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Salem in October

The guide to planning your unique vacation in Salem, Massachusetts

Discover Salem’s History and Beauty

Salem is a historic coastal city in Essex County, Massachusetts. It has a rich maritime history and was one of the most important seaports in Early American history. It was also the site of innocent witch prosecutions and hangings in 1692. The city is home to the House of Seven Gables, historic residential neighborhoods, the Peabody Essex Museum, and Salem State University.

Early American Architecture | Witch Trials | Rich Maritime History | Coastal Parks | Great Restaurants | Museums

Top Attractions

  1. House of Seven Gables – 115 Derby Street – A seaside mansion made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne. 
  2. 1692 Before and After – 272 Essex Street – Historian, Raconteur and Photographer Jeff Page leads the best tour. He covers the Salem Witch Trials and more.
  3. Peabody Essex Museum – 161 Essex Street – World-class museum with items from around the world.
  4. Proctor’s Ledge Memorial – 15 Proctor Street – The site of the 1692 witch hangings and the nearby memorial.
  5. Moons Gift Shop – 226 Essex Street – One of Salem’s oldest retailers with unique gifts.
  6. The Dennison House – 4 Ocean Avenue – From the Disney Movie “Hocus Pocus.” Please keep in mind this is a private residence.
  7. Artists’ Row – 24 New Derby Street – The heart of Salem’s creative scene. Come support local artists.
  8. Old Town Hall – 32 Derby Square – This Federal style building is the oldest surviving municipal edifice in Salem. The Salem Museum is located inside.
  9. Bewitched Statue – 235 Essex Street – See the controversial TV Land Bewitched statue of Elizabeth Montgomery.
  10. Witch Museum – 19 1/2 N. Washington Square – Learn about the Witch Trials of 1692.
  11. Salem Witch Trials Memorial – 43 Charter Street – Dedicated to the victims of the Salem Witch Trials.
  12. Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery – 217 Essex Street – A must if you are a fan of horror films.
  13. Enchanted of Salem – 98 Wharf Street – Licensed psychics are available seven days a week. Many have been trained by Laurie Cabot who is the Official Witch of Salem, MA.
  14. Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie – 122 Derby Street – America’s oldest candy company.
  15. Herb Mackey’s Metal Sculpture Yard – 5 Blaney Street – A garden of unique metal sculptures.
  16. ASCEND – 192 Essex Street – Crystals, readings and aura (vibe) photos.
  17. Speakeasy Tattoo Gallery – Have some tattoo work done and explore the gallery in nearby Peabody, MA.
  18. The Witchery – A creative space with broom-making, bookbinding and spell jar workshops.
  19. Blackcraft Salem – Goth clothing, a haunted house and coffee.
  20. Bunghole Liquors – There’s a lot of history behind this liquor store!
  21. Professor Spindlewink’s World of Wizardry – An interactive adventure for all ages.
  22. Black Cat Tours and Curiosity Shoppe – A shop and museum with the best ghost tour of Salem.
  23. Real Pirates Museum – See the only verified pirate treasure in the world!
  24. Salem Willows – An oceanfront park with restaurants and games for kids.
  25. Phillips House – Take a tour and see the lifestyle of those who lived long ago. Chestnut Street is known as the most beautiful street in America.

Peabody Essex Museum

Artists’ Row

Burying Point Cemetery

Dennison House

Top Hotels

 

  1. Hawthorne Hotel – hawthornehotel.com – This 93-room historic hotel is recommended for October. They are pet-friendly and focused on Halloween.
  2. Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites – salemwaterfronthotel.com – This 86-room hotel is modern for Salem.
  3. The Merchant – larkhotels.com/hotels/the-merchant-salem – A bold boutique hotel offering 11 large rooms. You can stay where George Washington stayed.
  4. The Hotel Salem – thehotelsalem.com – A 44-room boutique hotel with a rooftop bar and restaurant.
  5. Hampton Inn Salem Boston – Hilton – hilton.com/en/hotels/bossahx-hampton-inn-salem-boston – This large (113 room) hotel includes a fitness center and heated indoor pool.
  6. The Hotel Marblehead – thehotelmarblehead.com – It’s a quick drive to Salem from this small hotel.
  7. The Daniels House – www.danielshousesalem.com – Salem’s oldest inn.

 

Top Restaurants

  1. Finz – hipfinz.com – Fresh seafood with an amazing view of the ocean.
  2. Village Tavern – villagetavernsalem.com – A large American tavern with a game room and nightlife.  
  3. Longboards Restaurant and Bar – longboardsbar.com – This is a popular spot with the locals.
  4. Back Alley Bacon – facebook.com – Make sure you get the current passphrase for this secret Salem restaurant.
  5. O’Neill’s Pub and Restaurant – oneillsofsalem.com – An authentic Irish pub with good food and a relaxed setting.
  6. Sidelines Sports Bar & Grill – sidelinessportsbar.com – Enjoy great food away from the hustle and bustle of downtown.
  7. Red’s Sandwich Shop – redssandwichshop.com – Enjoy a hearty breakfast with the locals.
  8. Ledger Restaurant – ledgersalem.com – A high-end restaurant in an old bank building built in 1818.
  9. Bambolina – bambolinarestaurant.com – Handcrafted artisan pizza cooked in a hand made wood-burning oven imported from Italy.
  10. Lil’ Devil’s Deli – lildevilsdeli.com – The place to go for a good meal on a budget.

More Resources

HALLOWEEN LINKS

  1. hauntedhappenings.org – The official website for Halloween in Salem, Massachusetts
  2. salemweb.com – The City Guide
  3. salem.org – Destination Salem
  4. salem-chamber.org/visitor-info – Salem Chamber of Commerce                                                                                                                                   Instagram: SalemInOctober

MAP LINK

This link will bring you to a map of downtown Salem