As the site of the infamous 1692 witch trials, Salem, Massachusetts, is the perfect destination for history buffs and thrill-seekers alike. From haunted landmarks and historic homes to museums and ghost tours, this New England town has all the ingredients for a spooky weekend getaway.
Whether you’re just passing through or staying awhile, check out this two-day itinerary to maximize your time in Salem.
Day 1
Morning
Kick off your adventure with a hearty breakfast at Red’s Sandwich Shop. The local hotspot is housed in the historic London Coffee House, where Patriots gathered before the American Revolution. Order a fluffy omelet, fried egg sandwich, scratch-made blueberry pancakes, or one of the rotating breakfast specials.
Next, visit The Witch House (aka the Jonathan Corwin House) to see Salem’s only remaining public structure with a direct connection to the witchcraft trials. Take a self-guided tour and imagine what life was like for Judge Jonathan Corwin, who presided over many of the witch trials. Check out priceless artifacts, from furniture to artwork, for a glimpse at how the wealthy lived in the late 1600s and insight into one of the darkest times in Salem’s history.
Afternoon
Grab lunch at Gulu-Gulu Café, a bohemian-themed eatery inspired by a quirky Prague café where the owners met. The menu features a wide array of sandwiches, soups, crepes, and rare craft brews. Take in the rotating local art while chowing down on dishes like the “Uh Oh, It’s Magic” – a grilled cheese sandwich made with gouda, mozzarella, caramelized onions, and apple butter. Pair your meal with the “Season of the Witch” IPA to stay on theme!
Dive deeper into the city’s enchanting history at the Salem Witch Museum. Embark on a guided tour for an immersive look into the witch trials and the evolution of the “witch” image through narrated stage sets with sound effects and life-sized figures. After the presentation, learn about everything from the European witch hunts to the modern-day view of witches in the Witches: Evolving Perceptions exhibit.
After your museum tour, head to Charter Street Cemetery, also known as The Old Burying Point. Established before 1637, it’s one of the oldest burial grounds in the country. See the burial sites of notable figures from the witch trials and the Revolutionary War. Make sure to book your free reservation in advance. Afterward, make your way to Gallows Hill, which is rumored to be the site of the witch trial executions. Though the park is now home to a playground and baseball field, you might just catch a whisper or two from the spirits lingering in the area.
Evening
Enjoy dinner at Turner’s Seafood, housed in the old Lyceum Hall, where Alexander Graham Bell made his first public phone call. The building is rumored to be haunted, as it sits on the site of an apple orchard once owned by Bridget Bishop – the first “witch” convicted and hanged in Salem. Start with the lobster bisque (a fan favorite), then order the swordfish or the lobster pie. Feeling brave? Book Bridget Bishop’s Haunted Dine ‘n Fly meal to dine in the haunted upstairs loft.
Wrap up your day on the Salem Night Tour! Your historian guide will lead you through Salem’s haunted streets, telling eerie tales of mysterious local murders and the true history behind the Salem Witch Trials. You’ll pass through mansions, churches, and cemeteries—all made more ominous in the dim lamp lighting of night. Be sure to bring your camera—people capture paranormal photographs on almost every tour!
Day 2
Morning
Start the second half of your spooky weekend in Salem with breakfast at Fountain Place, a cozy diner named for the historic water pump located out front. The menu offers tons of egg dishes to choose from, including a unique assortment of benedicts. Try the Irish benedict topped with corned beef hash or the Maryland benedict served with housemade crab cakes.
After a satisfying meal, pay your respects at the Salem Witch Trials Memorial on Liberty Street. The powerful memorial is dedicated to the 20 victims of the 1692 trials. As you read the victims’ protests of innocence, etched in stone and cut off mid-sentence by a granite wall, you’ll be reminded of the injustices they faced. Need to sit down and reflect? Take a seat on one of the Memorial’s benches, each of which bears the names and execution dates of each of the victims.
Afternoon
For a casual bite, stop by The Tavern at the Hawthorne Hotel. Savor classic New England dishes with seasonal twists, like pumpkin mac and cheese or a bacon fig jam burger. Cozy up between the wood-burning fireplace and oak-paneled walls of this historic eatery. Craving a hot bowl of soup? You can’t go wrong with Steve’s Seafood Chowder – a hearty blend of shrimp, scallops, haddock, clams, and potatoes in a creamy New England-style soup.
Though the city is best known for its haunted past, Salem also has an incredibly rich maritime history. Dive right in at the Peabody Essex Museum by exploring exhibits like Asian Export Art and Salem Stories. Discover a diverse collection of fascinating artifacts, including vintage photographs, paintings, sculptures, and even a murder weapon. Though not spooky in nature, the PEM also offers guided walking tours like Sinister Streets, where you can get a behind-the-scenes look at legendary murder sites and witch trial landmarks.
No trip to Salem is complete without a visit to The House of the Seven Gables, the mansion that inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne’s famous novel. Take a 45-minute guided tour to delve into four centuries of history and even climb a hidden staircase. Arguably the most well-known haunted house in town, this property has been attached to ghost stories for more than a century. Past visitors have claimed to see the spirit of a man climbing the stairs or a boy playing in the attic; what will you find?
Evening
Unwind from a weekend of ghost-hunting at Finz Seafood & Grill, where you can enjoy fresh seafood with striking harbor views. Choose raw bar items like local oysters and colossal crab, or opt for a New England staple like the lobster roll. Craving sushi? Order the Torched Salmon Truffle Roll or the Playboy Maki with spicy tuna. Between the floor-to-ceiling nautical wall and hand-painted sea-themed mural, Finz is teeming with upscale maritime vibes.
Cap off your weekend on a spooky night tour filled with ghost stories and tales of paranormal activity. On the 90-minute Spellbound Tour, you’ll learn all about the spirits, violent murders, and spine-tingling occurrences that have plagued Salem for centuries. During this chilling stroll around town, you’ll even learn the secret Voodoo roots of the famous Witch Hysteria.
Accommodations
When it’s time to tuck in, check into one of Salem’s notoriously haunted hotels. The Hawthorne Hotel is known for its ghostly sightings and is conveniently located in the heart of the city. The circa-1925 hotel was named after Nathaniel Hawthorne, author of famed novels like The Scarlet Letter and Seven Gables. Rest up in a contemporary-style guestroom with simple furnishings and blackout drapes. Fun fact: the iconic elevator scene from Bewitched was filmed here!
Alternatively, stay at The Salem Inn for a blend of classic New England charm and modern amenities like jacuzzi tubs. Spread across three historic homes, each room is named after a different aspect of Salem’s unique past – from the Derby room to the Haunted room. Before you check out, walk over to the Captain West House for a complimentary breakfast in the garden courtyard or the original 1834 kitchen.
