Salem, Massachusetts needs no introduction. This New England town is famous for being the site of the 1692 Witch Trials, the first case of recorded mass hysteria in America, and one of the most epic places to go in the fall.<\/p>\n
Visiting Salem in October is a real treat for history buffs and Halloween enthusiasts alike, full of fascinating tours and witchy things to do. Last year, I enjoyed a spooktacular Witch City day trip from Boston with my Aunt and cousin. We absolutely loved visiting the witch attractions and diving deeper into the lore and history. There was a whole lot more going on in this town than what I ever learned in school!<\/p>\n
After my first visit to Salem, I was ready to return every year. There are just so many things to do like visit the infamous Witch House, the Witch Museum, the House of Seven Gables, check out the unique museums and witch shops on Essex Street, plus take an unforgettable Salem walking tour.<\/p>\n
From history to hauntings to holiday festivities, Halloween in Salem is a magical experience. Let\u2019s take a look at the best tours, what to do, and where to stay in Salem, Massachusetts.<\/p>\n October in Salem, Massachusetts is an autumnal dream come true! You won\u2019t even need to ask \u2018Is Salem, MA worth visiting<\/em>\u2018 because the answer is a resounding yes!<\/em><\/p>\n If you\u2019re wondering when\u2019s the best time to visit Salem, MA, October is definitely it! All of the history, hauntings, and Halloween fun is sure to cast a spell on you. An October trip to Salem is so<\/em> worth it, but only if you\u2019re prepared to handle the crowds.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re planning a day trip, the best day to visit Salem depends on what you\u2019re after. Visiting on Monday, even in October, may not provide the atmosphere you\u2019re looking for. Meanwhile, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays are full of visitors and fun activities. A Friday in early October is best for soaking in the fun atmosphere and events, without getting overwhelmed by crowds. Alternatively, if there\u2019s a specific event you want to go to like the Halloween Parade, the Derby Street Carnival, or the Witches Ball<\/a>, check the annual schedule.<\/p>\n Okay, here\u2019s the scary part. If you\u2019re visiting in October, ideally, you should book hotels and tours up to a year in advance when possible. I know, it\u2019s a big commitment. For any last-minute folks, there\u2019s still plenty of fun to be had. If you\u2019re determined to try and snag a last-minute room, your best bet is to contact local spots directly, especially the smaller inns and Airbnbs. You can also follow on social media to see if they post about any cancellations. Good luck!<\/p>\n Keep in mind that Salem is a small town with less than 50,000 residents. As a popular Halloween destination, the fall crowds are unavoidable. If you\u2019re able to, visiting on a weekday will make things easier.<\/p>\n Before we get into the best things to do in Salem, read on and uncover everything you need to know before going to Salem. These important tips will help you decide when and how to visit!<\/p>\n From haunted historical sites to Halloween parades and gorgeous fall foliage, Witch City has no shortage of fun activities to enjoy! Take a look at this list of spooky things to do in Salem.<\/p>\n After doing tons of research to prepare for my day trip to Salem, I\u2019ve put together the perfect itinerary and it all revolves around the alluring witch trials sites.<\/p>\n Here are the can\u2019t-miss Salem, Ma witch attractions, and the best order to visit:<\/p>\n The first thing you should do in Salem is pay a visit to the infamous Salem Witch House<\/a>.<\/p>\n Not only is this historical home the only surviving building with direct ties to the notorious trials, it\u2019s also the perfect place to start your adventures when visiting Salem. Here, you\u2019ll get a unique look at the belief systems and daily life of the historical community that allowed this witch hunt to persist.<\/p>\n Once the residence of Judge Jonathan Corwin, rumor has it this home could be quite haunted. Thankfully, I didn\u2019t see any spooky ghosts, but I did find it fascinating to explore the well-preserved interior and relics of 16th-century Puritan society.<\/p>\n What I learned about their medical practices, their social norms, and even their diets was enough to send some serious shivers down my spine!<\/p>\n For your next stop, I highly recommend diving deeper into the history of the witch trials at the Salem Witch Museum<\/a>. This spooky attraction is the most popular thing to do, and for good reason!<\/p>\n Your museum visit will begin with an impactful multimedia presentation recapping the frightful events of 1692. If you\u2019re like me, fascinated by history, but happy sticking to the highlights, this is the perfect way to refresh all the details you may have forgotten!<\/p>\n Not only was it a great history lesson, I was also really impressed with the storytelling. It was a gripping account of how the witch trial madness began when a group of young girls started making false claims. Soon, the fervor turned into full-blown paranoia, the witchhunt spreading to every corner of the court and community.<\/p>\n Important Note: <\/strong>Tickets are only available online and released on a day-of basis. Reservations shouldn\u2019t be a problem if you log on early in the morning.<\/p>\n Next, head to the Salem Witch Trials Memorial and pay your respects to the 20+ innocent victims whose names and execution dates are engraved on granite benches.<\/p>\n Once convicted as witches, these victims were denied<\/a> a proper burial since cemeteries were seen as sacred grounds. So while their true final resting places remain a mystery, you can honor the lives of Salem women like the defiant Martha Cory, a covenanted member of her church and well-regarded community member.