Salem Travel Guide (North Shore/Eastern Massachusetts/Massachusetts/New England/United States of America/North America)

Introduction to Salem
List of Places to Visit in Salem
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Salem: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of Salem
Best Things to Do in Salem: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Salem
Food and Drink Scene of Salem
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Salem: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Salem: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Salem
Best Time to Visit Salem
Do’s and Don’ts of Salem
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in Salem
- Health in Salem
Getting to Salem: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Salem
Parks
Shared Transportation
Driving Rental Cars
Where to Go Next from Salem: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Introduction to Salem

Located in the North Shore of Eastern Massachusetts, Salem is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its infamous witch trials of 1692, Salem has become a popular destination for those interested in history. However, it also offers a diverse range of experiences, from outdoor adventures to a vibrant food and drink scene.

List of Places to Visit in Salem

Plan your trip to Salem and make sure to visit these top attractions during your stay.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Salem has deep cultural roots and offers multiple museums and historical places to enrich your visit. Here are some of the must-see options:

The Salem Witch Museum: This museum offers an overview of the witch trials of 1692, one of Salem’s most infamous events. Through exhibits and live presentations, you will learn about the events that took place and the effects they left on Salem’s history.
The Peabody Essex Museum: This museum showcases art and culture from around the world, featuring exhibits on historical nautical artifacts, American architecture, and Chinese export art, and more.
The House of the Seven Gables: This historic house was built in the late 1600s and inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel of the same name. Take a guided tour to learn about the history of the house and the Salem witch trials.

Natural Attractions of Salem: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Salem’s natural beauty is undeniable, and there are several outdoor adventures and scenic views worth exploring during your trip. Here are some recommendations:

Winter Island Park: This coastal park offers stunning views of the ocean and the Salem skyline. Its rocky beach is perfect for a relaxing picnic or an afternoon of fishing and kayaking.
Salem Woods: This 3,600-acre nature reserve offers visitors over 30 miles of hiking trails that wind through forests and wetlands. Take a hike to get in touch with nature and explore the beauty of Salem from a unique vantage point.
Derby Wharf: Walk along this historic wharf, enjoying scenic views of the sea and the city’s skyline. Stop by the Salem Maritime National Historic Site Visitor Center and learn about Salem’s importance as a seaport during the colonial period.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Salem

Salem’s natural landscape and stunning scenery make it an excellent place for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Here are some of the best routes to explore:

Greenlawn Cemetery Loop: This 1.9-mile loop trail is perfect for a family hike. It winds through the Greenlawn Cemetery and offers a peaceful and serene experience.
Bike Path from Salem to Marblehead: This 4.5-mile bike path connects Salem to Marblehead, and it offers picturesque views of the ocean. Rent a bike and explore the scenic beauty of Salem’s coast.
Forest River Park Trail: This 1.5-mile trail surrounds the beautiful Forest River Park, providing hikers with stunning views of the water and the park itself.

Best Things to Do in Salem: Activities and Tours

Salem is home to numerous exciting activities and tours that cater to visitors of all ages. Here are some recommendations for what to do in Salem:

Salem Ghost Tour: This walking tour takes visitors through Salem’s spooky history, exploring some of its most haunted sites and sharing tales of ghost sightings.
Salem Food Tours: Explore Salem’s food and drink scene with one of the many food tours offered by local providers. Each tour offers a unique taste of the city’s culinary delights.
Salem Harbor Sunset Sail: Climb aboard a sailboat and enjoy the beauty of Salem’s coast during a sunset sail. It’s a perfect way to end the day in a peaceful and serene setting.

Week-Long Itinerary for Salem

To help plan your trip to Salem, we have created a one-week itinerary that covers all of the city’s must-see attractions. Here is what your week in Salem could look like:

Day	Activity
1	Explore the city’s historic architecture and visit the Witch Museum
2	Take a walk through Salem Woods and visit the Peabody Essex Museum
3	Go on a food tour, sampling the best local eats and drinks Salem has to offer
4	Visit the House of the Seven Gables and take a guided tour
5	Hike or bike the Greenlawn Cemetery Loop or take a scenic drive along the coast
6	Enjoy a sunset sail on Salem Harbor
7	Explore the city’s shops and farmers’ market, picking up local souvenirs before departing

Food and Drink Scene of Salem

Salem’s food and drink scene is thriving, with several restaurants and bars offering unique experiences for visitors. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages to order while in town:

Must-Try Dishes

Lobster Roll: A New England favorite, Salem offers several restaurants that serve this delicious seafood dish.
Salem specialties: Try local dishes such as clam chowder, fried clams, and a saugus pastry, an Italian fried dough.
Burgers: Salem boasts many top-rated burger joints featuring both classic and gourmet options.

