So you're planning a trip to Salem, Massachusetts? Good choice. I've lived just outside this town for seven years now, and let me tell you - most guides get it all wrong. They make it sound like a year-round Halloween party, but there's way more to this historic coastal town than witch shops and ghost tours. Honestly, when people ask me about things to do in Salem MA, my first advice is always: look beyond the broomsticks.
I remember my first visit during October. Big mistake. Could barely walk down Essex Street without bumping into five Elviras and two Harry Potters. Now I tell everyone: come in May or September if you actually want to experience Salem.
The Must-See Historic Spots
You can't talk about things to do in Salem MA without mentioning the 1692 witch trials. But surprisingly, many visitors miss the authentic sites because they get distracted by the tourist traps. Let's cut through the noise:
Essential History Sites
| Attraction | What You'll Experience | Practical Info | My Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salem Witch Trials Memorial | Sobering stone benches with victims' names, quiet reflection space | Charter St, free admission, open dawn-dusk | Often overlooked. More powerful than any museum exhibit |
| The Witch House | Only building standing with direct ties to trials (Judge Corwin's home) | 310 Essex St, $9.50 adults, 10am-5pm (close 4pm off-season) | Authentic 17th century architecture worth the price |
| Old Burying Point Cemetery | Graves dating to 1637, including witch trial judges | Adjacent to Memorial, free, daylight hours | Watch for uneven ground! Not wheelchair accessible |
| Peabody Essex Museum | World-class maritime art, Yin Yu Tang Chinese house | 161 Essex St, $20 adults, 10am-5pm (closed Tue) | Spend at least 3 hours here. AC is glorious in summer |
Warning about the Salem Witch Museum: Look, it's iconic and I get why people go. But it's essentially glorified dioramas with voiceovers. $17.50 feels steep for what you get. If you're tight on time or budget, I'd skip it.
Beyond the Witch Hysteria
If I had a nickel for every visitor who only associates Salem with witches... Let's talk about what else you can explore when considering things to do in Salem MA:
Waterfront Activities
Derby Wharf is my happy place. Walk the 1/2 mile pier for harbor views (free), tour the 1819 Friendship of Salem tall ship ($7 adults, open seasonally), or grab lobster rolls at Finz. Don't miss the tiny Custom House where Hawthorne worked - it's tucked behind the PEM and most walk right by it.
Hidden Architecture Gems
Funny story - I got lost near Chestnut Street once and discovered the most incredible Federal-style mansions. Now it's my favorite stroll:
- Hamilton Hall (9 Chestnut St) - Grand Georgian ballroom ($5 donation)
- Ropes Mansion (318 Essex St) - Free gardens perfect for photos
- Pioneer Village - America's first living history museum (recreated 1630 settlement), $5 adults, weekends only May-Oct
Seasonal Highlights
What to do in Salem MA changes dramatically with the seasons:
October Madness
Look, Haunted Happenings (salem.org/hauntedhappenings) draws half a million people. If you must come:
| Activity | Cost | Booking Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Official Salem Night Tour | $20 pp | Book 2 months ahead - guides are certified historians |
| Crowded festivals | Mostly free | Weekdays slightly less insane than weekends |
| Parking | $30-40/day | Park at MBTA garage and walk 15 mins |
My unpopular opinion? Better Halloween experiences exist elsewhere. The real magic happens during shoulder seasons.
Winter Charm
December transforms downtown:
- Christmas in Salem house tours ($45 but supports preservation)
- Ice sculptures on Derby Square (first weekend Dec)
- Cozy up at Mercy Tavern with mulled cider
Foodie Experiences Worth Your Money
After seven years of taste-testing, here's where I actually spend my paycheck:
| Meal Type | Top Picks | What to Order | Price Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | Red's Sandwich Shop (15 Central St) | Salem's Famous Pancakes (with real maple syrup) | $ (Cash only!) |
| Seafood | Turner's Seafood (43 Church St) | Lobster Roll (Connecticut-style, buttered) | $$ |
| Dinner | Ledger (125 Washington St) | Roasted Duck Breast in historic bank building | $$$ |
| Treats | Goodnight Fatty Cookies (108 Essex St) | Warm Salted Chocolate Chip cookies | $ |
I once dragged friends to a "witch-themed" restaurant. $28 for dry chicken shaped like a cauldron. Stick to places that focus on food, not gimmicks.
