Day Trip To Salem, Massachusetts: Itinerary & Everything To Know

Salem, Massachusetts is one of the most interesting small cities in New England. It’s packed with historic homes, museums, a beautiful waterfront, quirky shops, Hocus Pocus filming locations, and, of course, plenty of witchy and haunted attractions.

But behind much of what Salem is known for today is a very dark period in its history: the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, when 20 people were executed after being accused of witchcraft.

During our day trip to Salem, we visited several historic sites connected to the trials, including the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin and the Salem Witch Trials Memorial. We also explored Salem’s historic waterfront, Hocus Pocus filming locations, and plenty more around town.

Our day in Salem ended up being one of my favorite parts of our long weekend in Boston.

Planning a day trip to Salem and wondering what to do? Below is the exact itinerary I followed during my one day in Salem, MA, along with tips and everything to know before you go.

Day Trip To Salem, MA Itinerary 

This is the itinerary we followed during our one day in Salem, Massachusetts, with a mix of Salem’s historic sites and Hocus Pocus filming locations.

Most of the stops are concentrated around downtown Salem and are easy to reach on foot. A few of the Hocus Pocus locations toward the end of the itinerary are farther away, and I’ve noted those separately.

We didn’t go inside every museum listed below — there isn’t enough time to do them all in one day — but I would make time for at least one or two that interest you most.

I’ve also included more things to do, walking tours, tips for visiting in October, and information about getting to Salem from Boston later in this guide.

Start At The Salem Armory Regional Visitor Center

Address: 2 New Liberty St, Salem, MA 01970

The Salem Armory Regional Visitor Center is a good place to start your day, especially if this is your first time in Salem.

The visitor center is run by the National Park Service and has maps, exhibits, information about Salem’s historic sites, and park rangers who can answer questions or help you figure out your day.

You can also pick up information about the Salem Heritage Trail, a self-guided walking route connecting many of the historic sites, museums, neighborhoods, and other attractions around Salem.

You’ll notice the Heritage Trail marked by a painted line along the sidewalks as you explore downtown. We won’t follow it exactly with this itinerary, but there’s quite a bit of overlap.

From the Visitor Center, we’ll first head west along Essex Street for the Witch House and Ropes Mansion before turning back toward the main downtown attractions.

Visit The Witch House

Address: 310 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970

The Witch House is one of the historic sites I wouldn’t miss during a day in Salem. It’s the only building still standing in the city with direct ties to the Salem Witch Trials.

The house was once home to Judge Jonathan Corwin, one of the magistrates involved in the 1692 trials. Today, it’s a museum focused on the witch trials, life in 17th-century New England, and the broader beliefs about witchcraft that contributed to what happened in Salem.

Of course you won’t have time to tour every museum in town, but this is one I’d highly consider going inside. The house itself dates to the 1600s, so you’re actually walking through a building that existed during the trials rather than a later recreation.

Hours vary throughout the year, and tickets usually sell out during the busy fall season, so check the current schedule and ticket information at The Witch House.

The Ropes Mansion  

Address: 318 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970

Just a few doors down from the Witch House is the Ropes Mansion, another historic home and one of the easiest Hocus Pocus filming locations to see along this itinerary.

The Georgian Colonial mansion dates to the 1720s and was home to several generations of the Ropes family. Today, the property is part of the Peabody Essex Museum.

However, a lot of people probably recognize it for a completely different reason: the exterior was used as Allison’s house in Hocus Pocus. This is where Max and Dani go trick-or-treating before ending up inside Allison’s family’s elaborate Halloween party.

There’s also a garden behind the mansion that’s free to visit when open. It’s worth walking around, especially since the mansion is right along the route and doesn’t require much extra time.

If you’re primarily interested in the Hocus Pocus connection, you don’t need long here. Check out the mansion, walk through the garden, and then continue back toward downtown Salem.

Walk The Shops Along Essex Street Pedestrian Mall

Address: Essex St, Salem, MA 01970 (between Washington St & Hawthorne Blvd)

From the Ropes Mansion, we’ll head back toward the center of Salem along Essex Street.

The pedestrian-only section of Essex Street is packed with shops, restaurants, cafes, museums, and plenty of Salem’s signature witchy businesses. You’ll find everything from fun Halloween souvenirs and Hocus Pocus merchandise to tarot cards, spell supplies, books, crystals, and shops connected to Salem’s modern witch community.

