Salem, Massachusetts
Salem, Massachusetts is famous for its dark past, particularly the witch trials that took place in the late 17th century. Today, the city embraces its witchy history and offers a spooky atmosphere year-round. The downtown area is easily walkable and offers plenty of things to see and do, including quirky shops, local pubs, and historic buildings.
The city honors witches, both former accused and fictional, such as Sabrina from the Bewitched TV series and the Sanderson sisters from the Hocus Pocus movie. Salem is also a seaside town, making it a great destination for architecture and maritime enthusiasts.
Our family visited spooky Salem, Massachusetts by RV in August 2020. Our little ones were 4,3 and 1.5 at the time, and we found that there were plenty of age-appropriate spooky activities for them to participate in the downtown area. One-day was the perfect amount of time to stay in the city before moving on to greener pastures. In this blog, I explain why you should visit Salem and things to do for all ages.
Is Salem, Massachusetts worth visiting?
Absolutely! Salem is a unique city that offers a range of activities for visitors of all ages. The downtown area is family-friendly and has plenty to see and do, even with young kids. With a population of just over 40,000, Salem is a small city that is easily explored in a day.
Things to Do in Salem, Massachusetts
Included below is a list of activities to help you explore Spooky Salem. If you purchase any of the guided tours linked below, then you will likely visit some of these landmarks (like the Salem Witch Museum and Salem Witch Memorial) as part of the tour.
Guided tours start at $25 per person and increase depending on the length of the tour and what is included like entrance fees. Gratuity is not typically included so please tip your tour guide 15%-20% at the end of your tour.
- Walk around downtown – Take a stroll through the historic downtown area and admire the architecture.
- Tour a haunted house – Salem is known for its haunted houses, and there are plenty to choose from.
- Tour the mall – Visit the Salem Witch Mall and pick up some witchy souvenirs.
- Go on a haunted night walking tour – Learn about Salem’s spooky history on a ghost tour.
- Go on a haunted day walking tour – Love the spookiness, but not at night? Just take a daytime version of the popular haunted night tour instead.
- Take a self-guided tour – If you walk to the beat of your own drum or just need more flexibility than a self-guided tour of Salem is just for you. This tour does not include admission fees to museums.
- Visit the Statue of Samantha – Fans of the Bewitched TV series will love this statue of Samantha in downtown Salem.
- Visit the Salem Witch Museum – Learn about the witch trials and the history of witches in Salem.
- Visit the Peabody Essex Museum – This museum has a collection of art and artifacts that showcase the city’s maritime history.
- Take a trolley tour – Sit back and relax on a trolley tour of the city.
- Visit the House of the Seven Gables – This historic house is the inspiration for Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel of the same name.
- Check out the Witch Dungeon Museum – Learn about the witch trials and see a reenactment of a witch trial.
- Visit the Pirate Museum – explore this child-friendly museum that highlights the history of the pirates that stalked the waters around Salem.
Where to Stay
If you’re looking for a spooky place to stay in Salem, there are plenty of options.
Two highly rated bed and breakfasts in the area are The Salem Inn and The Hawthorne Hotel.
- The Salem Inn is a collection of historic homes that have been converted into a bed and breakfast. The average nightly rate for The Salem Inn is around $200.
- The Hawthorne Hotel is a historic hotel that was built in 1925. The Hawthorne Hotel is around $250.
- RV Parking: We parked overnight in downtown in our RV. Though not a long-term plan, it was perfect to have a centrally located spot when we woke up. We simply had to pay the meters before we walked out.
Where to Eat
There are plenty of great restaurants in the downtown area of Salem. Here are a few highly-rated options.
- The Lobster Shanty – This seafood restaurant is known for its lobster rolls and fried clams.
- Turner’s Seafood – Another great seafood restaurant, Turner’s is known for its clam chowder and lobster bisque.
- Adea’s Mediterranean Kitchen – This restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine and has a great outdoor patio.
