Salem Village Parsonage Site

If you want to see the place where it all began, this is the spot to visit. The Salem Parsonage site marks where Samuel Parris and his family lived, including the family’s enslaved woman, Tituba, Abigail Williams, and Betty Parris. Betty and Abigail were the young girls who first threw accusations of witchcraft.

Witch Dungeon Museum

The Witch Dungeon Museum is a great way to see what life was like for those accused of witchcraft in the 1600’s. You’ll watch a re-enactment of a witch trial, and then be led down to a recreation of a dungeon the accused would have been kept in. Tickets can be purchased upon arrival. The museum is open daily from April to November.

The Salem Witch Trials Memorial

The Witch trials Memorial is located on Liberty Street just behind the Salem Witch Village. The memorial is made up of 20 stone benches, each bearing the name of someone who fell victim to the witch hysteria of 1692, and was executed because of it. It is a great place to pay your respects to the victims.

Proctor’s Ledge Memorial

Proctor’s Ledge Memorial is a memorial dedicated to the nineteen people hanged during the witch trials. It lies at the base of Gallow’s Hill, the location where the executions took place.

Old Burying Point Cemetery

Adjacent to the Witch Trials Memorial is the Old Burying Point Cemetery, also called the Charter Street Cemetery. It is the oldest cemetery in Salem and one of the oldest in the United States. There are several Hathorne family members buried here including witch trials magistrate John Hathorne.

The Jonathan Corwin House aka The Witch House

The Witch House is a favorite photo stop for many visitor’s. The interior of the house is just as cool as the black exterior. It is the former home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, who signed arrest warrants for many of the accused witch trial victims. 80% of the house is original to the 1600’s. There is a no photo/video policy inside the house and tours run every ten minutes. Tickets must be purchased in advance and masks are still required inside as of Summer 2021.

The Witch History Museum

The House of the Seven Gables

The House of the Seven Gables is a historic site in Salem. It has changed hands many times throughout history but is widely known from the book by Nathaniel Hawthorne of the same name. It sits on Salem Harbor and offers tours of the interior and the gardens. There is so much history surrounding this house involving the Revolutionary War, slavery, philanthropy and more. It is my favorite place in Salem so I highly recommend learning a bit about it and checking it out.

The Peabody Essex Museum

This museum has incredible exhibits and holds over 840,000 pieces of historical and cultural art spanning from Asian to African to Oceanic. The museum also boasts two libraries holding over 400,000 manuscripts and books. Current exhibits can be found on their website below.

Ye Olde Pepper Co.

Ye Olde Pepper Companie is the oldest candy company in America. The company was started in 1806, and early on the candies were peddled from the first church of Salem and sold by horse and cart, which is depicted in their current logo. They sell old fashioned candies and newer items, still using very old machines to make some of their candies. The shop opened in 1973 and sells salt water taffy and fudge among many other items.

Pioneer Village

Pioneer village is a great way to see what colonial life was like in the 17th century. You’ll see cottages with thatched roofs, a blacksmith shop, and other structures depicting the way people lived. It is open on weekends, though during Haunted Happenings it may be open during the week as well.

Chestnut Street

Chestnut Street is part of Salem’s McIntire Historic District, and it is breathtaking. If you love seeing old, gorgeous homes, definitely take a stroll down Chestnut Street and you will not regret it. It is just a block away from Ropes Mansion, and is stunning.

The Phillip’s House

The Phillip’s House is located on Chestnut Street in Salem’s McIntire Historic District. It is the only home on Chestnut Street open to the public. You can tour the house/museum and see what life was like for a family living there in the 1800’s.

Salem Maritime National Historic Site

The Salem Maritime National Historic Site was the first National Historic Site in the United States. It is right off Derby Street and preserves a part of the Salem waterfront. You can learn all about Salem’s maritime history here and even talk a walk on the ship. Check to make sure it is open to visitors before you go.

Jolie Tea Company

Jolie Tea Company is a must do for any tea lovers. This place has an entire wall of loose tea to choose from, and they offer high tea! You do need reservations for high tea, which comes with a menu of small bites perfect for a tea party. It is so quaint!

Saugus Iron Works National Historical Site

Saugus Iron Works is the sibling site of the Maritime Site. It’s touted as one of the birthplaces of the American steel and iron industries. It is about a twenty minutes drive outside of Salem.

Pickering Wharf

Salem’s Pickering Wharf has a ton of shops, bars, and restaurants tucked away behind Derby Street. It is right next to the Maritime National Historic Site. If you love seafood, there are a ton of options in the Pickering Wharf. If you have a boat, you can dock for lunch or dinner. Take in the waterfront views and enjoy the scenery.

