Things To Do in Salem MA: One Day Itinerary
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The port city of Salem Massachusetts is the site of the infamous witch trials of 1692. The city celebrates its unique history with well-preserved cemeteries, colonial-era buildings, and ancient commons. Many witch themed museums, attractions, and shops add to the city’s color. Our article on things to do in Salem MA will give you the low-down on how to spend one day in Witch City.
The picturesque New England town of Salem is where the movie Hocus Pocus was filmed. In October, the city invites visitors to come in costume to enjoy it’s Haunted Happening events. A day in Salem is educational and entertaining year-round, but in autumn the fun quotient really ramps up!
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ALL ABOUT SALEM MA
Salem is a coastal city on Massachusetts’ North Shore. The city was once a thriving sea port. It is the birthplace of Nathaniel Hawthorne, and has several significant historical sites including the world-renowned Peabody Essex Museum. Salem is most famous for the Salem Witch Trials of 1692.
During this era, over two-hundred residents of colonial Salem were accused of practicing witchcraft. Nineteen were ultimately hanged after being found guilty. Today, Salem embraces its past in many including displaying its “Witch City” logo on city vehicles and buildings.
THINGS TO DO IN SALEM MA
Salem is home to more than 25 witch-themed museums, attractions, and haunted houses. The city center hosts several witch shops, occult shops, and psychics. Throughout the Downtown, Waterfront, and McIntire Historic Districts, Salem’s Witch Trial past is memorialized in statues and monuments.
The Salem Heritage Trail is a self-guided route that links historic sites and leads walkers through 400 years of Salem’s history. Following a brick trail, the path takes in the Salem Witch Museum, Witch Dungeon Museum, Salem Commons, and the Charter Street Cemetery.
WHEN TO VISIT SALEM MA
Salem is a great family trip any day of the year. Most museums, shops, attractions, and restaurants are open year-round. Trips to the Peabody Essex Museum, Nathaniel Hawthorne’s House of Seven Gables, and the Salem Maritime National Historic Site are always worthwhile.
Salem, Massachusetts in October, though, can’t be beat. The city puts on an annual “Salem Haunted Happenings” event that features festivals, parades, parties, and concerts. During this time, visitors are encouraged to attend in costume. During the Halloween season, the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall is alive with witches and goblins of all ages from morning until into the night.
SALEM MA PARKING & LOGISTICS
The majority of Salem’s most-visited sites are packed into a walkable area between the small Waterfront, Downtown, and McIntire Historic districts. There is an MBTA commuter rail station near the Downtown district, but most people arrive by car.
Salem Regional Visitor Center
Located in the downtown district the visitor center is a great place to pick up maps, use the restrooms, and find out about events.
Parking
There is metered parking in the street (but it is resident only in October!). There are three convenient city parking garages; Museum Place Garage, Church Street West Lot, and South Harbor Garage. We prefer Museum Place as it is across the street from the visitor center. Prices are per hour (up to $30.00 per day on weekends as of this writing).
Shuttles
Downtown parking lots fill up early on weekends near the end of October. See the Visitor Center website for information on satellite parking sites with shuttles into downtown. This can be a good option for those visiting in the later afternoon/evening.
SALEM MA ONE DAY ITINERARY
Begin your day at the Salem Regional Visitor Center. Pick up maps and learn about any special scheduled events. Find the Heritage Trail (painted brick path) behind the Visitor Center and walk to the Roger Conant Statue (founder of Salem) at the intersection of Washington, Hawthorne, and Brown Streets.
Visit the Salem Witch Museum and learn about the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Through life-size stage sets, figures, and narration, experience the drama of the Salem witch hunt. Then, walk through the “Witches: Evolving Perceptions” exhibit to discover facts about the evolution of the image of the witch over time. Onsite, there is a nice gift shop and restrooms.
Before leaving the area stroll Salem Common. The pretty 8-acre public park stays busy with shows, markets, and festivals. Also, a short distance away is the Howard Street Cemetery where accused witch Giles Corey was said to be tortured by being pressed to death because he refused to stand trial.
Make your way down Hawthorne Street, passing the Nathaniel Hawthorne Statue. Turn on to Charter Street. After one block take Liberty Street to the entrance of the Charter Street Cemetery (aka Old Burying Point). Slow a bit, and explore this fascinating area.
The Charter Street Cemetery was established in 1637, and is the oldest cemetery in Salem. It is the final resting place of several prominent citizens including Doraty Cromall (oldest marker, died 1637), Mary Corey (whose husband Giles was pressed to death), and John Hawthorne (a judge at the witch trials).
Adjacent to the cemetery is the lovely and evocative Witch Trials Memorial. The memorial honors the innocent victims of the 1692 witch hysteria; 19 who were hanged, 1 pressed to death, and 5 who died in jail. (The accused are not resting in the cemetery as they did not receive Christian burials.)
Also, in this area you will find the New England Pirate Museum, Salem Witch Village, Pentagram Witchcraft and Magick Shoppe, Salem Wax Museum, and many other unusual and interesting shops and attractions to enjoy.
By now you will be ready for some sustenance. Head up Derby Street along the waterfront. Enjoy a meal of fresh seafood by Salem Harbor, and then check out the shops of Wharf Street. Meander along the Central and Derby Wharfs by the Salem Maritime National Historic Site. If you are a fan of Nathaniel Hawthorne, visit the nearby House of Seven Gables.
Next, explore the side streets of Salem until you make your way back to the city center. Spend the rest of your day exploring the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall and nearby neighborhoods. The lively area is full of unique shops, museums, restaurants, bars, businesses, and entertainment venues.
The cobblestone and brick streets of Essex Street are closed to vehicle travel and full of costumed party-goers during autumn. On Essex Street you can find stores selling witches clothing, wands, and spell-casting supplies. Many tours highlighting Salem’s witches, haunted sites, and history leave from this area. Take one before heading home.
Hope you have a witchin’ good time, Laura and Randy
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