Salem is one of my favorite small cities in New England. While it’s best known for the infamous 1692 Salem Witch Trials, there’s so much more to discover than spooky history. From world-class museums and beautiful waterfront views to boutique shopping, fantastic restaurants, and charming historic streets, Salem is a destination that’s worth visiting any time of year—although I think it’s especially magical in the fall. Whether you’re planning a day trip from Boston or a weekend getaway, these are the best things to do in Salem, Massachusetts.

How to Get to Salem from Boston

Salem is about 16 miles north of Boston, making it an easy day trip if you are staying in the city. You can travel from Boston to Salem by commuter rail, car, or seasonal ferry.

Boston to Salem by Train

The easiest way to get to Salem from Boston is on the MBTA commuter rail. Trains leave from North Station on the Newburyport/Rockport Line, and the ride takes about 30 minutes. The Salem station is within easy walking distance of most of the city’s major attractions.

This is the option I recommend during the busy fall season, especially in October when traffic and parking can be a nightmare.

Driving from Boston to Salem

Without heavy traffic, the drive from Boston to Salem generally takes 40 minutes to an hour. Driving gives you more flexibility, especially if you want to visit other towns along the North Shore, but parking in downtown Salem can be difficult.

If you are visiting in October, arrive early and reserve parking in advance if possible. Otherwise, take the train and save yourself the headache.

Taking the Ferry to Salem

The seasonal Salem Ferry provides the prettiest way to travel from Boston to Salem. It leaves from Long Wharf in Boston and takes approximately 50 minutes.

The ferry is more expensive than the train and doesn’t operate year-round, but the views make the journey part of the experience. Check the current schedule before planning your day because departure times and operating dates can change.

My pick: Take the commuter rail for the fastest and easiest trip. Choose the ferry if you have more time and want to enjoy the ride.

Is Salem worth Visiting?

Absolutely! Salem is one of the most unique destinations in New England and well worth adding to your travel bucket list. While the city is famous for the 1692 Salem Witch Trials and its Halloween celebrations, there’s much more to discover than spooky history.

Downtown Salem is incredibly walkable, making it easy to explore museums, historic sites, waterfront parks, boutiques, restaurants, and coffee shops all in a single day. Whether you’re interested in colonial history, maritime heritage, art museums, ghost tours, or simply wandering charming New England streets you will be enchanted by Salem.

I especially love visiting Salem in the fall, when the historic streets are decorated for the season and the crisp weather makes it perfect for exploring on foot. In fact my very favorite time in Salem is September.

October is the busiest month by far, thanks to the city’s famous Haunted Happenings celebration, but if you prefer smaller crowds, consider visiting in September or early November. You’ll still enjoy the beautiful atmosphere with a much more relaxed pace.

If you’re visiting Boston, Salem also makes one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips. It’s less than an hour away by car or commuter rail, so you can spend the day exploring and be back in Boston by evening. If you have the time, though, I’d recommend staying overnight so you can enjoy the city after many of the day-trippers have left.

 

 

What were the Salem Witch Trials?

The Salem Witch Trials have fascinated people for 100’s of years, and Salem has many locations where you can learn more about the trials.

There are many guided tours around the city of Salem. Most of these walking tours are geared towards the history and hauntings of the city. For those who prefer to stroll and learn about the Salem Witch Trial independently, there are a few historical sites and museums you do not want to miss.

1. Salem Witch Museum

Visit the Salem Witch Museum and see an  interactive representation of the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Explore two separate presentations. The first has visitors experiencing the drama around the trials with sets and lighting. The second exhibit teaches visitors about the evolution and history of witches in Salem and around the world. 

This is my personal favorite place to go with the family as it makes history a litte more interesting and immediate. Don’t miss this one.

Plan an hour.

 

2. The Witch Dungeon Museum

If you are looking for a truly spooky experience, look no further than The Witch Dungeon Museum. This museum is set up to look like it did during the 1692 witch trials and even has actors in period clothing to help bring the experience to life. The museum is small, but the experience is sure to be unforgettable. 

The museum part has wax figures that show hangings and are not appropriate for small children. However, the acted out witch trials are fabulous. So you will still want to go, just be mindful of young kids.

Plan an hour.

 

3. The House of the Seven Gables

The most famous museum in Salem is The House of the Seven Gables, also known as Turner-Ingersoll Mansion. This historic home is most known for being the inspiration behind Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The House of Seven Gables. Visitors can take a self-guided tour through the mansion to learn about the history and see some of the original furniture and art.

If you have read the book you will love it, if you haven’t you will love it anyway!

 

4. Salem Witch Trials Memorial

The Salem Witch Trials Memorial is a popular attraction for the city’s many walking tours. This memorial was recently renovated and includes twenty stone benches for the twenty victims who lost their lives in the famous 1692 witch trials. 

There is a great historical walking tour that gives you a lot of information about the Witch Trials Memorial.

