salem tour 2023

The "Number One Cultural & Historical Tour in the United States" ~ Trip Advisor 2023

Book it. walk it. fall in love with it..

Murder through a New Lens:

The anniversary of the  joseph white murder, explore a historical journey in salem massachusetts.

Walk With Us

Come take a stroll with us down a historical journey through the streets of Salem. From the beginning, our past has been notoriously labeled from the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 to modern day. With almost 400 years behind us, "The Witch City" has lots of wicked stories to tell.

Witch City Walking Tours offers many captivating tours: - History & Hauntings of Salem - Mysteries & Murders of Salem - Hocus Pocus Movie Locations - Specters & Apparitions: A ghost hunting tour in Salem - Merchants & Mansions of Salem - Spirits, Sinners & Scandals Adulteress Tour - PopSalem! A pop culture walking tour - Spirits & Supersitions: a Friday the 13th tour - Salem Through a New Lens: Anniversary of Joseph White Photography Tour

With your licensed professional tour guide, explore the social, political and environmental influences which spread mass hysteria, causing the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Discover how Salem became a world-class seaport, creating some of the wealthiest families in America and America's first millionaire. Stroll the cobblestone lined streets, taking in some of the most stunning 17th and 18th century colonial architecture. Or, if you like to be scared, get chills down your spine hearing ghastly tales of ghosts, macabre murders and true crime stories in Salem's history. Witch City Walking Tours 'History & Hauntings Tour' was named the "Number One Cultural & Historical Tour in the United States" by Trip Advisor in 2023. Other accolades: - "Best Historical & Cultural Tours in the World" by TripAdvisor 2022. - One of the "Best Historical & Cultural Tours in the United States" in 2022. - "Trip Advisor's Most Booked Fall Experience in America" for 2021. - Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Awards and a multi-year recipient of TripAdvisor's "Certificate of Excellence". ‍ So.... come take a walk with us and see why our tours are simply magical! ‍ Please note: OUR TOURS OPERATE RAIN OR  SHINE! 24 hour cancellation required for a full refund. All sales are final September 10 - November 11.

History & Hauntings of Salem

History, hauntings, the Salem Witch Trials, architecture and hidden gems. Suitable for all ages. Get ready for a mysterious journey through almost 400 years of Salem’s rich and storied history. Your local, well-versed guide and historian is excited to share their passion of this beautiful quaint city with you. Rated as the top walking tour in Salem, you will experience approximately two hours of captivating tales of our city's history, chilling tales of the supernatural, while being awed by the breathtaking architecture, and discover the fascinating truth of the 1692 Salem Witch Trials. Your guide will take you off-the-beaten path, while you experience the lesser known sights and history of Salem.

Mysteries & Murders of Salem

For those who prefer a slightly *darker* historical perspective of Salem. Your guide brings to life the true crime stories of murder, myth and macabre. (Ages 13+ only.) Come experience the darker side of Salem with our 1 hour 45 minute Mysteries & Murder tour. We retell the most spine-chilling true crime tales of murder, mystery and macabre that happened in Salem's past. Why did an insane woman in the early 1600s murder her child? Who was the famous hitman who murdered the slave trader in his sleep? Did the Boston Strangler really make a visit to Salem? These tales and much more will unfold on this whirlwind tour of this mysterious seaside city.

Hocus Pocus Movie Locations of Salem

Brisk 4 mile walk. Come relive the magic of Disney's Blockbuster, Hocus Pocus! Starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy, Hocus Pocus has become one of the most beloved movies of the 20th century. The majority of the movie was filmed in Salem in 1993. We will take you to 5 locations used during filming. Your ticket price includes entry to Pioneer Village, as well as a special Hocus Pocus gift! Along the way, you will also hear about the Salem Witch Trials, the maritime history, how we became the "Witch City".

Specters & Apparitions: A ghost hunting tour.

Have you ever been curious about the spirit world? Or are you a ghost denier? This tour dives into Salem’s paranormal activity using actual professional ghost hunting equipment. This hour long tour may change your mind if ghosts are real or not? We visit some of the most haunted locations in Salem on this journey to connect with the spiritual world. Our guides walk you through Salem using professional ghost hunting equipment and techniques to seek out the spirits who haven’t departed yet from Salem. You may catch a glimpse of a ghost peering through the windows at you. You may hear voices. Or you may catch an anomaly with photo/video on your cell phone with something quite peculiar or unexplainable. Come take a tour in search of the spirits of Salem with us. ***We cannot guarantee ghost sightings or unusual phenomena or paranormal activity of any kind. Results may vary. *Professional Ghost Hunting equipment is only available during the tour and must be returned to the guide at the end of the tour with a credit card deposit. We will be using professional ghost hunting equipment including A Spirit Box, EMF reader, Temperature Sensors, and laser grids. *** We recommend bringing a fully charged cell phone for pictures and video for the duration of the tour. Please note: We will NOT be entering any cemeteries or buildings during the tour. This is an outdoor activity only. It is illegal to enter a cemetery after dusk.

Merchants & Mansions of Salem

Suitable for all ages. Spring and summer only. Do you love architecture? We do! No trip to Salem is complete without a tour of the most beautiful section of Salem, the McIntire district. Come experience over three centuries of architecture from First Period American, to Georgian Colonial and the stately Federal style. Your guide will wind you through the cobblestoned streets of Salem, discovering hidden gems, viewing over two dozen sites, and sharing stories of Salem's rise to becoming the wealthiest city in the country in the 18th century.

PopSalem! A Pop Culture Walking Tour

Curious how Salem became the Witch City and the Capitol of Halloween? From Witchcraft to Lovecraft, the PopSalem tour is for you. Salem's journey to the Witch City couldn't have happened without popular culture. Discover how Bewitched, Hubie Halloween, author H.P. Lovecraft, video games, textbooks and other types of media all influenced the way we experience Salem today. · A guide brings the history of Salem to life through storytelling. · Learn about the people and events that made Salem the "Witch City" and Capitol of Halloween. · Visit some of Salem’s most iconic sites – including the Witch Museum, Burying Point, and Bewitched Statue - in a fun, festive, one-hour tour. · Brand-new tour from Salem’s number one walking tour company – only in October!

Spirits, Sinners & Scandals Adulteress Tour

Get ready for Salem's spookiest, haunted *adults only* tour, which will take you on a whirlwind journey through the cobblestoned streets of this 17th century city....This tour is unlike anything else in Salem. You will hear tales of murder, deception and despair as you cross paths with the supernatural. Your costumed guide will bring stories to life as they pass by cemeteries, haunted sites and visit dark corners as you relive some of Salem's most terrifying tales. Adults only, 18+.

Spirits & Superstitions: a Friday the 13th Tour

This is the only tour in Salem which focuses on Friday the 13th, superstitions and local ghost stories. On this 90-minute tour, learn the secrets behind some of the most mysterious superstitions. Hear ghastly tales of hauntings and the paranormal. Discover for yourself some of the most shocking secrets of Salem's chilling past. This limited edition tour is only available on Friday the 13th.

Murder Through a New Lens: Anniversary of Joseph White Murder

A walking tour and photography workshop in one! Experience a fascinating, in-depth exploration of Salem’s most notorious murder with a local guide. Along the way, a local photographer will help you get some great images of the beautiful historic sites you visit. Join award-winning photographer Chris Padgett and experienced tour guide Rebecca Johnson for a fascinating exploration of Salem’s most notorious murder. The death of aged sea Captain Joseph White was not just a personal tragedy to the families involved. It was a sign of the times that Salem’s identity as a wealthy and successful seaport was sinking into the horizon. The story of the murder became an international sensation and influenced authors Edgar Allen Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne. **Bring your DSLR camera or Cell phone with extra batteries for this tour! Dive deep into the details of a true crime murder mystery. Dive deep into the details of a true crime murder mystery Get personalized help taking beautiful photos of iconic Salem sites Gain understanding of a pivotal time in Salem history Discover how to use new settings on your camera or camera phone to take spectacular photos in Salem.

We had a brilliant tour with Dawn on a very, very rainy night, Monday 9/11. The content of the tour was interesting, it gave me a very good overview of Salem’s history. The tour was more history than hauntings in my opinion. Dawn really brought the stories to life and was very generous with her time and encouraged the group to interact and ask questions.

I am a long-time resident of Salem and had forgotten how amazing our town is, thank you Violet for awaking my interest in Salem's history again! Violet is a fantastic tour guide, and our group is extremely impressed by her. Violet spoke well, charming and is clearly knowledgeable. She was able to change a muggy dreary rainy night into very pleasantly memorable evening.

During a day trip to Salem, I participated in the History and Hauntings tour provided by Witch City Tours. This walking tour was so informative and beautiful! Our tour guide, Michael, knew quite a bit about the history of Salem and the witch trials. His summary of Salem's dark past piqued our interest into learning more about it, which led to the purchase of a history book in a local shop.

