Visiting Salem for Halloween
Looking to spend some time in Salem around Halloween? You’ve found your spot for all the things to do to make your trip memorable. We will also cover a few things not to do that we thought were overrated (at least in our experience, everyone is different). Halloween is without a doubt my favorite holiday. Every year I try to outdo myself from the year before. Salem hasn’t disappointed me yet and continues to hold my attention every year.
Salem’s history is an integral part of the experience and is often overlooked. Halloween is a great time of year and Salem is the perfect destination. Whenever I visit I take a moment to remember that these were real people who existed in dark times. It is easy to get lost in the festivities and forget the real reason Salem is so famous around Halloween. Salem does a great job of holding onto history and putting it on display. If you’re planning your trip I suggest doing a little bit of googling and reading about Salem’s history before you go.
Best Things to Do and See
To Do:
The Salem Heritage Trail
The Salem Heritage Trail is a walking trail that connects all of the major sites in Salem. It is a yellow line painted on the ground that you can follow. It is around 3 miles long but you can change your route based on what you want to see and how far you want to walk.
The Witch House
One of the most popular photo spots in Salem, you better come early or very late to get a photo without being rushed. Also known as the Jonathan Corwin House, Jonathan Corwin was a judge during the witch trials. This is the only historic site that you can visit that was directly related to the witch trials. Self-guided tours are available for $9.00 per person for adults.
Salem Witch Trials Memorial
The Salem Witch Trials Memorial is a small park with a bench for each witch trial victim. It is a must-visit to remember the true nature of the witch trials in Salem. The memorial looks over Old Burying Point Cemetery, where the victims of the trials were not allowed to be buried.
Salem Maritime National Historic Site
A very interesting feature for New England, the Salem Maritime site is the first National Historic Site in America. You can visit the Salem Armory Visitor Center, Waite & Peirce Park Store, and visit the replica of the Friendship of Salem at Derby Wharf under the National Park Service.
Witch History Museum
Different from the Salem Witch Museum, the Witch History Museum is located off Essex Street. You’ll be able to walk through 15 different scenes taking you through the witch trials’ history. Tickets are $13 per person for adults.
The Ropes Mansion
Most of you will know the Ropes Manion from the original Hocus Pocus, where Allison lived. The mansion is currently owned and operated by the Peabody Essex Museum. You can visit on the weekends with a museum ticket or sign up for a guided tour. The house is built for a merchant in the 1720s but is more known from when Judge Nathaniel Ropes occupied the house during Colonial unrest.
Essex Street
The main street of Salem, Essex Street is the hot spot for shopping and eating. In October all of the shops are packed with people doing some spooky shopping. Wicked Good Books, The Witch History Museum, and the Gulu Gulu Cafe are just a few of the places you can stop on Essex Street.
The Salem Witch Museum
Located on Washington Square North, the Salem Witch Museum is a staple a lot of visitors choose to stop at. Tickets are sold online only and as of 2022, they are $16.50 per person. The museum focuses on the events of 1692 and the Salem Witch Trials in depth.
House of Seven Gables
The House of Seven Gables is a beautiful stop, and a historic house most famous for Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1851 romance novel. A fun fact for when he wrote the novel: the house didn’t actually have seven gables at the time, it had been renovated and only had three. Passes to visit the House of Seven Gables range from $5-$20 depending on what time of year you visit and tour type.
Old Burying Point Cemetery
One of the oldest cemeteries in the United States, Old Burying Point was opened in 1637. While the “witches” are not buried here, some of the more notable towns people are. It is an interesting historical site, located next to the Salem Witch Memorial.
To See:
These stops are more “to see” than “to do” because they are nice photo opportunities but there isn’t anything to actually do or go into. These locations can get quite busy during the day so if you want a nice clear picture I suggest going first thing in the morning.
Old Town Hall
A federal-style old town hall was built in 1816. Today it is rented out as an event facility. In the fall there are often Halloween-related events there.
The First Church in Salem
Located near the Ropes Mansion, the First Church in Salem was founded in 1629. The church is a massive stone building in contrast to the traditional neighborhood.
The Dennison House
3 Ocean Ave, Salem
The house is famous for being Max and Dani’s house in Hocus Pocus. It is located ina residential neighborhood. When visiting be courteous to the people who live there, more often than not if you’re visiting during the Halloween season you won’t be allowed to park very close to the house. It is also of note that the house is privately owned and occupied.
Bewitched Statue
Visit Samantha from the 1960’s tv sitcom Bewitched in Lappin Park. It is centrally located in Salem and very easy to get to, but it is also easy to walk right by if the crowds are blocking your view.
Events:
Haunted Happenings
A Halloween celebration that started in 1982, now more than half a million people join every year to celebrate. There are parades, magic shows, fireworks, local shopping events, zombie walks and so much more. You’ll need to check their website for the current years calendar of events.
Our favorite stops for food
Breakfast:
Red’s Sandwich Shop
Gulu Gulu Cafe
Fountain Place Restaurant
Salem’s Retreat
April’s II Restaurant
Lunch or Dinner:
Ledger Restaurant
Bambolina
Opus
The Derby Restaurant and Bar
The Tavern
A note on parking in Salem:
During the peak fall season, parking is limited to a couple of lots with a shuttle service provided by the town. In other seasons there is metered parking throughout town. A lot of homes are located directly on the streets and it is courteous to them to stick to the allowed lots during October.
I hope our Salem Visitors Guide will help you plan your trip to Salem! We absolutely love visiting Salem, any time of year. You can’t go wrong visiting in October but the fun doesn’t end there. Be sure to spend enough time adventuring the outskirts of the city as well. Happy Haunting!