From plundering pirates to misunderstood witches, there’s a lot of history to unpack when you visit Salem, Massachusetts. Commonly called Witch City in reference to the 1692 Salem Witch Trials and the prominent witch population of today, Salem is considered one of the best places to visit during the Halloween season. Salem’s annual Halloween festivities draw thousands of visitors year after year!

But no matter when you visit Salem, you’ll find plenty to do. From sailing around the Salem Harbor to exploring the paranormal side of the city, there’s something for everyone. For those who love spooky scares, there are haunted houses aplenty. But for those who’d rather not be frightened on their vacation, there are museums, shops, fine dining establishments, and so much more in Salem.

With so many things to see and do, how do you know where to begin? To help you plan your perfect trip, we’ve compiled our list of the absolute best things to do in Salem for you. Stick to these fun and unique Salem bucket list recommendations, and there’s no doubt you’ll have an amazing time exploring this gorgeous and historic corner of Massachusetts.

15 Fun and Unique Things to do in Salem

1. Attend Salem’s Haunted Happenings

Although Salem is beautiful to visit in other seasons, Salem’s annual Haunted Happenings event makes October one of the best times to go. There’s a reason visiting in October is on so many people’s Salem bucket list! 

Since 1982, the Salem Chamber of Commerce and the Salem Witch Museum have been inviting Halloween lovers to Salem throughout October for the city’s Haunted Happenings. Throughout the month, guests are invited into terrifying haunted houses, on tours celebrating the spookiest sides of Salem, to don their witchy best for costume balls, and so much more. This event is prided on being very family-friendly, but thrill-seekers will love the more adult-oriented haunted houses.

Haunted Happenings is both one of the best Halloween celebrations in the country and a marvelous memorial to Salem’s history. Learn about the true story of the witches of Salem, meet psychics who want to aid you on a spiritual journey, and step into the past in special events held in the area’s many museums.

2. Hop aboard the Salem Trolley

Daily from April to November and on weekends throughout November, Salem visitors are invited to climb aboard the Salem Trolley for a one-of-a-kind ride around Witch City. Starting at Essex Street, your experienced tour guide will take you to the most beloved spots around Salem. 

Tour locations include can’t-miss Salem attractions, like the House of the Seven Gables, the setting of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1851 novel of the same name; the Salem Witch House, the home of the Salem Witch Trials’ judge Jonathan Corwin; and Chestnut Street, considered to be one of the most beautiful streets in America. 

On select nights, the Salem Trolley transforms into the Tales & Tombstones Tour, which allows you to uncover the darkest sides of the city. Learn about ancient curses, malevolent haunts, and the legends of the ghost ships that lurk in Salem’s shadows.

For a unique celebration of the holiday season, the Salem Trolley becomes a performance of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. From the end of November through the end of December, you’re invited to ride along with Scrooge as you and him experience one unforgettable night.

3. Take a ghost tour through Salem’s haunted sites

With Salem being considered one of the most haunted spots in America, it’s no surprise that taking a ghost tour is one of the must-do things in Salem. There are many to choose from, but Salem Ghosts is one of the best, as it takes you to the locations of some of the lesser-known dark tales in Witch City.

With Salem Ghosts, you’ll be introduced to Mr. Derby, a once-prominent merchant whose specter is rumored to haunt Old Town Hall. You’ll learn about the sordid story of what happened in what’s now the basement of Wicked Good Books. Plus, you’ll hear the tragic tale of Abigale Ropes, whose angry spirit terrorizes the Ropes Mansion.

Depending on who you’re traveling with, you may want to tailor your tour experience. If you’re visiting with kids, some of the ghost tours may be a little too much for them. In that case, you’ll want to book a Salem Kids Slightly Spooky Tour, which promises to be filled with witchy history, happy haunts, and family-friendly hosts. 

On the other hand, if you’re a thrill-seeker, you may want to book a Black Cat Tour, which offers two experiences: the original Ghostly Night Tour and the late-night adults-only Moonlight Prowl. A word of warning: Only pick the Moonlight Prowl tour if you have a strong stomach because these hosts do not skimp on the gory details of the darkest parts of Salem.

