Salem, Massachusetts: A Wickedly Charming Guide

Bewitched by New England's Witch City. Salem's fascinating past inspires more than 2 million people to visit each year.

Salem, Massachusetts, renowned for the infamous 1692 witch trials, attracts countless visitors from both near and distant places every year. With a rich history steeped in eerie tales, planning a visit to Salem during the hauntingly captivating season, aptly called 'Haunted Happenings' by locals, ranks high on the must-do list for many travelers.

Salem, Massachusetts, is more than just a place for Halloween enthusiasts. It is a vibrant city with a rich history, culture, and arts scene. Even though it draws nearly 1 million visitors in October alone, Salem has something to offer everyone year-round, whether you are interested in its bewitching past, its maritime heritage, or simply a charming New England getaway. Here are 10 fun things to do in Salem:

Sightseeing along Chestnut Street

Chestnut Street in Salem, Massachusetts, was built in the late 1700s and became a fashionable neighborhood for wealthy merchants. They built stately mansions along the street, which became the widest in Salem and one of the most beautiful in the United States.

Today, the historic mansions on Chestnut Street still showcase the original architecture of the time, and many feature over-the-top seasonal decorations that are a beautiful sight to behold on a daytime stroll.

Salem Witch Trials Memorial

The simple yet moving Salem Witch Trials Memorial honors the 20 innocent people who were executed during the 1692 witch trials. Engraved granite benches commemorate each victim, displaying their name, execution method, and date of death. At the entrance, visitors can read some of the victims' last words, inscribed in stone, including "I am no witch" and "I am innocent.”

Peabody Essex Museum

The Peabody Essex Museum (pronounced pee-beh-dee) in Salem, Massachusetts, is the oldest continually operating and collecting museum in the United States. Founded in 1799 by the East India Marine Society, the museum houses over 1 million artifacts, artwork, and historic manuscripts and books from all over the world.

Salem's sweet treats

Salem has many delicious casual dining options, but some of the best food to go is from local eateries. Don't miss out on a dirty chai latte from Lulu's Bakery and Pantry, homemade dark chocolate espresso truffles from Roseadela's, or a late-night cookie order from Goodnight Fatty, where the flavors are kept a secret until after you order.

Walking tours of Salem

Walking around Salem on your own is a great way to explore, but the town's organized walking tours, offered during the day and at night, offer a unique blend of history and lore from local guides.

Witch City Walking Tours presents the 'History and Hauntings of Salem' tour, providing in-depth insights into the town's maritime and religious origins, as well as the Salem witch trials. Families and cinema enthusiasts might find delight in Witch City's excursion to the filming locations of the 1993 movie, 'Hocus Pocus.' For those with a fascination for Salem's more sinister past, consider embarking on the 'Mysteries and Murders of Salem' tour, an experience designed for individuals aged 13 and older.

House of the Seven Gables

Most famous for its role as the backdrop in Nathaniel Hawthorne's 1851 novel with the same title, the House of the Seven Gables, also referred to as the Turner House, belonged to the late 17th-century merchants John Turner I and his wife, Elizabeth. The name pays homage to the residence's distinctive gables, or steeply pitched roofs.

The House of the Seven Gables was designated a National Historic Landmark District in 2007 and is now operated as a non-profit museum. Tickets for tours and grounds passes must be purchased in advance, and prices vary depending on the season.

Salem's Essex Street

Exploring Salem wouldn't be the same without taking a walk along Essex Street, a cobblestone pathway at the heart of downtown Salem, featuring an array of boutiques filled with souvenirs. During the annual Haunted Happenings, it's not unusual to encounter costumed tourists meandering along Essex Street, but you'll also find plenty of people sporting witch hats throughout the year.

Salem Witch Museum

The Salem Witch Museum is a two-part museum that teaches visitors about the Salem witch trials and how witches are portrayed in the media. Families with young children should be aware that the museum's life-like mannequins, including one with a noose around its neck, may be too frightening for some viewers.

The Witch House

Despite its name, the Witch House was not the residence of any of Salem's accused witches. Instead, it belonged to Judge Jonathan Corwin, who played a pivotal role in the Salem witch trials, along with his wife, Elizabeth. The house was purposefully designed with small windows to keep out the cold during winters and a dark exterior to absorb as much sunlight and warmth as possible. This unique structure is the sole remaining building in Salem directly linked to the trials and can be explored by purchasing tickets in advance through the website.

Salem Maritime National Historic Site

The Salem Maritime National Historic Site is the first national historic site in the United States, established on March 17, 1938. It comprises 12 sites set on 9 acres and tells the story of more than 600 years of maritime history through artifacts, exhibits, and National Park Service Ranger-led programs. Don't miss the replica tall ship, Friendship of Salem, which is open for tours.