem have embraced their dark history more than the many dark arts and magic shops you’ll find here. One of the most impressive, and my favorite, is Blackcraft Store, located inside the historic Merchants National Bank building, which dates back over 110 years.
The store has a vast and diverse range of products, including apparel, accessories, footwear for adults, children, and pets, as well as home goods, books, collectibles, and plush items, all themed around witchcraft and the dark arts. It’s the perfect place to pick up a souvenir to remember your time in Salem or to bring something special back for someone at home.
Inside the store, you'll also find Blackcraft Coffee, where you can enjoy premium coffee roasted from their own brand while surrounded by the store's over-the-top decorations. However, if you're visiting during Halloween, be sure to book your spot in advance.
I really adore this kind of stuff, and as an ex-metal fan myself (yup, I used to listen to Slipknot, Korn, Killswitch Engage, and more when I was younger 😂), I definitely appreciate the aesthetics of what they’ve done here.
The store is open daily with slightly varying hours. On Sunday, it’s open from 10 AM to 7 PM, Monday to Thursday from 11 AM to 7 PM, and Friday and Saturday from 10 AM to 8 PM. If you want to see an awesomely decorated place, be sure to check out Blackcraft Store.
4. Tour Around The Witch House
Officially known as the Jonathan Corwin House, the Witch House is a historic museum housed in a structure built around 1675 as the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, who played a significant role in the Salem witch trials of 1692. It is the only structure in Salem with direct ties to the trials that remains standing and is open to the public.
The history of the Salem Witch Trials is long and best experienced in Salem itself, but to put it simply, Judge Jonathan Corwin presided over many of the examinations of the accused and their accusers. He was relentless in seeking confessions of witchcraft, until someone accused one of his own children. He never showed remorse for his actions during 1692 and died in 1718 at the age of 78, very rich and respected. 😟
As terrible as the history of this house is, it is still a great place to visit, and even though the house never had any accused witches living in it, it still offers a fascinating glimpse into 17th-century life and the events surrounding the Salem witch trials.
You can explore period rooms furnished with antiques, including a courtroom where Judge Corwin presided over the trials. The museum is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM and the entrance fee is 8 USD per person.
5. Visit Ropes Mansion and Garden
Right next to the Witch House, you will find Ropes Mansion and Garden, another popular attraction in Salem that you shouldn't miss. This Colonial Revival style house was built in the 18th century and was made famous when it was featured in Disney's 1993 cult-classic film Hocus Pocus.
Every October, the "Hocus Pocus house" becomes a popular selfie stop when the exterior is decorated to resemble how it looked as Allison's house in the movie. If you're a big fan of the film, be sure to drop by and snap some photos of the house while you're here!
You can access its beautiful garden area for free, while if you want to see the interior of the house, you will have to be there on the weekends when it is open to the public. I didn't go inside myself as I wasn't there during the weekend, but if you happen to be there then, make sure to go there early as there is often a long line to get inside.
6. Pay Respect to the Victims of the Witch Trial at Salem Witch Trials Memorial
Despite all the fun things to do in Salem, it's important to remember that the town carries a dark and tragic history. As you explore, be sure to take a moment to pay respect to the victims who lost their lives for no reason during the sham witch trials at the Salem Witch Trials Memorial.
At the memorial, you will first come across a wide threshold inscribed with the words of the victims, their protestations of innocence, and pleas to God. It's heartbreaking to read it even after all these years.
As you walk in, you will find rows of granite benches dedicated to each of the 20 victims bearing their names, execution dates, and how they were executed, often hung. It's such a solemn feeling, walking around the memorial, knowing all these lives were lost for nothing. It serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of mass hysteria, the importance of due process, and the consequences of religious extremism.
The memorial grounds are open daily from 7 AM to 6 PM, except on Fridays and Sundays when they open at 12 PM instead. Entrance to the memorial is free, but if you want to enter the cemetery, you’ll need to reserve a time slot, which you can do here.
7. Explore Peabody Essex Museum
Right next to the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, you will find Peabody Essex Museum, one of the oldest continuously operating museums in the United States, with a history spanning over 220 years. This museum is most famous for its extensive and diverse collections, showcasing art and culture from New England and around the world.