Recent Activity

Witch City Walking Tours is proud to be the sponsor for this year’s Salem Education Foundation’s raffle for “Dinner for Two” anywhere in the world! 🌎

When visiting Salem, where should you go to eat? Here are some suggestions from our guides:

Destination Salem

Good Morning America

National geographic.

Travel AAA Guide

Travelers choice, travelers' choice™ best of the best.

Charities We Sponsor

Witch City Walking Tours proudly gives back to the community of Salem, Massachusetts! Every month, one of our guides chooses a local non-profit that is important to them and we donate $1000 to support their missions. In turn, these worthy organizations work diligently to lift the members of our community. 

Recently, Witch City Walking Tours has supported:

• Salem Education Foundation and their raffle for “Dinner for Two” anywhere in the world! 
• Northeast Animal Shelter for blankets, towels, and food for the animals.

We’d like to thank all of our tour guests for helping us make this possible, and for helping us keep Salem a vibrant and beautiful city where we, along with our neighbors, live and work.

Who We Sponsor

Charitable Contributions

Working Hours

Sunday to Saturday   09:00 AM to 11:00 PM

32 Derby Square Salem, MA 01970 (Outside on the 3 staircases of the Old Town Hall)

New England Wanderlust

Massachusetts  ·  April 22, 2022

How To Plan The Perfect Salem, MA Day Trip: 19 Ideas + Tips! (2024)

Salem is known for being the ultimate New England destination for the entire month of October, and while that’s a really fun time to visit, a Salem day trip makes for a great excursion year-round. With so much history, waterfront scenery, beautiful streets, and awesome restaurants, there’s plenty to do that doesn’t involve anything spooky (but there’s also plenty of spooky to go around if that’s your reason for visiting!).

This post will be all about how to plan the perfect Salem, MA day trip, including my tips for visiting, ideas on things to do, and if visiting in October is actually worth it. With that, let’s begin!

New England Wanderlust contains affiliate links, and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from any purchases you choose to make from our links, at no additional cost to you. For more information, please refer to our  Privacy Policy .

Taking a day trip from Boston? Definitely consider taking the ferry to save you the hassle of parking! 🛳 Click here to check out the Boston → Salem ferry!

Is Salem, MA Worth Visiting?

Salem, MA is definitely worth visiting, whether it’s for a day trip, or a weekend getaway. It’s packed with New England charm at every corner with countless things to do that vary from historic walking tours and museums, to beautiful lighthouses and charming neighborhoods. It even makes my list of the best places to visit in New England!

Salem is also part of the North Shore region of Massachusetts, and makes for a great home base to explore the coastline of Cape Ann and surrounding areas.

Is Visiting Salem, MA In October Worth It?

Having been to Salem in October, as well as other times throughout the year, I personally think Salem is worth doing once in October. There is an undeniable energy in October, and it’s really exciting to be a part of. It is, after all, one of the ultimate Halloween destinations in the entire world!

During the month of October, the town has Haunted Happenings events every single day, which includes special Halloween tours, activities, fairs, and parties. The entire town is also perfectly decorated to celebrate the season, and so many houses go all out with really amazing decorations.

Tips For A Salem Day Trip In October

✓ Plan for crowds. October is most definitely the most busy and crowded time to visit Salem, and weekends especially will be the most packed. The busiest weekend tends to be the weekend closes to Halloween, which is also when the Halloween Ball takes place.

✓ To avoid crowds, try to visit on a weekday in October. Having been to Salem in October both on a weekday and a weekend, I can confirm that weekdays are less crowded! It’ll still be busy, but not quite as bad.

✓ Plan and book your tours and activities in advance. Many will sell out a few days beforehand in October, especially on weekends.

✓ Have a plan for how you want to get to Salem. Traffic getting there and around in October is very busy. If you want to drive in, arrive as early in the day as you can, and have a plan for parking. See the next section in this post for tips on where to park!

✓ I also recommend taking the ferry from Boston if that’s where you’re visiting from, as Salem is very walkable, and you won’t really need your car once you park downtown. The ferry is a bit expensive, but I think it’s worth it to avoid parking and traffic, especially on an October weekend! Just remember to book your return ticket, too, which is done separately!

🛳 Click here to check rates & availability for the Boston → Salem ferry!

Best Places To Park In Salem

My personal favorite place to park for a Salem day trip is the South Harbor Garage, which is located between the Maritime National Historic Site, and the center of the main part of Essex Street.

It’s also convenient to get to The House Of Seven Gables from this garage. I typically always find spots here if I arrive in the morning, and I think the daily/hourly rates are reasonable.

The town of Salem has an entire page on their website with information on parking. Click here to read more about parking in Salem .

Ideas & Things To Do On A Salem Day Trip

If you’re wondering how to plan your Salem day trip, here are the absolute best things to do in Salem, MA. You likely won’t be able to see and do everything on this list in a day, but you’ll be able to tackle most everything since Salem is pretty small and easy to walk around. Scroll down below to read my suggested itinerary of how to see as much as possible during your Salem day trip!

1. Visit The House Of Seven Gables

Made famous as the setting of Nathaniel Hawthorn’s book of the same name, The House Of Seven Gables is an actual historic landmark you can visit during your Salem day trip. Built in 1668 by Captain John Turner, a highly successful maritimes businessman, this waterfront home has 350 years of history and stories to share during tours.

Not only can you tour the inside of the house, you can also walk around the gorgeous and extensive coastal gardens, and take in views of Salem’s harbor front the front lawn of the property, which are worth the price of admission alone.

Tip : If you don’t want to pay to see the house, you can get a partial view of it from the street. Just type “House of Seven Gables” into Google maps, and it will take you right there. At minimum, I do suggest you pay for the gardens-only ticket because the grounds and the water views are definitely worth it!

2. Reflect At The Salem Witch Trials Memorial

One of the best things to do in Salem, MA during your day trip is to visit the Witch Trials Memorial. It’s a very simple display next to Burying Point Cemetery with a stone bench for each of the victims of the Salem Witch Trials. But as simple as it is, it’s also rather moving and memorable.

3. See The Lighthouse At Winter Island Park

Just outside of downtown is Winter Island Park, where you can visit Winter Island Lighthouse and enjoy views of Salem Harbor. This is a quiet little spot that’s not often crowded, which makes it a great place to venture to if you’re looking for a peaceful moment during your Salem day trip.

While you can walk to Winter Island Park from downtown, it’s almost 2 miles one-way, so it’s best to drive. I suggest you stop here either before parking your car for the day downtown, or at the end of the day just before leaving Salem (as long as it’s still light out).

4. Stop At The Salem Witch House

One of the most famous sites and best things to do in Salem, MA is to visit the Witch House , also known as the Jonathan Corwin House. This house is significant because it’s the only known house in Salem that’s still standing to have direct ties to the Witch Trials, as Corwin was one of the judges during the infamous trials.

The house itself, especially at night, has an eery feel to it, and if you decide to purchase tickets for a tour of the inside, it’ll feel even more spooky because of how cruel the owner was.

Personally, I don’t think touring the inside is worth the price of admission. You’re only able to see a few rooms, and you may leave feeling like, “Was that it?” If you’re a big history buff and want to tour as many historic homes as possible, it may be worth it for you, but if you pay for admission to one historic home, I would suggest The House Of Seven Gables over this.

I definitely think it’s more than worth it to stop by the house to see it in person, and snap some photos. It’s a popular landmark for the town and a really cool place to see, but the tour itself may not be worth it for you.

5. See The Elizabeth Montgomery Statue

This is a fun little stop to make during your Salem day trip, and it’ll only take a few minutes of your time. I especially love it because my mom named me after Samantha on Bewitched , so it has a special place in my heart. But if you’re a fan of the show, or the actress, or just witches in general, be sure to swing by and snap a photo with this statue!

The Bewitched statue can be found at the corner of Washington and Essex in downtown Salem.

6. Walk Around The Salem Maritime National Historic Site

One of the best things to do in Salem, MA is to enjoy the waterfront, and visiting the Maritimes National Historic Site is a great way to spend some time by the water. This area isn’t very large, and more like a small park, but it makes for a scenic walk and allows you some nice photo opportunities.

The Sail Loft is a gorgeous building that’s worth stopping by to see, and you’ll often find the Friendship of Salem ship docked here, which is an exact replica of the 1797 ship used to charter through the East India Trading Company routes.

7. Stroll Over To Derby Wharf Light Station

While at the Maritime National Historic Site, be sure to walk all the way to the end of the path to visit Salem’s other lighthouse, Derby Wharf Station. This is a small little lighthouse, but worth your time during a Salem day trip for some great picture opportunities, and to feel like you’ve escaped from the lively downtown area for a few minutes.

