You will find Salem city on the north coast of Massachusetts, right above Boston. A city well-known for its 1962 witch trials wherein many city locals were executed for indulging in witchcraft.
Although an unfortunate period in history, Salem is now the friendliest and most lovely place to visit in the United States.
Like Boston is famous for its beaches, Salem is now a sought-after destination for many tourists as there are loads of fun activities and enjoyable things to do in Salem Ma.
25 Fun and Spooky Things To Do in Salem MA
Salem is famous for historical sites that have preserved some of the architecture from the early days of America. Visiting Salem to view the old museums is one of the must-do things in Salem ma.
Many visitors come to Salem, Massachusetts, during October to enjoy the thrills and the chills of several spine-chilling entertainments offered here.
1. Explore the Dark History of Salem, Massachusetts, at the Witch Museum
One of the most exciting things to do in Salem would be to witness the recreations of prominent historical events and experience the drama firsthand.
A well-known period in history is the Salem Witch Trials so if you are keen to uncover the actual reason behind the witch hysteria and the way society accused innocent people and persecuted them in the name of witchcraft, then you must visit the Witch Museum.
2. Have an Encounter with a Real Witch at the Village
Another fun activity in Salem would be to have a guide to help you go around the city with a real-life witch at the Witch Village.
You will have an incredible insight into the city. There is enough entertainment for everyone to ascertain the facts from fiction.
You will soon realize there is much to enjoy at the Salem Witch Village among all the eerieness. You can expect to see some ghoulish stuff that might bump into you at night or spooky shenanigans that simultaneously thrill you and frighten you.
3. Peabody Essex Museum – Explore Striking Art & Enjoy Artistic Splendour
One of the most beautiful things to do in Salem is to visit the Peabody Essex Museum, which is the country’s foremost and oldest art museum.
Explore Salem’s history at Peabody, which boasts many thousands of artistic artifacts from around the world.
Enjoy unique American architectural-styled houses at the Peabody museum. There are several historic homes at the museum.
To have a first-hand experience of the many attributes of architecture found in the early days of England, you must visit the house that belonged to Mr. John Ward. An antique house built in the 17th Century is extremely important to Salem’s history.
4. Take a City Tour on the Salem Trolley Tour
A top priority on the list of things to do in Salem would be the Salem Trolley Tour. It is an activity that every visitor to Salem, Massachusetts, should experience.
Since 1982 the Salem Trolley Company has been giving visitors to Salem, Massachusetts, hour-long tours. It allows them to witness tourist attractions in the city and also get to know all about the haunted houses.
The Tour covers relevant spots and entertains the visitors by diverging historical facts. It comprises not more than 10 miles all over the city. It stops at various places like the Cemetery on Charter Street, Witch Museum, Seven Gables House, and the beautiful waterfront area.
An exciting feature of the tour is that you can hop on when you like and hop off as you desire. You can explore Salem in your own leisure time.
5. Enjoy the Sea Breeze at the Park in Salem Willows
Another one of the great and splendid things to do in Salem is to have a lovely outing at Salem Willows Park. It has over 30 acres of land used as picnic spots and facilities for sports located towards the ocean side.
You can find several beaches at Salem Willows Park as well. Your kids would love to spend time on small rides on Kiddieland and a historic carousel dating to 1905.
For modern visitors, the Salem Willows Arcade would be perfect. It has arcade games such as Galaga, Foot Massager, and Pac-Man. You can enjoy tasty food at charming restaurants like Summer Pizza, Cindy’s Planet Pizza, and Legal Seafoods.
With so many exciting activities to choose from, visitors would rarely be disappointed here.
6. Pay a Visit to the Memorial Dedicated to Witch Trials
Salem Memorial of the Witch Trials is one of the most important historical attractions in Salem, Massachusetts. Paying a visit to the memorial is a solemn event as people come here to remember the gruesome witch trials that took place in 1692.
Although the land at Proctor’s, right next to the cemetery, is said to have been allotted and bought by the city in the year 1936, the actual memorial came up only in 2016. Those who would like to pay their respects to the 20 innocent victims can do so at the Salem Witch Trials Memorial.
The solemn monument is made from stone and has dedicated benches for each victim. Many visit Salem Witch Memorial to spend a peaceful day thinking about the dark historical period.
7. Become a Pirate for a Day and be Captivated by the Booty at the Pirate Museum
To become a pirate for a day, you must visit the New England Pirate Museum. The museum is a fun place to visit in Salem, Massachusetts.
Inquisitive children would love to know all the factual information on the actual pirates that are said to have resided all over Salem City.
What better way to enjoy the day than to hear stories of dangerous pirates such as Captain Blackbeard, Bellamy, and Quelch to behold the awesome treasures?
The Pirate Museum also has a lovely place that gives an insight into the world of pirates. It has recreations of an age-old port, a ship resembling the one that belonged to a pirate, and a cave filled with make-believe treasures. Your kids would love to go on an adventure and learn about the most infamous men.