Its collection ranges from art and artifacts from around the world to photography and fashion. One of the most remarkable pieces of architecture you’ll find here is Yin Yu Tang, a 200-year-old Chinese house brought over from China and reassembled at the museum. It offers a glimpse into Chinese architecture and family life and is the only example of Chinese vernacular architecture on display in the United States.
If you have some time to spare in Salem and want to explore something beyond the town's dark history, be sure to visit the Peabody Essex Museum. The museum is open from 10 AM to 5 PM, Thursday through Monday, and is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Admission is 25 USD per person.
8. Tour Around The House of the Seven Gables
Another important structure you might want to check out while here is the House of the Seven Gables, also known as the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion. It is a historic colonial mansion built in 1668 by a merchant, and it stands as one of the oldest surviving timber-framed mansion houses in North America.
The house gained fame as the inspiration for Nathaniel Hawthorne's 1851 novel, "The House of the Seven Gables". The author, born in Salem, was a relative of the owner who inherited the house after the Turners. The house left such an impression on him that he ended up using it in his novel.
You can tour the house, explore its well-preserved rooms, secret passages, and period furnishings, which offer a glimpse into what life must have been like in the 17th century. You'll also have access to the beautiful gardens and enjoy a lovely view of Salem Harbor. The museum is open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM, except on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The entrance fee is $25, which includes the mansion tour.
9. Visit the Witch Museums in Salem
There are many history museums in Salem where you can explore the town's dark past. One of the most well-known museums is the Salem Witch Museum, which features exhibitions on the 1692 Salem witch trials, including life-size stage sets that dramatically depict the events of the trials, as well as exhibits dedicated to the entire history of witchcraft from olden times to today.
The museum is housed inside a historic church built in 1718, which was the home of Reverend John Higginson, the minister of Salem's First Church during the 1692 witchcraft trials. The museum has a capacity limit for visitors, and there are often long lines to enter throughout the day, so be sure to plan your visit carefully, ideally right when it opens or just before it closes. The entrance fee is $17.
Another cool museum you might want to check out is the Witch Board Museum, a unique museum dedicated entirely to the history and mystery of Ouija boards and talking boards. It houses one of the largest known collections of these items, and you can learn more about their origins and cultural impact. We even have a similar version of this board in Thailand 😂, but this one is more in line with the boards you often see in Hollywood movies. It’s probably one of the most interesting museums you’ll find here. The entrance fee is 10 USD.
Witch Dungeon Museum is another awesome museum to visit if you want a more interactive experience to learn about the town's dark history. Inside, you can witness live reenactments of the 1692 witch trials, and you'll be guided through a recreated dungeon, where you can explore the conditions the accused were held in. They are open from April to November, and you’ll need to be there during the scheduled time slots for the tours to get inside. The admission fee is 10 USD per person.
10. Hang Out by Derby Waterfront District
Last but not least, Salem does have a wonderful coastal area, where you can take a break from the town’s dark history and enjoy a little stroll around the Derby Waterfront District, a historic seaside area that offers a glimpse into the city’s maritime past.
There are several attractions in the area that will keep you occupied for quite some time, like the Salem Custom House, a 1815 building with grand furnishings, historic exhibits, and the office of Nathaniel Hawthorne, the Derby Wharf Light Station, a 1871 historic lighthouse, and of course, the House of the Seven Gables.
If the weather is nice, you can sit on one of the many benches along the beach and enjoy a lovely view of Salem’s beautiful coastline. I really love this area with its open space, it feels less overwhelming and more relaxed compared to the rest of Salem. If you're taking the ferry back to Boston, the ferry pier is also nearby, so you can relax here while you wait for your ferry.
Where to Stay in Salem?
How to Get to Salem?
To get to Salem, you’ll first need to travel to Boston, either by plane or Amtrak train. From there, you can take a train or a ferry to reach Salem. Be sure to check for affordable flights on Skyscanner or Expedia or get the Amtrak ticket here.
