With Halloween around the corner, it's the perfect time to visit Salem. Each October, Salem casts its spell as the ultimate fall destination, where Halloween, history, and community spirit come together in unforgettable ways. With its cobblestone streets transformed by autumn colors and costumed revelers, the city comes alive with parades, vendor fairs, haunted tours, and marketplaces that celebrate Salem’s storied past and vibrant present. Salem Haunted Happenings, the city’s beloved Halloween celebration, draws over a million visitors each year, and 2025 promises to be more thrilling than ever.

 

October visitors can make the most of Salem’s Haunted Happenings by planning ahead. Leave the logistics and scheduling to FTI Coach, which offers convenient day trips (that often sell out by mid-September). For a unique arrival, cruise into Salem with Boston Harbor City Cruises and dive into the town’s witch trial history through their guided tour. If you're short on time or prefer a shorter trip, Don Quijote Tours provides a half-day option that includes both Salem and the picturesque coastal town of Marblehead.

How to Get to Salem from Boston

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  • By Train: Take the commuter rail Newburyport/Rockport Line from North Station to Salem Station (about 35 minutes).
  • By Ferry: Boston Harbor City Cruises offers ferry rides to the Salem Ferry terminal near Downtown Salem (about 50 minutes).
  • By Car: Drive about 45 minutes North of Boston to Salem, MA.

Things to Do in Salem

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WALKING TOURS

1692 Salem Witchcraft Walk Jan 21

Examine the demographics, theories and personal stories comprising the dire events in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692 that led to over 200 accusations of witchcraft. We will bring you to many of the locations that are full of witch trial history. Many of the structures are long…

Brick by Brick: Salem’s Hidden Architectural Stories: Explore Salem’s notable structures, from a millionaire’s mansion to a working-class sailor’s house, and examine how building materials and stylistic choices all tell a story of a particular culture, time, place, and family.

 

Salem Ghosts Tours and Haunted Pub Crawls: Experience the best of Witch City with a Salem Ghosts Tours and Haunted Pub Crawls experience featuring secret history walks, witch tours, ghost tours, & adults-only pub crawls.

 

Salem Night Tour: Join Salem’s nightly ghost tour under lamp-lit streets with a true expert. This family-friendly tour covers Salem’s darkest history, infamous ghost stories, and, of course, the Salem Witch Trials.

 

Witch City Walking Tours: Take a walk through Salem’s storied past, from the infamous Witch Trials of 1692 to the legends and lore that still linger today. With nearly 400 years of history, “The Witch City” has plenty of dark tales to share.

TROLLEY TOURS

 

Tales & Tombstones: Hop on the Salem Trolley for a fully narrated one-hour tour through Salem’s historic streets, landmarks, and legends, from the 1692 Witch Trials to the city’s rich maritime and literary past.

MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS

  • 285 Derby Street
  • (978) 259-1717

Real Pirates Salem is receiving incredible reviews as a unique museum in historic downtown Salem, MA. As featured recently on History Channel’s “Beyond Oak Island” and many other network shows, visitors can see and touch real artifacts from the world’s only fully authenticated…

  • 19 1/2 Washington Square North
  • (978) 744-1692

The Salem Witch Museum takes visitors back to 1692, when accusations of witchcraft struck fear in the hearts of the townspeople. Witches: Evolving Perceptions examines the traditional imagery of the witch, views of witches from the 17th century to today and the phenomenon of…

  • 161 Essex Street
  • (978) 745-9500

In this stunning museum, explore the region's connections to the art and culture of China, Japan and beyond, view original Witch Trial artifacts, and don't miss Yin Yu Tang, a 200 year-old Chinese house. Only 16 miles north of Boston. Open Thursdays through Mondays from 10 am-5…

ASCEND Aura Photography:  Explore a metaphysical supply store offering crystals, jewelry, home goods, and psychic, tarot, and mediumship readings in the heart of Salem.

 

Halloween Museum: Experience Halloween through interactive and family-friendly exhibits on fortune-telling, vintage Halloween artifacts, Halloween-themed movies, costumes, Salem’s witchcraft, and more.

 

The House of Seven Gables: Discover a dynamic national landmark dedicated to history, culture, and community. Enjoy public programs and events, embark on tours, and relax by the seaside lawn and gardens.

 

The Salem Psychic Fair and Witches’ Market: Explore the future with a psychic reading at Salem’s longest-running psychic fair daily in October from 10 am to 10 pm!

 

Salem Witch Trials Memorial: Revisit the Witch Trials Memorial’s mystical audio-guided journey that separates myth from reality, uncovering the true stories behind Salem’s witchcraft legends, featuring a gift shop offering pagan and Wiccan supplies.

 

The Witch House: Step inside the Witch House, the 17th-century home of Judge Jonathan Corwin and Salem’s only building still standing with direct ties to the Witch Trials. Explore its original architecture, period furnishings, and the dark history.

