There are so many beautiful places to see in Massachusetts. This is one of those US states that has a little bit of everything. even if it is much smaller than some of its siblings. Although size is not everything. the relatively small town of Salem is a testament to that. Trust me, there are so many historic and top things to do in Salem that you will be spoiled for choice.
Best of all, Salem is also relatively close to the gorgeous city of Boston. Salem is only a 35 minute drive from downtown Boston and about 30 minutes by train (on the Newbury/Rockport line).
All of this makes Salem an incredible town to visit while exploring Massachusetts. especially if you are interested in the city’s infamous history and salem witch trials dated 1692
Anyway, without further ado, check out some of the best things to do in Salem when you visit. It is an amazing place for a day trip. Have fun exploring!
1.) Peabody Essex Museum
Interested in art? Then you’ll want to head over to the Peabody Essex Museum. Located in Salem itself, it houses collections of American decorative arts and modern art from Japan, China, North America, Korea, India, and the Pacific Islands. It is incredible to visit and has heaps of history that is not only interesting for history buffs.
One of the most remarkable specimens of this place is the ancestral home of the Huang family, which has been living for two centuries. It has been brought and reassembled in a museum and is so incredible to see.
Best of all, the historic homes in the Peabody complex are also open to the public, so if you want to learn more about different cultures or history in general, this is one of the perfect places for you.
Just remember that it is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so plan around these days.
Read more. The best places to see in Massachusetts
2.) Salem Witch Museum
The Salem Witch Museum, dedicated exclusively to the Salem Witch Trials, is a must-see while in town. Even though it’s a bit weird and tacky, that’s what makes it totally special in my eyes.
Just don’t expect the Smithsonian and you’ll have a great time. Visits last about 30 minutes and are quite easy to arrange on the day of your visit to Salem.
Afterwards, tour downtown Salem and see City Hall and many other historic buildings that have stood for centuries.
3.) Jonathan Corwin House (The Witch House)
The Jonathan Corwin House, or locally known as the “Witch House,” is one of the most important buildings still standing from the Salem Witch Trials of the 1600s.
All of this makes it one of the best things to do in Salem when you visit, especially since it’s so well preserved after being the former home of Judge Jonathan Corwin.
Showcasing 17th century architecture, the building has been carefully preserved in its original form.
Best of all, you can even join a self-guided tour of the Witch House, which was Corwin’s home. Plus, you’ll also learn more about Judge Jonathan Corwin.
Also, don’t forget to book this totally informative Salem Witch Trials Guided Walking Tour as well! The tour guides know their stuff at the Salem Witch Trials and make the entire walk so informative. We loved it.
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4.) Fort Seawall
Ever since Fort Sewall played an important role in the Revolutionary War (1644) and is steeped in history. While not technically part of downtown Salem, it’s only a 10-minute drive away and one of the best things to do in Salem when you’re in or out of town.
Nowadays, you can stroll along the sea wall and gardens before popping into the Barnacle Restaurant for their delicious crab legs.
To this day, you can still visibly see the spots where the troops hid. Along with this, there are some recreations to help show what it was like in past centuries.
It’s a thoroughly interesting place to study, especially if you’re interested in US history.
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5.) Witch Dungeon Museum
Open during the warmer months (April to November), a visit to the Witch Dungeon Museum is one of the best things to do in Salem if you’re interested in witch trials and strange and offbeat re-enactments of historical events.
Yes, it’s a little more campy and weird, but a pretty fun little experience that doesn’t last very long at all.
All of that said, if you want a more serious and in-depth understanding of the witch trials, this is probably the place to skip. I’d say it’s a little more on the entertainment side than the information side. So go with that mindset and you won’t be disappointed.
Once inside, a staged witch trial takes place, with mannequins also acting as a jury (which is pretty gross, but hey!).
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6.) The House of Seven Gables
Housed in a museum today, the House of Seven Gables occupies a 1688 colonial mansion that is so incredible to see. It even gained fame when Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote his novel titled The House of Seven Gables. Do you know that one?
Originally built for Captain John Turner, it has remained in his family for three generations. Over the years the house was renovated and many things were added until in the 1900’s it was restored as a museum for all of us to enjoy.
Visiting is one of the best things to do in Salem these days, especially when you book a ground pass or mansion tour. Give yourself about 90 minutes to fully enjoy The House of Seven Gables.
It is well worth a sly.
Read more. The best places to see in Massachusetts
7.) Salem Witch Trials Memorial
For those unaware, the Salem Witch Trials Memorial is a solemn reminder of the twenty women and men who were executed in 1692. all for magic.
To commemorate their death, 20 stone slabs were prepared, where the names of the accused were written. Along with their names, the date of execution and the method of execution are also mentioned.
It’s quite a solemn experience, but well worth a visit while walking down Charter Street.
8.) Salem Haunted Happenings
Visiting in October? Then you need to heal. This is when Salem really comes alive… or should I say dead.
Either way, the Salem Haunted Happenings happen handily in October and are worth attending when you visit.
You’ll join hundreds of thousands of others to dress up and explore a spooky haunted mansion. Oh, and don’t forget the market stalls and tours that go on at Haunted Happenings.
It’s fun for the whole family and one of the best things to do in Salem if you visit in October.
Read more. The best places to see in Massachusetts
9.) Tour of Ghosts, Witches and Wizards
Another epic walking tour of Salem is the Ghosts, Witches and Warlocks Guided Walking Tour, which offers an award-winning tour that lasts approximately 60 minutes and is entirely on foot.
Not only is it completely unique, but it shares a long history of witches and a long history of the city.
Just make sure to book your ticket well in advance of your visit. Tickets are sold at peak times.
10.) Pickering Harbour
Visiting Pickering Wharf is one of the best things to do in Salem. Right on the beach, it’s an area of the harbor with a gorgeous little harbor worth visiting for a few hours.
Not only that, you have the Salem Maritime National Historic Site right next to the harbor. You’ll even get to see a huge replica of the Salem Friendship ship.
It is anchored offshore and has been carefully restored and is well worth seeing.
Plus, you’ll be able to pass the historic Derby House just across the street. If you’re lucky, you can even join the free guided tours.
Oh, and don’t forget to head to the Sea Level Oyster Bar. They have some delicious lobster rolls.
Read more. The best places to see in Massachusetts
11.) Salem Pioneer Village
Originally built in 1930 to be a theater, Pioneer Village still exists today and opens its doors in the spring for all of us to enjoy during the warmer months.
The village is an entire recreation and living history site that shows life in Salem in 1630 when the families of Simon Bradstreet and Thomas Dudley along with John Winthrop.
Now, one of the best ways to learn more is on one of the guided tours. The guides are so informative and really have a passion for the local history. Don’t expect the glitziest of experiences, but it’s still worth splurging a little while visiting Salem.
That said, opening hours are often flaky, meaning you can easily turn up and find it closed.
Read more. The best places to see in Massachusetts
13 of the very best places to visit in Massachusetts
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