- Bambolina – This pizzeria is known for its wood-fired pizzas and has a great selection of craft beer.
Plan Your Trip
Here are some useful resources to help you plan your trip to Salem:
How to Get to Salem
Salem is easily accessible by car, train, or public bus. If you’re flying in, Boston Logan International Airport is the closest airport to Salem.
Traveling to or from Boston
Looking for a budget-friendly way to explore the best of Boston? The Boston All-Inclusive Pass is your go-to solution! With access to more than 40 top-notch activities, attractions, and tours, you can easily create your own itinerary, while saving up to 45% compared to buying individual attraction tickets. Choose from a variety of pass durations ranging from 1 to 7 days, and visit as many attractions as you like within that time. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to explore Boston hassle-free!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hocus Pocus filmed in Salem?
No, Hocus Pocus was actually filmed in various locations throughout Massachusetts, but not in Salem. However, the movie has become synonymous with the town and has helped to popularize its witchy reputation.
What happened in Salem Massachusetts?
Salem is best known for the Salem Witch Trials, a series of hearings and prosecutions of people accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts in the late 17th century. Over 200 people were accused, and 20 were executed. The trials have since become a symbol of the dangers of superstition and persecution.
Is one day enough in Salem?
Absolutely! One day in Salem is definitely worth it and there’s plenty to see and do in this historic town. You can explore the downtown area, visit the Salem Witch Museum, tour a haunted house, take a ghost tour, and so much more. Plus, many of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other, making it easy to see a lot in a short amount of time. Additionally, with its variety of restaurants and cafes, you can indulge in the delicious local food scene, from fresh seafood to artisanal pizzas. One day is definitely enough to experience the spooky and spectacular atmosphere of Salem, Massachusetts.
Is Salem, Massachusetts a real place?
Yes, Salem, Massachusetts is a real city located in the United States. It is well-known for its rich history, particularly the infamous Salem Witch Trials that occurred in the late 1600s. The city has many historical landmarks and museums dedicated to the witch trials and its impact on American history. These days, it is a popular tourist destination for those interested in the spooky and witchy atmosphere of the city, as well as its vibrant food and arts scene.
What is Salem, Massachusett’s past known for?
Salem, Massachusetts is known for its dark past related to the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. The trials were a series of hearings and prosecutions of people accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts, which resulted in the execution of 20 people, 19 by hanging and one by pressing. The trials and executions are now widely considered to be a miscarriage of justice, and have become a significant part of the town’s history and cultural identity. Today, the town honors its past by offering various tours, museums, and attractions related to witchcraft and the trials.
What is present-day Salem Massachusetts known for?
Present-day Salem, Massachusetts is known for its unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. It’s still well-known for its witch trials history, but the city has evolved to embrace and celebrate all things witchy and spooky year-round. Salem is also known for being an LGBTQIA+ friendly destination, with a vibrant community and a welcoming atmosphere.
The city’s food scene has grown in recent years, with a variety of restaurants and cafes offering a diverse range of cuisines, including seafood, Italian, and vegetarian options. Salem also has a thriving arts and culture scene, with many galleries, museums, and cultural institutions.
Salem has a hip vibe and a growing number of boutiques, antique shops, and specialty stores. In addition, the city’s waterfront is a popular destination, with scenic views, beaches, and a bustling harbor. Overall, Salem is a unique and exciting destination that offers something for everyone, whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just having a good time.
Conclusion
Salem, Massachusetts is a unique and fascinating city and it offers just the right amount of spooky and spectacular in a one-day itinerary for families. With its historic architecture, quirky shops, and spooky atmosphere, there is plenty to see and do in Salem, whether you’re a history buff or a fan of the supernatural.
From ghost tours to the Salem Witch Museum, there’s something for everyone in this charming seaside town. So pack your bags and get ready to experience the witchy wonder of Salem, Massachusetts!
Let me know in the comments if you’ve been, and what you loved doing the most.
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