Salem Trolley

I know tours sound…well, touristy, but I highly recommend taking a trolley tour in Salem. It is a great way to see most of the city, and learn a lot about it’s history while you take a break from walking! You’ll travel down most of Essex Street, Derby Street, head over to The Willows, Juniper Point Beach, Dead Horse Beach, and back to Essex Street again where the trolley begins and ends its tour.

Walking Tours

There are so many different walking tours in Salem. There are historical tours, ghost tours, Hocus Pocus Tours, you name it. Some are related to or include the witch trials. Some of the tours you can take include Witch City Walking Tours, Bewitched After Dark Walking Tours, Spellbound Tours, The Salem Witch Walk, Black Cat Tours, Satanic Salem Walking Tours, Hocus Pocus Tours, Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tours, and on and on and on.

Real Pirates

This new museum gives a comprehensive look at the real pirates that once existed in Salem. Learn the story of Black Sam Bellamy. There are a couple different tours you can take, and even some photo booth experiences.

The Salem Museum

The Salem Museum is a small museum located in the Old Town Hall. While the museum is only in one room, it provides a lot of information on Salem’s history on large banners. It’s an inexpensive way to learn some overall history of Salem including its history in the Revolutionary War, slavery, and the witch hysteria.

The Satanic Temple of Salem

The Satanic Temple is in the Salem Art Gallery and boasts the infamous Baphomet statue in the photo. The gallery features the work of various artists, and holds ceremonial events, lectures, and more. There is a lot of really great information throughout the museum so be sure to take your time walking through. You can also rent a room at TST for the night and enjoy the victorian building that was once a funeral home.

Black Veil Studio

Black Veil is the most gorgeous tattoo parlor I have ever seen. The studio is co-owned by identical twins and talented artists Matthew and Ryan Murray. Their tagline is “black & grey for the grim hearted,” and their work is certainly grim while absolutely stunning. I could spend hours in this shop.

Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery

If you’re a horror fiend, this place is definitely worth a visit. It’s a small museum with wax figures and very interesting information about horror films and the actors/actresses who were in them. Pictures aren’t allowed inside so you won’t find any online. Definitely a good stop for horror lovers!

International Monster Museum

This museum is located in the Witch City Mall and has figurines of all your favorite monsters. There’s everything from Dracula to creepy leprechauns to Demagorgons.

The Halloween Museum

This museum is fairly new having opened just three years ago. It is super fun and kid-friendly. The entire museum is black-lit, and you are provided with 3D glasses upon entering, which you can remove at any time. There are nostalgic Halloween items, movie props, and cool sets like this one of the Salem Custom House.

The Salem Witch Board Museum

The Salem Witch Board Museum is a must see if you’re intrigued by ouija boards, talking boards, witch boards…whatever you like to call them-this place has a ton of them. This is supposedly the only museum in the world dedicated to the history of ouija boards. The collection is massive, and belongs to one individual who was generous enough to display it for us all to see.

Salem Witch Village

The Salem Witch Village is located right in front of Old Burial Hill Cemetery. It is jam packed during Haunted Happenings. There are food vendors, chowder in bread bowls, and attractions here along with a couple shops.

Cry Innocent

Cry Innocent is a theatrical performance put on throughout September & October. You become a juror on one of the infamous witch trials, and must decide if the accused is guilty or innocent. It begins out on Essex Street, and leads participants into a mock court room in Town Hall.

Witches Circle

The annual witches circle takes place on October 31 and is a time to honor those who are no longer with us on the day when the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest. The circle takes place on Salem Common and is free and open to anyone who wishes to attend or participate.

Haunted Happenings Marketplace

Haunted Happening Marketplace has moved to the Salem Common in recent years. You can find it under the glowing orange string lights. There are vendors, performers, food, and photo ops galore.

Howl-o-Ween Pet Parade

I love watching the pet costume contest! Check the Haunted Happenings calendar to see when it is taking place this year. If you’re a pet lover, you’ll want to see all these fur buds decked out for Halloween!

Salem Night Faire

The Salem Night Faire is a dark arts and theatrical night faire run by Black Veil Studio and only takes place on two weekends in October. This year it is the last two weekends of October. The faire is located in Pioneer Village and runs on Friday & Saturday of both weekends from 5-10 p.m.

Juniper Point Beach

There are Juniper point beaches 1 and 2. If you’re in Salem during Summer, these are great places to cool off and enjoy the gorgeous views.

Dead Horse Beach

Dead Horse beach is named as such because townspeople used to bury their dead horses at the beach. Yikes. It’s shed it’s unfortunate past though and is now a popular beach for locals to visit.

The Salem Willows

If you’re looking for a peaceful stroll anytime of day, the Willows is the spot. It is a serene park lined with Willow trees. There is also food at the Willlows and a huge arcade.

