Salem, Massachusetts, is known for its rich history and vibrant culture, making it a year-round destination for visitors. Whether you’re fascinated by the infamous witch trials, love exploring historic sites, or enjoy the arts and local cuisine, Salem offers something for everyone every season. Here’s a guide to some of the top activities you can enjoy throughout the year in this charming New England city.
Explore The Salem Witch Museum
No visit to Salem is complete without a stop at the Salem Witch Museum. This iconic attraction delves into the history of the 1692 witch trials, offering an immersive experience that educates and intrigues visitors. With life-size stage sets, dramatic lighting, and narrations, the museum brings the trials to life, making it a must-see for anyone interested in this dark chapter of American history.
Visit The Peabody Essex Museum
The Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) is one of the oldest continuously operating museums in the United States. It offers an impressive collection of art and cultural artifacts worldwide. The museum’s exhibits range from maritime to Asian and African art and contemporary works. With rotating exhibits and special events, there’s always something new to see at PEM, making it a great spot to visit any time of year.
Walk The Salem Heritage Trail
The Salem Heritage Trail is a self-guided walking tour through the heart of Salem’s historic district. Marked by a red line on the pavement, the trail connects many of Salem’s key attractions, including the Witch House, the Old Burying Point Cemetery, and the House of the Seven Gables. It’s an excellent way to explore the city at your own pace, taking in the sights and learning about Salem’s rich history.
Discover The House Of The Seven Gables
The House of the Seven Gables is a stunning example of colonial architecture and a literary landmark. Made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel of the same name, this historic house offers guided tours that delve into the history of the building, its inhabitants, and Hawthorne’s connection to Salem. The beautifully preserved house and its gardens are open year-round, providing a glimpse into Salem’s past.
Attend The Salem Arts Festival
Held annually in June, the Salem Arts Festival celebrates the city’s thriving arts scene. The festival features local artists, musicians, and performers, offering a variety of activities and events throughout the weekend. Even if you’re not visiting during the festival, Salem’s arts community is active year-round, with galleries, studios, and public art installations to explore.
Take A Haunted Walking Tour
Salem’s haunted history isn’t confined to October. Throughout the year, you can join one of the many haunted walking tours that explore the city’s ghostly past. These tours are led by knowledgeable guides who share chilling tales of Salem’s paranormal activity, from haunted houses to eerie graveyards. It’s a fun and spooky way to see the city, no matter the season.
Enjoy The Waterfront
Salem’s location on the coast makes it a great place to enjoy waterfront activities. In the warmer months, you can take a harbor cruise, rent a kayak, or stroll along the waterfront to enjoy the views. Winter brings charm, with the harbor often providing a picturesque, snow-covered landscape. Whether looking for adventure or relaxation, the waterfront is a beautiful spot to visit year-round.
Explore Pioneer Village
Pioneer Village, also known as Salem 1630, is a living history museum that recreates a 17th-century Puritan village. Open seasonally, this outdoor museum offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience life as it was in early Salem. Visitors can explore the village’s houses, gardens, and common areas while learning about the settlers’ daily life.
Visit The Witch House
The Witch House, also known as the Jonathan Corwin House, is the only structure still standing in Salem with direct ties to the 1692 witch trials. This historic house was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, who presided over the trials. Today, it serves as a museum, offering guided tours that explore the history of the witch trials and life in 17th-century Salem.
Tour The Salem Maritime National Historic Site
The Salem Maritime National Historic Site is the first National Historic Site in the United States, and it offers a fascinating look at Salem’s maritime history. The site includes several historic buildings, a replica tall ship, and a waterfront area where you can learn about Salem’s role in early American trade. The site is open year-round, with seasonal events and activities that make each visit unique.
Experience Salem In October
While Salem is a great destination year-round, the city comes alive in October. Haunted Happenings, Salem’s month-long celebration of Halloween, draws visitors from all over the world. The town is transformed with decorations, special events, and a spooky atmosphere perfect for Halloween lovers. Salem has no shortage of things to do in October, from parades to haunted houses.
Attend A Performance At The Salem Theatre Company
The Salem Theatre Company is a local theater group that performs various performances throughout the year, from classic plays to contemporary works. Attending a performance is a great way to experience Salem’s cultural scene and support local artists. The theater company’s productions are held at various venues around the city, making each show a unique experience.
Visit The New England Pirate Museum
For a swashbuckling adventure, head to the New England Pirate Museum. This museum explores the history of pirates in New England, with exhibits on famous pirates, shipwrecks, and treasure hunts. The museum offers guided tours that bring the pirate stories to life, making it a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
Take A Ghost Tour By Trolley
If you prefer to explore Salem’s haunted sites from the comfort of a trolley, consider taking a ghost tour by trolley. These tours are offered year-round and take you to some of the city’s most haunted locations, all while sharing ghost stories and historical facts. It’s a great way to see the city, especially on a cold or rainy day.
Explore The Ropes Mansion
The Ropes Mansion, located in the McIntire Historic District, is a beautifully preserved Georgian Colonial mansion open to the public. Built in the 18th century, it has been home to several generations of the Ropes family. Today, it is a museum with exhibits on the family’s history and life in colonial Salem. The mansion’s gardens are also highlighted, offering a peaceful retreat in the city’s heart.
