The Best Things To Do In Salem, MA
If there’s one place you HAVE to go during the Fall, it’s most certainly Salem. From the Salem Witch Trials to the iconic Hocus Pocus movie and its spooky demeanor, there’s something for everyone to love when they step foot in Salem. I will have to say there’s SO much to do here, but also perfect for a weekend getaway if you please! With that being said, it’s most popular to travel there around the Fall, making it VERY CROWDED so put your best foot forward and be prepared for the amount of people that will be in your way. Dress up, get in the spirit, and prepare in advance to make sure you get the very best experience!
Witchy Things To Do In Salem, MA
1.Salem Witch Museum: Even though it’s one of the most popular places to visit in Salem, you truly cannot miss it because the Salem Witch Trials are what define Salem. It’s why it has so much historical significance. Learning about the unfair treatment of women wrongfully accused has a lot of parallels to what is happening in today’s society. It’s nothing short of eye-opening and a place that can’t be overlooked! Pro Tip: Tickets open up that very day at midnight so be sure to get your tickets and book early in the am so that you can enjoy the rest of the day, reservation-free!
2. The Witch House: There’s no better way to learn about the witch trials than from a house that lived through its time. Welcome to The Witch House, which, “was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin (1640–1718) and is one of the few structures you can visit in Salem with direct ties to the Salem witch trials of 1692.” (TheWitchHouse.Org) Pro Tip: Check out digital documents from the Salem Witch trials, courtesy of University of Virginia students here!
3. Witch Trials Memorial: Pay your respects to the wrongfully accused. Pro Tip: Put in 18 Liberty Street, Salem, MA into your phone to find it!
4. Witch Trials Walking Tour: Get a glimpse of what life was like back then and take a tour. Whether it is self-guided or with a tour guide, you’ll learn a hell of a lot more than from a textbook!
Museums In Salem
5. Peabody Essex Museum: It’s one of the country’s oldest museums right here in Salem. Wtih art collections dating back to the 1700’s, this is a place you cannot miss!
6. Salem Pioneer Village: America’s first living historic museum, Venture to the Pioneer Village and learn the life of colonial settlers that changed the course of history and our country as a whole. Pro Tip: “The village is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 12-4 from June 10 to October 29 only! & Admission is $5.00 per person.” Check it out here!
7. Downtown Salem Distric | Old Town Hall & Derby Square: This is the “oldest municipal structure in Salem” (ty Salem.org) Pro Tip: They have live reenactments of the Salem Witch Trials up until Halloween so be sure to check it out!
Stores/Shopping In Salem
8. Crown Haven Corner: Salem’s oldest witch store. You have a variety of collectibles, stones, tarot decks, and more to get in the witchy spirit. Pro Tip: It’s right along the Downtown Salem District strip so you can’t miss it!
9. Salem Common: This is a great park area where you can walk around, relax and take in the breathtaking views of the foliage against the homes in Salem. Pro Tip: If you’re looking for something a bit more fun and upbeat, check out the 4th Annual Salem Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival in the Salem Common on Sept 23rd & 24th (11am-6pm)
10. Seagrass Salem: When things get a bit too spooky and you want to relax- head over here! Vibes are great! Pro Tip: Walk to the 7. Salem Maritime National Historic Site after and take in the views!
11. Diehl Marcus & Company: Authentic tea, soaps, and great souvenirs to bring back to your family!
Spooky Things To Do In Salem
12. Haunted House: There’s nothing like Halloween without a little scare. Haunted houses are the way to go and lucky for you- this one looks awesome. Check it out and be prepared to get a little scared!
13. Self-Guided Walking Tour of Hocus Pocus: (checkout fueledbywanderlust.com for the entire walking guided tour!)
- Ropes Mansion
- Hocus Pocus House
- Phillips Elementary School
- Old Town Hall
14. Scavenger Hunt: There’s nothing like a scavenger hunt, especially in one of the most haunted places in the United States- Salem, MA! Check out the link here, get your group, and get competitive!
Places To Eat In Salem, MA
16. The Lobster Shanty: You can’t go to New England and NOT eat fresh fish. We got here just before the line got long so highly recommend heading over here right before you get hungry so that you don’t get angry. Pro Tip: There’s cute markets close by that you can check out while you wait for your food!
17. Kokeshi: Pizza and ramen most certainly do not go together but if you have picky eaters in the family, this spot has amazing ramen and your kids could get pizza here as well.
18. I heard that The Witch’s Brew is another great spot so I 10/10 recommend checking that place out!
The Best of Beverly Massachusetts, The Local’s Salem, MA
Just 10 minutes away, you have the beautiful city of Beverly, MA which cannot be missed on your Salem trip. This is a local paradise that has so many great hidden gems that are just as festive (and not as busy) as Salem. itself.
Things To Do In Beverly, MA
1.Lynch Park & Beach: Who says that you can’t go to the beach in October? Well pair it with the park for a nice lunch and you have the most incredibly relaxing afternoon!
2. Central Cemetary: There’s nothing more spooky than an actual cemetery so let’s make sure this is the first place you go to in Beverly to really get in the spirit of Halloween. The scenery of the red, orange and yellow leaves against the sun, it’s truly a sight to see!
3.Singing Beach: Another beach because I’m a beach gal! The special part about this place is that it’s a DOG friendly beach!! Get ready to say hello to all of the friendly doggies!
4. Stores: Shop till you drop!
- 5. Worthy Girl: an upscale second-hand store
- 6. Good Day Cafe: cute handmade earrings and other crafts
- 7. Soundtracks Beverly: record store
- 8. The Golden Hanger: thrift shop with such cool finds
- 9. Beverly Bootstraps: another thrift shop with great options!
Places to Eat in Beverly, MA
10. Backbeach Brewing Company: Octoberfest and a brewery in Salem don’t sound that much different. I loved the vibes here with great outdoor seating and even live performances from a local band! What could go wrong with that!
11. Bonefish Harry’s: A fun restaurant that’s all decked out for Halloween! I highly recommend getting the fish tacos- phew that were delicious!!!
There You Have It
Salem, MA is one of those places that can NEVER get old. Whether you go with your friends, family, or s/o. There truly is so much to do that you’ll want to even make it an annual tradition. What’s important is making sure you learn about the history of this fascinating city because it’s truly amazing to see it all and feel the energy of the people that had once lived here. Be sure to save and share this with someone you want to go with to Salem!!
what do you think?