Book a Salem Haunted Walking Tour

4. Play games at the Salem Willows Arcade

Who says you can only visit Salem during the spooky season? As a beachside town, summer is a great time to visit Salem. And if you do stay in the summer, be sure to check out the family-friendly Salem Willows. 

One of the top Salem attractions, this historic park sits on over 35 acres of oceanfront views, complete with picnic grounds, a band shell, and basketball and tennis courts. Salem Willows also boasts two arcades filled with old-fashioned favorites like Galaga and Pac-Man. 

Climb aboard the bumper cars for some family fun. Little ones will love Kiddieland, which offers a variety of rides geared to children, including water boats, car rides, and a 1905 carousel.

Salem Willows also offers plenty of options for bites to eat, like the Dairy Palace and Cappy’s Seafood. But keep in mind that everything may not be open depending on when you visit. Although the public recreation area is open year-round, the arcades, restaurants, and rides are generally only open from April to October.

5. See nightmares come to life at Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery

There are tons of museums dedicated to witches in Salem, but Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery is the only museum that’s a tribute to the greatest monsters of cinema. Named for the main antagonist of the classic 1922 German silent film Nosferatu, it’s one of the coolest things to do in Salem if you’re a fan of all things horror.

Inside these doors, you’ll find more than 60 life-sized creatures, from werewolves to vampires to zombies. All the displays contain such incredible detail you may worry they’re about to come to life! 

New characters are typically added every year, giving you something new to fear every time you visit. If you’re a fan of classic monster movies, you’ll love that the museum shows off memorabilia you can’t see anywhere else.

6. Go shopping on the cobblestone Essex Street

Located right in the heart of downtown Salem is a historic brick-and-cobblestone street home to a unique pedestrian mall. Especially around October, Essex Street becomes a huge hot spot for visitors. And with so many one-of-a-kind offerings here, it’s easy to see why.

Lined with boutiques filled with witchy-themed souvenirs, you’ll take home a gift you can only get in Salem. You can spend a leisurely day exploring the shops and getting psychic readings before wandering over to the Salem Common for a picnic. 

Or, for a more spooky dining experience, head over to nearby Turner’s Seafood. This popular restaurant is supposedly home to one of the most well-known ghosts in Salem: Bridget Bishop. 

Turner’s Seafood is better known as the historical landmark Lyceum Hall, but before that, it was an apple orchard owned by none other than Bishop herself, who is better known to history as the first woman to face her demise in the 1692 Witch Trials. Diners at Turner’s Seafood have long claimed to see a specter who looks quite a bit like Bishop.

7. Go kayaking or paddleboarding around Salem

If you’re visiting Salem in the summer, you’ll want to get out on the water and do some waterfront Salem sightseeing. One of the best ways to do that is by hopping in a kayak. 

You’ll find two kayak launch points in the beautiful public park of Winter Island, which also allows camping from May to November. Choose to launch at either the south entrance or make your way over to Waikiki Beach, located to the west of Winter Island’s main parking lot.

If you don’t have your own kayak, head over to Salem Willows to rent one from Coast to Coast Paddle. This outdoor adventure company offers stand-up paddleboard and kayak rentals throughout the summer at their Salem Willows kiosk. If you’re a newbie to kayaking or paddleboarding, you can also book a one-hour lesson to help you get more comfortable on the water.

The location also offers special tours and events throughout the year. Paddle into the horizon for a sunset paddle tour, or paddle around Salem and end your trip with a round of drinks on Coast to Coast Paddle.

If you’re visiting outside of summer, you won’t be able to rent your own kayak or paddleboard for safety reasons due to the weather and water temperature. However, Coast to Coast Paddle does have off-season paddle tours. For your safety, a wet suit or dry suit is required on these tours, which are available for rent.

8. Take a sailing tour

If kayaking isn’t your speed, maybe hopping aboard a sailing ship is! Taking a cruise around the city is one of the coolest things to do in Salem, but what’s even cooler is climbing on a boat that’s inspired by the unique history of the area.