8. Get A Psychic Reading

I’m not sure if I entirely buy into psychics, but I’ve had a reading done during a Salem day trip, and it was eerily accurate! To add to the mystical vibe of your Salem trip, this is something you may want to consider as something fun and different to do!

I chose to have my reading done at Magika , and my husband and I did it as a joint session. And during the reading, the medium knew that myself and my father-in-law suffered from the same illness, that my mother lost her dad when she was young from a heart condition, and that my husband and I would buy lots of land in our future together. At the time, the land thing threw us and we laughed about it, but when we bought our house, it came with 25 acres, which we hadn’t been looking for.

Some tips that I had read about getting an authentic psychic reading were helpful before our session, so here are some things I suggest:

• Do your research and check claims that a medium makes before booking. If they claim they can talk to the dead, or make predictions with 100% accuracy, then they’re probably not legit.
• Don’t provide anything but your name (and phone number if they require it, which most will) when booking your appointment.
• Don’t tell the medium why you’re there. Keep it vague and say, “I’m just interested to know what you see or feel.”
• Try not to show emotion, or give indication of whether or not the medium is right or wrong.
• Take everything with a grain of salt. If they say something that goes against your gut instinct, rely on your own intuition. Even mediums admit that what they feel or see is not always accurate, or is misinterpreted.

I’m glad I did this experience once! It was fun, and added some mystery to one of our mystical Salem day trips in October.

9. Go On A Hocus Pocus Tour

While most of the sites that are in Salem from the movie Hocus Pocus can be found on your own, and are free to visit, if you want to take the stress out of planning each stop, this is an awesome place to take an official tour.

During the guided tour, you’ll go to 5 filming locations for the movie and get some great expert knowledge on Salem’s past and how it became known as the Witch City. If you’re a big fan of the movie, this is one of the best things to do in Salem, MA.

Click here to book your Hocus Pocus Walking Tour in Salem!

10. Get Some Homemade Chocolates & Fun Candies

Salem is home to two really amazing chocolate shops: Harbor Sweets and Ye Olde Pepper Companie, and they’re both worth visiting on your day trip! Also, there’s a very fun candy store called Curly Sue that you’ll definitely want to have on your radar.

Harbor Sweets is an adorable little shop that makes their own chocolates in small batches, and also sells some luxury and speciality chocolate brands for an amazingly curated chocolate feast at your fingertips!

Be sure to get some sweet sloops, which are little sailboat-shaped almond, buttercrunch and toffee chocolates that were invented in the neighboring town of Marblehead. But you can also pick up anything from caramels and truffles to chocolate sauces and dips while here.

Ye Olde Pepper Companie is the oldest candy shop in the country, so obviously, you’ll want to make a stop here, too 😉 This sweet little shop still uses original recipes that have been handed down over many generations, and you’ll find everything you could possibly want here.

At Pepper Companie, you’ll want to keep an eye out for Gibralters, which is a special rock candy invented in Salem, as well as Blackjacks, the first stick candy to be produced and sold in the U.S.!

Finally, be sure to pop into Curly Sue Candy Shop to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings. They have one of the best gummy candy selections I’ve found, and this is especially perfect if you happen to visit during Halloween. They change out some of their candies seasonally, so no matter when you visit, you’re sure to find something that you can’t leave without.

They also have a great mix of traditional candies, too, for those who prefer all the classics.

11. Sip On A Lobster Martini At The Lobster Shanty

My favorite restaurant in town is The Lobster Shanty, which is a casual restaurant that has awesome comfort food and seafood dishes. One of the best things to do in Salem, MA is to order a lobster martini here, which will come with a giant lobster claw garnish (which will make for the perfect photo opp!).

Some great menu items here are the lobster roll, crab cake sandwich, lobster grilled cheese and fish ‘n chips. They also have vegetarian menu selections and great cocktails!

12. Find All The Historic Houses

Being that Salem was one of the earliest established colonies in the New World, there are plenty of historic homes that are still standing around town, and one of the best things to do in Salem, MA is to walk around and take a self-guided tour of the houses.

All the historic homes will display a plaque with the date the house was built, and usually the original owner’s name and occupation. Just walking around and reflecting on how long these houses have been around, and the fact that they’re still standing and being used today, is an incredible experience on your Salem day trip.

My favorite neighborhood for touring historic homes is right by The House of Seven Gables. At the intersection of Derby and Turner, walk on Derby toward Carlton, and explore that area. One house in particular I really like in this area is the Stephen Daniels House, located at 1 Daniels Street.

13. Walk Around Pickering Wharf

Close to the Maritime National Historic site is Pickering Wharf, which is a small harbor-front destination with shops and restaurants. This is also where a lot of boat and sailing tours dock (including Schooner Fame), so if you’re looking to head out onto the water, this is a great place to check out.

While here, stop for lunch or drinks at Longboards , and snag an outdoor table with a water view. And if you’re in the market for some souvenirs to remember your Salem day trip by, the Marble Faun Books & Gifts shop is a cute little place with some unique finds and some lovely paper goods.

14. Stroll Along Chestnut Street

Chestnut Street is one of the first planned streets in the country, and I think one of the prettiest streets to visit during your Salem day trip. Originally planned in 1796, and then renovated in 1803 to make the street wider, it’s currently lined with gorgeous homes, and trees that will provide tons of color in the fall.

If you visit during peak foliage season in October, this is definitely a place you’ll want to visit to see the fiery red and orange color lining the entire street, which will make a great backdrop for a photo.

15. Visit The Shops & Boutiques

One of the best shopping areas in Salem is along Essex Street, where you’ll find tons of shops and restaurants. There’s also a section on Essex called the Pedestrian Mall, which is where you’ll find the Essex Peabody Museum, and as I’m sure you’ve guessed, is a pedestrian-only walkway. This is a great area to stroll through if you’re looking to visit the local stores and grab a bite to eat during your Salem day trip.

Best Shops In Salem, MA To Check Out

• Wicked Good Books – A small but absolutely charming little bookshop that I love visiting each time I come to Salem.
• The Cheese Shop Of Salem – More than just cheese! A really lovely little stop to make to peruse not only amazing cheeses, but also wines and specialty foods. A great place for stocking your pantry.
• 100 Derby Store – Of all the gifty-type shops in Salem, this is my favorite because it’s reminiscent of an old country store, and also features some locally-made items.
• Oak + Moss – A gorgeous homewares boutique that sells live plants, and a beautifully curated selection of gifts and things for your home.

16. Set Sail On Schooner Fame

One of the best things to do in Salem, MA is to head out onto the harbor waters on Schooner Fame, which is a replica of a significant ship that set sail during the The War of 1812. Fame has five daily charters to choose from in-season, and you’ll learn about the history of the ship, get some amazing views from the harbor, as well as try your hand at hoisting the sails if you’d like!

The Schooner Fame crew also allows you to bring snacks aboard the ship (just no coolers to allow rooms for all guests aboard), and they also have snacks and drinks available on the ship for the duration of the cruise.

17. Explore The Peabody Essex Museum

The Peabody Essex Museum is a nationally-recognized, incredible destination that’s dedicated to the preservation of history, art, science and nature. It’s also one of the oldest operating museums in the U.S. that’s known for having one of the largest collections of Asian art.

Here at the museum, you’ll be able to admire paintings from the 1700s, walk through the Art & Nature center and visit the Museum Garden. You’ll also be able to see the model ship that was used to build the Friendship of Salem. It’s absolutely worth your time during a Salem day trip, especially if you have a particular interest in history and art.

18. Make Your Own Broom

The Witchery in Salem is a great place to visit to make the ultimate souvenir to bring home: your own, handmade, customized broom!

Workshops to make your own broom can be made online, and take about an hour. You’ll get to pick your own broom handle, embellishments like dried flowers, and then learn how to put it all together. When you’re done, you’ll walk out with a new piece for your home to remember your trip by.

Pro Tip : The Witchery also offers bookbinding workshops, if that’s more your speed!

19. Explore The Town By Trolley

If you’re looking for an easy tour around town, Salem Trolley is a great one to consider. This hour-long narrated tour takes you through many of the best sites to see, and includes history and fun facts along the way to learn something new.

Pro Tip: The trolley tour is not designed as a hop-on/hop-off tour. They’ll sometimes allow visitors to use it that way when it’s not busy, but generally in the fall, it’s required that you experience it as the one-hour tour.

What’s The Scariest Thing To Do In Salem, MA?

Doing anything at night in Salem will automatically be scarier. Add in a ghost or spooky stories walking tour, and you’re sure to get goosebumps!

