Salem, Massachusetts, is a city woven with history, mystery, and charm. Known for its infamous witch trials, this coastal town offers much more than spooky tales. From cobblestone streets lined with colonial architecture to world-class museums and vibrant waterfronts, Salem is the perfect destination for a day trip. In this guide, we’ll help you plan the ultimate Salem adventure, whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply looking for a memorable escape from the city.
Featured image by: massmatt
Why Take a Day Trip to Salem, Massachusetts?
Salem is a destination that blends the past and present seamlessly. The city has earned worldwide fame for the 1692 witch trials, yet its appeal reaches far beyond that chapter of its history. Today, Salem boasts a thriving arts scene, beautiful parks, an active harbor, and a lively downtown filled with unique shops and eateries.
A day trip to Salem is ideal for those based in Boston or elsewhere in New England. The city is compact, walkable, and packed with attractions, making it possible to see the best highlights in just one day. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, Salem offers a variety of experiences to suit every interest.
Moreover, Salem’s calendar is dotted with festivals, especially in October when the city transforms for Halloween. However, it’s a fantastic place to visit year-round, with fewer crowds and plenty to discover outside the fall season.
How We Chose These Day Trips
We know that a great day trip is about more than just ticking off sights. It’s about creating memorable experiences, discovering hidden gems, and making the most of your time. To curate this Salem itinerary, we combined firsthand experiences with extensive research. We scoured travel forums, reviewed top-rated tours, and gathered tips from both locals and seasoned travelers.
Our recommendations prioritize accessibility, variety, and authenticity. Each option is designed to showcase a different side of Salem, from its storied past to its vibrant present. We also considered ease of travel, ensuring you get the most out of your visit without feeling rushed.
Top Day Trip Itinerary/Options in Salem, Massachusetts
Salem is packed with things to do, but you don’t need to feel overwhelmed. We’ve outlined several itinerary options, each focusing on a unique aspect of the city. You can mix and match these based on your interests and available time.
1. Historic Salem Walking Tour
Description: A walking tour is the best way to immerse yourself in Salem’s history. Guided or self-guided, you’ll stroll through centuries-old streets, discover stories of the witch trials, and marvel at preserved architecture.
How to Get There: If you’re coming from Boston, the MBTA Commuter Rail’s Newburyport/Rockport Line will drop you at Salem Station in about 30 minutes. From the station, downtown is a 10-minute walk.
Main Activities:
- Visit the Salem Witch Trials Memorial and Old Burying Point Cemetery.
- Explore the Witch House, the only structure in Salem directly tied to the witch trials.
- Walk along Chestnut Street, known for its Federal-style mansions.
- Stop by the Salem Maritime National Historic Site.
Tips from Travelers:
- Book a guided tour for deeper insights. Many guides are local historians or actors who bring the past to life.
- Wear comfortable shoes; cobblestone streets can be uneven.
- Download a self-guided tour app if you prefer exploring at your own pace.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and fewer crowds. October is popular but very busy.
2. Salem Witch Museum and Downtown Exploration
Description: Dive into Salem’s most infamous chapter with a visit to the Salem Witch Museum. Afterwards, enjoy downtown’s shops, galleries, and cafes.
How to Get There: The museum is a 15-minute walk from the train station. Downtown parking is available but fills up quickly, especially in October.
Main Activities:
- Experience the immersive presentations at the Salem Witch Museum.
- Browse local boutiques for witchy souvenirs and handmade crafts.
- Visit the Peabody Essex Museum, one of the oldest continuously operating museums in the U.S.
- Snap photos at the Bewitched Statue, a fun nod to Salem’s pop culture ties.
Tips from Travelers:
- Buy museum tickets online ahead of time, especially in peak season.
- Many shops offer unique, locally made products—great for gifts.
- The Peabody Essex Museum has rotating exhibits; check their website for current highlights.
Best Time to Visit: Weekdays are quieter. October weekends can be extremely crowded, so plan ahead.
3. Salem’s Waterfront and Maritime History
Description: Salem’s harbor was once among the busiest in America. Today, the waterfront offers scenic views, historical ships, and fresh seafood.
How to Get There: The harbor is a short walk from downtown. If arriving by ferry from Boston (seasonal), you’ll dock right at the waterfront.
Main Activities:
- Tour the Friendship of Salem, a replica 18th-century merchant ship.
- Walk the Derby Wharf to the historic lighthouse.
