20 Best Things To Do In Salem Ma [Visit Salem]
Planning a vacation to Salem, Ma.? Here are the best sites and activities to add to the to-do list.
The 1692 Salem tour is designed to provoke thought, stir emotions, and inspire a deeper appreciation for Salem’s rich and complex history. Step back in time to uncover the stories that lie at the heart of Witch City. Discover the city’s haunting history, its tales of adversity and resilience, and the indelible marks they’ve left on the present. The 1692 Salem Tour is your gateway to a past that is both profound and poignant, a journey that promises to be as enlightening as it is unforgettable.
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Experience a personalized reading at Botanica of Salem, where ancient wisdom meets modern insight. Nestled in the heart of Witch City, this metaphysical shop offers a tranquil space for tarot and tea leaf readings, guided by practitioners deeply rooted in Salem’s spiritual traditions. Whether you’re seeking clarity, connection, or a fresh perspective, each session is tailored to illuminate your path. To schedule a reading, visit the shop in person or reach out through their website.
The House of the Seven Gables is one of Salem’s most iconic historic landmarks, made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s classic novel of the same name. Built in 1668, this waterfront mansion offers a rare glimpse into colonial New England life. As you explore its secret staircases, preserved rooms, and centuries-old architecture, you’ll uncover stories of maritime wealth, literary legacy, and Salem’s complex past. A visit here isn’t just a step into history—it’s a walk through the pages of American literature.
Discover the haunting history of the 1692 Salem Witch Trials through two powerful presentations at the Salem Witch Museum. The first brings the trials to life with dramatic lighting, narration, and thirteen life-sized stage sets that guide you through the unfolding events of that dark year. The second dives deeper, exploring the origins and evolution of the word “witch,” from the European witch hunts to the cultural forces that set the stage for Salem. Together, these immersive exhibits offer a compelling look at fear, persecution, and the lasting legacy of the witch trials.
This museum brings the 1692 Salem Witch Trials to life with live actors who recreate the tense atmosphere of the time. Don’t miss the guided tour of the dungeon—a carefully crafted replica of the dark, cramped cells where the accused were imprisoned as they awaited trial. It’s an eye-opening experience that adds powerful context to Salem’s history.
The Salem Witch House is the only building still standing in Salem with direct ties to the 1692 Witch Trials. Once home to Judge Jonathan Corwin, who played a key role in the trials, the house offers a rare glimpse into 17th-century life. As you explore its dark wood interiors and period furnishings, you’ll step back in time to a world shaped by fear, superstition, and colonial justice. A visit to the Witch House is a must for anyone looking to understand the true history behind Salem’s most infamous chapter.
7. Honor the 20 Salem Witch Trials victims at the Witch Trial Memorial.
This solemn memorial honors the 20 innocent lives lost during the 1692 Salem Witch Trials. As you enter, the words of the victims—protests of their innocence—are etched into the threshold, setting the tone for quiet reflection. Inside, six locust trees symbolize the injustice of the trials, chosen for their unique nature: the last to bloom in spring and the first to shed their leaves in fall. Surrounding the space are 20 stone benches, each bearing the name and execution date of a victim, offering a powerful reminder of the real human cost of fear and false accusations.
This is one of the stops on 1692 Before and After Historical Walking Tour.
8. Explore the Old Burial Point Cemetery.
Established in 1637, the Charter Street Cemetery is one of the oldest burial grounds in the United States. This historic site is the final resting place for several figures connected to the Salem Witch Trials, including Judges John Hathorne and Bartholomew Gedney. Reverend Nicholas Noyes, who served as assistant minister during the trials, is also buried here. A walk through this cemetery offers a quiet, reflective connection to Salem’s colonial past and the individuals who played roles in its most infamous chapter.
This is one of the stops on 1692 Before and After Historical Walking Tour.
9. St. Peters Church
St. Peter’s Church stands on land once owned by Philip English, Salem’s wealthiest merchant at the time of the 1692 Witch Trials. English and his wife, both accused of witchcraft, fled to New York with the aid of two sympathetic Boston ministers, narrowly escaping arrest. When he returned in 1693, he discovered that Sheriff George Corwin had seized his property. Despite this loss, English lived a long life and died in 1736 at the age of 85. He is buried in the churchyard, just steps from the place that was once his home.
This is one of the stops on 1692 Before and After Historical Walking Tour.
10. Find the grave of Judge Jonathan Corwin and Sheriff George Corwin at the Broad Street Cemetery.
Broad Street Cemetery, established in 1655, is the second oldest burial ground in Salem and a significant link to the city’s colonial past. It is the final resting place of several prominent figures, including Judge Jonathan Corwin, who presided over the Salem Witch Trials, and his cousin Sheriff George Corwin, who carried out the arrests and executions.
Salem Willows Park, established in 1858, is a 35-acre waterfront retreat named for the white willow trees planted in 1801 to shade patients at a nearby smallpox hospital. Over time, it evolved into a beloved summer destination, featuring beaches, picnic areas, and a scenic promenade. Today, Salem Willows continues to offer a blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and family-friendly attractions such as food and an arcade.
The Salem Maritime National Historic Site, established in 1938 as the first National Historic Site in the United States, spans nine acres along Salem’s historic waterfront. It features twelve historic structures, including the Custom House, Derby House, and Narbonne House, as well as three historic wharves. The site also includes the replica tall ship Friendship of Salem, representing the city’s rich maritime heritage. Visitors can explore these landmarks to learn about Salem’s significant role in early American international trade and maritime history.