The scariest tours you can take in Salem would be the Mysteries & Murders of Salem Walking Tour and the Salem Voodoo, Vampires & Ghosts Walking Tour . Both are guided tours that take place at night, and go into the spooky history and stories surrounding Salem. Click the links below to book your tours.

Click here to check out the Mysteries & Murders of Salem walking tour!

Click here to check out the Salem Voodoo, Vampires & Ghosts Walking Tour in Salem!

Free Things To Do In Salem, MA

One of the great things about visiting Salem for a day trip is that a lot of things are free to see and do. Below is a list of all the free things you can do in Salem:

• The Salem Maritime National Historic Site
• Winter Island Park & Lighthouse
• Derby Wharf Light Station
• Tour the historic homes and side streets
• Take a peak at The Witch House from outside
• Walk through Essex Street and the Pedestrian Mall
• The Elizabeth Montgomery/Bewitched Statue
• Take a peak of The House of Seven Gables from outside
• The Salem Witch Trials Memorial
• Walk around Salem Common
• Walk along Chestnut Street
• The Salem Heritage Trail

Is The Hocus Pocus House in Salem?

Yes! Max and Dani’s house that was featured in the movie Hocus Pocus is in Salem, and can be found at 4 Ocean Avenue.

It’s not located right in the downtown area, but if you walk about a mile outside of downtown, you can see it. It’s important to be respectful when visiting because an actual family lives in the house, so be sure not to trespass, enjoy it from a distance, and be respectful.

Can You See Salem, MA In One Day?

Salem is very easy to see in a day! While it’s a city, most the attractions you’ll want to visit are all located within in a mile or so of each other, making it easy to get from one place to the next. While you can absolutely spend longer than a day here, a Salem day trip is more than doable.

How Do I Spend A Day In Salem, MA?

While a Salem day trip is very easy, it’s still a good idea to have a plan to make the most of your time. Below is a basic itinerary option that you can adjust based on your own preferences, which factors in where each attraction is, and groups them all together to maximize your day.

• Start or end your day at Winter Island Park & Lighthouse.
• Park at the South Harbor Waterfront Garage, and walk to the Maritime National Historic site, and also visit Derby Wharf Light Station.
• Then walk to The House of Seven Gables, and walk around some of the side streets, including visiting the Stephen Daniels House. You can also visit Ye Olde Pepper Companie in this area.
• Walk over to the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, then head over to Essex Street and visit the Peabody Essex Museum, or walk the Pedestrian Mall and the rest of Essex Street. As you make your way down Essex, you can also visit Old Town Hall (another Hocus Pocus filming location!), the Bewitched Statue and end at the Witch House.
• Stop for lunch at The Lobster Shanty, which can also be done during your walk along Essex (it’ll be just a few blocks away).
• From either Witch House or Lobster Shanty, head over to Chestnut Street and enjoy this picturesque New England street (I recommend also visiting some of the side streets in this area – they’re all beautiful).

That covers all the major sites! You’ll want to adjust based on your preferences, where you park, and also where you want to eat, and also if you do any tours.

Can You Do A Day Trip To Salem From Boston?

A Salem day trip is very easy to take from Boston. Whether you drive or take the ferry, the journey is only about an hour, which will leave you plenty of time to explore Salem, and not feel rushed. If you’re planning a fall trip to Boston and want to visit Salem for a day trip, I highly recommend it.

How To Get From Boston To Salem

The best ways to get from Boston to Salem for a day trip are to either drive or take the ferry. The drive will take about an hour or less, depending on traffic, and the ferry also takes about an hour dock to dock.

Click here to check out the ferry from Boston to Salem!

Tip : Keep in mind that the Boston to Salem ferries only run seasonally , so if you plan to visit Salem in the off-season or winter, you’ll likely have to drive.

Is Salem, MA Walkable?

Salem is a very walkable city, and most of the attractions are very close to each other. Once you arrive in Salem, I recommend you park your car for the entire day, and get around everywhere by foot. You shouldn’t need a car unless you’re not able to walk more than a mile, or if you want to drive to Winter Island Park.

Is There Uber In Salem, MA?

Yes, Uber is available in Salem. If you’re visiting in October, there will be higher than average wait times, as traffic is more congested. However, it’s pretty easy to navigate year-round.

Day Trips From Salem, MA

One of the great things about visiting Salem is that you’re able to take so many day trips to surrounding areas along the North Shore region of Massachusetts. You could easily make this a stop on a longer road trip through the coast of Northern MA, and visit some amazing places. Below is a list of all the beautiful towns that are easily drivable from Salem along the North Shore:

• Marblehead (10-15 minute drive from Salem)
• Manchester-By-The-Sea (25 minute drive from Salem)
• Gloucester (30 minute drive from Salem)
• Rockport (35 minute drive from Salem)
• Essex (30 minute drive from Salem)
• Newburyport & Plum Island (45 minute drive from Essex)
• Portsmouth, NH (1 hour drive from Salem)

Here are some posts you may find helpful while planning a trip to this area:

• Best Things To Do On Cape Ann
• Best Things To Do In Rockport, MA
• Best Things To Do In Marblehead
• Cape Cod vs. Cape Ann
• Best Things To Do In Newburyport, MA & Plum Island

If you’re not taking a Salem day trip from Boston, you can also get to Boston’s downtown in less than an hour from Salem, and visit the South Shore, which consists on the cute towns of Scitute, Cohasset, Hanover and Plymouth.

Best Time To Visit Salem, MA

October is the most popular and busiest time to visit Salem, and lots of events happen throughout the month to celebrate Halloween, and the town’s ties to all things spooky.

But Salem is actually a really great place to visit year-round, and if it’s not important to you to experience the Halloween festivities, June, July, August & September are also great months to visit, with November being another one of my favorite months for a Salem day trip.

In early November, there’s often still some beautiful foliage around (even if a lot of it is on the ground), and the crowds have thinned out, making it more enjoyable to walk around. A great weekend to visit Salem is the first weekend after Halloween, as a lot of houses will still have their Halloween decorations up, and it still feels very much like October.

Psst! I have a more detailed guide on the best time to visit Salem if you need more information 😉

What Is Salem, MA Known For?

Salem, MA is most known for the infamous Salem Witch Trials, where 19 innocent people were sentenced to death by hanging after being accused of witchcraft.

Salem also has a deep and rich history in New England maritimes, and recently, President Obama signed a bill that officially recognized Salem as the birthplace of the National Guard.

Best Restaurants In Salem, MA

If you’re looking to dine at the best restaurants during your Salem day trip, below is a list of my favorite places to eat while visiting:

• The Lobster Shanty – I know I’ve already mentioned this as one of the best things to do in Salem, MA, but it bears repeating! You’ll often find people lining up here for a table, which speaks volumes about how great the food is.
• Howling Wolf Taqueria – Fresh and delicious Mexican-inspired food and yummy margaritas.
• Bella Verona – A small little Italian place that’s always packed because the food is that delicious.
• Ledger Bar & Restaurant – A really cool and upscale bar/restaurant with traditional menu offerings and really good cocktails.
• Melt – Awesome ice cream!
• A&J King Artisan Bakers – Great for a cup of coffee/warm beverage and baked goods. Any flakey pastries like croissants are especially great here.

More posts you may find helpful:

• Massachusetts In The Fall: Your Ultimate Guide On What To Do & Where To Go!
• Best Boston Hotels Near The Aquarium
• Best New England Day Trips
• Best Things To Do In New England In The Fall
• Best New England Ghost Tours
• The Perfect New England Fall Road Trip
• My Unforgettable Boston To Bar Harbor, Maine Road Trip Itinerary

That’s A Wrap On Planning The Perfect Salem, MA Day Trip

Now that you know all the best things to do in Salem, MA, you’re ready to begin planning your Salem day trip. Hopefully you can see that Salem is a great destination to visit all year-round, but if you’re looking for the ultimate New England Halloween day trip, then visiting in October is definitely memorable. But regardless of when you visit, Salem makes for a perfect day trip getaway.

