Day Trip to Salem, MA
What to see, where to eat, where to find a ghost
If you dream of being in the Witch City for Halloween, start planning for next year now. Seriously, October is the busiest and most expensive month in Salem.
While Salem and fall are practically synonymous, it is a spooky good time all year round. I’ve been in September and July and was not disappointed. It’s a charming little city with plenty to do whether you’re there for the witches or some sea air, and you can see most of the places on this list in just a day or two.
I’ve rounded up my favorite sites, restaurants, and bars to help you plan your trip. Everything is linked individually below and I saved it all to a Google Map you can add to your account. Have fun!
What to do
House of Seven Gables
Made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne, this tour gives good insight into the history and architecture of Salem beyond the trials, as well as the life of Hawthorne. You can even climb up a secret staircase behind the chimney.
Witch House
One of the only remaining structures with direct ties to the trials. Summer or fall, there is always a group waiting to take a picture outside (see mine above). The self-guided tour inside is worth it, too.
Bewitched Statue
After a fire shut down their set, Bewitched filmed several episodes on location in Salem. The statue commemorates this and is conveniently on your way to the Witch House from the shops and restaurants of Washington St.
Schooner Fame Sailing Tour
Cruise around the harbor on the Fame—a full-scale replica of the first American privateer to set out during the War of 1812. This was my mom’s favorite activity.
Peabody Essex Museum
An awesome art museum with rotating exhibits and events. Check out what’s on the calendar for your trip.
Witch City Walking Tours
We did the History & Hauntings of Salem tour on a perfectly spooky July night with fog rolling in from the harbor (see picture below). 10/10.
Old Burying Point Cemetery
If you skip the ghost tour or just want to spend more time, stroll through the oldest cemetery in Salem.
Salem Witch Trials Memorial
Next to Old Burying Point Cemetery, the Memorial is a series of stones with the names and the execution dates of each of the 20 victims from the trials.
Salem Witch Museum
This museum is housed in an old church and retells the tale of the Salem Witch Trials. It’s very cheesy and probably isn’t worth the money, but it feels like a touristy thing you have to do at least once.
Ropes Mansion (Allison’s House)
A historic home with beautiful gardens, best known as Allison’s house in Hocus Pocus. House tours require a paid ticket, but the gardens are open to the public free of charge.
Other Hocus Pocus Sites
Speaking of which, you’ll recognize a few other filming spots around town:
Town Hall
Where Max’s parents almost dance to death. Right in the middle of town—you can’t miss it! There’s also a pedestrian street on the other side with vendors and a fall fest, depending on when you visit.
Max and Dani’s house - Private Property
This house is privately owned, so if you seek it out, please be respectful and admire from a distance.
Where to eat
The Ugly Mug Diner
This place is worth the wait. A classic diner with funky mugs. What’s not to love.
Ledger Restaurant
An upscale restaurant in the former Salem Savings Bank building. My favorite dish was the oysters with caviar and kiwi.
Sea Level Oyster Bar
A great outdoor patio on the water. Grab lunch here after your Schooner Fame boat ride.
Howling Wolf Taqueria
A popular Mexican restaurant and cocktail bar close to Artist’s Row.
Where to drink
Notch Brewing
One of the best breweries in New England, in my humble opinion. This location is on the water, has a beer garden, and serves pierogies. A win-win-win in my book.
The Roof Salem
Salem’s only open-air rooftop bar, located on top of Hotel Salem. The bar is seasonal, so check if it’s open before you head out.
Bit Bar
Arcade games + pinball+ drinks. A good stop if you’re looking for an activity to go along with your drink.
Where to Shop
HausWitch
My favorite shop in Salem (and it’s right on the main drag). The cutest decor and little trinkets to make your house a bit more magical. The Summer Storm candle is one of the best scents ever.
Artist’s Row
A collection of shops, galleries, and public art on New Derby Street.
Oak + Moss
A plant and home decor store, where my sisters and I all bought locally made pottery.
Where to stay
Salem makes a great day trip from Boston (or a pit stop on your way to Portland, Maine like I did in 2021), but it’s so cute you’ll want to spend a night. All the better for ghost hunting!
Airbnb
Located just outside historic Salem, you will need to drive into town for most of the attractions on this list. But this was a super cute apartment and a great size (and price!) for my trip with my two sisters and our mom.
The Hotel Salem
A boutique hotel right in the middle of downtown Salem within easy walking distance to almost everything on this list—and right below The Roof bar.
Hawthorne Hotel
Historic hotel on Salem Common. This is a pricier option that books up fast, so plan early if you want to stay here.
Inns and B&Bs
There are a ton of small inns and bed & breakfasts in Salem if that’s more your vibe. A few popular ones include:
The Salem Inn
The Coach House
The Merchant
Add Everything to Your Google Map
I’ve saved everything in a Google Map here. Just click the star in the upper right corner to add the sites to your Maps. Easy peasy!
Enjoy this magical city! Let me know if there are any great places I missed.