If you love EVERYTHING about Halloween, there is no place better than a spooky Halloween getaway to Salem. And here is a list of the best things to do in Salem, MA.
Salem MA is a small, charming New England town northeast of Boston known for the infamous witch trial of 1692 and year-round spooky celebrations. Salem is full of rich history with so many different things to do.
If you plan a trip to Salem, Massachusetts in October, you need to check out this list of the best things to do in Salem.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
If you are planning to go to Salem for Halloween, just remember it will be busy.
October is the BUSIEST time of year to go to Salem. There will be lines.
Attractions will be sold out.
Restaurants will have long waits.
And, parking will be hard to find.
But don’t let this scare you away as you can easily plan ahead.
Book your trip in advance.
Pre-book everything you want to see in advance.
Buy tickets, and make all the reservations if you want to guarantee you’ll get to experience it. Keep in mind, that most places require an online booking regardless.
So its best to pre-book.
Salem is a great place to go all year around: Most of Salem is open year round so if you hate crowds, you can visit during another time of the year.
But for the most spooky time, go in October.
Hotels and Air Bnbs book up fast, so prebook your night stay if you plan to be there for more than 1 day.
Restaurants are always busy during peak times. So pack a lunch and try to visit restaurants during non-peak times.
HOW TO GET TO SALEM
Parking can be hard to find so use public transportation any chance you can.
There is a train that goes into Salem. Or plan the ferry from Boston Harbor.
Otherwise, pack a lunch as the restaurants tend to fill up fast.
SALEM IN OCTOBER – BEST THINGS TO DO IN SALEM
Salem Witch Museum – This museum provides an overview of the witch trials with exhibits and a dramatic presentation.
The House of the Seven Gables – Tour this historic house made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel. It’s an excellent way to step back in time and enjoy beautiful architecture.
Salem Witch Trials Memorial – A somber yet moving tribute to those who lost their lives during the witch trials. It’s located near the Old Burying Point Cemetery.
Hocus Pocus Tours: If you are a fan of the movie Hocus Pocus, take a tour and visit the filming locations and how the movie is connected to Salem.
Peabody Essex Museum – One of the oldest continually operating museums in the U.S., it features American art, maritime history, and artifacts from around the world.
Old Salem Jail – An interesting historical site with tours that provide insights into its past as a prison.
Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery: Wax museum with figures from horror and monster films.
Salem Commons: This historic public park in the heart of Salem, is perfect for a stroll or picnic.
Witch House: The former home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, a key figure in the witch trials, is now a museum where you can learn more about the era and the trials.
Salem Heritage Trail – A walking tour that covers various historical sites around Salem, providing a self-guided experience of the city’s past.
Burying Point Cemetery – The oldest cemetery in Salem, where many notable figures from the witch trials are buried.
Essex Street – A lively street with shops, restaurants, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for a casual stroll. In October you can catch lots of street performers dressed.
Ropes Mansion – A beautiful historic home with gardens that are open to the public, offering a glimpse into 18th-century life.
Nightly Ghost Tours – Salem has several ghost tours that explore the city’s haunted history. These tours are often more popular during October.
Salem Street Performers – if you walk around Salem, you will likely run into a street performer. You’ll see more in the fall but they are typically individuals who dress up, act, sing, play music, dance, and more.