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Destination guide

Salem, Massachusetts

Salem turns 400 this year. Founded in 1626, it's a seaport city of about 44,000 people that draws more than two million visitors a year, over half of them in October.

Find a walking tourGetting here

Jump to: Getting here · The 1692 story · Neighborhoods · Where to eat · When to visit

The Witch House's hanging sign in front of its dark clapboard walls
The Witch House, Essex Street.
Founded
1626
Year-round residents
~44,000
Visitors a year
2 million+
From Boston by train
~30 min

Start with a walk

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Neighborhoods

There's more to Salem than downtown

Downtown's shops, attractions and restaurants stretch across Essex, Central, Washington and Church Streets. Then walk a few blocks in any direction.

Visitors filling the Essex Street pedestrian mall01Downtown & Essex StreetThe pedestrian mall, the museums and most tour meeting points.Aerial view over the rooftops of the Derby Street area02Derby StreetWaterfront streets around the House of the Seven Gables.Aerial view of Pickering Wharf and the harbor03Pickering WharfShops and restaurants on the harbor.The Salem Willows Park sign on the lawn under willow trees04Salem WillowsThe city's oceanfront park.
The Salem Witch Trials Memorial

The 1692 story

Twenty-five people died. Start with what's documented.

More than 200 people were accused in 1692, and 25 died: hanged, crushed or in jail. These posts separate the record from the legend.

Getting here

Leave the car, if you can

  • Commuter rail. About 30 minutes from Boston's North Station on the Newburyport/Rockport line, or about 5 minutes from downtown Beverly.
  • The Salem Ferry runs between Boston and Salem.
  • Driving? There are only two ways in and two ways out. In the fall, use weekend lots run by local schools and churches, or the city's shuttle lots.
Full getting-here guide →2026 road closures →
A commuter train at the Salem station platform

Where to eat

All restaurants →
  • Salem's RetreatCozy, family-friendly neighborhood spot serving fresh, made-from-scratch breakfast and lunch all day, featuring a full bar and outdoor patio. · 96 North St
  • Adriatic RestaurantRefined Mediterranean dining in historic Salem, featuring fresh seafood, handmade pasta, and an extensive wine list. · 155 Washington St #1
  • Jolie Tea CompanyJolie Tea Company is the perfect place to enjoy Afternoon Tea, High Tea or light pastry for a quick respite while enjoying your visit to Salem. · 316 Derby St
  • Longboards Restaurant & BarLongboards is the neighborhood joint for locals and a must-stop for visitors. It's a lively, casual space perfect to call your own.  Stop in and say hi. You're sure to see Justin, Matt, an old friend, or one you haven't met yet! · 76 Wharf St

Things to do

Museums, cruises and tickets

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When to visit

October

The busiest month by far

Festivals, the parade and crowds. Book tours early and expect an hour's wait for dinner.

What to expect →

January–March

Quiet season

The quiet months. Some museums, tours and restaurants close or run fewer days, so check before you go.

What's open in winter →

Any time

Pack for New England

The weather here can change quickly, and Salem Historical Tours' walks run rain or shine.

Salem weather by season →