- Visit the Salem Maritime National Historic Site’s visitor center.
- Enjoy lunch or dinner at a waterfront restaurant.
Tips from Travelers:
- The ferry ride from Boston is a unique and scenic way to arrive.
- Pack a light jacket; the harbor can be breezy even in summer.
- Birdwatchers will enjoy spotting seabirds along the wharf.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall is ideal for waterfront activities. The ferry operates from May to October.
4. Haunted Salem: Ghost Tours and Nighttime Adventures
Description: Salem’s haunted reputation comes alive after dark. Ghost tours blend history with spine-tingling tales, making for an unforgettable evening.
How to Get There: Most ghost tours meet in central Salem, within walking distance of the train station and major hotels.
Main Activities:
- Join a guided ghost tour through historic streets and graveyards.
- Visit the House of the Seven Gables, a literary and architectural landmark.
- Explore local pubs and bars with haunted reputations.
Tips from Travelers:
- Book your tour early, especially in October.
- Bring a flashlight for night tours; some streets are dimly lit.
- Many tours are family-friendly, but check age recommendations.
Best Time to Visit: September and October are peak spooky season, but tours run year-round.
5. Art, Culture, and Shopping in Salem
Description: Beyond witches and ghosts, Salem is a hub for creativity. The city’s arts scene is thriving, with galleries, artisan shops, and public art.
How to Get There: Downtown Salem is easily walkable from the train station. Parking is available in city lots.
Main Activities:
- Browse the boutiques and galleries on Essex Street.
- Discover local artists at the Salem Arts Association.
- Attend a performance at the Salem Theatre Company.
- Shop for antiques, books, and handmade jewelry.
Tips from Travelers:
- Many shops open late on weekends, so plan accordingly.
- Check the city’s events calendar for art walks and festivals.
- Don’t miss the murals and public art installations throughout downtown.
Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but summer and early fall offer the most events and open-air markets.
Practical Tips for Planning Your Day Trip
Salem is a welcoming city, but a bit of planning will ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.
Transportation:
- By Train: The MBTA Commuter Rail is the most convenient way from Boston. Trains run frequently and drop you close to downtown.
- By Ferry: Seasonal ferries operate from Boston’s Long Wharf to Salem’s harbor (May–October).
- By Car: Parking can be challenging, especially in October. Use city lots, garages, or park-and-ride options.
- On Foot: Salem is compact and walkable. Most attractions are within a mile of each other.
Booking Tickets & Tours:
- Reserve tickets for museums, ghost tours, and the ferry in advance, especially during peak months.
- Many tours offer online booking and mobile tickets.
Packing Essentials:
- Comfortable walking shoes are a must.
- Bring a light jacket, even in summer, as coastal breezes can be chilly.
- Sun protection, water, and a portable phone charger will keep you comfortable.
Safety:
- Salem is generally safe, but use common sense, especially at night.
- Stay on well-lit streets and follow local guidelines for pedestrian crossings.
Accessibility:
- Many attractions are wheelchair accessible, but some historic buildings have stairs or uneven floors.
- The city provides accessible parking and public restrooms.
Recommended Tours & Experiences
Salem offers a wide range of guided experiences. Here are some of the most highly rated, based on traveler reviews and expert recommendations:
Salem Witch Museum: A must-see for first-time visitors, offering an engaging overview of the witch trials with dramatic presentations.
The House of the Seven Gables Tour: Explore the inspiration for Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel, with period rooms and gardens.
Salem Night Tour: One of the city’s top-rated ghost tours, combining history with local legends. Guides are known for their storytelling.
Peabody Essex Museum Guided Tour: A deep dive into art and culture, with rotating exhibitions and interactive displays.
Salem Food Tours: A delicious way to explore local cuisine, from seafood to sweets. Many tours include tastings at multiple stops.
Witch City Walking Tours: Locally owned, these tours offer a personal touch and often include lesser-known stories.
Each of these tours receives high marks for knowledgeable guides, engaging content, and accessibility. Booking ahead is recommended, especially during busy seasons.
Where to Eat & Drink During Your Day Trip
Salem’s culinary scene is as diverse as its history. From classic New England fare to international cuisine, you’ll find something to satisfy every craving. Here are some top spots, recommended by food critics and travelers alike:
Turner’s Seafood: Located in a historic building, Turner’s is famous for its fresh catches and classic clam chowder. A favorite among locals and visitors.