Plan 5-10 minutes.

5. Old Burying Point Cemetery

While at the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, make sure also to check out the Old Burying Point Cemetery, which is located behind the memorial. This historical site is the city’s oldest cemetery and is the resting place for many of Salem’s historical figures. 

Plan 10-20 minutes.

 

6. The Witch House

The Witch House is one of the only standing structures directly tied to the Salem Witch Trials. The house itself was not owned by a witch but was the home of Jonathan Corwin, the judge for the Salem Trials. A walk through the house will have visitors learning about the 17th century and may have them leaving with a better understanding of the people involved in the Witch trials. 

Plan 30 minutes.

 

7. Peabody Essex Museum 

Peabody Essex Museum brings together art and culture from the New England area and abroad. The museum has everything from ancient art to modern art and from photography to oil paintings. Visitors can enjoy the period gardens or get lost in three stories of exhibits.

I would skip it if you are visiting with small kids as they will get restless quickly.

Plan on 1-3 hours.

 

8. New England Pirate Museum

The New England Pirate Museum is a must-see for those who want to learn about the less-than-savory side of Salem’s history. This museum tells the story of piracy in New England and has interactive exhibits for visitors to enjoy.

Wax figures and exhibits show that New England had a substantial pirate past.

This is an attraction that my kids still talk about years after we went. Super fun for kids!

Plan on an hour.

 

9. Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery

For a truly unique experience, visit Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery. This gallery is part art gallery, part haunted house, and part history lesson. The gallery tells the story of vampires throughout history and has some truly disturbing artwork. Not for the faint of heart! *Not appropriate for sensitive kids.

Plan on 30 minutes

 

10. Pickering Wharf

Pickering Wharf is a great place to take a stroll, go on a romantic picnic, or even do some shopping. The pier is home to many boutique shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Plan on 1-2 hours.

11. Salem Maritime National Historical Park

Salem has much more history than the Salem Witch Trials, and the Salem Maritime National Historical Park is the perfect place to learn about the city’s seafaring past. The park stretches along the waterfront and includes historic buildings, Derby Wharf, the small Derby Wharf Light Station, and the tall ship Friendship of Salem.

We loved walking along the wharf and seeing another side of Salem’s history. It is also a nice break from the darker witch-trial attractions, especially if you are visiting with kids.

Plan on 45 minutes to an hour.

12. Salem Willows Amusement Park

After all the history and spooks, Salem Willows Amusement Park is the perfect place to relax. This amusement park by the water has everything from an old-fashioned carousel to an arcade. Visitors can enjoy some of the ocean’s best views while playing a mini-golf game or eating a bite. 

This is a very small park with mostly arcade games, but it is still a great way to end the day in Salem. If you are traveling with kids this will make them so happy after a day of history.

Plan on an hour or two.

 

13. Tours of Salem

If you want to enjoy a ghost tour, take a Salem history tour, or do a Hocus Pocus Tour, you can find what you need in Salem. Here are two of the best tours available.

14. Hocus Pocus Tour

If you love the movie “Hocus Pocus,” you will love the new movie tour. Honestly, this is one of my family’s favorite tours. This tour will take you to all the filming locations of the film and some other Salem landmarks. The tour also focuses on the historical past of Salem. So it is a great, well-rounded look at Salem.

15. Ghost tours

There are plenty of ghost tours to choose from in Salem. You can take a walking tour, a trolley tour, or even a boat tour. There is sure to be a tour that fits your interests and schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Salem

How many days do you need in Salem?

You can see many of Salem’s most famous attractions in one full day. However, I recommend staying for a weekend if you want to visit several museums, take a ghost tour, enjoy the restaurants, and have time to wander without rushing.

Is Salem walkable?

Yes, downtown Salem is very walkable. Most of the major museums, historic sites, shops, and restaurants are close together, so you won’t need a car once you arrive.

Is Salem good for families?

Salem can be a lot of fun with kids, especially if they enjoy history, pirates, spooky stories, or Hocus Pocus. However, some museums and tours include wax figures, stories about executions, or frightening displays. Check the recommended ages before booking if you have young or sensitive children.

What is the best month to visit Salem?

September is my favorite month to visit Salem. You still get the beautiful fall atmosphere, but the crowds are generally more manageable than they are in October. October is the most exciting time to visit, but it is also extremely busy.

Can you visit Salem without a car?

Absolutely. The commuter train from Boston brings you within walking distance of downtown Salem, and most of the major attractions are easy to reach on foot. In fact, visiting without a car is often much easier during the busy fall season.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Salem

Salem is one of those places that is genuinely fun for the entire family. There is plenty of spooky history, but there are also excellent museums, waterfront views, shops, restaurants, and historic streets to explore.

You can see the highlights on a day trip from Boston, but staying overnight gives you more time to enjoy the city after many of the day-trippers have left. I especially recommend visiting in September, when Salem begins to feel festive without the enormous October crowds.