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Top things to do in Salem: History, culture, and hidden gems
From exploring its mysterious history to camping at Winter Island Park, here are 16 of the best things to do in Salem, MA.
Welcome to Salem, Massachusetts — where history’s most haunting tales come to life. This is a city that pulses with dark intrigue, from spine-chilling cemetery tours to its legendary Halloween festivities.
Whether you want to delve into the infamous witch trials or walk the same streets as real pirates, Salem promises an experience that will captivate your imagination.
Step into the eerie, gothic charm of Salem and discover its shadowy past. Here are the best things to do in Salem to uncover its dark past and experience its eerie, gothic charm.
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Explore Salem’s witch history
The Salem Witch Trials (1692–1693) mark one of the darkest chapters of American history, with records indicating that between 144 and 185 women and children were accused of witchcraft.
Tragically, 19–25 of them were executed. Historical facts like these make Salem so much more than just a tourist destination in the USA.
To delve deeper into this infamous period, here are some must-visit sites in Salem, Massachusetts (MA).
The Salem Witch Museum
If you’re in the US just for a weekend, this museum is not to be missed. While the legal persecution of witchcraft ended centuries ago, modern witch hunts still exist.
The Salem Witch Museum, established in 1972 in a renovated church, highlights the dangers of prejudice through lessons from the past.
Key exhibits include:
- The Salem Witch Trials Presentation: Using 13 life-sized stage sets drawn from historical documents, this exhibit recreates the fears and biases that fueled the witch trials.
- Witches: Evolving Perceptions: This explores how the concept of witches has changed over time — from historic European witch trials to modern witch hunts.
Presentations run every half-hour from 10 AM to 4:30 PM.
- Address: 19 1/2 Washington Square North, Salem, Massachusetts.
- Cost: $17.50 USD for adults, $16 for seniors, and $14.50 for children between 6–14 years of age.
Witch House (Corwin House)
The Witch House, also called Corwin House, is a museum directly tied to the 1692 Salem Witch Trials.
Judge Jonathan Corwin, one of the judges involved in the trials, lived and reportedly conducted pre-trials of many accused witches in this house.
The museum offers a glimpse into life during the Salem Witch Trials. It’s one of few museums that preserves the 17th-century furnishings, providing a peek into the domestic life of wealthy Puritan families of the time.
It’s open Thursday to Sunday from 12 PM to 4 PM, with the last entry at 3:45 PM.
- Address: 310 1/2 Essex Street Sales, Massachusetts.
- Cost: $8.25 for adults, $6.25 for seniors and veterans, and $4.25 for children over six years old. For an extra $2.25, you can upgrade to a guided tour.
Salem Witch Trials Memorial
The Salem Witch Trials Memorial is a somber and reflective site that honors 20 victims of the trials. The memorial features a handcrafted granite wall on three sides and 20 benches engraved with the victims’ names and execution dates.
Highlights of the memorial include:
- The granite wall contains excerpts from the victims’ court testimonies, which are cut off mid-sentence to symbolize the abrupt end to their lives and the indifference to their pleas of innocence.
- Six locust trees that symbolize injustice, as they’re the last to bloom in spring and the first to shed their flowers in the fall.
The memorial is open from dawn to dusk and is wheelchair-accessible.
- Address: Liberty Street, adjacent to Charter Street Cemetery.
- Cost: Free to enter.
Visit Salem’s top museums
Beyond the witch trials, Salem boasts a rich maritime and literary history, celebrated in some of the oldest museums in the United States.
Here are three museums you should definitely visit when traveling to Salem, MA.
Peabody Essex Museum
Founded in 1799 by the East India Marine Society, the Peabody Essex Museum is the oldest continuously operating museum in the United States.
It houses over 1.3 million works, including the most extensive maritime art collections in the country.
The museum’s campus includes 24 historic buildings, showcasing architectural styles from Post-Medieval to First Revival.
A standout feature is Yin Yu Tang, a 200-year-old Chinese house. It’s the only example of traditional Chinese domestic architecture on display in the US.
The museum is open from Thursday to Monday, 10 AM to 5 PM. You’ll need to make your accommodation requests at least two weeks in advance.
Services include braille brochures, sign language interpreters for guided tours, rollator walkers, and KultureCity sensory bags.
- Address: 161 Essex Street, Salem, MA.
- Cost: $20 for adults, with discounts available for seniors, students, and children.
The House of the Seven Gables
Also known as the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion, this 1668 colonial mansion was originally built for sea captain John Turner and stands as a symbol of Salem’s maritime history.
While it was initially constructed with seven gables, today there are only three.
Author Nathaniel Hawthorne, who was related to the Ingersoll family, drew inspiration from the house for Pyncheon House, the central setting in his popular novel, The House of the Seven Gables.
