Location: Salem
Top Things to do in Salem
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What to do and see in Salem, Massachusetts (MA): The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
Best known for the witch trials that took place in 1692, Salem is sure to bewitch you with its seaside charm, its maritime history and spellbinding beauty. Follow the Red Line along the sidewalks to navigate your journey through historic sites, including the Witch Trial Memorial, the Old Burying Point Cemetery and more. Discover serenity by the sea on the beaches of Salem Willows. The Bewitched statue, the Witch Museum and the Witch Dungeon conjure up diverse takes on witchery through history.
Restaurants in Salem
1. Misery Islands
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 56 reviews
Take a boat to Great Misery and enjoy memorable views of Salem Sound and the North Shore.
2. Phillips House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 141 reviews
Phillips House is the only home on historic Chestnut Street open to the public, and it provides a glimpse into the private world of the Phillips family during the early decades of the twentieth century. The kitchen, pantry, and a domestic staff bedroom, present a rarely seen picture of how the great houses functioned as new technologies were being introduced.
Reviewed By F3351UYpamelac
This is a beautiful example of a wealthy family's home in the early 1900s. It is full of interesting artifacts and great stories. There are stunning carpets, dishware, paintings and furniture. The carriage house has the family's old cars and some carriages.
3. Salem Witch Trials Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,951 reviews
Each of this park's 20 stone benches represents a person executed in the infamous 1692 witch trials.
Reviewed By Megoosh258 - Knoxville, United States
The memorial is beautiful and informative. People regularly leave flowers and coins as offerings to the people in the memorial, which is lovely to see.
4. Old Burying Point Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,488 reviews
Salem’s oldest cemetery, founded in 1637, and final resting place for several notable Salem residents. Located directly behind this cemetery is the Witch Trials Memorial. The cemetery is currently closed for restoration work.
Reviewed By jewels48162 - Monroe, United States
Salem never disappoints those who seek history, and those who seek merriment in celebrating the fashions of Halloween. The four of us went off to find the cemetery I’ll be a real hill and we did although it was closed at the time you can still see the entire cemetery because the Stonewall around it is just a little ways above my waist,The cemetery is brightly lit I am sure to prevent vandalism more than to show it off but it does show it off nicely. Being as I’ve been there several times in the last two years I know roundabout we are some of the significant tombstones are, so I was able to show my friends the backside of the important markers. Whether you’re there during visiting hours or after it is closed it is always worth it walk up the hill to see the burial ground
5. Salem Maritime National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 335 reviews
Salem Maritime, the National Park in Salem, is a nine-acre historic site located on Salem’s waterfront that tells the history of Salem’s international trade and the sailors and merchants who built the economy of the young United States. National Park Rangers present guided tours of historic buildings and replica tall ship Friendship, and are ready help you navigate Salem at the Visitor Center, conveniently located on New Liberty Street across from the city parking garage.
Reviewed By lou1776 - Long Island, United States
Alright, so you've come to Salem and exhausted yourself with the witch trials, what next? Aside from the great food all over town, Salem boasts the very fist national historic site in the country, all dedicated to its maritime history. You can begin your visit here at the old armory in the middle of town. Note, due to Covid, the bathrooms here are closed but the gift shop is open. The nearest public restrooms are located a few blocks away in the heart of the park near the Waite and Pierce gift shop. Here, you'll find the old custom's house, the second visitor center/gift shop, the Derby Wharf lighthouse, and the Friendship of Salem. Again, unfortunately because of the pandemic most of these usually available places are closed but you can still get a great overview and day of walking around the city by following the maps here.
6. Peabody Essex Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,037 reviews
Experience art and culture from New England and around the world at one of the region’s largest art museums. Explore the museum’s vast collections and changing exhibitions, ranging from modern art to photography to Asian art and culture. The museum campus features numerous parks, period gardens, and 24 historic properties, including Yin Yu Tang, the only example of Chinese vernacular architecture on display in the United States.
Reviewed By 35garetw
Always interesting exhibits, mostly craft oriented, following the traditions of seafaring and connecting Salem to the rest of the world through imports, e.g. Japanese fashion, Maori tattoos.
7. The House of the Seven Gables
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,913 reviews
The Gables is open Friday – Monday 10 AM – 4PM. We require staff and visitors to follow our mask and social distance policies even if you have had a COVID-19 vaccination. Tickets are sold online ONLY. Visitors will have the option to enjoy a grounds pass or a semi-private guided tour. Advance reservations are required for both of these experiences. PLEASE NOTE: The grounds pass does not include access to any historic interiors. Capacity is limited at our historic site. Online reservations will be available on a rolling basis in 2021. We expect to release tickets mid-month for the upcoming month (i.e. May tickets will be available around April 15). The Museum Store will be open during operating days and hours. Due to staff resources, we have limited time to answer phone calls and emails. Our website has the most up-to-date information to plan your visit.
Reviewed By tedkirby - Lexington, United States
We took a tour of this house on a weekend. There were about ten people in the tour. It was a great tour, we got to see the House of Seven Gables, and the house where Nathanial Hawthorne was born. Our tour guide Alex was very good, she was enthusiastic and shared a lot of interesting knowledge about the house, and also how it relates to Salem's history. The inside of the House of Seven Gables is very nice, and so is the garden in front of it. I imagine the garden looks very pretty in the spring and summer.
8. Count Orlok's Nightmare Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 957 reviews
WE HAVE MOVED to 217 Essex Street in Salem! This cinematic Monster museum is one of Salem's most unique and sometimes overlooked attractions! If you enjoy monsters, don't miss this attraction! This museum is dedicated to all those who have entertained us in the world of Horror, Fantasy and Sci-Fi! Actors, directors and special effects wizards of the past and present are all honored here with over 60 realistic and life-sized recreations of the horror's genre's most memorable characters. With NEW yearly additions the monsters are quite calm and won't move at all. See you soon!!! Be sure to CHECK OUR CALENDAR on our site for times to best enjoy your visit!
Reviewed By 314andrewg - Salem, United States
An exception, one of a kind museum and tourist experience for the Salem visitor. Count Orlok's is a love letter to both the classic and the modern monster & horror movie genre, with both wonderful statues and mannequins depicting all your favorite movie monsters, an staggering autograph gallery, and terrific adds on like the death mask gallery of all the horror film giants. The new location on Essex Street boasts much more space, a wonderful mini-theater inside the old vault (the site used to be bank, and the heavy vault doors just add to the ambiance, and a terrific gift shop. Even if you've visited in the past, you need to come see the new location - it's a whole new experience.
9. National Park Service Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 537 reviews
Located on New Liberty Street across from the municipal parking garage and next to the Peabody Essex Museum, the National Park Service Visitor Center is an ideal place to begin your visit to Salem and the Essex National Heritage Area. National Park Service Rangers and Volunteers will welcome you to the city and to the Heritage Area, and help you plan your visit.
Reviewed By MrsMac-0812 - Orion, United States
We started our visit here and it was worth it. You get a lot of information and it helps to know the layout of the town before setting out to explore. We caught our tram outside the entrance and it was great.
10. Winter Island Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
Reviewed By orioles833 - West Chester, United States
We were in Salem for a day while vacationing in the Boston area and we stumbled upon this park. It was a mild day in late November and was perfect for the couple hours we spent walking the area and taking beautiful pictures just before dusk. I could have spent many more hours there just sitting listening to the gentle waves splash against the rocks while taking in all the tranquil views.
