Once a bustling seaport, today, Salem is best known as the site of the harrowing witch trials that rocked Colonial America in 1692. Visitors flock to this quiet coastal town near Boston to explore its haunted history, from ghost tours to eerie sites like the Witch Dungeon Museum and the House of the Seven Gables. But go beyond witches. Other popular things to do in Salem include browsing artifacts at the Peabody Essex Museum or connecting with the city’s seafaring past at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site.
You can enjoy the city year-round, but to enjoy the area at its liveliest—if also its kitschiest—visit in October, before or around Halloween, when there are so many things to do in Salem. It’s busy this time of year, but if you can handle the crowds, you’ll be met with fun seasonal events. Late spring and summer are also favorable times to travel, with warm weather making coastal parks especially pleasant. While winters are cold and snowy, there are many indoor attractions to check out between December and February, as well as lower prices and greater accommodation availability.
Located 16 miles north of Boston Logan International Airport, the city can be reached by train via the MBTA Commuter Rail’s Newburyport and Rockport Lines and by the Salem Ferry. Salem isn’t large, so you can easily get around on foot, with the Salem Heritage Trail connecting all the main attractions. Or, hop-on hop-off sightseeing trolleys operate between April and November. Ride-hailing services and bike rentals are also available.
Despite its spooky reputation, the city is family-friendly, and travelers with young kids don’t need to expose them to frightening attractions or tours if they don’t want to. Within this historic town, you’ll find many 17th-century homes and buildings that offer visitors a non-sensationalized glimpse into colonial-era life and the Salem Witch Trials of the 1690s. Stop by Burying Point Cemetery, one of the oldest in the U.S., where notable figures from the trials are buried. For even more history, visit Pioneer Village, a living history museum showcasing early colonial life. Of course, if you want all the witches on broomsticks, dancing skeletons, and creepy ghouls, you’ll also find them around town. The Salem Waterfront Hotel is a convenient option near key attractions if you're staying overnight.
