Salem Massachusetts Halloween Travel Guide
L: Witch Trials Memorial, R: Charter Street Cemetery
What is Salem Massachusetts famous for?
How many days should you spend in Salem MA?
If you’re wondering how many days you need to visit Salem Massachusetts I’ve been two different times. I’ve done half a day in Salem Massachusetts and two nights, three days in Salem Massachusetts this trip and it just depends on how much you want to see and do. I think the latter was the perfect amount of time. I would also consider how long it will take you to get there.
From lower Westchester County New York, it takes around four hours to get to Salem, so it’s not something you want to do for a day trip. This first time I went to Salem I did just the morning and afternoon as I was heading to stay overnight in another historic Massachusetts town, Lexington. If you’re two hours away or less, I think you can accomplish a lot in a day.
L: Bewitched Statue R: Nathaniel Hawthorne Birthplace
What sights should I see in Salem Massachusetts
- Salem Witch Board Museum – Contains one of the largest known collections of ouija boards.
- Charter Street Cemetery & Salem Witch Trials Memorial – Outside and free to walk and check out. If you do the Bewitched Tour this is one of the stops and they share more detail.
- The Witch House – This isn’t the home of a witch. It was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin (1640–1718) and is the only structure you can visit in Salem with direct ties to the Salem witch trials of 1692.
- The Bewitched Statue – After the LA set of Bewitched caught fire in June of 1970, they hit the road a filmed in Salem! They even filmed in the Hawthorne Hotel. The statue is located at the end of the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall.
- House of the Seven Gables – We got grows passes and did the audio tour on our own. It’s totally worth it to see the inside of the grounds! You can also access the gift store and the Nathaniel Hawthorne Birthplace.
- Derby Waterfront District – Don’t miss the Customs House. Built-in 1815, Nathaniel Hawthorne worked at the Customs House for 3 years. Hawthorne featured it in the novel “the Scarlet Letter.”
- Witch History Museum – We didn’t have time for the tour, but we pass by. They cover not only what happened to witches in Salem but all 34 towns and villages of Essex County.
- 1630 Pioneer Village – Open Saturday and Sunday only we were so mad to miss this. Built-in 1930 the village contains various examples of colonial architecture: dugouts, wigwams, thatched roof cottages, and the Governor’s Faire House.
Hocus Pocus Filming Locations in Salem Massachusetts
- The Ropes Mansion (Alison’s House in Hocus Pocus!) is located in the McIntire Historic District. Take a stroll down Essex Street and take note of all the historical homes. Many of them have plaques that share when they were built and anyone notable who originally lived there. As for the Ropes Mansion don’t miss the garden in the back!
- Old Town Hall – The earliest surviving municipal structure in Salem, Old Town Hall has been used as a public hall and is still used today! It was also in Hocus Pocus!
- Hocus Pocus Dani & Max’s House – 4 Ocean Ave. Perfect for a quick stop on the way home.
L to R: House of the Seven Gables, Old Town Hall, Ropes Mansion (Alison’s House, Hocus Pocus)
What are the best Stores in Salem Massachusetts?
- Wynotts Wands – This store is straight out of Harry Potter and yes, you can buy wands here. The woman who was working that day was so fun and knew so much about the wands!
- Witch City Consignment & Thrift – If you love hunting for antiques this is the spot for you. It’s quite a large store with everything from Halloween decor to clothing.
- Haus Witch – Great spot to pick up witchy handmade products and gifts that feel luxe.
- Nocturne Salem – There’s a little bit of everything here including antiques. Another good spot for quality items.
- Black Craft Cult – If you like more gothic style, and graphic clothing this is the spot for you. And if you don’t you should still check it out. It’s located in an old bank and the decor is next level!
- Emporium 32 – I LOVED this store. I swear if there was one in Westchester I would go broke. They had some of the most unique items. Posters, candles, liquor bottles, jewelry, and so many truly unique items.
