As the site of the infamous 1692 witch trials, Salem, Massachusetts, is the perfect destination for history buffs and thrill-seekers alike. From haunted landmarks to ghost tours, this New England town has all the ingredients for a spooky getaway!
LessKick off your adventure with a hearty breakfast at Red’s Sandwich Shop. The local hotspot is housed in the historic London Coffee House, where Patriots gathered before the American Revolution. Order a fluffy omelet, fried egg sandwich, scratch-made blueberry pancakes, or one of the rotating breakfast specials.
Visit The Witch House (aka the Jonathan Corwin House) to see Salem’s only remaining public structure with a direct connection to the witchcraft trials. Take a self-guided tour and imagine what life was like for Judge Jonathan Corwin, who presided over many of the witch trials. Check out priceless artifacts, from furniture to artwork, for a glimpse at how the wealthy lived in the late 1600s and insight into one of the darkest times in Salem’s history.
Dive deeper into the city’s enchanting history at the Salem Witch Museum. Embark on a guided tour for an immersive look into the witch trials and the evolution of the “witch” image through narrated stage sets with sound effects and life-sized figures. After the presentation, learn about everything from the European witch hunts to the modern-day view of witches in the Witches: Evolving Perceptions exhibit.
Established before 1637, this is one of the oldest burial grounds in the country. See the burial sites of notable figures from the witch trials and the Revolutionary War. Make sure to book your free reservation in advance. Afterward, make your way to Gallows Hill, which is rumored to be the site of the witch trial executions. Though the park is now home to a playground and baseball field, you might just catch a whisper or two from the spirits lingering in the area.
Enjoy dinner at Turner’s Seafood, housed in the old Lyceum Hall, where Alexander Graham Bell made his first public phone call. The building is rumored to be haunted, as it sits on the site of an apple orchard once owned by Bridget Bishop – the first “witch” convicted and hanged in Salem. Start with the lobster bisque (a fan favorite), then order the swordfish or the lobster pie. Feeling brave? Book Bridget Bishop’s Haunted Dine ‘n Fly meal to dine in the haunted upstairs loft.
Wrap up your day on the Salem Night Tour! Your historian guide will lead you through Salem’s haunted streets, telling eerie tales of mysterious local murders and the true history behind the Salem Witch Trials. You’ll pass through mansions, churches, and cemeteries—all made more ominous in the dim lamp lighting of night. Be sure to bring your camera—people capture paranormal photographs on almost every tour!
Fountain Place is a cozy diner named for the historic water pump located out front. The menu offers tons of egg dishes to choose from, including a unique assortment of benedicts. Try the Irish benedict topped with corned beef hash or the Maryland benedict served with housemade crab cakes.
Pay your respects at the Salem Witch Trials Memorial on Liberty Street. The powerful memorial is dedicated to the 20 victims of the 1692 trials. As you read the victims’ protests of innocence, etched in stone and cut off mid-sentence by a granite wall, you’ll be reminded of the injustices they faced. Need to sit down and reflect? Take a seat on one of the Memorial’s benches, each of which bears the names and execution dates of each of the victims.
For a casual bite, stop by The Tavern at the Hawthorne Hotel. Savor classic New England dishes with seasonal twists, like pumpkin mac and cheese or a bacon fig jam burger. Cozy up between the wood-burning fireplace and oak-paneled walls of this historic eatery. Craving a hot bowl of soup? You can’t go wrong with Steve’s Seafood Chowder – a hearty blend of shrimp, scallops, haddock, clams, and potatoes in a creamy New England-style soup.
Though the city is best known for its haunted past, Salem also has an incredibly rich maritime history. Dive right in at the Peabody Essex Museum by exploring exhibits like Asian Export Art and Salem Stories. Discover a diverse collection of fascinating artifacts, including vintage photographs, paintings, sculptures, and even a murder weapon. Though not spooky in nature, the PEM also offers guided walking tours like Sinister Streets, where you can visit iconic Salem landmarks.