4 Ocean Avenue

This house was the Dennison home in the film. You’ll easily recognize it from the street. It is a private residence so be respectful and stay off the actual property. You’re welcome to take photos outside. It is not within close walking distance to downtown Salem, so you’ll likely need to drive there. It is just a few minutes from Pioneer Village-another filming location.

Ropes Mansion

Ropes Mansion was Alison’s house in the film. Only the exterior was used for shooting, and not the inside. Be sure to check out the gardens in the back. If you want to tour the inside, tours are self-guided and free. They take place Saturdays and Sundays through October. You can visit the garden anytime during operating hours for free.

Jacob Bailey High School

This building was Max and Alison’s High School in the film. It is right across from the Salem Common and down a few houses from the Hawthorne Hotel. You can’t miss it!

Pioneer Village

Pioneer Village was where Emily and Thackery’s home was in the film. During October, the exact cottage used for filming is decorated.

Old Burial Hill

This is the cemetery where Max runs into Jay and Ernie…sorry, ICE, for the first time. It is outside of Salem in Marblehead so you’ll want to drive to this location too. Wilmot Redd, a victim of the witch trials, is also buried here next to Redd’s pond.

Salem City Hall/Old Town Hall

The Town Hall is right in the center of downtown Salem off a side street. Be sure to visit the back of it, which faces Essex Street, as that is where they filmed everyone spilling out onto the street after the Halloween party, not the front. You can see the staircase to the left of the back entrance where everyone was exiting in the film.

Witch City Wicks

Witch City Wicks is one of my favorite shops in Salem. The candles are to die for. I burn their Christmas Mourning candle year round because it’s that good. They sell wax melts, candles, room sprays, perfume oils, incense, and travel tins, which are the best idea ever. FYI-their collections sell out pretty quickly, especially Halloween and Holiday candles!

Coven Beauty Company

Coven Beauty Company is a newer Salem shop with black on black everything. The store carries clothing, hats, chokers and earrings, beauty products including the most amazing lipstick, purses, and more. The staff is some of the friendliest I’ve come upon. Coven is in the Pickering Wharf area off Derby Street.

Vampfangs

Vampfangs is right on Essex Street and sells clothing, coffee beans, jewelry, incense, and of course fangs. They carry Killstar, Dark Alchemy, Blackcraft, and a few other brands. The store smells amazing all the time from their incense and the staff is super helpful and friendly.

Die With Your Boots On

This is the ultimate shop for all your goth needs. DWYBO carries Unique Vintage, Creepy Co., and Strangecult shoes, including their Halloween collection, the coolest creepers, and local brands. They also have a super cool shop aesthetic complete with a casket!

The Cauldron Black

The Cauldron Black is a metaphysical supply shop for serious practitioners of witchcraft. You can find unique altar and ritual tools here, herbs, and stones. They also carry some clothing and have a selection of very cool enamel pins. Psychic consultations and classes are also offered. The shop is located where Laurie Cabot’s shop used to be in the Pickering Wharf area.

Crow Haven Corner

Crow Haven has been around for as long as I can remember, and I’ve been visiting Salem for the past twenty years! I got some of my very first witchcraft books here way back when. They have an amazing selection of jewelry, candles, crystals, herbs, and more. Psychic Readings are offered here as well. BONUS: There is an AirBnB above the shop that you can rent.

Modern Millie Vintage

Modern Millie caters to all your retro needs. They carry Unique Vintage among various other brands. Not only do they carry vintage style dresses and skirts, but they also have a Halloween and horror selection. Think 50’s style Jaws or Beetlejuice themed skirts!

Coven’s Cottage

Coven’s Cottage is another shop for those looking for tools and materials for their craft. The shop focuses heavily on Celtic, Norse, Germanic, and nature-based traditions, but also carries items of various pagan paths. It is located near the middle of Essex Street.

Oak & Moss

Calling all plant mamas! (Or dadas!) Oak & Moss is a plant lovers paradise and kind of a hipsters paradise. You can get some really beautiful planters and gardening items here as well as some home decor items. The space is clean and airy, and staff is friendly.

The Trolley Depot

The Trolley Depot is in the middle of Essex Street and is a typical souvenir shop. They have great sweatshirts, mugs, socks, magnets, etc. It is a good place to pick up a gift that represents Salem for someone, or for yourself!

Emporium 32

Emporium 32 has some really cool vintage items like hats and antique jewelry. They also sell crystals, and my favorite item: a tea saucer with “you’ve been poisoned” printed at the bottom of the cup. Hehehe.

Amelia Payson House

This B&B was built in 1845 for Amelia and Edward Payson. There are only three rooms, each with a private bathroom. It is in a central location and is one of the many beautiful homes in Salem.