Enjoy A Meal At A Historic Tavern
Salem is home to several historic taverns that offer a taste of New England history and delicious food. The Salem Cross Inn, The Tavern at the Hawthorne Hotel, and the Old Spot are just a few options for enjoying a meal in a historic setting. These taverns offer a cozy atmosphere, perfect for a meal after a day of exploring the city.
Visit The Salem Witch Trials Memorial
The Salem Witch Trials Memorial is a sad and moving tribute to the victims of the 1692 witch trials. It consists of 20 stone benches, each engraved with a victim’s name. The memorial is a quiet place for reflection and a reminder of the tragic events in Salem. It is located near the Old Burying Point Cemetery, which is also worth visiting.
Take A Day Trip To Marblehead
Just a short drive from Salem, Marblehead is a picturesque coastal town with a rich history. Visitors can explore the town’s historic district, visit the Marblehead Lighthouse, and enjoy the scenic views of Marblehead Harbor. Marblehead is also known for its sailing culture, and visitors can often see sailboats dotting the harbor, especially in the summer months.
Explore The Witch Dungeon Museum
The Witch Dungeon Museum offers a unique and immersive experience that takes visitors back to the time of the Salem witch trials. The museum features a live reenactment of a witch trial and a guided tour of the dungeon where accused witches were held. It’s a fascinating and chilling experience that provides a deeper understanding of the fear and hysteria that gripped Salem in 1692.
Visit The Salem Wax Museum
The Salem Wax Museum is home to lifelike wax figures that depict key figures from Salem’s history, including those involved in the witch trials. The museum also includes exhibits on Salem’s maritime history and pirate lore. It’s a fun and interactive way to learn about the city’s past, making it an excellent family stop.
Attend The Salem Film Fest
The Salem Film Fest is an annual event that showcases documentary films from around the world. Held in March, the festival features screenings, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, and special events. It’s an excellent opportunity to see thought-provoking films and engage with the film community in Salem.
Take A Candlelit Ghost Tour
Candlelit ghost tours are a popular activity in Salem. They offer a spooky, atmospheric way to explore the city’s haunted history. These tours are offered year-round after dark, adding to the eerie ambiance. Guides lead visitors through the historic streets, sharing tales of ghosts, witches, and other supernatural phenomena.
Explore The Witch City Mall
The Witch City Mall is a unique shopping destination in the heart of Salem. The mall features a variety of shops, from souvenir stores to specialty boutiques, as well as attractions like the Salem Toy Museum and the Witch History Museum. It’s a great place to pick up a souvenir or spend a rainy day.
Visit The Old Burying Point Cemetery
The Old Burying Point Cemetery is one of the oldest cemeteries in the United States, dating back to 1637. The cemetery is the final resting place of several key figures from Salem’s history, including judges from the witch trials. A walk through the cemetery offers a glimpse into the city’s past and is a peaceful, if slightly eerie, experience.
Take A Photography Tour
Salem’s historic architecture and scenic waterfront make it a great place for photography. Several companies offer photography tours that take visitors to some of the city’s most photogenic spots. These tours are a great way to see the city from a different perspective and capture beautiful images of your visit.
Explore The McIntire Historic District
The McIntire Historic District is a neighborhood in Salem known for its well-preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture. It is named after Samuel McIntire, a master carpenter and architect who designed many of the buildings in the area. A stroll through the district offers a chance to see some of the country’s finest examples of Federal-style architecture.
Visit The Salem Athenaeum
The Salem Athenaeum is one of the oldest private libraries in the United States, founded in 1810. The library is housed in a beautiful historic building and offers a collection of rare books, manuscripts, and other historical documents. The Athenaeum hosts lectures, readings, and other events throughout the year, making it a great place to learn and engage with Salem’s literary community.
Take A Ferry To Baker’s Island
BaIslandIsland, located just off the coast of Salem, is home to the Baker’s Island Light Station, a historic lighthouse that has guided Marin Island since 1798. Visitors can take a ferry to Island Island and tour the lighthouse and the keeper’s house during summer. Island Island also offers hiking trails and beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean.
At Island Workshop At The Salem Witch Institute
The Salem Island Institute offers workshops and classes on various topics related to witchcraft, spirituality, and history. These workshops are open to the public and provide a unique way to learn more about Salem’s witchcraft heritage. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, the institute offers a welcoming and educational environment.
Visit The Witch History Museum
The Witch History Museum offers a deep dive into the history of the Salem witch trials. Its exhibits explore the events leading up to the trials, the trials themselves, and their aftermath. The museum features life-size dioramas, artifacts, and a guided tour that comprehensively looks at this dark period in American history.
Explore The Derby Wharf
Derby Wharf is a historic waterfront area in Salem that was once the center of maritime trade. Today, the pier is part of the Salem Maritime National Historic Site and offers a scenic walk with views of the harbor and the historic tall ship Friendship. The dock is also home to the Derby Wharf Light Station, a small lighthouse that has guided ships into Salem Harbor since 1871.
Explore The Forest River Park
Forest River Park is a beautiful public park in Salem that offers a variety of outdoor activities year-round. The park features walking trails, a beach, picnic areas, and a playground. In the winter, the park’s hills are famous for sledding, while the warmer months bring opportunities for swimming and boating.