Introduction
I’ll admit it — when I first planned a weekend getaway to Salem, Massachusetts, I expected witches, a little spooky-fun, and maybe a historic house or two. What I found was so much more. Between coastal town charm, rich maritime history, and yes — a healthy dose of witch-trial legacy — I ended up staying longer than I intended. Salem struck me as a place where you can dig into real American history, stroll seaside, browse quirky shops, and still feel that unique mystical vibe that the town leans into. Whether you’re into haunted tours, architecture, seaside walks or just discovering something offbeat, there’s plenty here. So here are 12 of the best & fun things to do in Salem — drawn from my time there, and spanning history, nature, and just good old-fashioned travel joy.
12 Best & Fun Things To Do In Salem, MA (Fun You Shouldn’t Miss!)
1. Visit the Witch House (Jonathan Corwin House)
This house — officially the Witch House (also known as the Jonathan Corwin House) — is one of the few buildings in Salem directly tied to the 1692 witch trials era.
Walking through it gives you a tangible link to colonial life, walls that have seen centuries, and the tensions of that time.
Tip: Allocate 30-45 minutes; go early if possible to avoid crowds.
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2. Walk the Old Burying Point Cemetery & Witch Trials Memorial
Just behind the Witch House is the Old Burying Point Cemetery (Charter Street Cemetery) and the Salem Witch Trials Memorial. These quiet, somber sites remind visitors of the darker chapter of Salem’s past.
Tip: Bring a moment of quiet respect; there’s less “tourist bustle” here.
3. Explore the Waterfront at Pickering Wharf
I loved strolling down to the waterfront at the historic Pickering Wharf — part old-port, part leisure promenade with boats, shops and seafood.
Tip: Time it for late afternoon and pick a seat with a harbor view.
4. Tour the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM)
While many visit Salem for its witch history, I found the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) to be a real highlight — art, maritime history, global exhibits, and local culture all wrapped into one.
Tip: Give yourself at least an hour or two; there’s more depth here than you might expect.
5. Visit the Historic House of the Seven Gables
Literary fans will appreciate the House of the Seven Gables estate (linked to Nathaniel Hawthorne), complete with period furnishings, garden and harbor views. It gives another layer to Salem’s historic charm.
Tip: If you’re into historic houses, pair this with a stroll around the surrounding neighborhood of 17th/18th-century homes.
6. Walk Along Chestnut Street & Historic District
I discovered that one of my favourite moments was simply wandering Chestnut Street — rows of elegant mansions, trees overhead, a sense of time and place. The official tourism site even mentions strolling this street.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes, leave time to pause on benches or take photos; the architecture is stunning.
7. Go to Salem Willows Park & the Ocean Side
For gentler pace and family-friendly fun, the ocean-front Salem Willows Park offers beach, arcade, picnic spots and sea breeze.
Tip: Bring a picnic or buy something local, walk out to the viewing area for a sunset.
8. Visit the Punto Urban Art Museum (Murals Trail)
One of the more surprising gems: the Punto Urban Art Museum — open-air mural installations in the “El Punto” neighborhood of Salem. It offers colourful, modern contrast to the historic scenes.
Tip: Ideal for photographing vibrant street art; go during daylight for best colours.
9. Go on a Ghost or Witch Walking Tour
Since Salem is famous for its witch-trial history, joining a ghost or witch-walking tour is fun, especially in the early evening. These tours weave history + legend + local storytelling.
Tip: Choose a tour that starts at dusk; bring a jacket (coastal breeze) and ask for one geared to your interest (history vs. spooky fun).
10. Tour the Salem Maritime National Historic Site
Salem wasn’t only about witches—its maritime past was rich. The Salem Maritime National Historic Site tells the seafaring part of the story, with wharves, historic buildings and views across the water.
Tip: Combine this stop with your waterfront stroll (Pickering Wharf) for a full maritime & seaside experience.
11. Visit Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery (Horror Movie Museum)
For something fun and different, check out the Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery — a horror-film memorabilia museum full of life-size monsters and props.
Tip: Good for families or film fans who want something lighter (yet themed) after the heavier history stops.
12. Shop & Eat Along Essex Street & Derby Square
I found that no trip to Salem is complete without getting into the local boutiques, cafés and souvenir stops along Derby Square and Essex Street. Whether you’re after witch-themed trinkets, historic house ware, or simply a comfortable café, this area delivers.
Tip: Pick one café for a relaxed break; try a local dessert or a drink with harbor view if you can.
Final Thoughts
Salem surprised me in the best way — it’s a city layered with gruesome history, maritime legacy, elegant architecture and seaside atmosphere. What made it especially memorable was the mix: one moment you’re in a colonial house, the next you’re on a mural trail, then you’re strolling a bustling waterfront, and later you’re on a ghost tour at dark. It doesn’t feel like one-note tourism; it feels like a living place with many faces.
Here are a few extra thoughts from my trip:
- Go beyond Halloween. Sure, October is prime time, but visiting outside that gives you calmer days, fewer crowds, and a chance to appreciate the deeper history.
- Walk a lot. Salem is compact; staying downtown means you can hit many of these stops on foot.
- Mix heavy + light. Balance your day: some introspective spots (cemetery, museums) + some leisure breaks (waterfront, shopping, cafés).
- Bring layers. Coastal breeze + early evening chill = something to cover up.
- Respect the history. While the witch theme is fun, remember there’s real history behind it — so keep a tone of respect especially at memorials and historic sites.
If I were recommending a plan: Choose 3-4 of the stops above for a full day, spread them across two days if you can, book your walking tour for evening, and set aside time just to “sit” — at a café, by the water, whatever gives you a moment to soak in the atmosphere.
Salem isn’t just about witches and spooks — though yes, those are part of the pull. It’s about layered stories, seaside town charm, and moments that surprise you when you least expect them. I left feeling like I not only visited a destination but experienced a place.