Top 10 experiences to enjoy in Salem, Massachusetts

In 1692, Salem village faced a grim chapter as locals accused many of witchcraft, leading to the tragic deaths of 20 individuals. This period, known as the Salem witch trials, marked a dark spot in the town's history.

Thankfully, 'Witch City' has transformed, now embracing witches, psychics, spiritualists, and all manner of alternative thinkers. It’s a quirky destination that revels in the mysterious and the whimsical. Alongside its eerie charm, Salem boasts a rich maritime history, an exceptional art museum, and a literary heritage linked to Nathaniel Hawthorne. Just 20 miles north of Boston, it's an ideal spot for a day trip, easily reachable by car, train, or ferry.

Moreover, Salem stands out as a captivating destination with plenty of historical intrigue and modern culture to keep you entertained for several days, especially in October.

1. Embrace the Halloween spirit at Haunted Happenings

Salem revels in its witchy charm all through October, the spookiest month, featuring a vibrant lineup of events known as Haunted Happenings. Each day in October, you can explore an artisan market at Derby Square and visit spooky art exhibits on Charter Street. Local psychics host a Psychic Fair, offering tarot readings, clairvoyant insights, and connections with the deceased. Plus, the town is filled with seasonal haunted houses and ghost tours; don’t miss the Lost Museum at Gallows Hill for a thrilling scare.

On Halloween night, everyone is invited to gather with the witch community at Salem Common to remember and celebrate their lost loved ones during a Samhain ceremony. Be sure to check the calendar for unique events throughout the month, including a zombie walk, a costume parade, and the famous Witches’ Ball. Remember to don a costume—it’s Halloween, after all!

Detour: One of the most terrifying experiences in the region is Hysteria at Connors Farm in Danvers. This haunted walking trail winds through fields and forests, navigates a shadowy swamp, and passes an authentic 17th-century burial ground, filled with plenty of spine-chilling characters along the way.

2. Discover the events that led to Salem's witch trials

Amid all the Halloween festivities and enchanting activities, it’s easy to forget the somber historical origins of modern Witch City. In 1692, the Puritan village of Salem was engulfed in fear and suspicion, as children suffered from mysterious ailments and accusations spiraled out of control. Ultimately, 20 innocent lives were lost to wrongful executions, with more victims dying in jail. This intriguing yet haunting history can be explored in depth right here in Salem. For an overview, begin with the documentary film Salem Witch Hunt: Examine the Evidence at the Salem Armory Visitor Center. For a deeper dive, Salem Uncovered offers a fantastic 90-minute historical walking tour that delves into the root causes of the witch trials. Be sure to visit the Salem Witch Trials Memorial on Liberty Street, a simple yet poignant tribute to the 20 executed victims.

While the town is filled with cheesy witch-themed attractions, there are few authentic historical sites connected to the trials. One notable exception is the Witch House, the 17th-century residence of Jonathan Corwin, one of the judges during the trials. This house museum provides essential historical context, shedding light on the Corwins’ societal status, the dominant religious beliefs, and the pervasive fear that gripped the village at that time.

Planning tip: Make sure to book in advance for the Witch House on weekends and during October.

3. Take part in a jury for a witch trial reenactment

If you’re skeptical about the witch hysteria that transpired, consider stepping into the shoes of 17th-century residents of Salem. Cry Innocent reenacts the trial of Bridget Bishop, the first person executed for witchcraft in 1692. In this interactive performance, professional actors embody neighbors, church members, and witnesses who share their accusations against her. Pay close attention, as the audience acts as the jury. This dramatization highlights how terrified and powerless defendants may have confessed (or accused others) in a desperate bid for survival.

Planning tip: Arrive early to witness the arrest of Bridget Bishop in front of the historic Town Hall.

4. Discover filming locations from Hocus Pocus

Although it’s not the most accurate depiction of history and was a box office disappointment, the 1993 film Hocus Pocus has gained a cult following. Set in Salem, many scenes were shot throughout the town, including key spots like Salem Common and the Old Town Hall. Fans of Hocus Pocus might want to explore further to uncover additional filming sites.

The film's opening scenes (set in 1693 Salem) were filmed at Salem Pioneer Village, an outdoor living history museum located about a mile south of downtown Salem. Its hours are quite limited (weekend afternoons only from June to October), so plan your visit accordingly. Nearby, the eerie house at 5 Ocean Ave, known as Max and Dani’s home in the movie, features a distinctive widow’s watch (note that it’s a private residence and not open to visitors). Alison’s elegant home is the stunning 18th-century Ropes Mansion at 318 Essex St., operated by the Peabody Essex Museum. While only the exterior is shown in the film, you can admire it anytime, along with the mansion’s beautiful gardens, which are accessible via guided tours.