I loved walking around this part of Salem. I’ve really never seen another shopping district quite like it, and browsing the quirky shops was one of my favorite parts of our day.

You don’t necessarily need to set aside a specific amount of time here since you’ll naturally pass through Essex Street while sightseeing. I’d just give yourself some extra time to wander into whatever shops catch your attention.

While you’re here, you’ll also pass a few easy sightseeing stops, including the Bewitched Statue and Old Town Hall, which I’ll touch on below.

The Bewitched Statue

Address: 247 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970

Right along the pedestrian mall is Salem’s famous statue of Samantha Stephens from the TV show Bewitched.

Several episodes of Bewitched were filmed in Salem in 1970 as part of the show’s seventh season “Salem Saga.” The episodes featured Samantha and Darrin visiting Salem for a witches’ convention and helped introduce the city’s witchy side to a huge television audience.

Decades later, TV Land gifted the city this bronze statue of Elizabeth Montgomery as Samantha in 2005, in honor of the show’s 40th anniversary.

It’s right in Lappin Park at the intersection of Essex and Washington Streets, so this is a very quick stop as you make your way through downtown.

Old Town Hall 

Address: 32 Derby Square, Salem, MA 01970

Just off Essex Street is Old Town Hall, one of the easiest historic buildings to see while walking around downtown Salem.

Built in 1816, it’s the oldest surviving municipal building in Salem. The building originally served as both a public market and meeting space, but today it’s primarily used for cultural events, performances, and other community gatherings.

And, fitting for Salem, Old Town Hall is also said to be haunted. Stories over the years have included unexplained footsteps, strange noises, and other paranormal activity inside the historic building.

It’s also another Hocus Pocus filming location. Old Town Hall was used for the Halloween party where Max and Dani find their parents dancing under the Sanderson sisters’ spell — the very memorable “I Put a Spell on You” scene.

Even if you’re not interested in Hocus Pocus, it’s worth walking through Derby Square to see the building. It’s right off the pedestrian mall and only takes a few minutes to check out.

Salem Witch Trails Memorial & Old Burying Point Cemetery

Address: 24 Liberty St, Salem, MA 01970

Next, head to the Salem Witch Trials Memorial and neighboring Charter Street Cemetery, also commonly called the Old Burying Point.

The memorial honors the 20 people who were executed during the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. It’s a simple, quiet space lined with stone benches bearing the names and execution dates of the victims.

The actual burial locations of the victims remain unknown. Historians believe some families may have retrieved the bodies of their loved ones after the executions and buried them privately, but there’s no definitive record of where most were laid to rest.

Right next to the memorial is Charter Street Cemetery, Salem’s oldest colonial cemetery. It was established sometime before 1637, making it one of the oldest European burial grounds in the country.

Several people connected to the witch trials are buried here, although not the victims themselves. You’ll also find graves belonging to prominent early Salem residents and veterans of the Revolutionary War.

Both sites are free to visit and don’t require a ton of time, but I wouldn’t rush through them. The memorial in particular is one of the more important stops in Salem for understanding the real people behind the history the city is now so famous for.

Peabody Essex Museum

Address: 161 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970

Right near the Witch Trials Memorial is the Peabody Essex Museum, a huge art and culture museum with roots dating back to 1799.

There’s a lot more here than Salem’s witch history. The museum has collections covering American, Asian, maritime, and Indigenous art and culture, along with changing exhibitions and galleries dedicated to Salem itself.

There is still plenty to see if the witch trials are what brought you to town, though. The museum has an entire gallery dedicated to the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, with original objects and documents connected to the trials.

One of the coolest parts of the museum is its collection of historic buildings. More than a dozen historic structures are part of PEM’s campus, including several you’ll encounter elsewhere in Salem. Inside the museum itself is Yin Yu Tang, a roughly 200-year-old Chinese home that was moved from southeastern China and reconstructed here.

This is not a quick museum, so if you want to actually explore it, I’d plan at least a couple hours and adjust the rest of this itinerary accordingly. Otherwise, you can simply pass by and save it for a longer visit to Salem.

The museum is currently open Thursday through Monday and closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Check current hours, exhibitions, and ticket information before visiting.