One of the best sailing cruises in Salem is the Fame of Salem. From May to October, you can join the crew for a sail on a replica of the 1812 privateer Fame. What makes this tour so different from other boat cruises is that you can become a part of the crew if you wish! You can help raise the sails and be a sailor for a day. Or you can just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

Along with being a sailor and going sightseeing around Salem, you’ll also learn facts about the history of the vessel and the War of 1812, with the humorous crew members as your guides. Beer, wine, and snacks are also available for purchase on the ship.

You can choose to sail during the day, or you can join the Fame for a sunset sail. Grab a cocktail and help steer the ship into the sunset, which is marked by the Fame’s signature sunset cannon.

9. Explore the Peabody Essex Museum

The story of the Peabody Essex Museum dates back to 1799. The East India Marine Society, an organization of Salem captains and supercargoes who sailed beyond the Cape of Good Hope or Cape Horn, established a place for their “cabinet of natural and artificial curiosities.” Members of this society brought with them a collection of rare objects from America, Asia, Africa, Oceania, India, and beyond.

The Peabody Essex Museum went by many names throughout its lifetime, but the museum we know today was founded in 1992. At the time, it contained more than 840,000 works of art and culture, focusing on maritime art and history, American art, Asian art, Oceanic art, and African art. 

Two large libraries on site also boasted over 400,000 books, manuscripts, and other historical documents. Today, the collection has grown to include more than one million works.

As the oldest continuously operating and collecting museum in the country, the Peabody Essex Museum is another one of the must-do things in Salem for fans of art and history. The museum isn’t just one building. It encompasses three city blocks and several off-site properties. 

Take a self-guided tour of the Ropes Mansion, which you might know better as Allison’s house in the film Hocus Pocus but contains its own haunted history. Visit the Quaker Meeting House, which has been painstakingly reconstructed to its original design. Or check out the John Ward House, one of the oldest buildings in Salem and originally home to one the earliest English colonists in America.

10. Shop and dine on Pickering Wharf

The Pickering Wharf is a harbor-side shopping village filled with boutique stores, fine dining establishments, and historical landmarks. While Essex Street is packed with souvenirs of the witchier variety, you’ll find more gifts dedicated to Salem’s maritime history on Pickering Wharf. 

Head to Waite & Peirce for one-of-a-kind treasures, like pottery locally made by Henderson’s Redware or a tote bag made of recycled sail cloths by Sea Bags of Maine. If you’re a history buff, you’ll love the incredible historical reproductions on display and available for sale here. Or swing by The Happy Sunflower to pick up a mermaid tail for your little one.

At night, you’ll often hear live music emanating from the wharf, with Sea Level Oyster Bar being one of the top spots for delicious dining and great music. For a quick drink and casual bites, the Regatta Pub is a perfect find.

The wharf ends at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, the first national historic site in the United States. With nine acres of historic buildings, you’ll feel like you stepped right into Salem’s seafaring past.

11. Learn about the infamous Witch Trials at the Salem Witch Museum

It’s difficult to think about Salem without the Salem Witch Trials coming to mind. Centuries later, historians are still trying to make sense of the events that led to the tragedy of these trials. 

The Salem Witch Museum asks visitors to join them on a journey to understand how something like the Witch Trials could have happened. If you’re someone who enjoys history, you’ll greatly appreciate the time and care the museum put into creating this educational experience.

The Salem Witch Museum consists of two exhibits. The first provides an immersive look into the events of 1692. Through 13 life-size stage sets, the museum brings to life the drama, terror, and intrigue of the Salem witch hunt. It’s worth noting that these scenes may be upsetting to younger audiences.

The second exhibit is a more hopeful look at the reality of witches. The witch community is a part of both the history and the present of Salem. In this presentation, dubbed Witches: Evolving Perceptions, you’ll explore the meaning of the word witch and how the word has evolved over time. You’ll look at how the stereotype of the witch came to be and how witch hunts began in Europe and the United States. 

