Salem
Two Days in Salem: History, Art & Harbor Charm
Seaside history, spellbinding art, and cozy New England charm
Planning a trip to Salem?
Explore Salem’s witch-trial heritage, world-class art, and harborfront architecture at a relaxed, walkable pace. This two-day plan clusters sights by neighborhood, mixes historic sites with nature and local food, and leaves space to wander with your camera.
Highlights
Visit the Witch Trials Memorial and Old Burying Point Cemetery for a moving, historical look at 1692.
Spend time at the Peabody Essex Museum, home to outstanding global and New England art collections.
Stroll around Salem Maritime National Historic Site and Pickering Wharf to admire historic buildings and ships.
Tour The House of the Seven Gables, a classic New England mansion tied to Nathaniel Hawthorne.
Follow the Salem Heritage Trail to connect many of the city’s key historic and architectural sights on foot.
Good to Know
Use the Salem Heritage Trail as Your Anchor
The painted line of the Salem Heritage Trail links many major sights—museums, memorials, and historic buildings—so you can loosely follow it to navigate and then detour down interesting side streets.
Time Your Indoor and Outdoor Stops
Plan museum visits like the Peabody Essex Museum and The House of the Seven Gables during midday heat or rain, and save harbor walks and the Witch Trials Memorial for cooler mornings and late afternoons.
Book Popular Attractions and Tours Ahead
Tickets and time slots for major attractions and walking tours can sell out on busy weekends and in October, so reserve key experiences and then leave open blocks for wandering and photography.
Your Weekend Itinerary
A&J King Artisan Bakers
Grab coffee, pastries, or a breakfast sandwich before sightseeing; try a seasonal pastry and a latte to start the day.
45m · $10-18 per person
Salem Heritage Trail Stroll
Follow the painted line through downtown to orient yourselves and pass key sights like the Bewitched Statue, old civic buildings, and historic streets.
1h · Free
Peabody Essex Museum
Explore one of America’s oldest and most respected art museums, with maritime art, Asian export art, local history exhibits, and rotating contemporary shows.
2h · $20-25
Howling Wolf Taqueria
Casual Mexican spot with big portions; consider sharing an order of nachos or tacos and a house-made agua fresca.
1h · $15-22 per person
Salem Witch Trials Memorial & Old Burying Point Cemetery
Visit the memorial honoring the 1692 victims and wander one of the oldest cemeteries in the U.S., with interpretive plaques and evocative gravestones.
1h · FreeEvening Ghost or History Walking Tour
Join a small-group guided walk (such as those run by reputable local companies) to hear stories of the witch trials, local legends, and historic buildings by lamplight.
1h 30m · $20-30
Turner’s Seafood at Lyceum Hall
Classic New England seafood in a historic brick building; consider clam chowder, fish and chips, or the day’s local catch.
1h 15m · $22-30 per person (excluding alcohol)
Crave
Small spot known for breakfast sandwiches and tater tots; grab something portable before heading to the harbor area.
45m · $10-15 per person
Salem Maritime National Historic Site & Derby Wharf
Walk through historic waterfront buildings, visit the wharf, and enjoy harbor views with interpretive signs about Salem’s seafaring past.
1h 30m · Free
Sea Level Oyster Bar
Waterfront restaurant with views of the harbor; try a cup of chowder, fish tacos, or a shared plate of oysters if you enjoy seafood.
1h 15m · $18-28 per person
The House of the Seven Gables
Tour the 17th-century mansion and its grounds, learn about Nathaniel Hawthorne, and enjoy gardens and harbor viewpoints for photos.
2h · $20-25
Salem Willows Park (Nature & Waterfront Stroll)
Head to this waterfront park for shoreline walks, trees, seasonal arcades, and views across Salem Harbor; great for golden-hour photos if the weather is nice.
1h 30m · Free (plus optional snacks/arcades)12 activities across 2 days
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