Whether you are a fan of the supernatural or just one who appreciates coastal New England, you’ll find there are plenty of reasons to visit Salem, Massachusetts. If visiting in October, which I highly recommend, nothing compares to the fall foliage of New England. People flock from all over the world to experience the vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds. All throughout Salem you will be treated to the sound of crunching leaves under foot. For additional festive fun, make sure to check out any Halloween events via the Haunted Happenings website.
During the month of October, the town provides a free shuttle from satellite parking lots. You may also be able to luck out with street parking near Collins Cove Beach, but watch out for “residents only” signs, which will be enforced. Once in town, utilize the trolley. Not only does it provide useful public transportation with fourteen stops between the town’s most memorable locations, it does so in style. Since 1982, The Salem Trolley has provided hop-on-hop-off sightseeing tours to the community at an affordable rate (currently $22 per adult per day). You’ll also find that the town is very walkable.
Whether you are visiting in October or another time throughout the year, Salem is sure to give you chills and charm. Although there is easily enough to do to fill a week-long trip, here is my itinerary of highlights if you are taking a weekend getaway.
DAY 1: Horrifying History
If visiting Salem, you’re probably familiar with the 1692 Salem Witch Trials. Start your trip by hitting up most of the major centers of interest surrounding this dark and fascinating history.
Proctor’s Ledge
On your way into town, visit Proctor’s Ledge on Pope Street. A peaceful stone memorial on the side of the road marks the spot where the hangings took place and is a must see for history buffs. If you go to the Salem Witch Museum first, you’ll be more familiar with the names honored here, but it is easiest to hit this prior to finding parking. The memorial is small and it’s very likely you’ll have a moment on your own to pay your respects. Some people leave coins or small mementos, but if doing so please be sure to be both eco-conscious and respectful.
Witch House
When you head into town, start by visiting the only structure left standing in Salem with the direct ties to the notorious trials. The Witch House was home to Jonathan Corwin, one of the trial judges who ultimately had a direct impact on the peril of the victims. This museum costs only $9 per adult, $7 for seniors, and $5 for children. It was opened in 1942 and gives visitors the opportunity to see what a seventeenth century home and furnishings looked like, providing them with a more well-rounded image of life at the time of the trials.
Salem Witch Museum
Immerse yourself in one of the most iconic activities in Salem by visiting the Salem Witch Museum. The first exhibit, while rather dated, provides guests with an informative reenactment of the trials using dramatic audio and 360 lighting of wax figurines. In the second exhibit, a tour focuses on the history of the word witch, previous trials in Europe, origins of witchcraft in film, insight into the practices of modern day witches, and how witch hunts of a different sort are still happening today. Tickets for the museum are $16.50 for adults, $15.00 for seniors, $13.50 for children, and are sold online for the same-day. If visiting on a busy October weekend, you’ll want to stay up late or get up early to ensure you’ll have tickets, as they open at 12 AM the day of your visit and book up quickly.
The Burying Point and Salem Witch Memorial
Among the bustling streets, sandwiched between Derby Street and Charter Street, you will find a quiet cemetery founded in 1637. Buried here lay not only judges of the trials, but also Revolutionary War victims. This cemetery does not have any of the bodies of Salem witches in it as they were not allowed burying rights. You can enter the cemetery between 10am and 4:45pm but it is eerily visible through the fence all hours of the day. Right next to the crumbling headstones is a beautiful granite memorial to those killed at the hands of the hysteria, listing each victim’s name, execution date, and means by which they were executed. The benches are often adorned with flowers from visitors. It is somber but a must see.
Spooky Shops
Shopping in Salem can provide you with local artisan goods, spooky decor for Halloween, or your real life witch talismans and botanicals. Get all of your supernatural shopping done in Salem Witch Village on Derby street, adjacent to The Burying Point, or on the nearby Essex street. Whether you are looking for authentic modern witchcraft supplies or kitschy souvenirs for friends, you’ll have plenty of options. Some of my favorite shops are Hauswitch, Vampfangs, Oak + Moss, and The Coven’s Cottage.
