Location: Salem
Top Things to do in Salem
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What to do and see in Salem, Massachusetts (MA): The Best 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. 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.
2. 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
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Salem Ferry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 391 reviews
Reviewed By Travelforfuntoday22 - Saint Paul, United States
I was very impressed with the service on the Salem Ferry. My plan was to take the Salem Ferry round trip from Boston. The water was very rough that day. I was on the first ferry of the morning. Before getting on the ferry, the crew warned us that it would be very rough and we could return our tickets if we decide not to board. Several of us decided to board anyway and take our chances. They were very clear about the rough waters and told us that they would decide on that trip if they would be canceling service for the rest day based upon this trip. It was rough. We all sat indoors hanging onto the tables. It was definitely bumpy! The crew was wonderful and made us as comfortable as possible. One of the crew members spoke individually to each group and helped us with any directions and maps that we might need upon disembarking in Salem. They decided to cancel the rest of the day. When we landed, they quickly refunded my return fare and explained how easily I could take a train back to Boston. I was very pleased with the way they handled the situation. They crew and ticket people were great. I would definitely use the Salem Ferry Service again.
6. 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.
7. Salem Witch Village
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 328 reviews
This indoor maze offers visitors a guided tour through the history of witchcraft.
Reviewed By C2794TWjosephp
It was so much fun shopping in this village- especially in October, when everybody is dressed up in their costumes. Many interesting shops, and food places- plus the architecture lends to the mystic of the town. Located in the middle of all the historical landmarks. You can’t miss it!
8. Witch House
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,103 reviews
The only remaining Salem structure with direct ties to the witch trials of 1692.
Reviewed By esantiago305 - Miami, United States
I really enjoyed the tour of this historical home. It had great information and displays. The history behind this home is absolutely amazing. It really a must stop in Salem.
9. Bewitched Statue of Elizabeth Montgomery
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,042 reviews
Reviewed By 819lindav - Scotia, United States
If you grew up watching the TV show and simply loved it as much as I did, you will love the statue.....makes a great photo for your album.....
10. Salem Witch Museum
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 3,490 reviews
Visitors experience the panic of the Witch Trials of 1692 through this museum's dramatic use of sets and lighting. Governor Charlie Baker has announced that all non-essential businesses will remain closed through May 4. The Salem Witch Museum is abiding by the precautions set forth by the Governor and health experts. We take the health and safety of our visitors, staff and community seriously and when we reopen will continue to follow protocol for keeping all safe to the best of our ability. We ask that all exercise best judgement and follow the regulations set forth by Massachusetts stay at home advisory. Thank you all for taking precautions to not spread COVID-19.
Reviewed By travel-with-pigeon - Bedford, United States
I can not express how much I LOVED this place. I have always been a huge geek over creepy history and haunted things. The actors and crew where amazing! They had a special way of drawing you into the history of the Salem Witch Trails. Without making you feel like your in school. Overall I would totally recommend this. They have ghost tours in the evening too. Overall I would totally recommend this place. For a day or evening trip.
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