Today, it operates as a non-profit museum and settlement house offering English as a Second Language (ESL) and citizenship classes to local immigrants. It’s open from Friday to Monday from 10 AM to 4 PM.
- Address: 115 Derby Street, Salem, MA.
- Cost: The Mansion Tour costs $25 (with discounts for seniors and children), and the Grounds Tour costs $12 from May to September and $6 from November to April.
Salem Maritime National Historic Site
As the first National Historic Site in the United States, this landmark spans nine acres and includes 12 historic structures. Highlights include the US Custom House, Derby House, Hawkes House, and the West India Goods Store.
The showstopper is the Friendship of Salem, a 171-foot replica of the original ship docked at Derby Wharf.
Visitors can take guided tours to learn about 18th-century maritime life, with Salem Harbor providing a beautiful backdrop for photos.
For an immersive experience in Salem’s maritime culture, the best time to visit is in August during the annual Salem Maritime Festival, one of the USA’s most interesting festivals.
This free event features engaging demonstrations and activities like the Cardboard Boat Regatta, where teams of two build and race homemade boats in the Salem Sound.
The site is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. Most areas, including the replica ship, are wheelchair accessible, with Braille maps and large-print brochures available for visitors.
- Address: 160 Derby Street, Salem, MA.
- Cost: Free to access.
Enjoy outdoor activities and parks
Looking for outdoor things to do in Salem, MA? These activities let you enjoy the fresh air while connecting with the local community and learning about the city’s history.
1692 Salem Night Walking Tour
One of the most unique things to do in Salem, this two-mile guided walking tour takes you to landmarks significant to the 1692 Salem Witch Trials. Some key stops include:
- The Witch House: Judge Jonathan Corwin hosted pre-trials of accused witches here.
- Salem’s First Church: Founded in 1629, it’s one of the oldest Protestant churches in North America. Many members played important roles in the trials.
- The Samantha Statue: A pop culture landmark that highlights how the portrayal of witches has evolved in American media.
- Howard Street Cemetery: One of Salem’s oldest burial grounds, containing the grave of Giles Cory, a witch trial victim.
- The Salem Witch Trial Memorial: A tribute to the victims with 20 granite benches inscribed with their names and execution dates.
- Old Burying Point Cemetery: Another historic site, home to the graves of Witch Trial Judges.
If you’re visiting Salem in December, add the Ghosts of Christmas Past Tour to your itinerary. This one-hour tour takes you to some of Salem’s oldest homes.
- Where: Most tours start at 272 Essex Street and conclude at the Old Burying Point Cemetery.
- Cost: $25–$30, depending on the tour operator.
1692 Salem Day Tour
Much like the night tour, the 1692 Salem day tour takes you through a dozen historic sites guided by a local historian.
As you explore, you’ll hear stories about the events leading up to the 1692 Witch Trials — the factors that fueled the hysteria, the key players involved, and how the trials eventually came to an end.
The tour lasts two hours, and you might not find facilities like parking or restrooms, so make sure to plan ahead. While the walk is wheelchair and stroller-accessible, the older sidewalks can be uneven.
- Where: Most tours begin at the Hermetic Art Center (272 Essex Street) and end at the Old Burying Point Cemetery.
- Cost: $25–$30 per adult, with discounts for children and seniors. Prices may vary by operator, so check for exact rates.
Winter Island Park
Winter Island Park is a scenic recreational area at the mouth of the Salem Harbor. Spanning 54 acres, it includes public beaches, a boat ramp, a kayak launch, scenic walking paths, and campsites.
History enthusiasts can explore the remnants of Fort Pickering and its lighthouse.
While the park is open year-round, activities like camping are only allowed from May to November. If you’re in the mood to buy some souvenirs on Salem’s maritime history, the gift shop has plenty to offer.
- Address: 50 Winter Island Road, Salem, MA.
- Cost: Entry to the park is free, but fees apply for certain activities like camping and kayaking.
Salem Woods
Salem Woods, also called Highland Park, is a 160-acre park that includes uplands, freshwater marshes, and open fields.
It’s been recognized by the Massachusetts Historic Commission, and archaeologists have also found Native American artifacts in the area.
Today, it’s a popular spot for birdwatchers (there are over 150 species of birds in the area) and nature photographers.
There are also many well-maintained, accessible trails — the most popular one being the Salem Woods Nature Trail. It’s around 2.3 miles and can be accessed from a quarter mile past Salem High School, leading to the Olde Salem Green Municipal Golf Course on the right.
- Address: Wilson Street (near the Olde Salem Green Municipal Golf Course).
- Cost: Free.
Discover family-friendly activities in Salem
If you’re traveling with young children and looking to add some fun activities to your itinerary, here are a few options they’re sure to love.
