Introduction
Spooky season has arrived! And no town screams Halloween quite as loud as Salem, Massachusetts. For an entire month, Salem turns into a Halloween street festival and amusement park, complete with an annual parade, droves of people in costumes, and a host of historic and witchy attractions to explore.
I lived in the town right across the bridge from Salem for about 2 years. As such, I was able to walk or bike into Salem whenever I wanted. I’ve seen the ebb and flow of its annual October festivities, and developed a firm understanding of how to make the most of this special time.
If you're daydreaming about a Halloween visit to one of America’s most unique destinations, look no further! I’ve got the best recommendations for experiencing Salem’s witchy Halloween fun and exploring its rich history. From haunted happenings to iconic landmarks, here’s everything you need to know for an exciting adventure in Salem. With these suggestions, you can make your trip to Salem as spooky and seamless as possible.
Accommodation & Transportation
I lived nearby long enough to know that you don’t want to drive in Salem throughout basically all of October.
Traffic is always a nightmare and parking is even worse. According to Salem’s mayor in September 2024, the city “will see up to 100,000 visitors, but the city only has about 4,000 parking spaces.” Plus, most of those parking spaces are permitted for residents.
I recommend booking a hotel or bed-and-breakfast in an adjacent city and taking an Uber or (bless the New England public transport gods) train into Salem. The Newbury/Rockport (purple) rail line runs through Salem and goes all the way south to Boston and all the way north to Gloucester. The Salem stop is conveniently located near the city center.
If staying in Beverly, Gloucester, or Manchester-By-The-Sea, you can opt for the train. If staying in Danvers, Peabody, or Marblehead, you will need to take an Uber or other car service. Booking accommodation this way means that you can spend all day in Salem, soaking in the chaotic Halloween fun, then retreat to an adorable little sea-side town or convenient suburb with much fewer tourists and traffic.
Though Salem is compact and walkable, it is an old city so that means cobblestone streets and tight alleys. Be careful walking around, especially at night as it can get very dark in some places. Wear comfortable, secure walking shoes and stay aware of where you’re walking. The brick sidewalks get very slippery when wet, and I’ve witnessed people of all ages take nasty spills.
In general, Salem is a safe and well-populated city but use your common sense. For more advice, including where to find public restrooms, road closure information, and maps, check out the Salem Haunted Happenings website.
Spooky & Witchy Attractions
Photo courtesy of Joseph Prezioso.
The Witch House
310 Essex Street
This museum is the former home of Jonathan Corwin, who was one of the judges during the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. The Witch House is the only remaining structure with direct ties to the Trials, and visitors gain a look into Puritan life as well as greater context surrounding that wild event. Plus, The Witch House is right down the street from Ropes Mansion and Garden, which is an 18th-century Georgian Colonial mansion with a free (and beautiful) walking garden out back.
It’s important to note that you can’t take pictures inside The Witch House, but you can photograph the house from outside. Please respect this! Also, tours run every day at scheduled time slots from 10 am to 8 pm. You must purchase tickets for your time slot in advance, and tickets go on sale at 8 am for that day’s available tours.
Cinema Salem
1 E India Square Mall
If you want to catch a spooky show, Cinema Salem is a great local, independent theater that presents films and live performances year-round. During October, they host spooky events on the regular. It’s also located inside the Witch City Mall, which has a handful of small shops where you can buy costumes, food, and trinkets. However, this mall always felt dead to me. I recommend some more interesting shopping options below.
Salem Witch Museum
19 1/2 Washington Square North
This is, perhaps, the most iconic witch-themed attraction in all of Salem. The Salem Witch Museum explores the region’s specific witch trials while also examining the broader concepts of scapegoating and injustice that lead to phenomena like witch hunts. The museum is housed in a historic, renovated church building, which is right across from Salem Common. The Common is an 8-acre public park that is always hosting street fairs and other events. It’s also a nice place to rest!
“Intersections: Anila Quayyum Agha” is one of the exhibits at the Peabody Essex Museum.
Historic Attractions
Heritage Trail
When you visit Salem, you’ll immediately notice a yellow solid line all over the sidewalks. This is the Heritage Trail, which is a free, self-guided walking tour. In total, the Trail is about 3 miles / 5 kilometers from start to finish and passes by a lot of the major historical sites from 400 years of Salem history. Some of my spooky recommendations even fall on the Heritage Trail!
I recommend starting your trip to Salem with the Heritage Trail. It will give you a sense of the city, and help you plan out the rest of your time. Conveniently, the Heritage Trail has a corresponding website and mobile app.
Peabody Essex Museum
161 Essex Street
Peabody Essex Museum is definitely worth a visit if you appreciate art and/or have a rainy day to fill. My favorite exhibit is “Yin Yu Tang: A Chinese Home,” which is a 16-bedroom home from the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911). The museum worked with preservation architects and traditional Chinese and American craftspeople to deconstruct the home in China and reconstruct it in Salem. Visitors get to walk through the whole house and learn about its history with the help of a guide. In addition to exhibits like this, the Peabody Essex Museum offers guided and self-guided tours, including spooky-themed ones, all across Salem.