The Hocus Pocus High School 

Address: 84-88 Essex Street (South Washington Square) 

Next up is the former Phillips Elementary School, which was used as Max and Allison’s high school in Hocus Pocus.

Honestly, there isn’t much to do here unless you’re specifically seeking out Hocus Pocus filming locations. The building is now a private residential property, so you can see the exterior only.

That said, it’s right next to Salem Common, a large public park that we found to be a nice place to slow down for a bit away from the busier tourist areas.

This part of Salem is also really pretty to walk around, with historic homes lining the streets around the Common.

Tip: If you enjoy historic neighborhoods, detour over to Chestnut Street while you’re in this general area. It’s part of Salem’s McIntire Historic District and is lined with beautiful Federal-era homes.

Tour The House Of The Seven Gables 

Address: 115 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970

Next up is the House of the Seven Gables, one of Salem’s most famous historic homes and the inspiration for Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1851 novel of the same name.

Built in 1668 for wealthy merchant and shipowner John Turner, the waterfront mansion is one of the oldest surviving timber-framed houses in North America. It’s especially famous for its connection to Hawthorne, whose novel tells the story of a New England family haunted by a curse tied to injustices committed by their ancestors.

Interestingly, Hawthorne had his own family connection to Salem’s dark history. His great-great-grandfather was John Hathorne, one of the judges involved in the Salem Witch Trials.

Today, the House of the Seven Gables is a museum where you can tour the historic mansion, explore the grounds, and learn more about the property’s history and its literary connections.

And, because this is Salem, there are also ghost stories associated with the property, which is rumored to be haunted.

If you’re interested in touring the house, I’d recommend booking tickets in advance, especially during October. You can find current tour options and visitor information at The House of the Seven Gables.

Even if you don’t plan to tour the mansion, this part of Salem is worth exploring. The surrounding neighborhood has beautiful historic homes, and the waterfront offers some great views of Salem Harbor.

Salem Maritime National Historic Site

Address: 160 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970

Salem has a fascinating maritime history that often gets overshadowed by its famous witch trials.

In fact, Salem was once one of America’s busiest trading ports, with merchant ships traveling around the world and bringing goods back from Europe, Asia, and beyond.

Salem Maritime National Historic Site preserves an important part of that history. Established in 1938, it was the first National Historic Site in the United States. The waterfront site includes several historic buildings, Derby Wharf, and the Friendship of Salem, a full-scale replica of a merchant ship built in 1797.

The original Friendship traveled extensively on international trading voyages, and the replica is one of the most recognizable features of Salem’s historic waterfront.

You can walk along Derby Wharf, enjoy the harbor views, and explore the historic district. Depending on current National Park Service operations, ranger-led programs and access to certain buildings or the Friendship may also be available.

This is a great stop if you’re interested in Salem’s history beyond the witch trials. It’s also a nice opportunity to spend some time along the waterfront before continuing with the rest of the itinerary.

The Pickering Wharf & Derby Street

Address: 23 Congress St, Salem, MA 01970

While you’re already near the waterfront, take some time to walk around Pickering Wharf and Derby Street.

Pickering Wharf sits right on Salem Harbor and is filled with locally owned shops, restaurants, and a marina. You’ll find Salem souvenirs and witchy shops mixed in with boutiques, and local art.

This is also a good place to stop for lunch or a snack during your day. There are several waterfront restaurants around the wharf, or you can grab something quick and continue exploring.

We really enjoyed wandering around this area. The harbor setting makes it feel a little different from the busier parts of downtown Salem, and during the fall you’ll also see plenty of Halloween decor mixed in with the nautical New England setting.

Visit Max & Dani’s House In Hocus Pocus

Address: 4 Ocean Ave Salem, MA 01970

From this point, we’re leaving Salem’s compact downtown area. Max and Dani’s house from Hocus Pocus is about 1.5 miles from the main tourist area, so keep that in mind when deciding whether to add it to your day.

If you’re a big fan of the movie, though, I think this one is worth seeing.

The house looks immediately recognizable from the movie, right down to Max’s attic bedroom with the lookout tower. It’s also in a beautiful residential area overlooking Salem Harbor.

Important: This is a private home, not a tourist attraction. Be respectful of the people who live here, stay off the property, and view and photograph the house from across the street.

I also wouldn’t recommend driving here during busy periods, especially in October. Parking is extremely limited around the residential neighborhood. Walking from downtown is the better option if you’re able.