12. Discover Salem’s treasure-plundering history at the New England Pirate Museum

The New England Pirate Museum is a historical, can’t-miss adventure in Salem, where you’ll learn about the sea robbers that once roamed the waters around the city. Inside this museum, you’ll come face-to-face with over 60 buccaneers and their wondrous treasures from their days of plundering. As a knowledgeable guide walks you through their history, you’ll learn about notorious captains like Kidd and Blackbeard.

Most 17th- and 18th-century pirates were New Englanders and New Yorkers, who spent the winters in the tropics and the summers around the waters of New England. And many buried their treasures off the shores of Salem. During your tour, you’ll see some of these authentic artifacts. 

Before you board a pirate ship, you’ll journey through a recreated dockside village. You’ll also explore a vast 80-foot cave filled with hidden booty. While Salem may be more known for its witchy history, you’ll love getting to see another side of its past that’s often forgotten in history textbooks.

13. Get your scream on at the Chambers of Terror

It’s Halloween all year round at Salem’s Chambers of Terror, a walk-through haunted house like no other. Created by professionals with over 30 years of experience designing Halloween attractions, the Chambers of Terror invites you, if you dare, to walk into a waking nightmare. If you’re in the mood for a scare, this is one of the best things to do in Salem!

All year long, the Chambers of Terror holds Fireside Ghost Stories, where you’ll sit by the fire and hear stories of Salem’s darkest history and its most malevolent haunts. But throughout the year, the Chambers of Terror hosts more events that are designed to scare you out of your wits. 

The Terror Tour is their daytime show running throughout the summer and into October, where a Ghoulish Guide who simply can’t be trusted will take you through rooms filled with monsters truly unimaginable. If you’re visiting from May to September, this tour will likely be the most frightening one you’ll find in Salem.

But the Chambers of Terror turns up the intensity even higher for the Halloween Horror show that runs weekday evenings and all day on weekends in October. If you scare easily, the Chambers of Terror might not be a good fit for you. But if you’re heading to Salem to tackle every haunted house you can find, you can’t miss the Chambers of Terror.

14. Have your fortune read at Crow Haven Corner

Crow Haven Corner is the oldest witch shop in Salem, but it’s best known as being the home of Lorelei, Salem’s famous love clairvoyant. Lorelei has been a psychic reader and witch for over 35 years, and a reading with her is easily one of the most unique things to do in Salem. 

When you do a reading with Lorelei, she’ll conduct a witch’s circle with you before she reads your tarot cards and your palm, does a health scan, and crafts a spell to help you manifest whatever you may need in life. Lorelei doesn’t guarantee mediumship, but she’s been known to speak to loved ones in the great beyond in some readings. 

As a bonus for animal lovers, Lorelei, who runs a nonprofit called Salem Saves Animals, will always have her dogs with her for every reading. If you’d like to book a reading, walk-ins are welcome, but especially if you’re visiting around Halloween, you should make a reservation in advance.

Crow Haven Corner is also the meeting place for Salem’s only magical tour, the Salem Witch Walk. Your guide will lead you to Crow Haven Corner’s Garden Alley, where you may participate in a traditional witches’ circle dance. From there, your guide will teach you all about modern-day witchcraft and the history of witches in Salem.

15. See a show at the Gallows Hill Museum and Theatre

For a fully immersive experience like no other, you’ll love the Gallows Hill Museum and Theatre. From the end of September through the end of October, you can take in the Gallows Hill Main Show, which uses holograms, projections, 4D effects, and more to bring to life witches and ghosts. 

Also open from the end of September through the end of October is the location’s Lost Museum, a walk-through attraction that will have you discovering cursed artifacts, ghosts, and much more. It’s up to you and your guide to solve the mystery of the abandoned museum before you’re lost to it forever. Each room has special effects, living portraits, and realistic animatronics.

The Gallows Hill Museum and Theatre boasts other adventures in the spooky season, including the Ghost & Legends Trolley, where a comical guide will take you through the dark history of Salem’s past, or the After Hours Ghost Hunt, where you’ll be given ghost hunting equipment to do you own paranormal investigation. 

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Salem, visiting the Gallows Hill Museum and Theatre is the perfect activity!

There you have it! The 15 best things to do in Salem, MA. What’s your favorite thing to do in Salem?

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