One of the must things to do in Salem ma, is to learn about the exciting and mysterious history of America’s ‘Gold Coast’ pirates.
8. Go Swimming in New England’s Water Park
Water Park is a major indoor activity center in Salem. It is less than 30 minutes from the main city center.
Being an exciting place, one of the most fun things to do in Salem would be to enjoy the riveting water slides at this fantastic amusement park.
You can enjoy the rapids, pools, slides, and an aquatic play area for all the young kids. They can swim along the adventure river called the coconut groove or spend a marvelous time at the whirlpools with an outdoor setting for a beautiful tropical experience.
9. Go For a Spooky Walking Tour of the City
Taking a haunted walking tour is one of the fun things to do in Salem. Challenge yourself on the spooky walking tours, and you will be enthralled to view Salem city’s elegant architecture and hear some eerie tales of witches.
You may even come across some haunted happenings in the city when you walk through the old cobbled streets of the city.
An evening tour by lamplight to view some of the city’s famous sights, such as the Town Hall, First Church of Salem, and the spookiest of them all, the most controversial Bewitched Statue that is sure to bring a sweat to your brow and chill to your bones.
Be sure to visit Essex Street Pedestrian Mall to shop for some fun stuff to remember your visit to Salem.
10. Watch a Witch Trial
If you want a live experience of watching one of the most talked about court trials in the history of Salem, then watch them at a museum set up to know all about the dungeons in which the accused witches were held.
One of the most exciting things to do at Salem is to witness the gruesome witch trial that unfortunately occurred in 1692. The entire trial is brought to life by actors playing their parts. You can follow its sad history from awful beginnings to bitter ends.
The highlights of the Witch Trial will include accounts from the transcripts of historical accounts and the general idea about the superstitious beliefs of the late 16th century. Furthermore, you can go on a tour of the dungeon that is similar to the one that existed many centuries ago.
You will learn that the accused witches were subjected to unbearable torments and punishments. Although the account is chilling and rather sad, it is a thrilling way to familiarize oneself with the happenings of the 17th century.
11. Have a Great Time Go-Karting
Castle Creek is a great place for some of the most beautiful things to do in Salem MA. You will have a great time navigating the most exciting places with captivating waterfalls and fictitious castles.
However, if you are looking for an excellent place for fun and frolic for the entire family, then you must try Go-Karting at Castle Creek.
At this beautiful adventure escapade, you can compete with all your buddies and loved ones in go-karting, enjoy a game of mini golf, or simply hang out for ice cream.
If you want to play some serious golf, you can do it under the watchful eye of a trained golfer giving you all the tips you need.
It is clearly among the most relaxing and enjoyable things to do at Salem ma and a place that should not be missed whenever you are in this marvelous city.
12. Check Out Witch House
If you wish to see what a judge’s home at the witch’s trial looked like, you must visit Witch House. Also known as the Jonathan Corwin House, it was built in the late 15th century and is only one of the many buildings that have existed since the deadly trials.
It is now a museum, and many visit the house to understand the rich living in the 17th century.
13. Have Fun at the Wax Museum
A great way to learn more about the history of Salem would be at the Museum of Wax Sculptures. History buffs would love to know that this is one of the most fun things to do in Salem.
Many wax figures at the witch history museum will depict scenes of the infamous Salem witch trials and the city’s history with specific reference to the marines in Salem.
The famous gift shop at the Museum has funky shirts, books on witchcraft, and spooky magic ingredients to cast your spell.
14. Take Up a Horseback Riding Tour
So what if you are not a history buff or just not too much into spooky magic stuff? You can enjoy Salem, Massachusetts, as much as anyone else. With so many things to do in Salem, ma, there are many ways to have a delightful time.
Horseback riding tours or lessons are a marvelous activity that is loved by one and all. You can take up lessons and have a glorious time with majestic horses. All classes would suit all levels of horseriding, and expert instructors will guide you.
15. Have An Enjoyable Outing at The Common Park In Salem
Another national historic site in Salem is Common Park. It is located next to the Museum and symbolizes historic Salem in all its beauty.
A perfect place to go walking or just to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Salem Common Park also has a 1920s bandstand and a play area that kids would never want to leave.
16. Take A Good Look At Your Future At the Crow Haven
The perfect place to shop for occult books, jewelry, spell kits, and candles is at the Crow Haven Corner. Having been in business since 35 years ago, Crow Haven is a great place to view the lovely settings and get a Psychic Reading done by Lorelai, the shop owner, on magic.
As a local celebrity and self-proclaimed ‘Love Clairvoyant,’ Lorelai habitually gives her customers psychic readings and lessons in casting spells.
17. Go On A House of The Seven Gables Tour
America’s much-loved building, “House of Seven Gables,” was the main reason the novel was written by Nathaniel Hawthorne in 1851.