HAUNTED HOUSES

Chambers of Terror Haunted House: Immerse yourself in a thrilling haunted house experience in Salem, packed with jump scares, live monsters, and eerie fireside ghost stories after hours.

 

Frankenstein’s Castle: Explore Frankenstein’s Castle dungeon at the Salem Wax Museum with live actors and animatronic scares, then dive into the Haunted Witch Village’s Halloweentown maze for a weekend of spooky fun and frights.

 

Witch Mansion: Witch Mansion has surprises around every corner as its inhabitants are just dying to meet you! Are you brave enough to enter one of Salem’s scariest haunted houses?

Where to Shop in Salem

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Start at Destination Salem’s Information Center, where friendly specialists offer personalized tips to explore the city’s art, culture, unique shops, and dining for a trip to remember! Explore a shop filled with local charm, featuring Salem-inspired merchandise, souvenirs, and…

The Black Veil: Enter and take a look behind the veil—where you’ll find dark, carefully curated art, clothing, and jewelry. Explore the space, take photos, and experience a place where time feels like it’s paused.

 

Coven: Discover a spooky boutique offering dark fashion for all, as well as accessories, bath bombs, beauty products, jewelry, candles, and unique oddities.

 

Salem Bespoke Boutique: Visit Salem Bespoke Boutique to find unique witch hats, all created in their in-house design studio! Also featuring gifts made by local artists and other women-owned small businesses across the USA.

 

Witch City Broom Co.: Create your own custom witch’s broom with the help of local Salem instructors using unique colors, charms, ribbons, and broomcorn—perfect for your home, altar, or as a one-of-a-kind souvenir.

 

Witch City Wicks: Head to Witch City Wicks for small batch, handcrafted soy candles made exclusively in Salem. We also offer curated selections of books, home décor, jewelry, bath products, art prints, greeting cards, and more.

 

Wynott’s Wands: Find a wide range of licensed Harry Potter merchandise at Wynott’s Wands, including wands, hats, cloaks, and candy, perfect for the aspiring witch or wizard.

Where to Drink / Eat in Salem

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Barrio Tacos + Tequila + Whiskey: Known for their mouthwatering tacos and extensive selection of tequila, whiskey, and beer, Barrio Tacos + Tequila + Whiskey delivers a laid-back vibe with a unique energy inspired by their bold decor, lively music, and welcoming staff.

 

Dire Wolf Tavern: Dire Wolf Tavern was designed to be an inclusive space for all to gather in the heart of Salem. Guests can enjoy tavern favorites with a twist, paired with the creative, award-winning sushi. They also serve refreshing cocktails and a fast, casual weekday lunch.

 

East Regiment Beer Company: Enjoy a wide variety of beers and seltzers, burgers, wings, and more. Whether in the taproom or on the patio, watch the magic of Salem unfold in the heart of downtown.

 

Far From the Tree Cider: This craft cider house specializes in unique, high-quality hard cider. Check out their selection of flagships and seasonals, both on draft and to go.

 

Gulu – Gulu Café: Gulu – Gulu Café is a relaxed, bohemian-style cafe located in the heart of Salem, offering breakfast, light fare, appetizers, an award-winning craft beer menu, wine, and live music.

 

Olde Main Street Pub: Regarded as one of Salem’s hidden gems, the Olde Main Street Pub offers contemporary American cuisine, complete with a full bar with 20 local and international beers on draught. Plus, a wine & cocktail list for everyone.

 

Red’s Sandwich Shop: Red’s Sandwich Shop has been serving up award-winning breakfast and home-cooked meals for over 80 years. Group tours are welcome!

 

Rockafellas: Located in the heart of historic Salem, Rockafellas invites guests to enjoy a casual lunch or dinner on the patio, in the dining room, or on their scenic window bar.

 

Turner’s Seafood: Named the #1 Seafood restaurant in Massachusetts by Yelp, Turner’s Seafood restaurant features fresh Seafood and authentic New England dishes in a haunted historic landmark in downtown Salem.

Where to Stay in Salem

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The Couch House: The Coach House is a boutique hotel brimming with charm and luxury. Built by a sea captain in 1879, it honors Salem’s history with beautiful surroundings and intentional design, creating a magical, relaxing, and unforgettable stay.

 

Hampton Inn Salem: Located in downtown Salem, the brand-new Hampton Inn Salem offers complimentary breakfast, an indoor pool, a large fitness center, and an attached heated garage with valet parking.

 

Hawthorne Hotel: A member of Historic Hotels of America, the Hawthorne offers guest rooms, function space, free parking, and the “bucket list” Halloween Ball. Two of the on-site restaurants serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. This hotel is family and pet-friendly.

 

The Hotel Salem: Housed in a former high-end department store, this 44-room boutique hotel decorates the center of historic Essex Street with industrial-chic guest rooms and the only rooftop restaurant in Salem.

 

Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites: The award-winning Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites is conveniently located on Pickering Wharf within walking distance of shopping, restaurants, and Salem’s historic attractions. They also feature an indoor heated pool and an on-site restaurant, Mainstay Social.