The Daniels House
1 Daniels Street
Built in 1667 by a sea captain, The Daniels House is the oldest Inn in Salem. It is a First Period property that predates the Salem Witch Trials. Plus, it’s a functioning hotel that you can book for an overnight stay. The Daniels House also offers private candlelight tours, which is how I experienced it. I found this tour to be one of the most informative and enjoyable historical experiences Salem has to offer. The tour was intimate, flexible, and thorough. The team can even craft a tour around whatever you’re most curious about from their list of specialities. You can find available tours by searching “The Daniels House Tours” or reaching out to the team directly.
Shopping
The Essex Street Pedestrian Mall, pictured here, is Salem’s main corridor filled with souvenir shops. Below I share 3 local shops also worth a visit.
Artemisia Botanicals
3 Hawthorne Blvd
This is an apothecary-style shop with handmade products like soap, incense, and essential oils. In addition to smelling amazing, Artemisia Botanicals is located right off Essex Street, which is a main shopping corridor in Salem. The Essex Street Pedestrian Mall, pictured above, is lined with every souvenir shop you could never need.
OAK + MOSS
143 Washington Street
If you have a gardener in your life, you have to visit OAK + MOSS. This gift / plant shop is located in the heart of Historic Downtown Salem, and is filled with trendy homewares, candles, and other unique gifts. The vibe is very laid-back and the shop is filled with plants. I fall in love with a different ceramic pot every time I visit.
HausWitch Home + Healing
144 Washington Street
This is a modern boutique-style shop that sells handmade gifts, magical souvenirs, and more. The catch is everything sold in HausWitch Home + Healing is made by local, independent artists from around New England. You can also shop online with the option for free, local pickup.
Food & Drinks
Photo courtesy of Dire Wolf Tavern.
Ugly Mug Diner
122 Washington Street
The Ugly Mug is a hipster’s take on the classic American diner, and I’m not upset about it. Their menu fuses classic diner food with modern drink options like Nutella lattes and apple cider mimosas. It’s located right across the street from the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall. Its location is convenient, but also means you will likely experience a wait. I don’t believe they accept reservations. So, if you can, I recommend getting here early in the day, putting your name on the list and exploring the shops along Essex Street while you wait for your table. The hostess will take down your number and text you when it’s ready.
Jaho Coffee Roaster & Wine Bar
197 Derby Street
Jaho Coffee Roaster & Wine Bar is a small coffee shop located right next to the Derby Wharf Light Station, which is a great place to relax by the water and learn about maritime history if that’s your jam. I really like Jaho’s bubble tea. They have a small food and gelato menu, as well.
Turner’s Seafood
43 Church Street
If you’re looking to splurge on local fish, Turner’s Seafood is the place to be. The restaurant is a short walk south from the Salem train station, right off the main drag of Washington Street. The vibe is elegant and candlelit. Plus, Turner’s is housed within a 19th-century building so there is a lot of historic charm. I went to here for a work event, and everything looked delicious. I recommend ordering a cocktail and any of the seafood pasta dishes.
Dire Wolf Tavern
87 Washington Street
Though right on Salem’s main drag, the Dire Wolf Tavern is one of my favorite spots. They do not take reservations, but service is usually quick and the food is worth the wait! They’re known for their cocktails, small plates, and sushi (pictured above). The vibe is perfect. It feels cozy, and you will likely experience some live music, which is always a plus. This would be a great place to end your night or grab a light dinner before making your way out of town.
Village Tavern
168 Essex Street
If you’re near Peabody Essex Museum and craving bar food, Village Tavern is a nice option. It’s a classic pub, complete with the suspiciously-sticky floors and all. Apparently, they have the best burger in town. For all my fellow non-beef eaters, their salads and bowls are also good. Plus, the restaurant is huge! You can choose from the outdoor patio, which overlooks the Village Fountain, as well as three full-service bars or the classic dining room.
Bit Bar
278 Derby Street
Bit Bar is another fun place to spend the evening. Their food is surprisingly delicious and they serve great cocktails to enjoy while you bounce from one classic arcade and pinball game to the next. Bit Bar is also a 5-minute walk from Seagrass Salem Dispensary if you are “California sober”.
Mercy Tavern
148 Derby Street
This gastropub is smaller than the Village Tavern. However, Mercy also has a delicious burger and plenty more vegan / vegetarian options. Plus, Mercy Tavern is near the Derby Wharf so you can walk down and enjoy the water after your meal. I also find the area around Mercy Tavern to be less crowded than the area surrounding the Peabody Essex Museum/Village Tavern. So if you want a more lowkey (lowkey by “Salem in October” standards), check out the Mercy Tavern.
Far From the Tree
108 Jackson Street
I saved my favorite for last! This is a cidery with a great outdoor beer garden. Far From The Tree serves delicious hard ciders that are all-natural and made from local apples. Plus, there is usually a food vendor selling snacks and small plates to keep you fueled.
Conclusion
From maritime history buffs to Halloween lovers, anyone can have a good time exploring Salem the surrounding area.
And there you have it! My complete guide to Salem, MA, from a former local’s perspective. As this blog exemplifies, Salem is so much more than a spooky tourist attraction.
From maritime history buffs to Halloween lovers, I’m confident that anyone can have a good time exploring Salem the surrounding area. Happy Travels!