We visited in late May when Salem was much quieter and were able to make this a very quick stop by car. You don’t need much time once you get here — it’s really just a quick photo stop — but as a Hocus Pocus fan, I thought it was cool to see in person.

Visit Salem’s Pioneer Village

Address: 98 West Ave, Salem, MA 01970

Note: Pioneer Village is currently being relocated and is expected to reopen in its new location in late summer 2027.

Pioneer Village is a living history museum originally built in 1930 to recreate life in early colonial Salem. It was one of the country’s earliest living history museums, with recreated homes and other structures representing life in 17th-century New England.

Hocus Pocus fans will probably recognize it for another reason. Pioneer Village was used in the opening scenes of the movie, set in 1693, including Thackery Binx’s village and home.

Unfortunately, we weren’t able to go inside during our visit, but this is one I’d like to see whenever I’m back in Salem.

The City of Salem is currently relocating Pioneer Village from its longtime home at Forest River Park to the Camp Naumkeag area near Salem Willows. The project will also expand the stories told at the museum, including greater representation of the Massachusett tribe and the area’s Indigenous history.

Old Burial Hill Cemetery 

Address: Old Burial Hill Cemetery, Marblehead, MA 01945

For the final stop of the day, we’re actually leaving Salem and heading into neighboring Marblehead.

Old Burial Hill is another Hocus Pocus filming location. This is where Max encounters bullies Jay and Ice in the cemetery before they steal his shoes.

But even without the movie connection, I thought this place was absolutely beautiful. Old Burial Hill sits above Marblehead with old gravestones, historic homes nearby, and views toward the harbor. It’s easily one of the prettiest historic cemeteries I’ve visited on the East Coast.

You’ll need a car to add Marblehead to this itinerary, and getting around town can be a little confusing. The historic center is full of narrow, winding streets, and parking immediately around Old Burial Hill is very limited.

During our weekday visit in late May, my husband dropped me off at the cemetery and then found parking a few blocks away. There was nobody else at the cemetery while we were there, but I wouldn’t count on it being quite that easy during Salem’s busy fall season.

If I did this again, I’d actually give myself more time for Marblehead. I’d find parking around the historic downtown, spend some time walking Washington Street and checking out the shops and historic homes, then walk over to Old Burial Hill.

That turns this into more than just a quick Hocus Pocus photo stop and gives you a chance to see a little of Marblehead while you’re already here.

Tip: If you’re trying to squeeze as much Salem sightseeing as possible into one day, I’d consider Old Burial Hill optional. It’s worth seeing, but adding Marblehead takes you away from Salem and adds considerably more time than the other stops on this itinerary.

Salem Walking Tours For Your Day Trip To Salem

If you can fit one into your day, I think a walking tour is one of the best ways to learn more about Salem. We had hoped to join one during our visit but didn’t book in time, it’s something I’ll definitely do next time.

There’s a lot packed into this relatively small city, and the story of the Salem Witch Trials is much more complicated than the version most of us learned growing up.

There are tons of tours to choose from depending on what interests you, including the 1692 witch trials, general Salem history, ghosts and hauntings, architecture, modern witchcraft, and even tours designed for kids.

If you’d rather not spend another hour or two walking, there’s also the Salem Trolley. The narrated ride covers nearly 400 years of Salem history while taking you past many of the city’s major sights.

A few popular tour options include:

• History & Hauntings of Salem Walking Tour — A mix of Salem history and ghost stories.
• 1692 Salem Tour — A history-focused walking tour centered specifically on the Salem Witch Trials.
• Witch City Walking Tours — Offers several themed walking tours around Salem.
• Salem Trolley Tour — A narrated trolley ride covering Salem’s history and major sights.
• Salem Kids Tours — Salem history presented specifically for families with children.
• Salem Night Tour — An evening tour combining Salem history, legends, and hauntings.

If you’re visiting in October, I’d book well in advance since popular tours and time slots can fill up.

Tip: Most tours take an hour or two, so I wouldn’t try to do every stop in my itinerary and squeeze in a tour. Pick the attractions you’re most interested in and work the tour into your day.

Haunted Places In Salem, MA 

With centuries-old buildings, historic cemeteries, and plenty of dark history, it’s no surprise that Salem has accumulated a lot of ghost stories over the years.