By Train: The most affordable way is to take the Newburyport/Rockport commuter train line from North Station in Boston to Salem. The trip will take about 30 minutes and cost around 8 USD per person. The train goes directly and runs almost hourly from 5:37 AM to 11:50 PM every day.
By Ferry: Another option is to take the ferry from Long Wharf South and it will take you to Safe Harbor Hawthorne Cove in Salem in about one hour. The ferry ticket is 33 USD per person, and it is an awesome way to see the Northeast coastline as you travel to Salem.
The ferry ride is especially beautiful at sunset, so if you are planning to visit Salem as a day trip from Boston and want to take the sunset ferry, be sure to book the sunset time slot in advance as it tends to sell out quickly. My recommendation is to take the train to Salem in the morning and take the ferry back during sunset.
How to Get Around Salem?
By Walking: Salem is very walkable, with all the tourist attractions listed in this guide within walking distance of each other, so you’ll have no trouble exploring on foot.
How Many Days to Spend in Salem?
One day is usually enough to see most of Salem, so you can either do a day trip from Boston or spend the night here to explore the city. If you stay overnight, consider taking a ghost tour around the city at night for a unique experience.
What to Pack for Salem?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Salem, United States of America:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Northeast USA
If you are looking for more articles about the Northeast USA, here are a few articles that might help you plan your trip:
- First time visiting the USA and looking for a complete itinerary? Check this out: First Time USA: 2 Weeks Itinerary Without Cars.
- Planning to visit Washington DC for 3 days? Here's an itinerary for you: 3 Days in Washington DC: A Backpacking Itinerary.
- First time visiting the US? Why not start Washington DC, its capital city known for its world-class museums and iconic landmarks like the White House and the Capitol. Here are the 10 best things to do in Washington DC.
- Here's a quick guide on how to get from Dulles Airport to Washington DC Downtown: How to Get From Dulles Airport to Downtown Washington DC.
- Want to visit world-class museums in Washington DC, but not sure where to begin? This is the article for you: 8 Best Museums to Visit in Washington DC.
- Have a day to spare in Washington DC? I highly recommend you check out Georgetown. Here are the 8 Best Things to do in Georgetown, DC.
- Looking to visit Philly for the weekend? Here is the ultimate 2-day Backpacking Itinerary for Philly.
- If you’re a fan of food and history, Philadelphia offers the perfect blend with its incredible museums and some of the best food scenes in the country. Check out the 12 Best Things to Do in Philadelphia (Philly).
- Philly is best explored with your stomach and taste buds. Here are the 7 Best Places to Eat and Drink in Philadelphia (Philly).
- New York City is truly one of the best cities in the world and if you are planning to visit the city, here are the 15 Best Things to Do in New York City.
- Planning to visit New York City, but not sure where to begin? Check out our 4 Days New York City's Backpacking Itinerary.
- Looking for the best places to eat and drink in NYC? You might want to check out: Places to Eat & Drink in New York City: My 9 Favorite Places.
- Chelsea, one of my favorite neighborhoods in NYC, is one awesome place to explore. Here are the 8 Awesome Things to Do in Chelsea, NYC.
- Central Park deserves an entire day of exploration. Here is a complete travel guide to Central Park.
- Should you go up the Empire State Building or the Top of the Rock? Let's find out: Empire State Building vs Top of the Rock: Which One is Better for You?.
- Is it worth buying the CityPass for your trip to New York City? Let's find out: NYC CityPass: Is it worth it?.
- Want to visit Boston? Here are some of the things you do not want to miss! 15 Best Things to Do in Boston.
- Wondering how long to spend in Boston? Check this out: 3 Days in Boston: A Backpacking Itinerary.
- Want to walk the Freedom Trail in Boston, but not sure where to begin? Check out: Boston's Freedom Trail: A Walking Guide.
- Planning to visit Salem? Here's a travel guide for you: Discover Salem: 10 Highlights You Can't Miss.
- To see all articles about the United States of America, be sure to check out our USA travel guide page.
- For a complete itinerary of both the US and Canada, check out: One Month in USA & Canada: A Backpacking Itinerary without Cars.
- Looking for more travel guides for North America? You will find more over at our North America page.
- For more of my travel guides, visit my Destinations page.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.