Things to do in Salem, MA

An easy day trip from Boston, everyone is sure to find something to do in Salem, MA!

Peabody Essex Museum

The Peabody Essex Museum is a world class institution featuring works of art and culture.  Inside you can find a celebration of local history and culture blended with that from around the world.

House of the Seven Gables

Tour the house that inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel!  Learn about the history of the House of Seven Gables, how it became the center of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s book, and explore the beautiful gardens on a guided tour.

House of the Seven Gables

Corwin House

One of the only structures in Salem that was around during the witch trials.  The Corwin House, or Witch House, has been preserved to showcase life back in the 1600s.

Witch Trials Memorial

This quiet, contemplative memorial remembers the victims of the Salem witch trials.

Cemeteries

Three cemeteries are easily accessed from the main areas of Salem, including the Broad Street Cemetery, The Burying Point/Charter Street Cemetery, and Howard Street Cemetery.

Burying Point

Hocus Pocus sites

Did you know that Disney’s Hocus Pocus was filmed in Salem?  You can visit some of the iconic sites including the Ropes Mansion, Old Town Hall, Salem Common, and Phillips Elementary School.

Shop

Salem is full of unique stores that you won’t find anywhere else.  From occult supplies, to metaphysical book stores, to a historic candy shop!

Have your fortune read

Visit a tarot card or palm reader and learn your fortune!

Ropes Mansion

National Maritime Historic Site

Explore Salem’s rich history as an important seaport at the National Maritime Historic Site.  Visit the customs house, check out exhibits at the visitor’s center, and tour a merchant ship.

Become a part of history

Go back in time and experience history first hand through one of History Alive‘s events.

Bewitched Statue

Get a selfie with Samantha from Bewitched.

Maritime Historic Site

Salem Witch Museum

Creative set pieces chronicle the history of the witch trials in Salem at the Salem Witch Museum.

Witch Dungeon Museum

Experience a live re-enactment of a witch trial from 1692 at the Witch Dungeon Museum.

Experience life in the 1600s

Pioneer Village has recreated what life was like in Salem back in the 1600s.  Though the site is outside the main area of Salem, there is a shuttle service available.

Corwin House

Get up close with monsters

Both Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery and the International Monster Museum let you get up close and personal with iconic monsters.

Witch Board Museum

Appreciate the beauty of the Ouija board through history at the Witch Board Museum.

Haunted Happenings

If you visit in October, you’ll find Salem bustling with special events at the Haunted Happenings festival!