Red’s Sandwich Shop: A beloved breakfast and lunch spot, known for generous portions and a cozy atmosphere. Their lobster rolls and pancakes get rave reviews.
Sea Level Oyster Bar: Enjoy waterfront views and a raw bar featuring local oysters and creative cocktails.
Gulu-Gulu Café: A quirky café with great coffee, craft beers, and live music. Perfect for a midday break.
Flying Saucer Pizza Company: A family-friendly pizzeria with creative toppings and a sci-fi theme. Great for a quick, casual meal.
Jolie Tea Company: A charming tea shop offering afternoon tea service and a wide selection of loose-leaf teas.
Caramel Patisserie: Treat yourself to French pastries and desserts, perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up.
For a sweet treat, don’t miss Ye Olde Pepper Companie, America’s oldest candy company, famous for its Gibralters and Black Jacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Definitely. While Salem is famous for its witch-related history and October festivities, the city has much more to offer. Visitors on TripAdvisor and Reddit often highlight Salem’s maritime history, beautiful architecture, museums like the Peabody Essex, and its walkable downtown with unique shops and great restaurants. Many travelers say they enjoyed Salem’s charm even without an interest in the witch trials.
October—especially the weekends leading up to Halloween—is extremely busy. Streets can be packed, and lines for museums and tours are long. Locals and frequent visitors on Reddit and TripAdvisor recommend arriving early, booking tickets and parking in advance, and being prepared for large crowds if you visit during this time.
Yes, it’s both easy and convenient. The MBTA commuter rail from Boston’s North Station takes about 30 minutes, and the Salem station is a short walk from the main attractions. In season, the ferry from Boston is another popular option. Salem is very walkable, so you won’t need a car once you arrive.
Spending at least 5–7 hours in Salem to see the highlights at a comfortable pace. If you want to include a ghost tour or enjoy dinner, plan to stay into the evening. Some travelers suggest an overnight stay for a more relaxed experience, but a full day is enough for most visitors.
The top must-sees include the Salem Witch Museum, Peabody Essex Museum, House of the Seven Gables, the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, and the historic waterfront. Many also suggest a guided walking or ghost tour to get the most out of the city’s history.
Salem is generally walkable, and many main attractions are close together. However, Quora and TripAdvisor users note that some historic sites have stairs or uneven surfaces. The city does offer accessible parking and many museums are wheelchair-friendly, but it’s wise to check with individual venues about their accessibility before your visit.
The Museum Place Garage and South Harbor Garage are popular, but they fill up quickly, especially in October. Many travelers recommend arriving early or using public transportation to avoid parking headaches. Some suggest using the city’s park-and-ride lots with shuttle service during busy periods.
Most ghost tours in Salem are designed to be informative and family-friendly, focusing more on history and legends than on jump scares. However, some tours are spookier than others. It’s best to check age recommendations and read recent reviews before booking if you’re concerned about young children.
Locals and frequent visitors on forums frequently praise Turner’s Seafood for classic New England fare, Red’s Sandwich Shop for breakfast and lunch, and Sea Level Oyster Bar for seafood with a view. Gulu-Gulu Café and Flying Saucer Pizza Company are also popular for casual meals. For dessert, many recommend Ye Olde Pepper Companie for historic candies.
Especially in October, real travelers on TripAdvisor and Quora strongly advise booking tickets for museums, tours, and the Boston–Salem ferry ahead of time. Even outside peak season, advance booking for popular attractions like the Salem Witch Museum and ghost tours can save you time and guarantee your spot.
Yes! Salem comes alive at night, especially in October. Ghost tours and haunted walks are very popular. There are also lively pubs, restaurants, and occasional evening events at museums or theaters. The atmosphere is festive, particularly during the Halloween season.
Salem is generally pet-friendly in outdoor areas, and some shops and patios welcome dogs. However, pets are not allowed inside most museums or historic homes. Always check specific policies before bringing your pet, and be mindful of crowds during busy times.
Robert StarkeRobert Starke is a graphic designer with a keen eye for detail and a strong background in video editing. Beyond his creative work, he’s an avid traveler and passionate writer who enjoys sharing practical, engaging advice with fellow adventurers. A lifelong animal lover, Robert also writes about pet products for other websites. Here at Traveleon.com, he focuses mainly on camping, hiking, and backpacking—offering firsthand tips, gear guides, and destination insights to help readers make the most of their time outdoors.