Witches Brew Cafe
Come here for the name alone, but stay for the warm, liquored coffee cocktails. Witches Brew Cafe is a pub style restaurant that has a cozy interior and additional outdoor seating. Located near the House of the Seven Gables and the waterfront, it is easily accessible from many major tourist stops. Be prepared, anywhere you go to eat in October will have a wait.
Ghost Tour
There is more supernatural history to Salem than just the witches alone. Ghosts from all eras are known to linger in this town. Induce nightmares with a night time walking ghost tour of Salem. There are a multitude of tour options from bone chilling, to family friendly, which will touch not only on the witch trials but other dark histories of the town as well. If mobility is difficult for you or your travel companions, throughout the month of October you have the unique opportunity to take a ride along Tales and Tombstones trolley tour. Check out these links to salem.org, getyourguide.com and viator.com to peruse the various tour options and book one that fits your taste.
DAY 2: Beyond the Scares
In Salem, witch lore meets whimsical New England charm. Experience a bit more of the latter on your second day.
Ropes Mansion and Gardens
Built in 1727, the Ropes Mansion and Gardens is a Georgian Colonial mansion originally for a merchant’s family and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. As many would recall, it was also featured in a major motion picture, acting as Alison’s home in the original Hocus Pocus. You can tour the interior or simply opt for your photo op out front. Then head back to the beautiful colonial revival gardens which are free and open to the public from dawn to dusk 365 days a year.
Peabody Essex Museum
The Peabody Essex Museum showcases art, architecture, and culture. It is a peaceful escape from the activity going on beyond its walls, with a broad range of exhibits. With beautiful immersive lighting pieces, ongoing Asian and maritime galleries, and art that reflects Salem through the ages, this museum has something for everybody. If you didn’t get enough of a fill on your first day, don’t worry, you are bound to learn more about the Salem witch trials while you are here as it holds the world’s largest collection of materials on the subject. Tickets are $20 per adult, $18 for seniors, $12 for students, and free for those 16 and under. Connected to the Peabody Essex Museum and free with museum ticket (but requiring a separate reservation) is the Yin Yu Tang House. This late 18th-century house was home to the Huang family in the Anhui region of China for over two hundred years before being transported to Salem. The stunning architecture transports you to a different time without needing a DeLorean.
Enjoy Downtown
Salem has plenty to offer, and much enjoyment can come from simply getting lost walking the streets of town. In the month of October, downtown Salem is treated to art and light exhibits, creating perfect photo opportunities. Salem has beautiful colonial architecture around every turn with many homes adorning plaques with the year that they were built. The Pickering House, located on Broad Street, was built in 1660 and is the oldest home not only in Salem but in the United States. After checking this out, walk down the nearby Chestnut Street to be treated to more picture perfect homes.
Jaho Coffee
Jaho Coffee offers both the classic staples as well as unique and inventive options of coffee and tea. In addition, they offer smoothies, pastries, and small sandwiches. Enjoy their indoor or outdoor seating or take it to go and walk to the Derby Lighthouse. This is the perfect spot to refuel during your day to keep your energy up.
Salem Maritime National Historic Site
Discover the past at the United States first ever named National Historic Site where nine acres of land and twelve historic structures preserve over 600 years worth of the area’s maritime history. Tour the Friendship of Salem, a replica of the 1796-1797 ship, the Custom House and more. Self guided digital tours are available on the National Park Service website.
Walk along the Waterfront at Winter Island Park
One of Salem’s best features is its natural northeastern coastal beauty. If you have opted for the trolley day pass, take a short ride to Winter Island Park to experience a beautiful sunset. Although October is a little cold to take advantage of Winter Island Park’s camping opportunities, it is still worth a visit. Here, you can spook yourself with the eerie ruins of a 17th century coastal defense fort, Fort Pickering (1663-1976), and also the site of Execution Hill where over the course of about fifty years four public hangings took place, the last of which occurred in 1821.
Gulu Gulu Cafe
Art, food, music, and brews meet at Gulu Gulu Cafe. Located in the heart of downtown right next to the iconic Bewitched statue (another perfect place to grab a photo), this cafe serves up light bites in a laid back atmosphere. With events almost every night, this is a great place to create some final memories of your trip to Salem. If you are looking to keep the evening going, end the night with a casual drink at either Notch Brewery and Tap Room or have one last go with Salem’s spirits at Deacon Giles Distillery.
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