Salem

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 daily·Free

Count Orlok's Nightmare Gallery

Salem's only monster/sci-fi/fantasy museum. Haunted house every October.

Fri-Sun 10AM-5PM

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 daily·Free

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 daily·Free

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 daily·Free

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 daily·Free, parking $0.50/hour

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 & Peirce·Free

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-2PM·Free

House of the Seven Gables

Turner-Ingersoll Mansion

One of the oldest surviving 17th-century wooden mansions in New England. Made famous by the eponymous 1851 Nathaniel Hawthorne novel. The oldest sections of the home date to 1668, when it was built for Captain John Turner and his family. The home has been altered and modified countless times over the centuries as family fortunes ebbed and flowed. Eventually; in 1908, wealthy philanthropist Caroline Emmerton purchased the home and set about effecting its restoration. Supervised by Boston's city architect; they restored the home to its former glory, making only the occasional sacrifice to historical accuracy. Visitors today will discover low ceilings, extensive Georgian paneling, and hidden staircases among hundreds of period curios. Walking the grounds is always a charming activity. The fresh ocean breezes are sure to invigorate. Also on site is the home where Nathaniel Hawthorne was born. It was moved here in 1958 and is worth a few minutes of your time.

10AM-4PM daily·$20, $12 children 5-12, $5 grounds pass

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 Center·Free

New England Pirate Museum

The museum includes a walking tour that consists of an artifacts room, a recreation of life down by the docks where the pirates did their recruiting, and reenactments and representations of such famous pirates as Sam Bellamy, Captain Kidd, and Blackbeard. You can get $5 off tickets when you buy with Witch Dungeon Museum and Witch History Museum.

10AM-5PM with extended hours in October·Adults $8, children 4-13yr $6, seniors $7

Old Town Hall

Salem Museum

Built in 1816, this is the earliest surviving municipal building in Salem. First floor used as a space for public art. Museum closed until further notice.

Peabody Essex Museum

PEM

The Peabody Essex Museum is a leading museum of Asian art and culture and early American maritime trade and whaling; its collections of Indian, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese art, and in particular Chinese export porcelain, are among the finest in the country. Founded in 1799, it is the oldest continuously operating museum in the United States. The museum owns and exhibits a number of historic houses in downtown Salem. In 2003, it completed a massive $100-million renovation and expansion, designed by architect Moshe Safdie, and moved a 200-year-old 16-room Chinese home from Xiuning County in southeastern China to the grounds of the museum. Gift shop available in person and online.

Thu-Mon 10AM-5Mon. Caféː 10AM-4PM·Adults $25, seniors $23, students $15, youth (under 16), veterans/military and Salem residents admitted free; the 200-year-old Yin Yu Tang Chinese merchant's house is included in basic admission but requires a separate timed reservation

Peirce-Nichols House

One of McIntire's earlier commissions, this home was built in the Georgian style for Jerathmiel Peirce and completed around 1784. It was later transformed by the architect into a Federal masterpiece, celebrating the marriage of daughter Sarah Peirce to George Nichols. The home has been owned by Peabody Essex Museum since 1917, and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1968.

Irregular tours offered by PEM

Phillips House

Grandiose in design, its construction began with the death of Elias Derby, one of America's first millionaires. After some squabbling over the inheritance, heir Nathaniel West completed the mansion in 1821. Four rooms from Elias' earlier home were moved to fashionable Chestnut Street to make up the core of the house. Purchased and restored in 1911 by Anna Phillips and her husband, they lived here until their deaths in 1955. Today the mansion is owned by Historic New England and showcases an eclectic collection of family heirlooms and historic technologies.

Jun-Oct: Thu-Sun 11AM-4PM, tours on the hour·$15, $13 seniors, $7 children

Pickering House

Built in 1664 by John Pickering, a carpenter from Coventry; this is the oldest house in Salem. It's also the oldest home in America continuously owned by the same family. For over 330 years, each new generation of Pickering would alter the home to suit the times and their changing needs. Ceiling heights were raised, extra wings were constructed, and plenty of gothic detailing added for good measure. It's a great place to spend an hour if you're interested in discovering the details of lives lived long ago.

Sun 10AM-3PM·$10, residents $5, children free

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 daily·Free

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 daily·Free

Ropes Mansion

Built from 1727–1729 in the Georgian style, major restorations were done in 1894, and the handsome back garden was added in 1912. Three generations of Ropes called this mansion home, until it was given to a trust in 1907. The building has seen many renovations and restorations over its life, but generally maintains its original form. Today the mansion is open to the public and controlled by the Peabody Essex Museum.

Sat Sun noon-4PM; gardens sunrise-sunset daily

Salem Art Gallery

The Satanic Temple

Opened in 2016 in the former Dubiel Funeral Parlor. This art space doubles as the world headquarters for the Satanic Temple. Offering a rotating selection of events, screenings, and artworks by local practitioners. The giant statue of Baphomet is always quite popular. Other permanent exhibits are dedicated to Satanism, witch hunts, and moral panics. Stop by the gift shop for t-shirts and merch you just can't get anywhere else.

Wed-Sat 11AM-5PM, Sun noon-5PM·Varies, free to $25

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-6PM·Free

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 daily·Free

Salem Wax Museum

Not great. Same owners as Salem Witch Village, just next door.

10AM-6PM daily

Salem Witch Museum

The museum includes a narrative on the history of the trials in 1692 and also an exhibit on witchcraft through the ages.

Daily 10AM-5PM (until 7PM July, August)·$16.50, under 14 $14.50

The Witch House

Jonathan Corwin House

The Witch House is the last extant building with direct ties to the 1692 Salem witch trials. An excellent example of 17th-century architecture, it was probably built sometime between 1620 and 1642. Bought by Judge Jonathan Corwin in 1675, he would go on to live here for over forty years. As a local magistrate and civic leader, Corwin was called upon to investigate the claims of diabolical activity when a surge of witchcraft accusations arose in and around Salem. Eventually, he would send 19 people to the gallows, all of whom maintained their innocence and refused to admit to witchcraft. No interrogations or trials were conducted within the Witch House, nor were any of the accused brought here. The house remained in the Corwin family until the 1940s. At this time the Witch House was moved about 35 ft to its current location and was restored to its 17th century origins. Today it basically looks as it would have in Corwin's time, although the gambrel roof was altered.

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 daily·Free

Witch Dungeon Museum

Has witch trial reenactments. You can get $5 off tickets when you buy with New England Pirate Museum and Witch History Museum.

10AM-5PM with extended hours in October·Adults $8, children 4-13 yr $6, seniors $7

Witch History Museum

The Salem Witch Museum is dedicated to the Salem witch trials. You can get $5 off tickets when you buy with New England Pirate Museum and Witch Dungeon Museum.

10AM-5PM with extended hours in October·Adults $8, children 4-13yr $6, seniors $7