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Free things to do in Salem

16 places in Salem with free entry or no charge, based on guide listings and map data.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

Free things to do in Salem

  1. See

    Collins Cove Park

    Great combination park, sandy beach, and playground with encircling walking path. Provides excellent harbor views, and it's a perfect spot to let your kids get the wiggles out. Pretty, but check for broken glass in the sand before you decide to go for a dip.

    24 hours dailyFree

  2. See

    Custom House

    Salem's 13th customs house, this one dates from 1819 and was built to represent the power of the federal government. Pay a visit to reveal exhibits on the tools of the Custom Service, the work of the Customs inspectors, and the office of Nathaniel Hawthorne, the famous American author whose three-year stint in the Salem Custom House inspired his classic novel, The Scarlet Letter.

    10AM-noon, 1-4PM dailyFree

  3. See

    Dead Horse Beach

    The views are significantly better than the name. Offers an escape from nearby crowds. You'll often have the place to yourself, as the beach has little sand to speak of. It's mostly rocks with a little harbor detritus mixed in. Open to the public, but not to dogs.

    24 hours dailyFree

  4. See

    Derby Wharf

    Derby Wharf Light

    Reaching nearly half a mile by 1806, this wharf is Salem's longest. At the height of its power, over 20 buildings here stored goods imported from around the globe. Today it provides beautiful, if windy, views of the harbor and park itself. Visitors who make it to the end are rewarded with up close views of Derby Wharf Lighthouse, built 1871.

    24 hours dailyFree

  5. See

    Forest River Park

    Great option for meeting some locals, or for those visiting with children. You'll find plenty of swings, slides, and games scattered throughout these 30 acres. The stunning outdoor community pool opened in 2022 and provides sweeping vistas of the harbor. A 1930s era concrete slide remains ensconced in a hillside, perfect for those who really want to dislocate something. Parking for Pioneer Village is found here, see Do section for more.

    8AM-8PM dailyFree, parking $0.50/hour

  6. Do

    Fort Lee

    These 5 point irregular star fort is what remains of earthworks constructed in 1776, during the Revolutionary War. Some original bits remain, although it has been modified dozens of times over the years. Granted to the Federal Government in 1867, it was returned to Salem in 1922. Some trails and interpretive signs were added at the nation's bicentennial, but they were removed and the site is today overgrown. The paths are well trod today, and it's certainly worth a visit to any history buff.

    24 hours dailyFree

  7. See

    Friendship of Salem

    This replica ship usually functions as a floating museum; however, the vessel is fully functional and Coast Guard certified. She was designed after a model of the original (on display at PEM), and is occasionally taken out under full sail for crew trainings and tall ship events. The original was a three-masted trading ship built in Salem in 1797. After circumnavigating the world over a dozen times, she would eventually be taken by British forces during the War of 1812, then stripped and sold for parts.

    Irregular dockside tours via Waite & PeirceFree

  8. See

    Hamilton Hall

    One of the finest examples of Federal style building, Hamilton Hall was completed in 1807 by Samuel McIntire. Upon opening the townsfolk held many celebrations and banquets here, feting high status guests. That tradition continues today; hosting concerts, lectures, weddings, and other joyful events in the lives of Salem's residents. The hall is owned by a non-profit, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.

    Mon-Fri 10AM-2PMFree

  9. Do

    Misery Islands

    In the past Great Misery Island played host to a golf club and manicured course with over two dozen permanent cottages. However; a fire in 1926 destroyed pretty much everything, and an 87-acre nature reserve was established here in 1935. Today the islands are uninhabited and managed by The Trustees. The peculiar name originates with shipbuilder Robert Moulton. After being stranded on the islands during a winter storm in the 1620s, he described his experience as "three miserable days". Nearby, Little Misery Island can be reached from Great Misery on foot by wading across at low tide. If you lack a private vessel, Essex Heritage Tours offers occasional day trips here in summer.

