One Day of Witchy Fun in Salem Massachusetts
It is difficult to determine how to best use 24 hours in Salem Massachusetts, there are so many fun things to see, do, and eat. Salem was the center of the 17th-century witchcraft hysteria and is famous for the 1692 Salem Witch Trials. Ride the Salem trolley for a city overview, follow the Salem Heritage Trail, explore the street art, tour the Witch House, have your palm read, attend a séance, or learn to cast spells. This day trip itinerary is jam-packed with must-see sites and top attractions, including, the House of Seven Gables, the Mayflower ship, a witch trial reenactment, and more. Salem is a great day trip and an easy train ride from Boston. Here is how to see the best of Salem in one day. Enjoy your time out of the office!
Read Two Week New England Road Trip Itinerary: Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut
Day Trip Itinerary for Salem Massachusetts
8 am Harbor Walk and Street Art
Take the 8:10 train from Boston’s North Station to Salem, arriving at 8:43. Walk past the Bewitched Statue and down Washington Street to the Salem Harbor Walk. Make your way to the Punto Urban Art Museum. Grab a coffee and explore street art. Check out Pickering Wharf and the Friendship of Salem ship on your way to the House of Seven Gables.
10 am House of Seven Gables
Tour the House of Seven Gables. Stop in America’s Oldest Candy Store, Ye Olde Pepper Companie, for a treat. Check out the Salem Witch Trials Memorial and the Buring Point Cemetery. Make your way to the Salem Witch Museum and watch the witch trial presentation.
12 am Lunch and Souvenirs
Head to the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall for lunch. Check out Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery and have a souvenir photo taken at Witch Pix.
2 pm Watch a Witch Trial Reenactment
Watch the Cry Innocent witch trial presentation, question the accused, and participate in the Puritan jury.
5 pm Return to Boston by Train
Take the 5:15 train back to Boston arriving at 5:50. Head to Faneuil Hall Marketplace for dinner before returning to your hotel.
Looking for more options? Continue reading for additional things to do in Salem to supplement this itinerary.
Additional Things to Do in Salem Massachusetts
Have more time? Supplement this day trip itinerary with these additional things to do in Salem.
- Watch the Salem Witch Hunt Film at The National Park Service Visitor Center
- Follow the Salem Heritage Trail through the town
- Ride the Salem Trolley
- Browse the Peabody Essex Museum
- Wander the historic homes along Chestnut Street
- Photograph Hamilton Hall
- Tour the Phillips House
- Relax in the garden of the Ropes Mansion
- Browse the stalls on Artist’s Row
- Spend a few hours at the Salem Witch Village
- Go for a hike on the Great Misery Islands
- Tour the Witch House
- Watch a spell castling at the Witching Hour
- Check out the reenactments at the Witch Dungeon Museum
- Watch a reenactment from the Revolutionary War at Fort Sewall
- Check out the filming locations of Hollywood’s Hocus Pocus
- Visit Pioneer Village, a living history museum
- Tour the haunted Hawthorne Hotel, beware of the 6th floor and room 325
- Attend a séance or have your palm read
- Watch the Salem Witch Trial reenactment at Gallows Hill Museum Theater
- Buy a souvenir from Crow Haven Corner, the first witch shop in America
- Explore the potions at HEX Old World Witchery
- Have a picnic at Salem Common
- Check out the Salem Wax Museum and Frankenstein’s Castle Haunted House at Salem Witch Village
- Check out Fort Pickering and the Winter Island Light
- Watch a spell-casting demonstration at Within the Witching Hour
- Go for a walk at Salem Willows Park
- Browse the New England Pirate Museum
Check the Salem Massachusetts Tourism Board website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
Plan Your Trip Salem Massachusetts
Salem Massachusetts Travel Guide
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Salem Massachusetts Attractions and Day Tours
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