<\/p>\n Next to the memorial, you\u2019ll find the Old Burying Point Cemetery, or Charter Street Cemetery, one of the oldest cemeteries in the United States. Here, you can check out the gravestone of Judge John Hathorne, one of the main witch trial judges.<\/p>\n It was crazy to learn that Judge Hathorne never admitted to any regret or remorse! Pretty sad considering how poorly the courts were run at this time. It was practically impossible for any of the accused to prove their innocence.<\/p>\n FUN FACT:<\/strong> American novelist Nathaniel Hawthorne<\/a>, the great-great-grandson of Judge Hathorne, changed the spelling of his last name to distance himself from his ancestor\u2019s awful crimes.<\/p>\n Even if you\u2019re visiting during spooky season, these staple Salem historical sites are enough of an enigma to give you instant goosebumps. I recommend trying to fit at least one of these activities into your itinerary.<\/p>\n A stop at The House of The Seven Gables<\/a> is a crucial part of any Salem itinerary! Built in 1668, this site near Salem\u2019s waterfront is brimming with intriguing history and spellbinding architecture.<\/p>\n Previously owned by his cousin, Susanna Ingersoll, this enchanting mansion inspired the setting of Nathaniel Hawthorne\u2019s famous novel of the same name.<\/p>\n Honestly, as a former English major and sci-fi nerd, I should\u2019ve been more excited to visit The House of The Seven Gables. However, once I learned I\u2019d get to climb up a secret staircase concealed within the house, I was all in!<\/p>\n Unless you\u2019re a huge literary or history buff, I recommend skipping the guided tour and option for a self-guided visit.<\/p>\n A lot of people skip the Peabody Essex Museum<\/a> when visiting Salem, but if you have time, this is one of the coolest things to do in Salem, especially during Halloween!<\/p>\n Until recently, this highly regarded art museum was home to an authentic collection of actual Witch Trials court documents! While these official records were recently transferred to the Massachusetts State Archives, letters and artifacts from both the accused and their accusers remain on display at PEM.<\/p>\n There are also plenty of other interesting exhibits to check out covering everything from fine art to fashion and even science fiction. Plus, you can take special Halloween-themed tours in the fall to keep it extra spooky!<\/p>\n PRO TIP: <\/strong>Interested in the court documents? Good news! The full collection<\/a> is now available to view for free!<\/p>\n For more local history, head to Pioneer Village in Forest River Park. This authentic recreation of life in early New England was truly like stepping back in time. Wandering through the rows of thatched-roof houses complete with gardens and windmills gave me a distinct feel of what colonial life must have been like. (I don\u2019t think it was for me, tbh!)<\/p>\n Come Halloween, things get even more exciting when Pioneer Village morphs into the magical Salem Night Faire. With live music, psychic readings, and plenty of fun costumes, this is a super fun thing to check out.<\/p>\n The Salem Heritage Trail is a great place to explore during fall, especially if you\u2019re looking for free or cheap things to do. Grab a map and informational pamphlet from the Visitor\u2019s Center and get ready to dive into the highlights of historical Salem!<\/p>\n You can cover most of the sites in just about two hours, without stopping to venture inside any of the historical attractions, of course.<\/p>\n Okay, it\u2019s time to lighten things up a little and explore some of the most fun Halloween activities in Salem, MA. Ready, boys and ghouls?<\/p>\n Okay, I have a confession\u2026 I\u2019m not the biggest Hocus Pocus fan. I know, I know. But if it\u2019s any consolation, I\u2019m a die-hard Halloweentown girl. No? Well\u2026 I tried.<\/p>\n Regardless, I know this is one of the most popular things to do in Salem, Ma so don\u2019t worry, I still put together a list of the most iconic Hocus Pocus sites to round out your epic visit to Salem.<\/p>\n You can\u2019t visit Salem MA without saying hello to Samantha!<\/p>\n The Bewitched Statue, located in Lappin Park, at the intersection of Essex and Washington Streets, is one of the must-visit Salem Instagram spots<\/a>.<\/p>\n This bronze statue of actress Elizabeth Montgomery is a great tribute to the beloved television show, Bewitched, which filmed Season 7 right here in Salem, Massachusetts.<\/p>\n Every October, Salem comes alive with the spirit of Halloween! Checking out the city\u2019s historic homes is one of the best free things to do at any point in the year, but at Halloween, they turn into spooktacular masterpieces with whimsical decorations.<\/p>\n My favorite spot is definitely the James Braden House. This yellow house goes all out, with giant skeletal figures seemingly invading the place and a cascade of gourds tumbling down the stairs. (170 Federal Street)<\/p>\n Here\u2019s where to find more lovely historic homes with fall foliage and Halloween decor:<\/p>\n PS:<\/strong> Hopefully this goes without saying, but people live in these homes so remember to be respectful.<\/p>\n Experience the otherworldly charm of Salem Commons! Every October, this historical park which once functioned as a militia drill site, transforms into a hub of Halloween festivities.<\/p>\n Make sure you check out the Haunted Happenings Marketplace<\/a>, complete with photo opps, food vendors, and fun street performers. Plus, the whole place is totally decked out for Halloween!<\/p>\n The Salem Witches Ball is an enchanting Halloween festivity taking place in Salem. Taking place the Saturday before Halloween, this magical assembly of witches is an event where old traditions are revived with the ignition of hilltop fires, joyous feasts, and spell-casting for the forthcoming year. Attendees can enjoy music, partake in seances, and even receive a glimpse into the future with psychic readings!