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This post is meant to outline the dos and don'ts for first time visitors to Salem at Halloween. You've got to do it right to ge the full experience.
I’ve been going to Salem, MA with my coven (AKA girlfriends!) for years. Every October we drive to the Witch City for a long weekend of shopping, sightseeing, cocktails and scares.
If you’re thinking about visiting the spookiest city in America this year, here are some dos and don't of visiting Salem.
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Do hit up the shops at Pickering Wharf I recommend Salemdipity for some cool souvenirs – many are locally handcrafted.
Do visit Pickering Wharf for some unique shopping experiences. Salemdipity offers locally handcrafted souvenirs, perfect for taking a piece of Salem home with you. Other shops at Pickering Wharf include the Salem Wax Museum of Witches and Seafarers, Salem Spice, and Salem Soap Company. There are also a variety of eateries to satisfy any appetite. The area is also home to historic buildings, including the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, and the Salem Witch Museum. Pickering Wharf is a great place to explore and shop, and a must-see for first-time visitors to Salem.
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Do stroll along the mall on the cobblestone walk on Essex Street. There are lots of shops here and usually actors in costume portraying scenes from one of the many shows available to see in Salem.
There are often people dressed in some amazing costumes who will allow you to take photos (some for a small fee) and there are street vendors up and down the corridor. There is also a very cool Harry Potter themed area, places for potions, and some good eats.
Here you can find a fortune teller, wizard wand or a very authentic looking pair of fangs!
Essex Street is a great place to explore when visiting Salem. It's a cobblestone walk lined with shops and street vendors. Here, visitors can find unique souvenirs such as wizard wands, fortune tellers, and costumes. You may even spot actors in costume performing scenes from one of Salem's many shows. There is also a Harry Potter themed area with potions and other magical items. Visitors can also enjoy some delicious food while exploring the area. Essex Street is the perfect place to find something special to remind you of your time in Salem.
Oh, hands down, October is the absolute best! It's spooky season, and the whole town comes alive with Halloween festivities. But if you want to avoid the crowds, aim for mid to late September. The weather's still nice, and the autumn vibes are starting to kick in.
Absolutely! You can't miss the Salem Witch Museum and the House of the Seven Gables. Also, take a stroll down Chestnut Street for some amazing historic homes. And if you're a 'Hocus Pocus' fan, there are several filming locations scattered around town.
Logan International Airport in Boston is your best bet. It's around a 30-minute drive from Salem, depending on traffic. From there, you can take a taxi, rideshare, or even public transit.
Salem's pretty walkable, especially the downtown area where most attractions are. But if walking isn't your thing, the Salem Trolley is a fun and convenient way to get around. Also, many places offer bike rentals if you prefer a more active option.
Oh, yes! October is packed with haunted happenings, from parades to ghost tours. But don't miss the Salem Arts Festival in June if you happen to visit in summer. Also, check out the Peabody Essex Museum for rotating exhibits and cultural events year-round.
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Do go to Pamplemousse! This is a great shop for local wines, meads and other adult beverages. They also have a variety of cute and unique decorative items and kitchen gadgets.
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Do walk through the Old Burying Point Cemetery. The headstones are amazing, but every time I go I find new ones that have been damaged. The trees in this cemetery are twisty and spooky and beautiful. Take lots of photos!
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Do go to the House of Seven Gables. American author Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel, "The House of the Seven Gables," made this colonial mansion famous. It’s beautiful and architecturally interesting.
If you’re claustrophobic, you will have a tough time in the extremely narrow hidden hallway leading to an attic bedroom. But if you can shimmy your way through, it’s worth the squeeze! Don't forget to see the gardens too!
It’s beautiful and architecturally interesting. Explore the period-specific rooms, and immerse yourself in the rich history of the mansion. Guided tours provide fascinating insights into Hawthorne's inspiration and the lives of the previous occupants. If you’re claustrophobic, you will have a tough time in the extremely narrow hidden hallway leading to an attic bedroom. But if you can shimmy your way through, it’s worth the squeeze! Don't forget to see the gardens too! They are meticulously maintained, offering a serene and picturesque atmosphere that complements the historical essence of the house. A visit here feels like stepping back in time.
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Do take at least one tour during your visit. If it’s your first time in Salem, a trolley tour is a great way to get an overview of the city. A candlelight ghost tour is also a fun, and more spookier, way to see the city!
And see at least one of the many shows Salem offers, such as the Salem Haunted Magic Show.
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Don't bother waiting in line for the Salem Witch Museum. Once inside, you’ll find yourself on a hard bench in the middle of a room with lofts where mannequins dressed in period clothes serve as the backdrop for the story of the Salem Witch Trials.
Bad sound effects and lighting are featured. It's not worth the time it takes to stand in line, however, the building's architecture is very interesting.
For a better witchy history experience, check out the Witch House, Salem Witch Village or the Witch History Museum.
In contrast, the Witch House, originally the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, offers genuine insight into the dark times of 1692. It stands untouched, providing a real sense of the era. Likewise, Salem Witch Village immerses you in the witches' side of history from a cultural perspective. And at the Witch History Museum, you’ll discover haunting, detailed stories that the museum elders recount. These experiences are a much better investment of your time, offering atmospheric authenticity where you can almost hear the whispers of history.
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Don't spend too much time with the historical buildings tours.
You can’t go inside most of them and if you’re there to be witchy, most of these former homes or offices have a maritime history rather than something to do with the Witch Trials that made Salem famous.
The biggest DO I can suggest is to have fun!
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