If you’re interested in the haunted side of the city, a few popular places to check out include:

• Proctor’s Ledge
• Old Burying Point Cemetery
• Old Salem Jail
• The House of the Seven Gables
• The Witch House
• The Salem Inn
• Old Town Hall

You’ll already pass several of these while following the day trip itinerary above.

For more, check out my complete guide to Haunted Places in Salem To Visit.

Day Trip To Salem, MA In October

October is easily the busiest time of year in Salem, but it’s understandably one of the most popular times to visit too.

The city goes all out for Halloween, with decorations, special events, markets, costumes, ghost tours, and other festivities happening throughout the month.

The downside is that Salem gets extremely busy, especially on October weekends. If you’re planning a day trip during this time, you’ll need to do a little more planning than you would during the rest of the year.

A few tips for visiting Salem in October:

• Take public transportation if possible. Traffic gets very heavy and parking is limited, especially on weekends. The commuter rail or ferry from Boston is one of the easiest options for a day trip.
• If you do drive, arrive early and research parking beforehand. Don’t plan on simply driving into downtown and finding a spot. Parking rules and rates can also change during October, so check the City of Salem’s current October parking information before you go.
• Book tours and attraction tickets well in advance. Don’t expect to arrive on a busy October weekend and have your pick of tour times.
• Have a rough itinerary. You don’t need to schedule every minute, but knowing your must-see attractions ahead of time will help when the streets are crowded.
• Leave some flexibility for food. Restaurants can be extremely busy, so don’t plan your entire day around getting into one specific restaurant at a specific time. Bringing a snack isn’t a bad idea either.
• Check the Haunted Happenings calendar before your visit. There are events throughout October, and what’s happening that day can affect both what you want to see and how busy certain parts of town are. Check out the calendar at Salem Haunted Happenings.
• Expect to walk. Downtown Salem itself is very walkable, and during busy October weekends you’ll likely have an easier time getting around on foot than by car.

If you want the Halloween atmosphere with slightly less intensity, consider visiting early or late in fall rather than in October. You’ll still get plenty of Salem’s spooky atmosphere without necessarily hitting the absolute peak crowds.

Getting To Salem From Boston 

Salem is only about 16 miles north of Boston and is easy to reach by train, ferry, or car.

Train

For most people taking a day trip from Boston, the MBTA Commuter Rail is the easiest option.

Take the Newburyport/Rockport Line from Boston’s North Station to Salem. The ride takes about 30 minutes, and Salem Station is right near downtown, so you can walk to most of the attractions in this itinerary once you arrive.

The Commuter Rail is separate from Boston’s subway system, so you’ll need a Commuter Rail ticket rather than a regular subway fare.

I’d especially recommend taking the train if you’re visiting in October. You’ll avoid Salem’s traffic and won’t have to worry about finding parking once you arrive.

Ferry

For a more scenic option, you can also take the Salem Ferry between Boston and Salem.

The high-speed ferry travels between Boston’s Long Wharf and the Salem Ferry Terminal on Blaney Street. The ride takes about 50 – 60 minutes each way and gives you views of Boston Harbor and the coastline along the way.

The ferry is seasonal, operating from late May through October.

It’s more expensive and takes longer than the train, but you’re also getting a scenic boat ride as part of your day.

Check the Salem Ferry schedule and book ahead if you’re traveling on a busy fall weekend: Salem Ferry From Boston.

Drive

You can also drive from Boston to Salem. Without heavy traffic, the trip generally takes around 30 – 60 minutes, depending on where you’re starting in Boston and current traffic.

Once in Salem, you’ll find city parking garages, lots, and metered street parking around downtown. On-street meters are generally better suited to quick visits, while the garages and some lots allow longer-term parking.

October is a completely different story. Traffic gets very heavy, parking rates and restrictions change, and road closures may be implemented. The City of Salem specifically advises October visitors not to plan on driving into downtown, particularly on weekends — and I really recommend listening to them on this one. Take the train or ferry instead.

We loved our day in Salem. It’s such a dark, interesting city with so much history, and as you can see, there’s plenty to fill a day trip to Salem, MA.

I hope you’ve found this guide helpful in planning your own visit and have the best time exploring Salem!

Any questions or additional ideas? Please leave a comment below or reach out on social media!

Looking for more ideas? Check out my additional Salem and Massachusetts guides below or head on over to Visit Salem!