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Salem "Hocus Pocus" Movie Locations Tour (31st Anniversary)

• 2 hour 15 minute "Hocus Pocus" Movie Locations Walking Tour
• Visit the 5 locations used in the filming of Disney's hit movie, Hocus Pocus
• Entry/Admission - Salem 1630: Pioneer Village
• Transportation back to downtown Salem from Pioneer Village.
• Entry/Admission - Ropes Mansion and Garden
• 78 Washington Square E, Salem, MA 01970, USA The tour begins at the Salem Common, near the playground. The first stop is the high school used in the filming of Hocus Pocus. From there we will walk approximately 3.2 miles and end at Pioneer Village.
• Salem Pioneer Village, 98 West Ave, Salem, MA 01970, USA The tour will conclude at Pioneer Village, we are guests will have the opportunity to explore the village on their own (weather permitting). Please note: The tour does not go inside Pioneer Village we just end next to Pioneer Village.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Not recommended for travelers with back problems
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Travelers should have a strong physical fitness level
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Approximately 3 miles of *strenuous* walking expected during tour at a fast pace.
• Please Note: Guests assume ALL responsibility, ALL liability, and a photo release by booking this tour.
• There is uneven terrain and parts are NOT wheelchair/scooter/stroller accessible. Please be prepared.
• Not for those with back, hip, neck, joint problems. Very fast tour and challenging terrain..
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 39 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Salem 1630: Pioneer Village
• Ropes Mansion and Garden
• Salem Old Town Hall

Similar experiences

• You'll start at 78 Washington Square E 78 Washington Square E, Salem, MA 01970, USA The tour begins at the Salem Common, near the playground. The first stop is the high school used in the filming of Hocus Pocus. From there we will walk approximately 3.2 miles and end at Pioneer Village. See address & details
• 1 Salem Common See details
• 2 Salem Old Town Hall See details
• 3 Broad Street Cemetery Stop: 15 minutes See details
• 4 Salem 1630: Pioneer Village Stop: 15 minutes - Admission included See details
• You'll end at Salem Pioneer Village 98 West Ave, Salem, MA 01970, USA The tour will conclude at Pioneer Village, we are guests will have the opportunity to explore the village on their own (weather permitting). Please note: The tour does not go inside Pioneer Village we just end next to Pioneer Village. See address & details

• B5009BValanb 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Townies impressed! Really enjoyed Rebecca’s in depth telling of the 1830 murder of Capt Joseph White. We visited several locations where the sad story unfolded. She really brought the times and circumstances alive for us. We were also happy to have the photographic expertise of Chris, explaining the options for our best angles. Excellent tour! Read more Written April 8, 2024
• L9094OBangelao 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A Must Do Diane was AMAZING and very knowledgeable on the history of Salem. Would highly recommend this tour to learn more about Salem’s history and the Salem Witch Trial. Read more Written April 7, 2024
• kimberlyhC3247WG 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles 10/10 We had a great time on this walking tour! Our tour guide, Michael, was knowledgeable funny and entertaining. It rained almost the whole day but we had so much fun we hardly paid any attention to it. Read more Written April 7, 2024
• angelamZ1134RT 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fantastic, Fun & Friendly Our guide was amazing…growing up in Salem, Aurielle had first hand knowledge of the history and the recent changes to the city. Read more Written April 7, 2024
• nicolebB5401MF 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great! We went during a horrible wind and rain storm but our tour guide kept it lively and made it worth our while! Thank you to our guide, Duo! Read more Written April 6, 2024
• paulabO8130CZ 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Perfect combo of history and hauntings Ryan did an amazing job bringing the history of Salem to life with stories and humor. Greatly appreciated his sensitivity and inclusion for all folks in the group, if you can schedule your tour with Ryan you won't be disappointed! Highly reconnend! Read more Written April 6, 2024
• N2774AQlindal 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Walking tour of Salem This walking tour was a great way to start our trip to Salem. Michael conducted an informative and entertaining tour of Salem. Highly recommend booking this tour! Read more Written April 6, 2024
• W6683HPjennifera 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Tour and Guide, Highly Recommend Our Guide Ryan was very knowledgeable and funny! We learned so much and had a lot of fun. I am so glad we did the tour. We both agreed that it was the best thing we have done in Salem. Read more Written April 5, 2024
• katesA8548FD 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Duo did a very good job. would recommend it was very cold and it was raining but even despite the predicaments our tour guide Duo did a really good job. he was funny and insightful and seemed to just really enjoy the job overall. 10/10 job would recommend! Read more Written April 3, 2024
• paullG1417AA 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing Tour of Salem! Michael was an amazing guide. Very knowledgable. Brought some humor into things between some of the tough stories. Highly recommend! Would go again in a heartbeat. Read more Written April 3, 2024
• calebm640 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Very fun and informative tour! Our tour guide (Joe) did a great job! We had a great time learning more about the history of the witch trials and seeing and learning about different parts of the city and its historical buildings Read more Written April 3, 2024
• angelae944 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great History We LOVED this tour. Our guide Sean was awesome. He was very knowledgeable and entertaining. We were in Salem for 4 days and the tour was by far our favorite part. We would do it again if we make it out. Read more Written April 3, 2024
• L8878FLmikeb 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Tour with Sean… We toured on Saturday at 5PM with Sean. He was excellent! Extremely funny, insightful and engaging. We were 2 families of four. The tour was entertaining & enjoyable for the kids, as well as, the adults. Thanks so much! Read more Written April 3, 2024
• Phyllis15 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun tour! Very informative and fun tour! The guide was so knowledgeable and professional. Highly recommend that you take the tour! Read more Written April 2, 2024
• 80catherinew 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A Must Do Tour! I went on this tour with my husband and my three children (11 and 9 year old twins). We all thoroughly enjoyed this tour and found Ryan engaging and informative and very patient with my childrens' questions! The history of Salem is fascinating and as a History teacher I particularly enjoyed it! This was a highlight of our trip to Boston and I would definitely recommend it- a must do! Read more Written April 2, 2024

More to explore in Salem

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Salem "Hocus Pocus" Movie Locations Tour (31st Anniversary) provided by Witch City Walking Tours

Capture the historic spirit of America’s most bewitching city by the sea.  Discover Salem Massachusetts’s witchcraft trials, tall ship, literature, beautiful architecture, and connection to Hollywood by choosing from two self-guided walking tours or visit the Hocus Pocus 1993 movie locations with our free mini tour. All three tours give you the freedom to discover Salem’s historical charm and hidden secrets on your schedule and at your pace! Click on the Learn More buttons below for detailed information on Salem’s Grand Tour or The Essence of Salem tour.

Salem's Grand Tour

3 Days of Unlimited Access*

Includes Audio & Photos

*Access begins at midnight on the day you select and expires two consecutive calendar days later at 11:59 pm.

The Essence of Salem

24 hours of Unlimited Access**

**Access begins at midnight on the day you select and expires the same day at 11:59 pm.

It's Just a Bunch of Hocus Pocus Locations

Unlimited Access

Info for the 1993 movie 

6 Salem Locations

2 Marblehead Locations

Protect Your Trip »

The 5 Best Salem Tours

From its infamous witch trials to its scenic harbor, this Massachusetts city is ripe for exploration.

Courtesy of Fame of Salem

See Salem from its waters during a tour with Fame of Salem.

Note: Some tour providers on this list may have ceased operations due to COVID-19. Check with your tour operator about availability before you book.

While best known for its notorious witch trials in the late 1600s, Salem, Massachusetts, has a lot more to offer. These Salem tours offer an in-depth look at everything related to the trials, but they also explore the area's landmarks and Revolutionary War history. U.S. News selected the following tours by consulting traveler sentiment and expert opinion. Whether you explore by day or by night, these excursions will introduce you to all sides of Salem.

Fame of Salem – Sail on the Fame

Set sale on a replica of an 1812 privateer schooner on this nearly two-hour cruise. Not only do tourgoers see Salem from the water, but they also learn about the original Fame ship and the War of 1812. Travelers will also have the opportunity to assist the crew with raising the sail and other tasks. Passengers say the sail was one of the highlights of their trip to Salem and praise the expert crew. Tickets cost approximately $40 for participants ages 14 and older and $30 for youths ages 13 and younger. Tours are available May through October several times daily a few days a week; availability depends on the season. Fame of Salem also offers a sunset cruise, as well as private charters.

[ View & Book Tickets .]

Bewitched After Dark Walking Tours

On this two-hour walking tour from Bewitched After Dark, travelers learn about colonial Salem, along with its ample witch-related history. Along the way, tourgoers will pass by more than a dozen historical locations within the downtown area. Reviewers praise the guides for their storytelling abilities and recommend the tour for history buffs. Many also add that this tour turned out to be the highlight of their visit to Salem. Tickets cost approximately $30 per person; children 7 and younger can participate for free. Tours operate nightly at 7 p.m.

Spellbound Tour

Led by paranormal investigators, this trip focuses on more than the city's fabled witches. During the 90-minute tour, guides will share stories about Salem's ghosts, New England vampirism and Voodoo while visiting haunted sites like the Salem Jail and the Joshua Ward House. Guides will also teach participants how to hunt for ghosts and take images of spirits with their cameras. Reviewers say this is an informative and historically accurate tour and that it's one of the best ghost tours they've attended. Tickets start at $21 for participants 11 and older. Tours are available at 8 p.m. nightly; there's also a 2 p.m. tour offered Friday through Sunday.

