Day Trip-Our Travel Guide
Beyond the Broomsticks: A Local Planner’s Guide to a Perfect Day in Salem
Hey everyone! As a tour planner who spends my days helping visitors navigate Boston and the North Shore, I hear the same thing all the time: “We want to see the witch history, but what else is there to do?” Don’t get me wrong—the history of 1692 is incredibly powerful and a must-see. But Salem is also a buzzing, beautiful coastal city filled with incredible food, retro arcades, hidden gardens, and unbeatable ocean views.
Whether you’re planning a day trip out from Boston or staying for the weekend, here is my curated list of fun, unexpected, and totally authentic things to do in the Witch City!
1. Find the Hidden Oasis Behind the Hocus Pocus House
You’ll definitely want to walk down Essex Street to see the iconic Witch House and the famous Ropes Mansion (which fans will instantly recognize as Allison’s house from Hocus Pocus).
The Insider Tip: Most tourists snap a photo of the front of the Ropes Mansion and walk away. Don’t do that! Walk right around to the back. There is a massive, gorgeous colonial greenhouse and public garden that is completely free to wander. It’s quiet, filled with stunning flowers, and the perfect escape from the crowded sidewalks.
2. Swap the Witch Museums for World-Class Art & Culture
If you want to escape the crowded lines of the smaller downtown gift-shop museums, head straight to the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM). It’s one of the oldest continuously operating museums in the country and it is absolutely massive. From maritime history and fashion to a real, 200-year-old Chinese house reconstructed inside the museum, it’s a brilliant way to spend a couple of hours.
3. Get Your Retro Arcade Fix at Salem Willows
Want a break from the spooky vibes? Head about a mile and a half down the peninsula to Salem Willows Park. It’s a classic, old-school New England seaside boardwalk.
The Vibe: Giant weeping willow trees, salty ocean air, and beautiful water views.
The Fun: Hit the vintage arcades to play Skee-Ball and retro bumper cars.
The Eats: Grab some local ice cream or a famous chop suey sandwich, and just sit by the water. It feels like a nostalgic summer afternoon from the '90s.
4. Walk the Long Wharf to the Derby Waterfront Light
For my fellow history buffs and nature lovers, the Salem Maritime National Historic Site down on Derby Street is a favorite spot. You can walk the long, historic wooden wharf all the way out to the Derby Wharf Light. With water on both sides of you, it is hands-down one of the best spots in town to catch a New England sunset.
5. Take a Ride with Salem Side Car Tours
John , A resident of Salem has been giving tours of Salem for over 5 years. This year he opened Salem Side Car Tours, a fun way to see Salem & Marblehead in his Vintage 2 seater Volkswagen Trike. John can give you a historical, spooky or scenic tour whichever you perfer.
Planning Your Trip? Let’s Make it Easy!
The absolute best way to experience Salem without the stress of traffic and parking is to take the commuter rail right from Boston’s North Station—it’s a quick, beautiful 30-minute ride that drops you right in the center of the action.
Want a completely stress-free day? When you book a day trip directly with us, we don't just guide you—we help you plan the logistics from start to finish. Plus, booking directly gets you 10% off, free cancellation, and direct support from a local who knows these streets inside and out.
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