Detour: Some cemetery scenes from Hocus Pocus were filmed at Old Burial Hill, a historic graveyard dating back to 1638, located about 4.5 miles east of Salem's center.

5. Explore shops along Essex St

Modern Salem has embraced its historical roots, transforming its relationship with witchcraft in diverse ways. A vibrant contemporary witch community thrives here, featuring numerous psychic shops, potion stores, and metaphysical bookstores. Spend a leisurely afternoon discovering the fascinating establishments that populate Essex St and its surroundings. Infuse your home with positive energy from HausWitch; gather herbs, teas, and essential oils at Artemesia Botanicals; explore New Age literature at Pyramid Books; or even create your own broom at the Witchery.

6. Uncover the city’s maritime heritage at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site

Nearly a century after the witch trials, in 1784, Salem merchant Elias Hasket Derby dispatched his ship Grand Turk to the Cape of Good Hope and then to Canton. This voyage marked the beginning of numerous trading expeditions from New England to China and eventually to India, establishing Salem as a bustling hub for clipper-ship trade with the East. Today, the Salem Maritime National Historic Site commemorates this rich history.

At the heart of the site is Derby Wharf, home to the tall ship Friendship of Salem. This two-decked, three-masted vessel is a replica of an East Indiaman built in Salem in 1797, and it welcomes visitors on weekends from late May through October. Across Derby Street, a gilded eagle perches atop the red-brick US Custom House, where permits were issued and taxes collected (and where writer Nathaniel Hawthorne worked for a period). Other historic structures include warehouses and historic homes, some of which are open to the public seasonally (from late May to October). Don’t forget to stop by the Salem Armory Visitor Center on Liberty Street for an orientation film and details on what’s open.

7. Explore the Peabody Essex Museum’s outstanding art collection

In 1799, Salem’s sailors and traders established the East India Marine Society, a charitable and educational organization that included a museum to display the 'natural and artificial curiosities' collected from their voyages. This initiative led to the founding of the prestigious Peabody Essex Museum, one of the oldest museums in the United States. The PEM boasts an impressive collection of Asian art, decorative pieces from New England, and a wealth of maritime artifacts, evolving into a magnificent palace of art and culture from across the globe.

Planning tip: A highlight of the PEM’s collection is Yin Yu Tang, a Qing Dynasty-era merchant house from the Huizhou region. This house showcases rich architectural heritage and offers intriguing social insights from its 200 years as a family residence.

8. Visit the House of the Seven Gables, a symbol of literature and architecture

Constructed in 1688, the famed Turner-Ingersoll mansion initially boasted a simple design with just two gables. Over the years, the Turner family expanded and adorned the house, ultimately adding five more gables. It was later sold to the Ingersoll family, relatives of Nathaniel Hawthorne, who frequently visited and became captivated by the house, inspiring his 1851 novel The House of the Seven Gables. Today, it operates as a museum, showcasing the house's fascinating history, the lives of its various occupants, and connections to Hawthorne’s novel (though it’s even more enjoyable to read it for yourself).

Besides the main seven-gabled structure, the grounds also feature two historic houses, including the birthplace of Nathaniel Hawthorne, which was relocated from another site in Salem. The beautiful seaside gardens are a true highlight.

Detour: Taste the favorite sweets from Nathaniel Hawthorne’s era at Ye Olde Pepper Candy Co, located just across from the House of the Seven Gables. Black Jacks, infused with blackstrap molasses, and Gibraltars, refreshing lemon and mint hard candies, were the first confections produced in the USA, still made from early 1800s recipes.

9. Discover the street art in El Punto

The Point is a vibrant Latinx neighborhood just a few blocks away from Salem’s historic center, yet it feels like a different world. Recently, El Punto – as the predominantly Spanish-speaking community refers to it – has been transformed into an open-air art museum. Over 75 murals have been painted by local, national, and international artists on the brick walls and buildings, creating a stunning tapestry of color, imagery, cultural expression, and social commentary within a three-block span. To explore, simply walk south on Congress St and cross the bridge to reach the Point.

10. Enjoy the spirits at Deacon Giles Distillery

There’s so much to appreciate about the Deacon Giles Distillery, beginning with its handcrafted vodka, gins, and rums. You can savor tantalizing cocktails at the on-site Speakeasy Lab (open Thursday through Monday). The drink menu frequently changes, featuring both classic and inventive options, all showcasing their housemade spirits. Interestingly, Deacon Giles is a fictional character – an infamous rum distiller invented by temperance advocates in the 19th century. Modern distillers Ian Hunter and Jesse Brenneman have reclaimed this name, adding a touch of irony to their delightfully intoxicating creations.

Planning tip: Discover more about the spirits and their production process by joining the Founder’s Tours and Tastings, available on Saturdays from May through November.