Salem Night Tour

Explore downtown Salem at night and learn about the city's history while listening to ghost stories on the Salem Night Tour, which lasts about 90 minutes and covers roughly 1 mile. As an added bonus, the company says the tour's content is appropriate for children. Travelers give high marks to guides, describing them as knowledgeable and engaging. Tickets start at $25 per person. Tours operate daily at 8 p.m. The company also offers a daytime tour at 2 p.m.

Witch City Walking Tours – History & Hauntings of Salem

Those with an interest in Salem ghost stories should sign up for this two-hour walking tour led by a local historian. If you'd like to boost the eerie factor, opt for a night tour when you'll be led around town by lantern. Stops on the tour include the Old Burying Point Cemetery, the seaport and the Old Town Hall. Tour-takers describe guides as passionate about Salem and say the tour is full of great stories. Tickets cost approximately $25 for adults with discounts for seniors, students and children. Tours run daily at multiple times. The company also offers a Mysteries and Murders of Salem tour.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Boston Tours
• The Best Whale Watching in Cape Cod
• The Best Weekend Getaways in New England
• The Best Things to Do in Boston
• The Best Hotels in Boston

Tags: Tours , Travel , Vacations , Massachusetts

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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Old Salem Museums & Gardens

Winston-salem, north carolina, holidays at old salem, 2023.

The 2023 Holiday Programming runs from Wednesday, November 15 to Saturday, December 30. Tickets are $35 for adults and $16 for students/children. 

Scroll down to find details of the 2023 Salem Saturdays at Christmas and Joy of Christmas Evening Tours!

Salem Saturdays at Christmas

10am – 4pm on december 2nd, 9th, 16th,and 23rd, 2023.

Join us in Old Salem this holiday season! Learn how the historical town of Salem created an environment of celebration and reflection in the solitude of this rural landscape. A Moravian Christmas in North Carolina has a distinctive southern quality. A slight nip in the air, an abundance of greenery, the intricate putz, decorated pyramid trees, and of course baked treats from Winkler Bakery make for a unique learning experience. 

Special Note: December 16th  is a special Salem Saturday, held in conjunction with the Moravian Music Foundation! 

The performers for this very special event will be: 

      Swingset Ensemble, performing current melodies with a folk music vibe.

                       12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the Single Brothers House

       Flute & Mandolin, a perfect duet combination performed by  Connie       

     Merritt and David Crass

        1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. at the Salem Boys School

       Appalachian Stings Dulcimer Group

           2:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m. at the Single Brothers House

       Synthia & Gary Duet, a picking & singing good time

            2:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m. at the Tavern Museum

We’ll see you there! 

During the holidays, we invite you to experience:  

The Visitor Center

Enjoy the new exhibits, view our exquisite Tannenberg organ, and shop for a souvenir at Stockberger Supply. Tickets can be purchased here!

Heritage Bridge

Take the journey from Winston-Salem to the Old Salem Historic District through the Heritage Bridge, and don’t forget to take a photo!

The Frank L. Horton Museum Center (including The Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts )

See objects made and used by the diverse craftspeople of the early American South, including the beautiful pieces made by the Moravians, and shop for books at F. L. Horton Bookseller that features a wide variety of books related to decorative arts of the American South.

The Blum House Joinery Workshop

See how historical woodworking was done in the town of Salem and the craftsmanship that made the Moravian trades shops famous.

Miksch House & Garden

Observe how a family preserved and used produce in the early days of Salem. Explore the gardens to discover the herbs and vegetables available. Learn how gourds were carved and used by people in this area.

The Doctor’s House

Explore the history of Moravian medicine and examine the contributions of African and Cherokee people to the health of those in and around Salem. Experience daily activities in one of Salem’s largest family homes. From making medicine to seasonal hearth cooking, this early 19th century home and apothecary is sure to be a treat.

The Boys’ School

Children in Salem went to school just like children today. Learn about education in Salem, as well as 1800’s games and children’s activities. This is a great location for hands-on interaction and a deepened understanding of the cultures within historical Salem.

The Single Brothers’ House

This building was home to many of Salem’s boys and men. As a combination of a dormitory and a trades hall, it offers an intimate perspective on Moravian culture, faith, and daily life. Experience the lifestyle of a congregation community while learning about the trades, tasks, and shenanigans of many of Salem’s real historical people. Visit the pottery, located on the basement floor!

Horticulture Education Building

The gardens in Salem are always at work. Learn how gardens support the community, what is growing in the gardens at this time of the year, and how the seeds tell stories.  

Winkler Bakery

Always a “must-do,” tickets are not required to visit Winkler Bakery where Sister Deborah will share the bakery’s history. Our famous sugar cake, cookies, and lovefeast buns will be available for purchase (along with lot of other sweet things). Our retail store is located upstairs where you can shop for Moravian stars, handcrafted items, stationery, books, toys and so much more! Tickets can also be purchased here!

Muddy Creek Café

Soups, salads, and sandwiches make for a great lunch. Check out their menu here!  

Vogler House

The iconic Vogler House provides insight into the upscale lifestyle of the Vogler family and the enslaved residents of the house. Be sure to examine the intricate metalwork during your visit!

Timothy Vogler Gun Shop

Salem’s gunsmiths provided hunting rifles for those in and around the local community. Come see the craftspeople at work in the same original space where rifles were being made historically.

Salem Tavern Museum

Learn the history of Salem’s Tavern, exploring the cultural intersection of Colonial Americans, Central European Moravians, and the enslaved people of African descent. Come see how this building contributed to connecting Salem to the outside world!  Note: this is NOT the Tavern Restaurant!

Purchase Advance Holiday All-In-One Tickets Here!

Joy of christmas evening tours.

One of our best-loved events every year, Old Salem’s evening tours are held on Fridays and Saturdays through the first half of December and highlight Old Salem’s Tavern Museum, the Vogler House, and Boys’ School. Tours will offer unique insight into the Christmas season in the 1800’s and hands-on activities to fully engage with the holidays! Tickets are $60 for adults and $35 for children. You can purchase tickets on the table below: 

While Candle Tea does take place at the Single Brothers’ House here in the district, Old Salem Museums & Gardens does not hold Candle Tea events.

This is done by our friends over at Home Moravian Church, who look forward to sharing their tradition with you! For a list of specific event dates, times, and to purchase tickets, please visit their Candle Tea page on the Home Moravian Church website . This is an extremely popular event, so we strongly encourage you to plan your outing as soon as possible.

Join us for our annual studio tour May 18 & 19, 2024

Salem county art tour.

(Formerly Salem County Arts in Bloom)

We are looking forward to another great year of celebrating art in Salem County. Check out artists' work at Deptford Galleria during the months of March and April.   

On May 18 & 19, more than 40 artists, working in all corners of Salem County will share their creative process. The artists of Salem County will be ready to open their studios and share their work with the more the hundreds of visitors who will discover original and varied artwork during our tour.

Mark november 16 & 17 on your calendar to join us for our holiday artisans show. we will have over 40 artisans together for two days in one location – the salem county vocational technical school. .

The Salem County Art Tour (formerly Salem County Arts in Bloom) is an event where artists from all over Salem County come together to share their studios with the public for a two-day, county-wide event. This free two-day art event  spans many locations throughout Salem County, NJ (towns such as Alloway, Elmer, Lower Alloways Creek, Monroeville, Pedricktown, Pennsville, Pittsgrove, Salem, and Woodstown).

SUPPORT THE TOUR

Support the arts in Salem County, by supporting the tour. All supporters will be recognized on our website and event brochure. Again this year, all supporters of $250 or more will have an ad in the brochure and on the website. plus, your location will be marked on the brochure map and Google map for the event. 

2024 SUPPORTERS

MEET THE ARTISTS Holiday Artisans Show

PLAN YOUR TOUR

Plan your weekend tour of artists in Salem County. Find great restaurants and places to stay if you want to spend the whole weekend in Salem. Find information about other attractions to visit while you are here. Check out our interactive map where you can plan your tour.

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Home Builders Association of Marion & Polk Counties

• FIND CONTRACTOR

2024 Tour of Homes

Saturday, July 13th-21st

Noon – 6pm weekends | 6pm – 9pm weeknights

Free Admission

Find a home, download map.

Saturday, July 13th – Sunday, July 21st

Weekends: noon-6pm  |  weekdays: 6pm – 9pm, free admission.

The Home Builders Association of Marion & Polk Counties’ 2024 Tour of Homes, presented by NW Natural, takes place from Saturday, July 13th through Sunday, July 21st and features outstanding new homes throughout Marion and Polk Counties from many of the region’s finest new home builders.  Showcasing the latest designs and trends in new home construction, the Tour offers you the opportunity to see a wide variety of sizes, price ranges and styles.

Whether you’re in the market for a new home, looking to hire a builder for your dream home, or simply looking for inspiration as you decorate, furnish and make improvements to your own home, we hope you’ll venture out onto the 2024 Tour of Homes!

