Salem is one of the most attractive destinations in the US. Situated in the Massachusetts districts, this place provides some splendid things to do and wonderful, charming scenes.
In this article, you will explore the 11 Amazing Things to do in Salem, MA, and discover why it is worth visiting.
Things to Do in Salem, MA: Top 11 Options
Every place in this world is well-known for its respective features. In Salem, the same thing is regarded as the famous Peabody Essex Museum, which consists of wonderful artifacts and global arts.
Apart from that, wandering in the film sites from Hocus Pocus, viewing the Witch House, participating in the virtual costume contest, and many more are present, which come under the list of best things to do in Salem, MA.
1. Wonder the Legendary Peabody Essex Museum
One of the best attractions in Salem is the famous Peabody Essex Museum. Many people visit this place and view the splendid artifacts and art in this building’s corners.
Don’t forget to see the Salem witch trials exhibit, one of the most-watched things there. For thirty years, it is for the first time that the museum has shown original but rare documents from the trials.
A guidebook for witch hunters, a 1494 copy of the infamous Malleus Maleficarum, and many more exciting things are there, which you can’t see online or from any other source.
2. Enjoy the Ride on the Salem Trolley
One of the best, or probably topping the list of best things to do in Salem, MA, is experiencing the Salem trolley ride. Besides, it is also one of the best ways to view most of the city throughout the journey.
See the famous attractions, including the House of the Seven Gables, Salem Witch Museum, Witch Dungeon Museum, Old Burying Point Cemetery, and many more.
You can discover it at night when it gets transformed into Tales and Tombstones Trolley, which presents murders that happened long ago, which is indeed scary and enough to make you have a cold sweat.
3. Make Yourself Ready for the Virtual Costume Contest
As specified earlier, Halloween in Salem is an experience worth remembering. In today’s digital world, a special arrangement is organized to enjoy Halloween even better.
There is a contest named Halloween at the Home costume contest, where the winner gets 500 dollars.
You can also be a part of it if you visit the city in October, as the contest only takes place then.
4. The Salem Witch Trials Memorial
Another option from the list of things to do in Salem is visiting the Salem Witch Trials. Having its roots in Hysteria, it also bears a past story.
Approximately 200 people were blamed for practicing witchcraft, and among them, 25 died. The significant reason for this is that all the women there pointed fingers at each other.
Various misconceptions and myths exist regarding having a daytime walking tour in that place, with many common beliefs.
However, this area permits private tours in Salem only. You may have to take special permission to go here.
5. Visit the House of the Seven Gables
House of Seven Gables is also intimately connected with Nathaniel Hawthorne. It is also one of the oldest homes made of timber, which is indeed worth visiting.
You will experience a guided tour and learn about its past, how it grew from a two-room, two-story house to a big 17-room house, acquiring 8,000 square feet and having a Georgian construction style.
You will know about its architectural evolution since the years of its growth. The real fun is climbing a hidden passageway, looking at the walls, and finding an esoteric staircase.
Overall, by coming here, you can figure out what the word “gables” means in the name “House of Seven Gables.”
The grounds and the gardens are only open at a scheduled time; you can also access this place via online tickets.
6. View the Hocus Pocus Famous Movie Sites
If you are an 80s or 90s kid and have seen the classic Halloween film Hocus Pocus, don’t forget to wonder about the movie sites. The shooting of this famous film took place in Salem, starring the legendary actress Bette Midler.
The movie shooting sites include the Phillips Elementary School, Ropes Mansion, the Old Town Village, and Pioneer Village.
These places are shooting sports for Halloween scenes only. Another thing to remember is that October is generally considered the best time to visit Salem.
It is the time when it perfectly reminisces about this movie.
Moreover, Hocus Pocus and this city are adorned with many other film shooting sites, which you can wonder about, not even taking tour guides.
7. Wander the Salem Witch Museum
One of the most popular things in Salem, MA, is wandering the Salem witch museum. Even the museum is necessary for Salem, Massachusetts, in October.
It is also the most visited place in the city, so don’t forget to ask if you are ever planning a trip to Salem.
The first part of the museum tour left us stunned. It was awe-striking with its extraordinary act about the witch hunt trials in 1692 in the dark, theatrical environment.
The Narration takes place for about 20 minutes yet captivates the heart and stays in the viewers’ minds with its marveling theatrics without real humans and mere chilling recordings and grave voices.
8. See the Witch House
This historical building of the 17th century is the only one still standing on the soil of Salem.
It also bears a significant historical essence, as it is directly tied to the trials of the witch. It is one of the popular destinations for tourists visiting Salem.
This house is where Judge Jonathan Corwin lived, who once sent 19 people to the gallows in court.
At present, visitors are allowed here to wander the corners of the house with furnishings and architecture. You will gain a brief view of the life of Salem residents in the year 1692.
9. Bewitched Statue
Another good option from the list of top things to do in Salem is wondering about the Bewitched statue.
If you are a kind of ’70s or ’80s, you will probably know Bewitched’s famous TV show, casting Elizabeth Montogomery.
Several episodes of the shooting of this show took place here, which is viewed by many fans.
On the 40th birth anniversary of the sitcom, in 2005, it was landmarked by rooting a statue of Montgomery in Lapping Park of Salem, one of the most popular and photographed substances in Salem city.
10. The Salem Maritime National Historic Site
One of the greatest things to do in Salem is visit the famous Maritime National Historic Site of Salem.
This legendary place consists of 12 historic structures, and it is also the first National Historic Site, set up by the US in 1938 on the 17th of March.
On the 40th birth anniversary of the sitcom, in 2005, it was landmarked by rooting a statue of Montgomery in Lapping Park of Salem, one of the most popular and photographed substances in Salem city.
11. Fall Foliage
According to many viewers, this destination in Salem is the most attractive place. You will be thrilled by the amazing beauty of the site and can even think of anything else once you get accustomed to that delicacy.
It is also a famous shooting site for many Hollywood movies.
Closing Thoughts
Going to Salem signifies you will be surrounded by colorful autumn beauty.
This place is amazing for leaf peeping, and you can have a lovely time, too, while enjoying a walk there.
However, wherever you go in Salem, you will experience charming shades of yellow, red, and orange.
Still, apart from that, Fall Foliage is a place where you will gain a lifetime experience by wondering about its marvelousness.
Hence, you now have a fair idea of Salem. Overall, it is certainly a place worth visiting, with wonderful destinations and things through which you can enjoy your trip to the fullest.
Just make a decent plan, execute it, and make your journey phenomenal!