Paying a visit to a house built in the 1600s is the greatest of all the most incredible things to do in Salem. The House of Seven Gables belonged to many owners before Nathaniel Hawthorne’s cousin officially made it his own.
The entire mansion has framed and made from timber. It is the main Salem attraction, and visitors will be delighted to view the best-preserved early 17th and 18th-century architecture.
18. Camp with Family On The Island
All through the years 1643 to 1930, Winter Island Park was a busy boatyard. It had a well-functioning fort that was beneficial for defending the Harbor in Salem from the enemy’s capture.
It has since then become a recreational facility with campgrounds usually set up during certain seasons, boating areas, and lovely beaches. Other activities include exploring Pickering Fort and the Lighthouse on Winter Island.
19. View the Mesmerizing Art at the Punto Urban Art Museum
The Art Museum at the El Punto is colorful and mesmerizing. You would love the modern art on the walls.
An initiative exclusively designed to regenerate and rejuvenate the area brings a great deal of pride and joy. There are over 75 large murals painted beautifully by local artists and international painters.
You can also be a part of painting workshops and be a sponsor for a painting at the Punto Urban Art Museum.
20. Travel Through History at the Maritime Museum of Salem
The Maritime Museum is a National Historic Site. It is a significant location to visit in the city of Salem if you are keen to look at the natural history behind this great city.
This is the first time a building of such importance has been built in the nation. It covers a large area of land found in the waterfront area.
Furthermore, this historic location includes 12 buildings of historical importance that look similar to that of the late 18th-century ship.
21. Explore The Ancient Fort
The Ancient Pickering Fort was built to guard against the Harbor in Salem in the 17th and 18th centuries. It served well over many years. However, the fort’s use was considerably nil during the early part of 1930.
There were pretty several names given to the fort till 1799. Finally, it was named after Mr.Pickering, the US Secretary of State. Viewing the fort’s remains which have preserved three bunkers used for ammunition built in 1800, would surely be a thrilling experience.
22. Have Your Moment of Fame At the Elizabeth Montgomery Statue
Elizabeth Montgomery, the star of the hit 1960s TV show Bewitched is synonymous with the city of Salem. So, finding the Elizabeth Montgomery statue at the town square is pretty understandable.
A fun monument located amidst some serious witch-based activities in Salem. The article encourages you to visit it and have your moment of fame at the Elizabeth Montgomery Statue.
23. Be Scared Out of Your Wits At Count Orlok
Nightmare Gallery of Count Orlok is the most sinister haunted attraction in all of Salem City. The gallery has an outstanding horror character collection and a number of science fiction stories.
If you ever would like to view a museum with all the relevant attributes of a monster, then you must visit Orlok’s Gallery.
It is among the must things to do in Salem if you do not want to miss out on the fun movie paraphernalia. A great place to see terrorizing monsters, legends of horror, psychos of the 80s, and the movie monster himself, the Nosferatu!
24. Relax At the Singing Beach
If you are looking for the most relaxing things to do in Salem, you must head to Singing Beach, the most famous attraction on the shores of the North part of Salem.
The beach gets its unusual name due to the unique sound heard from the sand each time you step on it. It is not exactly a sound of singing, but it is like a squeak.
The most picturesque location to be in Salem Singing Beach has excellent scenery around the Bay. Have a great time going swimming or sunbathing.
25. Take a Tour of the Historic Phillips House
A notable place for historic architecture, the historic New England Phillips House was first bought by the Philips Family in 1911. It was then remodeled as per the colonial style.
It is on the list of things to do in Salem as here you can find furniture and furnishings that date to the late 1700s. It is said that the Philips family had bought with them treasures accumulated over five generations.
Visitors to the historic New England Phillips House can view all of the rooms in the mansion as per its original look. A collection of beautiful antiques includes an excellent “Ford Model A” manufactured in 1929.
It is “the place” for history buffs who would love to know the living conditions of an aristocratic family in the early 20th century.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the scariest thing to do in Salem MA?
Chambers of Terror Haunted House, unquestionably, is the scariest thing to do in Salem MA.
2. Is Salem MA fun for Halloween?
Yes! Halloween creatures, terrifying urban legends, and places from witch movies that were filmed here are all explored in the town’s kitschy and real October events.
3. Is Salem too scary for kids?
While Salem is undoubtedly kid-friendly, there might be a few spooky monuments and figures scattered throughout the city. So bear it in mind when traveling with young children.
A Final Note
The wonderful city of Salem, founded in 1626, is a class of its own and has a long list of many things to do in Salem ma. With its splendid colonial architecture, modern world-class museums, fantastic shopping, and great places to eat, you will rarely find Salem, Massachusetts, dull or boring.
Take a day off to visit Salem and have a great time exploring its history or enjoying a walk by the beach. Whether you are interested in art, pirates, or witches, you will have plenty of things to do in Salem MA.
Also read:
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Last Updated on March 24, 2023 by Laveleena Sharma