Pick up your complimentary Tour of Homes guidebook beginning July 9th from our sponsors, or at any Tour home during regular Tour hours.

#1 Comfort Homes

#2 Foksha Homes

#3 Fridley Custom Homes

#4 Bergby Construction

#5 Olsen Communities

#6 Don Lulay Homes

#7 Wind River Homes

#8 Builders Future Inc & Good Well Construction

#9 Banner Homes

#10 Olsen Communities

#11 Boylan Homes

#12 Steve Bennett Construction LLC

#13 Fowler Homes

#14 Fowler Homes

#15 Fowler Homes

#16 Comfort Homes LLC

BROWSE HOMES

#1 Comfort Homes LLC

2752 D Street NE Salem,OR

4180 Coates Crest Way SE, Salem

$ 1,650,000

8501 Jackson Hill Rd SE, Salem

14952 Laurel Lane SE, Jefferson

$ 1,586,016

1513 Leslie Wind Lane SE, Salem

600 Mildred Lane SE, Salem

756 Jordan Elizabeth Avenue SE, Salem

4887 Towhee Court S, Salem

6023 Evangelista Avenue S Salem, OR 97306

1426 Ash Creek Drive, Monmouth

2133 SE Arrowhead Ave, Dallas

$ 1,100,000

#12 Steven Bennett Construction

405 Rose Avenue, Dallas (GPS directions use 1677 SW Hayter, Dallas)

1847 SE Mulberry, Dallas

1834 SE Mulberry Avenue, Dallas

1845 SE Mulberry Ave, Dallas

415 NW Cascade Mountain Drive, Dallas

Guide books

Tour of Homes guidebooks can be picked up at any Tour home during regular event hours, as well as at any of the following locations beginning Monday, July 10th, during their regular business hours.

Cherry City Interiors & Design 1768 13th St SE, Salem

Monday – Friday 8am – 6pm Saturday 10am – 4pm

The Fixture Gallery 2800 Pringle Rd SE, Salem

Hear No Evil 2290 Commercial St NE, Salem

HomeSmart Realty Group 3240 Commercial St SE, Salem

Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm

Home Builders Association of Marion & Polk Counties 2075 Madrona Ave SE, Salem

Presenting sponsor.

SUPPORTING SPONSORS

Experience Salem’s Most Haunted Ghost Tour

Join Us for an unforgettable night of hauntings and ghosts down the hallowed streets of Salem to uncover why Salem is the most haunted city in America. Tours are offered nightly, year-round.

We’ll take you to the most haunted places in Salem for stories of the lesser-known tragedies, murders, and sordid events that took place here in Witch City. Are you ready to experience Salem’s most authentic ghost tour?

Ghost Tour Meeting Location :Outside Salem Five Savings Bank at 210 Essex St, Salem, Massachusetts

Tour Duration : 1hr. across 1 mile

To Order : Press "Get Tickets" for availability.

Ghost tours are held nightly, rain or shine!

The Experiences You've Heard About

Salem Ghosts: Witches, Warlocks, & Hauntings

Join Salem Ghosts for an unforgettable night of terrifying hauntings and real-life ghosts.

Salem Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl

The Salem Haunted Pub Crawl will quench your thirst for haunted history and ghostly drinks, so join us and have your fill of spirits and spirits on this unique and unforgettable Salem drinking experience.

Salem Late Night Ultimate Ghost Tour

This terrifying tour will reveal Salem's rarely told tales and bone-chilling authentic hauntings of the America's most haunted city.

Secrets of Salem History Tour

Uncover rarely-told stories of how Salem handled the aftermath of its horrific deeds.

Witches, Witchcraft and Wizardry: Magic and The Occult in Salem

Discover the less well-known women of Salem who tested society’s boundaries as well as leaders in various occult movements who have found a place of acceptance here.

Witches and Wonder Women Tour

Join us and discover the world of witches and witchcraft that set the western world on fire, making it to the New World and culminating in the Salem Witch Trials. Uncover the origins of witchcraft and its most infamous victims and villains over the centuries, including the women of Salem and the roles they played in shaping the world of witchcraft.

Happy Hour Crawl

Take this happy hour brew tour and add some fun into your work week! This quick but fun tour will take you to three stops for up to three hours. This tour price does not include tastings or tours.

Witches, Hysteria and Hauntings

The Salem Witch Trials ended in 1693, but the memories of those frightening, hysterical times have never left this town.

If you feel a chill on your tour, know that it could be more than just the coastal breeze!

Walk down the narrow cobblestone streets with us as the stories unfold from Salem’s Haunted past and present at sites like The Salem Inn, Ropes Mansion a site featured in the (Disney film Hocus Pocus) , and Salem Old Town Hall.

The First Witch

Today, a seafood restaurant occupies the spot where the Orchard of Bridget Bishop stood.

She was the First Woman in Salem accused of being a witch.

A man named John Louder testified he fought off an attack by a hideous, deformed monster,chasing it from his house, he followed it as it retook the form of Bridget Bishop and disappeared into her orchard.

She was eventually executed in June of 1692.

Since then, hundreds of accounts of eerie and unexplained apparitions have been recorded in this town; even the first president of the United States, George Washington,experienced a haunting during his visit to Salem in 1789 and fled the town immediately!

There are plenty of museums and historical attractions to enjoy in Salem. Still, only this tour can bring you the exhilaration and thrill of retracing the steps between each of the city’s most haunted spots and standing in the presence of their rich histories.

We hope the whole family will be able to bear the harrowing tales while being in the presence of Salem’s buried citizens.

Why is Salem Haunted?

The famed “Witch House” is the dark and foreboding former home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, the man responsible for condemning accused witches to their death. This building is the only one in Salem with actual ties to the Salem Witch Trials that is still standing today.

The tour culminates with a visit to Salem’s Old Burying Point Cemetery, dating back to 1637. This is the final unhappy resting place of Jonathan Corwin, prosecutor,and judge for the 20 women put to death.

About 16 miles north of Boston, Salem is a town of just over 40,000 inhabitants. Salem’s commitment to preserving its shameful history has made it a perfect spot for spirits to linger and for visitors to experience a connection with the past.

Each year during Halloween weekend, about 250,000 visitors and tourists flock to the town in order to experience the best of Witch City.

How did Salem become the center for all these haunted happenings?

Salem’s rich history and the fact that many of its oldest structures and most notorious sites are well preserved today, giving it a truly eerie feeling.

The Salem Ghost Tour takes you to all of these sites and reveals their true stories so that you can feel connected to the history that took place there. Experiencing these stories in the dark and at the sites where they occurred is a unique experience that can’t be recreated by simply reading about their history.

Reserve your spot on the Salem Ghosts tour today to get a more authentic experience!

Test your bravery, and join us, with so many tours and activities to choose from in salem, how do you choose which ones to book, here are 4 reasons to book with salem ghosts.

Salem is full of fascinating stories

It’s not just witches that haunt Salem, during the research for this tour evidence was found of so many other hauntings and amazing stories from history. Hear about Mr. Derby, and his ghost that haunts the Old Town Hall. Mr. Derby was a prominent merchant, who sponsored a full fleet of privateers during the revolutionary war. Although they did not engage in the war directly, they played a great part in diminishing the supply lines of the British. His life in Salem did not have a happy end, his pride and joy, the previous house on this site, was torn down by his son, and gifted to the city to build the current building. His ghost is still unhappy with the decision…

We Are Professional tour guides

When you book an experience with Salem Ghost Tours, you’re securing your spot with a professional group of licensed tour guides that specialize in providing safe, thrilling, and fun tours. Putting these stories together was a painstaking task, the locals featured often have relatives living in the town, care has been taken to treat the characters in the stories with respect.

Our Tours are designed for the whole family.

The stories on the Salem Ghosts tour are carefully curated, using only the best research, eyewitness accounts, and historical facts within the retellings. The stories are suitable for the whole family, everyone, even young people, can enjoy the tour. No sleepless nights for children who take the tour! You will all be talking about the stories you hear for months to come!

If you only have a short amount of time in Salem

You will have a fun and memorable experience on the Salem Ghosts tour, the history of the area is covered, of course. And the witch trials of 1692, but there is so much more to Salem, including a strong theme of the sea. There are many merchants, sailors, and naval heroes in the town’s history , they all have fascinating stories to share, and not all of them are happily dead and buried.The historical and first-hand accounts of terrifying hauntings come from the best local and national historical scholars, so rest assured that when you choose Salem Ghost Tours, you are choosing the best activity in the area!