Salem Willows Arcade
This seaside amusement park, established in 1877, features three beaches, tennis and basketball courts, and picnic areas.
There are also plenty of games in the arcade, from old classics like Galaga and Skeeball to newer ones like Red Hot! and Monster Drop.
If you’re looking for more adventure, Kiddieland offers bumper rides, waterboats, and even a 1905 carousel for young children to enjoy. It’s open from Tuesday to Sunday, 11 AM to 11 PM.
- Address: 173 Fort Avenue, Salem, MA (within the Salem Willows Park).
- Cost: Entry to Salem Willows Park is free. Arcade games require tokens and cost around 25 to 50 cents per play.
New England Pirate Museum
The New England Pirate Museum entertains both kids and adults with its fascinating history of infamous pirates — Kidd, Blackbeard, Bellamy, and Quelch — who operated along the New England coast in the 17th and 18th centuries.
The museum includes three experiences:
- A recreated dockside village featuring the ‘Artifacts Room’.
- A replica pirate ship that you can explore.
- An 80-foot cave filled with hidden treasures.
It’s open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM.
- Address: 274 Derby Street, Salem, MA.
- Cost: $13 for adults and $10 for children.
Try the best restaurants in Salem
Salem is home to several standout restaurants that combine great food with rich history and community involvement.
Whether they’ve been local favorites for decades or are newer spots making an impact, these eateries are worth a visit.
Village Tavern
Located on Essex Street, directly opposite the Peabody Essex Museum, Village Tavern is a convenient lunch spot for museum visitors.
This American-style tavern offers a casual dining experience, featuring both a gastropub and steakhouse menu. Every Saturday, you can enjoy live music from 3 PM to 6 PM.
The tavern was voted Best Burger in Salem for six years in a row. Be sure to try their crowd favorites, Big Tav and Bacon Brie.
Address: 168 Essex Street, Salem, MA.
Turner’s Seafood
Turner’s Seafood at Lyceum Hall offers a mix of casual and upscale dining with a focus on fresh, local seafood.
While a few tables are available for online reservations, most seating is allocated to walk-in guests. Signature dishes include lobster pie, crab cake, and finnan haddie (smoked haddock in a pearl onion gratin).
Fun fact: The restaurant sits on what was once the apple orchard of Bridget Bishop, the first person executed for witchcraft during the Salem Witch Trials of 1692.
It’s open from 12 pm to 9 pm from Sunday to Thursday and 10 pm on Friday and Saturday.
Address: 43 Church St., Salem, MA 0197.
Red’s Sandwich Shop
Red’s Sandwich Shop in Downtown Salem is a casual diner-style restaurant that has been serving the community since 1945.
Popular with both locals and tourists, it’s been recognized as having the “Best Breakfast on the North Shore” for over 24 consecutive years.
Must-try sandwiches include Red’s Reuben, Monte Cristo, and Philly Steak Bomb Sub. However, there are limited vegetarian and vegan options.
It’s open Monday to Saturday from 7 AM to 2 PM and Sunday from 7 AM to 1 PM.
Address: 15 Central Street, Salem, MA.
Settler
Settler is an upscale Mediterranean-inspired restaurant run by Chef Aaron Chambers.
Known for its commitment to local produce, the menu changes with the seasons and boasts an extensive wine list alongside a curated selection of cordial-based cocktails.
The restaurant is open from 5 PM to 9 PM (Tuesday to Thursday) and 5 PM to 9:30 PM (Friday and Saturday).
A smart casual dress code is recommended, so consider adding dresses or dress pants to your travel packing list.
A 3% service charge is added to all checks to support Settler’s kitchen team. For parties of five or more, an automatic 20% gratuity is included in the bill, so you don’t have to tip.
Address: 2 Lynde Street, Salem, MA.
Discover the best of Salem with Holafly
Salem is a city where history, culture, and community come alive — from its witch trial landmarks and maritime museums to scenic parks and local eateries.
Whether you want to dig deeper into its history or find a top restaurant for your next meal, secure mobile internet is essential.
Holafly’s USA eSIM is an easy way to stay online, allowing you to navigate the city, share memorable moments, and uncover hidden gems.
With unlimited data for just $6.90 for one day or as low as $1.55 per day for longer plans, simple activation, and 24/7 and multilingual support, it’s a reliable travel companion for international visitors.
Ready to experience all that Salem has to offer?
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Detroit native, foothills and lakes of North Carolina raised, Barcelona-based writer and creator. Sam lives and loves by the phrase: words create worlds. An international lifestyle matched with a background in psychology, business, and creative writing has allowed Sam to create content for a range of artists, entrepreneurs, and fashion and lifestyle brands across the globe. Sam's an avid water sports athlete with a passion for fashion, well-being, and adventure.