    Sunrise-sunset dailyFree

  10. See

    Narbonne House

    Built in 1675, this home wouldn't be added to the park until 1964. Acting as a counterpoint to some of the more grandiose structures, this is a remarkable example of a 17th century middle-class family home. Exhibits within the house showcase rare early ephemera and artifacts discovered during archeological digs on-site. The taller bits belong to the original structure, which remains (mostly) as it was when absorbed in the 1960s. The small adjacent sidewalk is a "hidden gem" entrance to the larger Salem Maritime National Historic Site.

    Irregular tours via Salem Armory Visitor CenterFree

  11. See

    Proctor’s Ledge

    This memorial is the execution site for those "convicted" during the Salem Witch Trials. Here, nineteen souls were hung about the neck until dead during the closing months of 1692. For many years the site was assumed to be nearby Gallows Hill, until extensive research by the history department at Salem State University discovered the true location in 2016. This small park features a stone wall with each of the deceased's names etched in stone. Quiet and somber, the ledge was dedicated in 2017, 325 years after the executions.

    24 hours dailyFree

  12. See

    Punto Urban Art Museum

    The Punto Urban Art Museum was founded as a social justice art program. Designed to promote and feature Dominican artists in an effort to reduce stigma against those who reside there. Over 75 large scale murals featuring a variety of global and New England-based artists. If your group has 15 or more people, sign up for an educational tour. Tours last about 90 minutes and cover topics like: the immigrant experience, street art, and local cultural highlights.

    24 hours dailyFree

  13. See

    Salem Arts Association

    Housed in a historic building dating to the 1650s, the Salem Arts Association features over 180 new and upcoming North Shore artists specializing in all media and disciplines. Pieces on display are constantly rotating and available for purchase. The association is an all volunteer run non-profit. Check their calendar for a variety of events that take place throughout the year.

    Sat Sun noon-6PMFree

  14. See

    Salem Common

    On this field in 1637 the East Regiment militia performed various drills and exercises. This day of training became known as "the first muster"—eventually leading to the birth of the US National Guard. 30 years later, in 1667, villagers decided the park should be held as common land where their livestock could graze. As the town grew and the park could no longer fulfill its purpose, it was closed in. The current handsome wrought iron fence dates from 1850. Visit in April, when the Second Corps of Cadets arrive to pay respects to their founder, Stephen Abbott; interred nearby. During the ceremony the cadets lay a wreath, play taps, and fire a 21-gun salute.

    24 hours dailyFree

  15. Do

    Salem Willows Arcade and Park

    An oceanfront neighborhood and amusement park with a bit of a carnival atmosphere. It's quite good fun, if you're looking for something slightly kitschy and definitely well loved. You'll find a merry-go-round and other rides for smaller children, and an arcade for the older ones. The arcade features video games, pinball, skiball, tickets & prizes, air-hockey tables, and so on. Unfortunately, the only real food options are low quality pizza and Chinese, which you may have to wait over 30 minutes for! The exception to this rule is E.W. Hobbs, well known for quality popcorn and ice cream. Feel free to bring your own eats, the grassy parks and beaches make perfect picnic spots. Parking is ample, and public restrooms are available. Historically, Salem Willows is named for the European white willow trees planted here in 1801. The trees created a shaded canopy for patients convalescing at a nearby smallpox hospital. The area became a public park in 1858, and in the 20th century it became a North Shore summer destination. The beaches here are a great spot to watch 4th of July fireworks; as you can see the shows put on by Salem, Beverly, and Marblehead.

    11AM-9PM dailyFree

  16. See

    Winter Island Park

    Fort Pickering and Waikiki Beach

    This park and historic district spans about 18 acres and is home to Fort Pickering and Waikiki beach. Used for defensive purposes since at least the 17th century, most of the remaining buildings date from World War II, when the U.S. Coast Guard monitored these waters for German U-boat activity. Pickering Light has been guiding sailors safely home since 1871, although the city of Salem has been responsible for keeping the beacon lit since 1983. Urban explorers may enjoy picking through the abandoned seaplane hangar. See the Sleep section for campsite information.

    24 hours dailyFree

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Salem (CC BY-SA 4.0).