<\/p>\n Salem is a great place to find unique souvenirs, metaphysical needs, and psychic readings. Although many witch shops in Salem, MA offer goods that may be foreign to some of us like voodoo dolls and ritual tools, they also offer plenty of cute ordinary items like quality candles, self-care supplies, and crystals.<\/p>\n An afternoon exploring these quirky shops along Essex Street is one of my favorite things to do in Salem.<\/p>\n Here are a couple of Salem witch shops I highly recommend:<\/p>\n Did you know Salem is home to a growing community of modern-day witches? Some see witchcraft as a spiritual practice of meditation and prayer, for others, the magic of spellcasting is real.<\/p>\n Whether you fall into either of these buckets or you simply want to have some fun living out your The Craft<\/em> fantasies, Salem is just the place to explore the paranormal and unusual.<\/p>\n Ever wanted your palm or aura read? There is, quite literally, no better place than Salem to have your fortune told.<\/p>\n Head to any of the spots below for a reading at around $35:<\/p>\n Ok so apparently modern-day Satanists don\u2019t actually worship the devil<\/u><\/a>. I know, I was surprised too.<\/p>\n However, a quick scroll through the Satanic Temple\u2019s website shows this brand of Satanists are all about compassion, civil liberties, and community.<\/p>\n After learning there wouldn\u2019t be any sort of scary sacrifices involved, I was actually quite keen on visiting the headquarters of this upstart religion.<\/p>\n Also home to the Salem Art Gallery<\/u><\/a>, a $13 ticket gets you access to a fascinating series of rotating exhibits exploring themes like the ethics of modern labor.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n PS:<\/strong> Intrigued? Learn more with The Little Book of Satanism<\/a> by alternative travel blogger, La Carmina.<\/p>\n I was shocked to learn how many unique museums and interesting hidden gems are hiding in plain sight! These are a few of the most highly recommended museums in Salem:<\/p>\n Personally, I don\u2019t recommend the haunted houses in Salem, MA. I\u2019d heard that they\u2019re designed to get as many tourists in and out as possible. Plus, you can go to a haunted maze just about anywhere. With so many things to do in Salem, this activity was simply a pass.<\/p>\n However, if haunted mazes happen to be what you\u2019re all about, don\u2019t let me hold you back! Here are the most highly-rated attractions in the area:<\/p>\n I\u2019m sure it\u2019s no surprise that Salem, Massachusetts, the one and only Witch City, goes all out for Halloween. While the actual holiday and the weekends leading up to it are as busy and crowded as you\u2019d expect, I can\u2019t deny that this experience is truly one-of-a-kind.<\/p>\n Here are some of the top festivals and events that take place in October:<\/p>\n To truly experience the magic of Salem in October, you absolutely must<\/em> take a walking tour! Salem walking tours offer an unbeatable mix of fascinating history and spine-tingling intrigue.<\/p>\n Each step along the cobblestone paths is like stepping back into a rich, mysterious past. Don\u2019t miss out on one of the best ways to experience Salem\u2019s charm bewitching during the spookiest month of the year.<\/p>\n There\u2019s nothing quite like a ghost tour in Salem in October to fully immerse yourself in the spooky spirit of Halloween. With the \u201cSpellbound Tours\u201d, led by paranormal activity experts who delve into Salem\u2019s gruesome past, you get to unravel the chilling tales of the city\u2019s most haunted spots, each offering a unique, eerie exploration of Salem\u2019s dark history.<\/p>\n These tours are far beyond simple storytelling; they offer a spine-tingling venture into the supernatural, set against the atmospheric backdrop of Salem\u2019s historic streets. It\u2019s the perfect blend of history, mystery, and spookiness and is undoubtedly one of the best activities to engage in during October in Salem!<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n
October in Salem, MA<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Essential Tips for Visiting Salem<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\nSpooky Things to do in Salem<\/strong><\/h2>\n
WITCH TRIALS<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Salem Witch House<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Salem Witch Museum<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Salem Witch Trials Memorial<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Old Burying Point Cemetery<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\nHISTORICAL SITES<\/strong><\/h3>\n
The House of The Seven Gables<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Peabody Essex Museum<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Pioneer Village<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Salem Heritage Trail<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nHALLOWEEN ACTIVITIES<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Hocus Pocus Filming Locations<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Bewitched Statue<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Halloween Decorations<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Salem Commons<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Salem Witches Ball<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nWitch Shops<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\nMetaphysical & Occult<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Tarot Card & Psychic Readings<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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The Satanic Temple<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nQuirky Museums<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\nHAUNTED HOUSES<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\nHalloween in Salem: October Festivals & Events<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\nBest Salem Tours in October<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Ghost Tour<\/strong><\/h3>\n