Salem

Bakers Island Light

Essex Heritage Tours

While this tour group offers several interesting walking tours, the real highlight is the excursions offered on their 32 foot vessel, Naumkeag. During the high season they offer trips to see Bakers Island Light and ​Misery Island. The trip is slightly adventurous, and visitors must be at least 4 years old and be able to withstand some light exposure to the elements. Most visit the island for 2.5 hours; but it is possible to camp overnight. Those with deep pockets may stay at the assistant keeper's house. Boat tours depart from the Salem Ferry dock.

Wed-Sun 10AM-4PM·$35, children $25

Fame of Salem

Take a tour of Salem harbor on a full-scale replica of the famous schooner. Framed and planked of white oak and trunnel-fastened in the traditional manner, this replica was launched in 2003. The original Fame was a fast Chebacco fishing schooner reborn as a privateer when war broke out in the summer of 1812. She was arguably the first American privateer to bring home a prize, and she made 20 more captures before being wrecked in the Bay of Fundy in 1814.

From $39

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 daily·Free

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 daily·Free

Pioneer Village

Created in 1930, this is America's first living-history museum. Based around a recreated Puritan village, it gives visitors the opportunity to observe how the lives of Salem's earliest English settlers might have been lived. Holds space for the Naumkeag and other Massachusett peoples. You'll get some amazing pictures, but overall it's quite small, you'd be hard pressed to spend 30 minutes here.

Sat Sun noon-4PM·$5

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 daily·Free

Bluebikes

The same Bluebike system running in Boston runs here as well. There are about a dozen stations total, and bikes can be returned to any rack. There's a rack by the ferry terminal, one by the train station, one up by Salem Willows, and the rest are scattered around downtown. You'll need to install an app on your smartphone to use the system.

24 hours daily·$3 every 30 minutes until you return the bike

Halloween

Halloween is the absolute zenith of Salem's tourist season, when about half a million visitors descend upon the town. Prices are higher, and all restaurants, events, and hotels will have sold out months in advance of the holiday. More kid-friendly events take place during daylight hours, and things get more wild as the night progresses. If you'd like to avoid the worst of the crowds, the presence of Halloween vibes (and porta-potties) remains strong throughout the entire month of October. Do not drive into town, it can take hours in traffic from Boston, and some streets close to cars. The ferry continues to operate and the MBTA runs extra trains to accommodate revelers. Prepare yourself for an experience, wear a costume, bring snacks, and get ready to party!

October 31

Mahi Harbor Cruises

Fun, low-key harbor cruising around the harbor, channel, and sound. Brings more of an island vibe with a "bare feet welcome" mindset.

May-Oct 1-7PM daily·$25-30

Salem Trolley

Your standard issue tourist trolley bus. Offers one hour narrated historical tours of Salem, stopping at all the main sites in town. Not a hop-on, hop-off service. Museum admission not included. Heated cars. Buy tickets in person day of at the National Park Service Visitor Center.

Apr-Oct 10AM-5PM daily·$22