Each year when autumn rolls around, visitors from across the country flock to New England in search of clam chowder, scenery, and colorful foliage—but a select group flocks to Salem, Massachusetts in search of a history that makes your hair stand on end.
In the colonial days of America, Salem was not the charming New England seaside town it is today. It was the gritty edge of the known world. The colonists who immigrated here risked life and limb and sanity to pursue religious freedom, leaving the security of Europe behind in order to forge a new trail forward—and it was a spooky one. Spirits, familiars, and, yes, even witches were as real and a part of daily life as the rising and setting of the sun. Eventually, hysteria broke out and between 1692 and 1693, over 200 individuals were accused of witchcraft, of whom 19 were executed. To this day, the precise cause of the Salem Witch Trials remains unknown. It remains a dark chapter of American history which to this day still intrigues academics and inspires curiosity.
But don’t get us wrong—the Salem of today is a straight-up charmer. There’s been a revival of sorts there in recent years, and not of the witch-hunting fundamentalist variety. The town’s longstanding circuit of museums and witch tours now has a solid complement of restaurants, shops, and hotels to round out your experience. All in all, Salem offers an alchemy that’s intoxicating, whether it’s your first time in New England or you’ve lived here all your life. If you’re planning a visit for Halloween or just for fun, here are the things you should check out.
Peabody Essex Museum
There are a lot—and we mean a lot—of museums in New England, but few shine as brightly as the Peabody Essex Museum, one of the country’s oldest continuously operating museums and the successor organization to the East India Marine Society, which dates back to 1799. It’s filled with a range of curios and fine art pieces, including special collections of American, Asian, and Oceanic art. A museum that isn’t afraid to step outside the box and keep even repeat guests guessing, the PEM’s varied galleries range from a permanent display of personal items and rare artifacts from the With Trials, to a a full-sized 18th-century Chinese house, to immersive contemporary art experiences. The latest special exhibit feels especially apropos: “Conjuring the Spirit World: Art, Magic and Mediums” explores the role of Spiritualism in 19th- and 20th-century European and American art.
Pioneer Village Salem
If you think this is one of those corny “living history” interpretive museums… you’re right. But trust us, it’s worth it. Built in 1930 to mark the tercentennial of Massachusetts, Pioneer Village is the oldest museum of its kind. This three-acre museum is only open on weekends through October 29 and is filled with examples of colonial life, including dugouts, wigwams, thatched roof cottages, and medicinal gardens.
Punto Urban Art Museum
For a glimpse at the diverse community that Salem is today, head two blocks south from the central, touristy downtown towards the Point neighborhood. Here, contained within about a three-block radius, you’ll find the Punto Urban Art Museum: seventy-five large-scale murals by a mix of global and local artists. It illuminates a side of Salem that even locals are often surprised to discover.
Salem Witch Museum
Were you even a kid in Massachusetts if you never went on a field trip to the Salem Witch Museum? Yes, it’s hokey, but this age-old animated exhibition is a quintessentially Salem thing to do, and puts you right into the action of the town’s most dramatic witch trials.
WKND
Hop across the bridge to neighboring Beverly to visit WKND, a beautifully curated shop of “small batch vintage” and “mindful goods.” Cozy knits, clean small-batch skincare products, lovely candles, and baskets—you’ll absolutely find something here to bring home as a souvenir.
The Hotel Salem
Many visitors do Salem as a day trip from Boston proper or from the surrounding suburbs, but an overnight at the cute 44-room Hotel Salem takes the stress out of commuting. In fact, “The Roof” is the only rooftop bar and restaurant in town, offering expansive views of the surrounding harbor and cobblestone streets. On a warm autumn night, there’s nowhere better to be.
Ledger Restaurant Bar
Who doesn’t love a restaurant set in a former bank? The beloved, buzzy Ledger is a great place for brunch, a cocktail, or dinner. The menu is filled with elegant, upscale American cuisine that ranges from the classic (grilled miso salmon) to the inventive (grilled beets with labneh and spiced pomegranate molasses).
House Tours
The community of Salem does an excellent job of maintaining its most historic and significant buildings, two of which are located right downtown and offer fascinating glimpses into colonial life. First up, The House of the Seven Gables, New England’s oldest wooden mansion, and made famous by Salem native Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel of the same name. Across town, you’ll find the Jonathan Corwin House (affectionately known as the Witch House), the only house museum in town that has direct ties to the Witch Trials—Mr. Corwin was a judge who presided over a number of them.
Take a Hike
There are two main places in Salem to stretch your legs, ditch the tourist crowds, and get some fresh air—and both are just steps from the center of town. First, the Salem Woods are a bucolic stretch of woodland once used as “common land” for the pasturage of livestock. Second is Winter Island Park, which is less of an island and more of a peninsula that stretches out from the far end of town. The rocky shoreline, crashing waves, and scenic lighthouse are a great microcosm of the New England coast.
The Old Burying Point Cemetery
Nothing says “weekend getaway” like a stroll through the cemetery. The Old Burying Point Cemetery, also known as the Charter Street Cemetery, has soil rich with history—quite literally. Originally opened in 1637, it’s one of the oldest cemeteries in the country and is the final resting place for several historical figures, including John Hathorne, a leading judge during the Witch Trials.
The Old Burying Point Cemetery
Nothing says “weekend getaway” like a stroll through the cemetery. The Old Burying Point Cemetery, also known as the Charter Street Cemetery, has soil rich with history—quite literally. Originally opened in 1637, it’s one of the oldest cemeteries in the country and is the final resting place for several historical figures, including John Hathorne, a leading judge during the Witch Trials.
Gallows Hill The Lost Museum
Gallows Hill flips the script on attendees and accuses them of witchcraft during a witch trial recreation. But if interactive theater isn’t as spine-tingling as you’d hoped, the Lost Museum now offers a ghost-hunting experience. The paranormal investigation includes cool, high-tech gear like EMF detectors, infrared thermometers, and audio recorders. Prove you’re not afraid of no ghosts and test out your paranormal skills over the course of 90 minutes in the museum.
Crow Haven Corner
If ghost hunting isn’t enough other-worldly fun, take a stroll to Salem’s oldest witch shop, Crow Haven Corner. The owner and local clairvoyant, Miss Lorelei, offers services like psychic readings and love spells and was even on an episode of The Bachelorette in 2022. This is not a walk-in activity, so if you can’t snag an appointment ahead of time, you can still browse the shop for crystals, herbs, and books on the occult. But if you need some serious guidance on love, consider picking up a pink quartz crystal at the shop.
The Salem Ferry
When it’s time to head back to Boston, you can either hop on the Commuter Rail back to North Station, or you can opt for a water journey. An experience unto itself, the Salem Ferry delivers you to Boston in under an hour, and offers several unique viewpoints along the way.
Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie
While trick-or-treating may be out of the question, there’s always a way to satiate that sweet tooth. The warm, wooden interior of Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie feels akin to walking into the kitchen while Grandma is baking, sugary aroma and all. For a city with such a deep history, it’s no surprise even the candy has delectable lore.