The Stepping Stone Inn

This Inn is an historic home in Salem and holds much of it’s original charm. It is right next door to the Salem Witch Museum making it a perfect location for any trip. The owners were very accommodating and when not providing breakfast due to Covid, they provided vouchers to a nearby Cafe for breakfast.

Morning Glory Bed & Breakfast

Morning Glory is right across the street from The House of the Seven Gables, facing in the direction of Salem Harbor. I have heard a personal account of a ghost sighting in this B&B, so beware of ghost ladies or children. This B&B has gorgeous rooms and an even more gorgeous view.

The Salem Inn

The Salem Inn sits in an ideal location just off Essex Street, and has three different houses for guests to experience. Complimentary breakfast is offered daily, and much of the art displayed was created by one of the Inn’s owners and her daughter! I had the pleasure of staying here in Spring of 2023 and I would definitely stay again! My suite had a functioning fireplace in it, there was complimentary sherry wine in the lobby, and the ladies serving breakfast were incredibly accommodating. A bonus is that they are the only hotel in Salem that offers a child free stay at one of their buildings. There is also a pet friendly building!

The Daniel’s House Bed & Breakfast

The Daniel’s House B&B was built between 1667 and 1693 and is the oldest bed and breakfast in Salem, and possibly in the United States. It is also one of the oldest homes in Salem and offers informational tours of the home. It is located fairly close to the Pickering Wharf and The House of the Seven Gables. The red door is my favorite part.

The Hawthorne Hotel

The Hawthorne Hotel is a historic hotel, and probably one of the most well known in Salem. It is absolutely gorgeous, and supposedly haunted. Best of luck booking this place for October, and especially Halloween. The booking process is first come first serve when they open reservations, and is very difficult to snag a room for an October weekend. They typically open up reservations in early November for the following October. Halloween is a whole other monster and has a separate reservation process that begins later on.

The Hotel Salem

Hotel Salem is a newer hotel right in the center of Essex Street, You can’t get more of a central location than that. It has a modern feel. It also has The Roof, which is great for a bite or a few drinks in good weather.

The Hampton Inn, Salem

The Hampton Inn is within walking distance to everything, and has all the amenities a regular Hampton would have. It is just as pricey as the boutique hotels from what I’ve seen, likely due to the great location.

Boston Marriott Peabody

While this hotel is in a town outside of Salem, it is more affordable than many of the hotels in downtown Salem. My friends and I used to always stay here when visiting from college because it was a cheaper option that worked for us. We easily drove into Salem and parked in a lot for the day.

Air BnB / VRBO

There are so many AirBnB and VRBO options to choose from at any given time during the year. Keep in mind that many of the AirBnB’s in downtown Salem are just as expensive as the Inns and B&B’s during peak months, so this is not necessarily a cheaper option. As a matter of fact, it can sometimes be more expensive with the fees included.

However, there may be more affordable options during the other months of the year. I found the most amazing house on Chestnut Street, YES Chestnut Street!, on AirBnB and was able to live out my dream of actually living there for two nights. It was glorious.

Flying Saucer Pizza Company

Flying Saucer is located right behind the Bewitched Statue on Washington Street. They offer both a regular menu and a vegan menu. They also sell slices to go if you’re in a rush.

Gulu-Gulu Cafe

Gulu-Gulu Cafe is Flying Saucer’s Sister restaurant. They are right next to each other. Gulu-Gulu has the most delicious crepes, and it doesn’t hurt that they have really funny dog paintings all over the place to look at.

Rockafellas

Rockafellas has been a Salem staple for as long as I can remember. There’s also a wine vault inside that you can eat dinner in. It seems to be only for two people, and may require an extra cost or special reservations, but looks really cool and private. They have a shot of the day if you’re panning to drink, and it is located at 231 Essex Street, across from the Bewitched Statue.

Red Line Cafe

Red Line Cafe is located just beyond the Witch City Mall, and has a really tasty PB&J crepe. The portions are generous and it’s a great little spot to grab a coffee, smoothie, or pastry before heading out and about for the day.

Brew Box

Brew Box is on Essex Street near the Halloween Museum. Great place to grab a quick coffee, avocado toast, or other breakfast item.

Bitbar

Bitbar has arcade style games to entertain you while you wait, or after you eat. I haven’t been here yet, but it looks like a lot of fun!

All Souls Lounge

Get your quarters ready because All Souls has a jukebox and I’ve never been more excited! Grab a drink and play your favorite tunes. I love an old jukebox!

Tavern

Tavern is located in The Hawthorne Hotel and has some amazing cocktail options. You can reserve dinner here or just enjoy a few drinks. Take a peak into the Hawthorne Hotel while your here if you have the time. You won’t regret it!