From ghost sightings to an intriguing history of witch trials, Salem, MA, is filled with hauntings and magic. Salem, known as “Witch City,” is a must-visit if you are interested in the paranormal or metaphysical world. Although, you don’t have to be interested in witchcraft to visit. Visiting Salem in the fall is a festival for all. This idyllic New England town is filled with history, beautiful Federalist architecture, and something for everybody. Let’s dive into the top things to do in Salem around Halloween.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Salem for Halloween?
The best time to visit Salem, MA, depends on what you want to experience. From October 1st to 31st, the town has its annual Haunted Happenings festival, filled with celebrations. Visiting on Halloween day is a bucket list experience, although extraordinarily crowded. Plan to arrive early to enjoy the festivities if you visit on Halloween.
While I visited Salem in October, during this last visit, I went in September to avoid the massive crowds. Late September was the perfect mix of Halloween hauntings without being too wild or busy. From what I heard from the guides in town, September has extended into the busy season for Salem as the town’s popularity grows. I arrived in Salem for my day trip around noon and snagged a parking spot at the MBTA commuter train station lot for $6/day.
How to Get To Salem in October
Salem, MA, is located on the North Shore of Massachusetts. It is 22 miles north of Boston, approximately a 40-minute drive with smooth traffic. The closest major airport is Boston Logan if you are flying in to experience Salem.
Public transportation is the best way to get to Salem, MA, in October. Parking and traffic are tricky to navigate anytime in October, and the MBTA commuter rail station is a short 5-10-minute walk from the center of town. Salem is on the Newburyport/Rockport MBTA line. If you’re traveling from Boston, the train costs $8 for a one-way fair and takes around 30-40 minutes to reach Salem.
The ferry also runs from Boston to Salem. You can cruise from Long Warf in Boston to Salem and enjoy a scenic 50-minute sail up the beautiful New England coastline. The cost is $25 each way.
If you drive, plan to arrive either very early in the morning or give yourself a massive window of time to find parking. I was advised finding a parking space could take 1-2 hours. Although, I arrived at noon and could easily get a spot at the MBTA lot. While there is metered parking in the city, it is hard to find, and it’s recommended that you download the Passport Parking App before arrival.
Paid parking is available at the Salem MBTA station at 252 Bridge Street and the mall garage at 1 New Liberty Street. Both of which fill up fast.
Top Things to Do In Salem Around Halloween
Now, let’s get to the fun stuff. What to do! There’s plenty to do and explore in Salem. It’s perfect for a day trip if you’re in New England.
Stroll Salem Haunted Happenings
Salem Haunted Happenings is a street festival held every October 1 through 31 in Salem Common and Derby Square. Over half a million visitors visit Salem each October to experience the festivities, which include street vendors, entertainment, and psychic readings.
Explore Essex Street
Street performers, metaphysical stores, psychics, cafes, and restaurants all line the main walking thoroughfare of downtown Salem; Essex Street. Learn about spells, witchcraft, and the metaphysical world in all of the unique stores that line the streets.
Visit The Salem Witch Museum
The Salem Witch Museum is a must see to learn the history of the infamous Salem witch trials in the 1690’s. Dramatic narration through life sized sets helps to bring the story to life and re-tell a dark period of American history.
Take a Ghostly Walking Tour
Walking tours are by far my favorite way to experience a new city. The history, local insight from the guides, and stories continually deepen my understanding of a new place. Salem is no exception. There are dozens of walking tours happening every given day around the city. Book a tour and let your guide take you through the history and hauntings of Salem. In fact, many of the things listed on this page can be viewed on the many walking tours that circle the city.
I highly recommend Witch City Walking Tours. I did their “History and Hauntings” tour and was extremely impressed by the vast variety of information presented on the tour.
Wear Your Best Costume
Salem in October is a place you can fully embrace Halloween. You can wear a costume, a witches hat, or whatever makes you feel comfortable. Whatever you wear I highly recommend complementing your outfit with comfortable walking shoes. Not only will you do a lot of walking around town, but the cobblestone streets and sidewalks are slightly uneven. Not a place to trek around in heels.
Don’t want to wear a costume? No worries. Dress in what makes you comfortable for a fall day in New England. I chose to wear sturdy hiking boots, comfy pants, a hat, and layers.
Visit “The Witch House”
Did you know that the most renown witch house of Salem, MA never housed a witch? The Witch House was home of Jonathan Corwin, the judge who reigned over the famous witch trials. The house stands as an example of early American architecture and is one of the last standing structures from the 1690’s.
Learn the “Bewitched” History of Salem
The popularity of Salem in modern-day witch history stemmed more from the Bewitched television show in the 1970s than the actual witch trials. During an 8-part series in the show’s storyline, Samantha, a modern-day witch, goes to Salem. According to historians, this is what launched Salem into witch history. To pay homage to the show, there’s a statue of Samantha right in the center of Salem.
See the Hocus-Pocus Sites
Elder millennials like myself will remember the childlike awe of watching Hocus Pocus when it first came out in 1993. Much of the filming was done in Salem, and you can easily see the famous locations used in the movie. here are even Hocus Pocus walking tours which take you directly to the filming locations. The Ropes mansion, which was Allison’s house in the movie is easy to view at 318 Essex Street. Behind the house sits beautiful public gardens that you can stroll through as well.
Explore the Peabody-Essex Museum
The Peabody-Essex Museum is wonderfully curated with artwork from around the world. Including, pieces local to Salem’s witch history. Salem’s maritime history connects Salem to the world, and you can experience those ties at the Peabody-Essex Museum in their galleries.
Pay Tribute at The Witch Memorials
Twenty innocent victims died in the Salem witch trials between June 1692 and March 1693. The Witch Memorial, located across the street from the Peabody-Essex Museam, has a stone for each person who lost their life in the trials surrounding a garden.
And with that we end the top things to do in Salem around Halloween. Hope that you have an amazing trip and enjoy your time in the witch city!
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