- Hex Old World Witchery – Complete with a witch’s altar where you can leave a message to your loved ones who have passed on, to their full line of witch’s herbal supplements, tart cards, voodoo dolls, and candles they had it all.
- Newbury Comics – A literal step back into the 80s/90s, Newbury Comics has tons of vinyl records, music, and pop culture goodies.
- J Mode – I loved this little (not Halloween-themed) boutique, with everyday clothing and accessories.
What is the best hotel to stay at in Salem Massachusetts?
We stayed at Hawthorne Hotel and I’m so happy we did! It’s central to everything in Salem, parking is included, they have coffee in the lobby every morning, and if you’re into it, some rooms are even haunted! Room 325 is said to be the most haunted room in the hotel.
What are the best restaurants in Salem Massachusetts?
Salem had some great food! I don’t think there was a place I didn’t like. I always recommend making a reservation just in case. We went during the week in September, and while nowhere we went was that busy, Salem just gets busier as the season progresses.
L to R: Breakfast at Nathaniel’s in the Hawthorne Hotel, Outside Jaho Coffee Salem, Red’s Sandwich Shop, Room on the Broom Special
Breakfast / Coffee
- Front Street Coffee House – Offering coffee, juice, smoothies, sandwiches, soups, salads & baked goods, this coffee shop is a perfect midday break spot while exploring.
- Red’s Sandwich Shop – Located in the historic London Coffee House building in downtown Salem, MA. I’ve had the chocolate chip pancake before and it was larger than life (and larger than my head)! Get the room on the broom if it’s on the special list! Indoor and outdoor seating is available.
- Nathaniel’s Restaurant – We stayed at the Hawthorne Hotel where Nathaniel’s is located, but it’s worth stopping by for breakfast anyway. I got eggs, bacon, and a toasted muffin and you know when a basic breakfast is that good? This was that good!
- Jaho Coffee Salem – So many fun seasonally themed coffee, teas, drinks, and baked goods!
Lunch / Dinner
- Rockafellas Of Salem – The upstairs of the Faniel Low & Co building used to be home to Salem’s first church and now it’s used for Weddings. The main level where Rockafellas is located was last the National Exchange bank and you can still see the vault! Don’t miss the roasted pear and walnut salad and pulled pork flatbread.
- Finz Seafood & Grill – Located on the harbor with indoor or outdoor seating and ocean views. Get the Street corn shrimp, lobster roll, and crab stuffed cod.
- Ledger Restaurant & Bar – Another beautiful location, this restaurant lives in the former Salem Savings Bank building (circa 1818). Get the peach and tomato salad and wood-grilled carrots.
- Adriatic Restaurant and Bar – If I had to pick a favorite meal it’s definitely between Adriatic and Finz. Get the bag of munchkins, grilled halloumi cheese, and the Picante flatbread.
Sweets
- Maria’s Sweet Somethings – Perfect for an ice cream pit stop when you’re walking through town!
- Caramel Patisserie – A delicious french bakery, don’t leave Salem without a box of their macarons. They truly change the game.
L to R: Finz Seafood Salem (Rolls and honey butter, Street Corn Shrimp, Roasted honey-nut squash, Rhode Island Calamari), Adriatic Salem (Fresh figs, prosciutto, ricotta, grilled halloumi cheese, bag of munchkins), Rockafellas of Salem (roasted pear and walnut salad, mushroom & swiss burger, pulled pork flatbread)
What should I wear in Salem Massachusetts?
The lunch and dinner restaurants I shared are a bit upscale so you can definitely get a little dressed up. Walking around I definitely went with comfort, there’s a lot of walking to do, and it’s much easier to see everything on foot than trying to drive around and find parking.
I brought my Koolaburra by UGG Advay booties and I’m so happy I did. They were warm, and comfortable and worked with almost every outfit I brought.
And if you want to wear a costume or something festive go for it! There are always plenty of people dressed up!