Practical Itineraries
Based on helping dozens of friends plan their trips, here's how to structure your time:
One Day Salem Blitz
- 9 AM: Witch House (opens early)
- 10:30 AM: PEM Museum (focus on maritime wing)
- 1 PM: Lunch at Lobster Shanty (25 Front St)
- 2:30 PM: Walk Derby Wharf & Custom House
- 4 PM: Memorial & Cemetery reflection time
- 6 PM: Dinner at Sea Level Oyster Bar
Weekend Deep Dive
- Day 1: History focus (Witch House, PEM, Memorial)
- Day 2: Architecture walk (Chestnut St, Ropes Garden) + harbor cruise
- Evenings: Ghost tours (try Black Cat Tours for historical accuracy)
Navigation Tips Only Locals Know
Let's address the practical stuff most guides skip when listing things to do in Salem MA:
Parking Survival Guide
- Museum Place Garage ($1/hr max $20) - Central but fills by 11am
- MBTA Lot (252 Bridge St) - $5 all day weekends, 12 min walk
- Street parking - 2 hour limit strictly enforced! Don't risk it
Getting Around
The downtown is extremely walkable (flat terrain, compact). For sights further out:
- Salem Skipper - On-demand shuttle, $2 flat rate anywhere
- Bike rentals - Bewitched Bicycles, $15/hour
- Water taxi to Boston - $35 one-way from Blaney Wharf
If you're driving in October? Don't. Seriously. Streets become parking lots. Take the commuter rail from Boston instead (North Station to Salem, 30 mins).
Your Salem Questions Answered
Is Salem worth visiting if I don't care about witches?
Absolutely. The PEM museum alone justifies the trip. Architecture buffs will love Chestnut Street's Federal homes, and foodies have incredible seafood options. The waterfront area feels miles away from the witch kitsch.
What are the best things to do in Salem MA with kids?
Skip the scary museums. Instead: Peabody Essex has great kid-friendly exhibits (especially the Chinese house), pirate adventures on the Fame schooner ($35/kid), and Winter Island Park has beach combing. Older kids might tolerate the Witch Dungeon Museum ($13).
How many days do I need?
One full day hits highlights. Two days lets you breathe. Three is perfect if adding day trips to Marblehead or Gloucester.
Can we do Salem and Boston in one day?
Please don't. You'll spend 4+ hours commuting. Each deserves separate days.
Are the witch trial sites respectful?
The Memorial and Cemetery are solemn. Some commercial attractions feel exploitative - use your judgment. The real history is darker than any haunted house portrays.
Where to Stay Without Regrets
Hotels here range from charming to... questionable. Based on friends' experiences:
| Accommodation | Pros | Cons | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Merchant (148 Washington St) |
Boutique luxury, walkable location | Tiny bathrooms, no parking | $$$$ |
| Salem Waterfront Hotel (225 Derby St) |
Harbor views, pool, parking included | 15 min walk to downtown | $$$ |
| Morning Glory B&B (22 Hardy St) |
Historic charm, homemade breakfast | Shared bathrooms | $$ |
| Clipper Inn | Budget option | Reported cleanliness issues | $ |
We put up out-of-town friends at the Salem Inn once. Quaint but paper-thin walls - heard every 3am hallway conversation. Spring for The Merchant if possible.
Final Thoughts on Salem Things To Do
Whenever people ask me about the best things to do in Salem MA, I tell them: manage expectations. It's not Disneyland. Some witch shops are embarrassingly tacky. But between the genuine historical sites, underrated museums, and coastal beauty, this town gets under your skin. Last summer I watched sunset from Winter Island while eating takeout clam chowder - that's the real Salem magic.
The key? Slow down. Skip the Instagram traps. Read trial victim names at the Memorial. Find the hidden alley gardens. Chat with shop owners who aren't pushing plastic cauldrons. That's when Salem transforms from tourist destination to something truly memorable.