A Solo Woman Traveling

Boutique Travel Guides & All-Female Luxury Tours

How To Pick The Best Salem Witch Trials Walking Tour in 2024

If you’re excited about making your trip to Salem magical, then you’re probably considering taking a Salem witch trials walking tour. But picking the right one might feel a bit tricky, right? Don’t worry, this post is here to help you out.

There are a bunch of different tours you can choose from. Some focus on telling you the stories of the people involved, while others might dive into the spooky side of things.

And then, there are tours that give you a bit of everything – history, stories, and a little bit of magic.

As a native of Massachusetts , I have visited Salem several times and have been on more than one walking tour!

I’ll give you some easy tips on how to pick the best tour for what you like. Want to hear the real stories of the people from back then? I’ll tell you which tour does that best. Or maybe you want to get a little scared and feel the mystery of Salem? There’s a tour for that too.

Plus, I’ll share advice on when to visit Salem for the best experience and other cool things you can do in the city.

By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly which Salem witch trials walking tour is perfect for you, making your trip super special.

Human-written content, by me, and nearly all original images, unless stated. Posts could have affiliate links to help offset the cost of maintaining this blog. When you click on a link we receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you. See Our Affiliate Policy for more info.

My Go-To Salem Witch Trials Tour for Historic Sites

Don’t have to read the article? My favorite tour is the History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour!

The Salem witch trials Memorial offers guests a delightful look at 17th-century Salem while they soak up some of the city’s history. This memorial marks several locations associated with the Salem witch trials and provides visitors with an understanding of Salem’s dark witch-hunting past.

Also on these tours, you will visit The Salem Witch House , also known as The Corwin House . Judge John Corwin presided over the examinations and ruled the court. The only original standing structure that has direct ties to the witch trials.

It stands today as a reminder of how quickly Salem fell under the spell of witchcraft accusations and provides a look into what life was like for those accused and convicted of witchcraft in colonial times.

Salem Tours You Have To Choose From

1. bewitched in salem tour.

This tour, operated by Bewitched After Dark Walking tours of Salem, is my personal favorite and one of the highest-rated walking tours in town!

Led by knowledgeable and passionate Salem locals, Bewitched in Salem offers an engaging experience with a unique twist.

Visit all the locations of the most historical significance in Salem! You will be entertained as well as informed of the real history of 1692!

Highlights:

• Delivers the most thorough insight into the Witch Trials, blending history, legends, and pop culture across 400 years in one tour.
• Features engaging storytelling by experienced guides, making history come alive.
• Enjoyed by locals and tourists alike, and accessible to wheelchair users .
• Pet-friendly for leashed, well-behaved dogs; tours are held rain or shine.

Important Info

Duration: 2 hours Location: Meet at Bewitched in Salem Included: Taxes & Fees Minimum age: All Ages Cost: $30

2. History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour

This is by far the most popular Salem witch trial tour with over 5,000 reviews ! On this fascinating evening tour, you will learn about 400 years of historical facts and key sites of the picturesque town of Salem.

Your local guide will meet you at nightfall and take you through the spooky town with a led lantern light!

The stops on this tour include the Salem Old Town Hall, Essex Street Pedestrian Mall, Bewitched Statue of Elizabeth Montogomery, and Salem Common.

Duration : 2 hours and 15 minutes Location : Old Town Hall Included : Taxes & Fees Accessibility : Not suitable for Wheelchairs Cost : $30

3. The Salem Night Tour

If you are looking for a fun tour that starts at night about the true tales of Salem’s history, this is the tour for you!

Your tour guide will take you to the most haunted places in Salem witch village!

As you walk through the central streets of the downtown area you will gain detailed insight into all the reported hauntings, paranormal activity, and witch hunts throughout history.

Duration : 75 Minutes Location : 127 Essex Street Included : Taxes & Fees Accessibility : Suitable for Wheelchairs Cost : $26

4. Mysteries and Murders of Salem Guided Night-Time Walking Tour

If you want to learn about more than just the infamous Salem witch trials, then this is the tour for you!

On this historical walking tour, you will learn more about the various centuries-old murder that haunts the seriously dark history of Salem .

Walking in the haunted footsteps of these true tales, you will listen to the famous ghost stories of Salem history you might not hear from anywhere else.

Duration: 90 Minutes Location: Old Town Hall Included: Taxes & Fees Accessibility: Not Suitable for Wheelchairs or anyone under 13 years old. Cost: $30

5. Salem Ghosts: Witches, Warlocks & Hauntings

Learn all about Salem’s history and haunted locations on this spooky tour. On this walking tour, you will pass by the locations where the most significant events happened in Salem.

You can expect to visit with your tour guide the Salem Old Town Hall, Wicked Good Books, Salem Athenaeum, Ropes Mansion and Garden, John Ward House, Salem Witch Trials Memorial, and Old burying point cemetery.

Duration: 60 Minutes Location: 210 Essex Street Included: Taxes & Fees Accessibility: Not Suitable for Wheelchairs Cost: $30

6. Salem Forest Lore Tour

For witch lovers looking for something other than a Salem witch trials tour, consider the Salem Forest Lore tour !

Learn about the forest that surrounds magical Salem in this small group tour of a maximum of 15 people.

The tour guide will educate on the healing plants that can be found in the area as well as the legends of the forest.

Duration: 1 hour and 30 Minutes Location: 75 Willson Street Included: Taxes & Fees & Bottle of Water Accessibility: Not Suitable for Wheelchairs Cost: $33

Ghosts of Salem Walking Tour

Salem is often referred to as the most haunted city in America. And I would have to agree! The only other city that was equally as spooky was Savannah, GA !

The Ghosts of Salem tour will take you to all the bone-chilling historic New England landmarks in Salem.

Learn all about the infamous witchcraft hysteria and why it came to be a staple of the business establishments here today!

Duration: 1 hour and 30 Minutes Location: 32 Derby Square Included: Taxes & Fees Accessibility: Suitable for Wheelchairs Cost: $25

8. Salem Witch Trials Historical Walking Tour

Witch trial history is often misunderstood . On this Salem walking tour your tour guide takes you to the main sites and through the real story of Salem’s history.

This Salem walking tour starts off examining the personal stories from the dire events that took place in 1692 that turned neighbor against neighbor. Find out how innocent townspeople could be accused of witchcraft without any real evidence.

Visit the Salem witch museum, a bench-style memorial that honors the lives of the 20 innocent victims. Following the museum, you will stop at the original site of the First Church of Salem, now a restaurant in the Daniel Low & Co building.

Next, you will visit the Joshua Ward House which has now been converted into the Merchant Hotel. This was the former house of Geroge Corwin, also known as the High Sherriff of Essex, responsible for ordering the arrest and execution warrants of those who stood trial.

This fascinating tour ends at the last standing Salem building that has direct ties to the witchcraft trials.

This Salem walking tour takes you to 10 witchcraft-related sites scattered throughout Salem. Get up close and personal with Salem’s witch history as you explore the streets of Salem on this 2

Duration: 90 Minutes Location: 8 Central Street Included: Taxes & Fees Accessibility: Suitable for Wheelchairs Cost: $25

9. Salem’s Dark History: Witchcraft Hysteria

For a fun experience and historical walking tours filled with an exciting exploration of Salem’s darkest moments, join this tour.

This 90-minute tour takes you to all the main sites you have come to see in Salem. The witch trials are just a piece part of Salem’s historical tours, but not the whole story.

Duration: 90 minutes Location: Coon’s Card & Gift Shop Included: Taxes & Fees Minimum age: All ages, dogs are welcome!

Best Time to Visit Salem and Take a Witch Trial Tour?

Any time is good for a witch trials tour in Salem, but October is busiest—book your hotel early.

For a local tip, try mid-September for cooler weather and fewer crowds. Weekdays are even quieter. Summer is warm, winter is cold and atmospheric, and spring and fall offer beautiful scenery.

Whenever you go, one of the 9 tours will make you love Salem. Grab your broomstick, and let’s head out!!

You can do a self-guided tour of Salem, but will you learn anything? A Salem witch trial walking tour is the best way to learn about all the historic events that went down in Salem.

Yes! On October 31st you can attend a free event in the Salem Common and join The Salem Witches Magic circle.

Conclusion: The 9 Best Salem Witch Trials Walking Tours

The Salem witch trials walking tour is perfect for exploring Salem and its rich history. With Salem Walking Tours, a knowledgeable guide makes the city’s magical atmosphere come alive.

Choose from enlightening daytime tours or mystical lantern-led night tours for a memorable experience. Salem’s history and charm will enchant you.

Book your spot on the witch trials walking tour now—don’t wait!

Melissa Byron, a seasoned solo traveler since 2009, is the founder & visionary behind A Solo Woman Traveling. Drawing from her extensive personal experience globetrotting solo to over 40 countries, she has dedicated herself to a mission: crafting invaluable guides and itineraries for women who embark on solo adventures.

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