The Pioneer Village, also known as Salem 1630, is America’s first living history museum, established in 1930 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Salem’s founding. Located in Forest River Park, this three-acre site authentically recreates a 17th-century colonial settlement. Visitors can explore a variety of structures, including thatched-roof cottages, dugouts, wigwams, and the Governor’s Faire House—a replica of Governor John Endecott’s home. The village also features a blacksmith shop, culinary and medicinal gardens, and other exhibits that depict early colonial life. Originally constructed as a set for a tercentenary pageant, its popularity led to its preservation as a permanent educational site. Today, Pioneer Village offers seasonal tours and events, providing an immersive experience into Salem’s early history.
The Ropes Mansion, located at 318 Essex Street in Salem, Massachusetts, is a beautifully preserved Georgian Colonial home with deep historical roots. Built in the late 1720s for merchant Samuel Barnard, the house later became the residence of Judge Nathaniel Ropes, a Loyalist judge during the Revolutionary era. The mansion remained in the Ropes family for generations until it was bequeathed to the public in the early 20th century. Now operated by the Peabody Essex Museum, the Ropes Mansion is open seasonally for self-guided tours, allowing visitors to explore its 15 rooms filled with original furnishings and artifacts from the 18th and 19th centuries. The property also features a Colonial Revival garden, designed in 1912, which is open to the public year-round and showcases a variety of seasonal blooms. Notably, the Ropes Mansion gained pop culture fame as “Allison’s house” in the 1993 Disney film Hocus Pocus, making it a popular stop for fans and history enthusiasts alike.
15. Visit Proctors Ledge.
Proctor’s Ledge Memorial in Salem, Massachusetts, marks the confirmed site where 19 innocent people were executed during the 1692 Salem Witch Trials. For centuries, the exact location of the hangings was uncertain, with many believing they occurred atop Gallows Hill. However, in 2016, researchers confirmed that the executions took place at the base of the hill, now known as Proctor’s Ledge . Dedicated on July 19, 2017—the 325th anniversary of the first executions—the memorial features a semicircular granite wall with the names and execution dates of each victim engraved on individual stones, providing a solemn space for reflection and remembrance. Located at the intersection of Pope Street and Boston Street, the memorial is situated in a quiet residential neighborhood, offering visitors a poignant reminder of the consequences of fear and injustice
16. Read a stone at the Howard Street Cemetery
Established in 1801, this historic cemetery is the final resting place of several Revolutionary War soldiers and early Salem residents. Among the graves is the oldest known stone, marking the death of Benjamin Ropes, who was tragically crushed while launching the fore-topmast of the ship Belisarius. Before the cemetery was created, the land was an open field, and the building next to it served as Salem’s old jail. For years, it was believed that this spot was where Sheriff George Corwin pressed Giles Corey to death during the Witch Trials. However, historians now believe the actual site is located in a nearby parking lot.
This is one of the stops on 1692 Before and After Historical Walking Tour.
The Pickering House, located at 18 Broad Street in Salem, Massachusetts, is one of the oldest continuously occupied homes in the United States. Built around 1664 by English settler John Pickering, this First Period Colonial house remained in the Pickering family for over 350 years, spanning ten generations. Notably, Colonel Timothy Pickering, born here in 1745, served as a Revolutionary War officer and held several key positions in the early U.S. government, including Secretary of State and Postmaster General under President George Washington. The house underwent significant renovations in 1841, adopting Gothic Revival architectural features such as gabled roofs and decorative trim. Today, the Pickering House is preserved by a nonprofit organization and offers seasonal tours, providing visitors with a glimpse into Salem’s rich colonial history.
18. Take a stroll at Pickering Wharf.
Pickering Wharf is a vibrant waterfront district in Salem, Massachusetts, offering a blend of maritime history and modern attractions. Established in 1979 as part of a revitalization effort, the area was designed to resemble an 18th-century seaport village, complete with boutique shops, restaurants, and a marina. Visitors can enjoy dining on fresh seafood, shopping for unique gifts, or simply strolling along the harbor. The wharf is also home to the replica schooner Fame, which offers sailing tours of Salem Sound, providing a glimpse into the city’s rich seafaring past.
19. Go shopping at Essex Street Pedestrian Mall
The Essex Street Pedestrian Mall is a vibrant, car-free corridor in the heart of downtown Salem, Massachusetts. Lined with cobblestone and brick, this historic street is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions, including the Peabody Essex Museum and the Salem Witch Museum . The mall also features the Samantha statue from the TV show “Bewitched,” a nod to Salem’s pop culture ties. Seasonal festivals and street performances add to the lively atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination for both history buffs and casual visitors.
Every October, Salem, Massachusetts transforms into a Halloween haven during the Salem Haunted Happenings Festival. This month-long celebration features a variety of events, including haunted houses, psychic readings, historical tours, and family-friendly activities. The festival kicks off with the annual Haunted Happenings Grand Parade on the first Thursday of October, setting the tone for a month filled with spooky fun and historical exploration. Visitors can enjoy street performances, seasonal markets, and themed attractions that honor Salem’s rich history and embrace the Halloween spirit. Whether you’re seeking thrills, history, or festive entertainment, Salem Haunted Happenings offers something for everyone.
Visit Salem on one of our Salem Walking Tours, Salem Witch Tour, Salem Night Tour, Salem Day Tour, or Salem History Tour
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The 1692 Salem Tour: A Walk Through History
Our 1692 Salem Tour allows visitors to step back in time and explore the memorials and landmarks that define the Salem Witch Trials legacy. Discover the stories of the twenty executed victims and uncover the tales of other notable figures who played pivotal roles in the trials. Explore Salem with a historian who will lead you through the cobblestone streets, providing insights into the events of 1692 that are seldom considered and discussed. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to connect with history in the very place where it happened.