Local Beverages

Salem Beer Works Brewery and Restaurant: This brewery offers handcrafted beers and locally sourced food in a welcoming atmosphere.
Far From The Tree Cider: Organic-farmed cider made by locals from Salem, a perfectly refreshing concoction after exploring the city.
Coffee: Visit the city’s popular coffee houses or stroll through the farmers’ market and try a cup made with locally-roasted beans.

Where to Stay in Salem: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are a variety of accommodation options to choose from while visiting Salem, from grand historic hotels to affordable hostels. Here are some suggestions:

The Hawthorne Hotel: Boasting 93 guest rooms and a central location in the heart of Salem, The Hawthorne is a historic hotel that has been providing visitors with a memorable experience for over 90 years.
Stepping Stone Inn: Visit this cozy and nest-like bed and breakfast located in a historic residence located near Salem Harbor.
Airbnb Rentals: With carefully curated local listings, it makes it easy to find private stays in Salem that meet your travel needs and budget.

What to Buy in Salem: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Take a piece of Salem home with you by picking up one of these local products or souvenirs:

Witch memorabilia: From t-shirts to flasks, there is a lot of witch-themed merch to choose from while in town.
Local crafts: Visit the local farmers’ markets and festivals to find handmade crafts by local artisans.
Antiques and vintage clothing: There are plenty of antique shops and vintage clothing stores throughout Salem to pick up something unique and retro from the city.

Local Culture and Customs of Salem

Salem has an interesting history and culture that visitors should be aware of while visiting. The town takes pride in its rich culture as well as its witch history. Locals are friendly and welcoming and respect the city’s tradition.

Best Time to Visit Salem

The best time to visit Salem is during the autumn months, especially in October. The iconic fall foliage aligns with the seasonal Haunted Happenings festival, making this a perfect time to experience the city’s spooky charm.

Do’s and Don’ts of Salem

To make the most of your visit to Salem, keep in mind these essential do’s and don’ts:

Do:

Take a ghost tour: Learn about Salem’s spooky history while exploring its haunted sites
Get a glimpse of the sea: Look out for the beautiful coastline throughout Salem’s city.
Capture the moment: Take plenty of pictures to seize the memories.

Don’t:

Move too fast: Take your time – learn about the history, culture, and beauty of Salem. This city has so much to see and experience!
Litter: Salem takes pride in its beauty, so help maintain the city’s charm by throwing your trash into the bins provided.
Disturb historical sites: Be respectful towards the graves, buildings, museums, and churches that dot Salem’s history.

Safety and Health

Salem is a safe city with friendly locals. However, visitors should take necessary precautions just as they would during any trip.

Safety in Salem

Watch your belongings: Keep your possessions, especially money and IDs, safe while exploring the city.
Use caution around waterways: Enjoy Salem’s ocean views but be mindful while swimming, fishing, and boating.
Stay aware when walking: Be aware, especially while crossing streets, and mindful of traffic and the traffic signals.

Health in Salem

Salem is a very accommodating city and caters to any health needs. Nevertheless, visitors should review the city’s health standards when visiting.

Getting to Salem: Transportation Options and Logistics

Salem is conveniently located and is navigable by several forms of transportation.

Airports Near Salem

Logan International Airport: Boston’s major airport is located 20 miles south of Salem.

Bus Stations Near Salem

Salem Transportation Center: Located downtown, it offers bus services throughout the city and regional bus connections to other parts of Massachusetts.

Other Options

Train: Salem is only 25 minutes north of Boston via the Commuter Rail.
Bike and Car Rentals: Several bike rental services and car rental companies operate in Salem.

How to Get Around in Salem

Getting around the city is easy, with several transportation options to choose from. Visitors can opt for parks, shared transport, or driving rental cars.

Parks

Green spaces: Salem offers plenty of green spaces, including parks, that are pleasant for walking or biking.

Shared Transportation

Taxi service: Taxis and rideshare apps, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Salem.
Public transport: The Salem Trolley is a popular way of taking city tours while navigating through downtown Salem.

Driving Rental Cars

Rent a car: Several car rental services operate in Salem, making it easy for visitors to get around.

Where to Go Next from Salem: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Salem is a part of North Shore, and several other cities are easily accessible by car or train.

Marblehead: Just North of Salem, it’s considered the sailing capital of the United States and offers a quaint harbor town experience.
Rockport: Rockport is a coastal town with beautiful beaches, rocky coasts, and charming shops and restaurants.
Boston: Salem is just 30 minutes north of Boston, one of America’s most historic and vibrant cities, offering numerous attractions and sites.

Conclusion

Salem has so much to offer visitors, from history and culture to natural beauty and outdoor adventures. Take your time exploring all that the city has to offer, and you’re sure to have a memorable trip.