Location: Salem
Top Things to do in Salem
Top 10 Historic Sites in Salem, Massachusetts (MA)
Best known for the witch trials that took place in 1692, Salem is sure to bewitch you with its seaside charm, its maritime history and spellbinding beauty. Follow the Red Line along the sidewalks to navigate your journey through historic sites, including the Witch Trial Memorial, the Old Burying Point Cemetery and more. Discover serenity by the sea on the beaches of Salem Willows. The Bewitched statue, the Witch Museum and the Witch Dungeon conjure up diverse takes on witchery through history.
Restaurants in Salem
1. Phillips House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 141 reviews
Phillips House is the only home on historic Chestnut Street open to the public, and it provides a glimpse into the private world of the Phillips family during the early decades of the twentieth century. The kitchen, pantry, and a domestic staff bedroom, present a rarely seen picture of how the great houses functioned as new technologies were being introduced.
Reviewed By F3351UYpamelac
This is a beautiful example of a wealthy family's home in the early 1900s. It is full of interesting artifacts and great stories. There are stunning carpets, dishware, paintings and furniture. The carriage house has the family's old cars and some carriages.
2. Salem Maritime National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 335 reviews
Salem Maritime, the National Park in Salem, is a nine-acre historic site located on Salem’s waterfront that tells the history of Salem’s international trade and the sailors and merchants who built the economy of the young United States. National Park Rangers present guided tours of historic buildings and replica tall ship Friendship, and are ready help you navigate Salem at the Visitor Center, conveniently located on New Liberty Street across from the city parking garage.
Reviewed By lou1776 - Long Island, United States
Alright, so you've come to Salem and exhausted yourself with the witch trials, what next? Aside from the great food all over town, Salem boasts the very fist national historic site in the country, all dedicated to its maritime history. You can begin your visit here at the old armory in the middle of town. Note, due to Covid, the bathrooms here are closed but the gift shop is open. The nearest public restrooms are located a few blocks away in the heart of the park near the Waite and Pierce gift shop. Here, you'll find the old custom's house, the second visitor center/gift shop, the Derby Wharf lighthouse, and the Friendship of Salem. Again, unfortunately because of the pandemic most of these usually available places are closed but you can still get a great overview and day of walking around the city by following the maps here.
3. The House of the Seven Gables
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,913 reviews
The Gables is open Friday – Monday 10 AM – 4PM. We require staff and visitors to follow our mask and social distance policies even if you have had a COVID-19 vaccination. Tickets are sold online ONLY. Visitors will have the option to enjoy a grounds pass or a semi-private guided tour. Advance reservations are required for both of these experiences. PLEASE NOTE: The grounds pass does not include access to any historic interiors. Capacity is limited at our historic site. Online reservations will be available on a rolling basis in 2021. We expect to release tickets mid-month for the upcoming month (i.e. May tickets will be available around April 15). The Museum Store will be open during operating days and hours. Due to staff resources, we have limited time to answer phone calls and emails. Our website has the most up-to-date information to plan your visit.
Reviewed By tedkirby - Lexington, United States
We took a tour of this house on a weekend. There were about ten people in the tour. It was a great tour, we got to see the House of Seven Gables, and the house where Nathanial Hawthorne was born. Our tour guide Alex was very good, she was enthusiastic and shared a lot of interesting knowledge about the house, and also how it relates to Salem's history. The inside of the House of Seven Gables is very nice, and so is the garden in front of it. I imagine the garden looks very pretty in the spring and summer.
4. The Salem Witch Hunt: Examine the Evidence
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Salem Witch Hunt: Examine the Evidence features authentic dialogue from court transcripts and the latest research by renowned Salem Witch Trial scholars. The scenes depicted in the film were shot at actual locations associated with the Witch Trials of 1692. Film length is 35 minutes. Cost: $5 Adults $3 Seniors (62+) $3 Children (6-16)
5. Ropes Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 97 reviews
Reviewed By Workmiles - Memphis, United States
I went to Salem to sightsee while on a business trip to Boston. It is worth the short drive along 1A beachfront Highway. The home is beautiful and was the home used in the movie. My kids were thrilled that is was real and that I got pics. The tour of the home is free and worth doing
6. Narbonne House
7. Hamilton Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Hamilton Hall, one of the most important Federalist buildings in America, has been a place of gathering for over 200 years. We host private and public events, including weddings, balls, and lectures. Visit hamiltonhall.org for more information.
8. Proctor's Ledge Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By stephenfM8666BK - Salem, United States
This is a relatively new monument, located as close to the actual site of the executions of 1692 as historians believe possible. It bears stones bearing the names of the people who were hanged nearby (possibly very close), and is a very modest, quiet monument. The only problem with this monument is that it is hard to find for visitors, with a few one-way streets, and some odd traffic patterns. It is not well-marked, and sadly it's a bit far for many people to walk from the other historical sites in Salem. A visit would last only a few minutes, and there is adequate on-street parking there.
9. Broad Street Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By cherylh903 - Durham, United States
This cemetery was established in 1655. I thought it was very well kept and the headstones were in good condition considering the age. I've never been spooked in a cemetery before but there were areas of this one that made the hair on my arms stand up. Two of the people buried there are George and Jonathan Corwin (who lived in the "witch house") and served as magistrates during the witch trials. The cemetery is across the street from Pickering House (the oldest house in Salem).
10. The Custom House
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 178 reviews
This U.S. Custom House is a historic building within Salem Maritime National Historic Site, the National Park in Salem. The building is open by tour only.
Reviewed By esantiago305 - Miami, United States
My friend Gary aka Gigi Gill took us to the Salem Custom House and introduce us to Charlie. We spent about an hour talking to Charlie. What an interesting and amazing individual. Charlie provided us with a lot of history regarding the socio-economic life in Salem and the role the Salem Custom House play during the 1800’s times. It was fascinating learning about the collection of taxes on imported cargos and the processes that were put in place. Additionally, this place is full of exhibits. And the building itself is a landmark monument. Definitely is worth the visit. And it is free of charge.
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