Visiting Salem MA for Halloween
WIt’s no secret that New England boasts the best autumn the country can offer. From Maine, to Vermont, to New York, New England is synonymous with fall. There’s just something about that drop into crispy temperatures and the leaves finally changing that just amp us all up for fall and ultimately Halloween. Being totally biased saying so, but no one in the country does Halloween like Salem, Massachusetts. Home of the Salem Witch Trials, Hocus Pocus, and all things witchy, is a must visit.
Not only is Salem, Massachusetts in the fall stunningly beautiful, foggy coastal mornings, stunning leaf colors covering cobblestone streets, but it’s full of deep history that only adds to the allure. Salem, Massachusetts in October is the penultimate.
I’m sure it’s no surprise that visiting Salem MA for Halloween is the busiest time of year for this little New England city. Keep that in mind when planning your visit! Places to stay in Salem, Massachusetts and activities can book up to a year in advance!
Never fear. If you’re looking to visit Salem, Massachusetts, I’ll gladly be your guide. Though spooky year round, there’s something extra special about Salem MA for Halloween.
What to See in Salem
Salem is affectionately called Witch City for obvious reasons. The Salem Witch Trails of 1692 put this little city on the map. Being such a part of the cities historical tapestry, many of the attraction in Salem have to do with The Witch Trials.
The Salem Witch Trials Memorial
This quiet and contemplative memorial hand constructed of granite is a tribute to the innocent victims of The Salem Witch Trials. Benches line the memorial and bear the names and execution dates of the victims. It’s a somber place for sure, but also a testament to the spirit of those who chose to die rather than compromise their truth. This memorial is handicap accessible and free to the public.
The Salem Witch Trials Memorial – Liberty Street between Charter Street and Derby Street
The Salem Witch Museum
highlights both the emotional events of The Salem Witch trials, but also the meaning behind the word witch and how it and the iconography have evolved over time. There are a few things in the museum that some visitors may find disturbing. Check out their website before you go just to make sure it’s ok for you!
The Burying Point
There’s something extra spooky about New England cemeteries. The Burying Point is a prime example. This cemetery is located right next to The Salem Witch Trials Memorial. Some of the trials judges and Revolutionary War victims are there laid to rest.
The Burying Point – 51 Charter St, Salem, MA 01970
House of Seven Gables
Built in the late 1600’s, is a historical home looks like it’s straight out of Halloween film. The black house is famous as the setting of the novel titled after it penned by Nathaniel Hawthorne. It could very easily pass for a witch’s house (a perfect Salem selfie opportunity) and has the most beautiful drawing and ocean adjacent location. Tours are available with your ticket for both the interior of the home and the grounds and garden. Advanced bookings are required.
House of Seven Gables – 115 Derby Street Salem, MA 01970
Salem has so much to offer in terms of history. There are several other museums, attractions, and tours to satisfy your inner history buff. If you want to get your witch on, Salem is full of apothecaries, physics, tarot readers, and witch shops.
HausWitch Home + Healing
Salem has so much to offer in terms of history. There are several other museums, attractions, and tours to satisfy your inner history buff. If you want to get your witch on, Salem is full of apothecaries, physics, tarot readers, and witch shops.
is a fan favorite and for good reason. This modern metaphysical lifestyle brand and shop provides witchy and handmade products from makers across the country. HausWitch aims to bring magic and healing into the everyday and is an inclusive space for all genders, sexualities, abilities, and ethnicities.
Haus Witch Home + Healing – 144 Washington Street Salem, MA 01970
Cape Ann Whale Watch
If getting into nature is more your vibe, Salem is a coastal town. Beaches line the shore and are great for a fall walk. Getting out on the water is for sure a good time. Salem, Massachusetts in October is home to migrating whales and it’s a perfect time for a little whale watching. was the highlight of the trip for me!
We spent half the day out on the water and saw several whales. I’d argue it’s a must do in New England. Keep in mind that whale watching season in New England is April through October making this a perfect activity for Halloween in Salem.
Where to Eat in Salem
The Lobster Shanty
Salem is also home to some frightfully good bites. Being on the eastern seaboard, there’s lobster a plenty. is right in the middle of Salem. It has your classic lobster rolls, but also an unexpected Lobster Martini. I gave it a try and it was certainly interesting. If you try, you’ll have to let me know your thoughts.
Flying Saucer Pizza Company
For something out of this world delicious, head over to There are options for your vegetarians and vegans too. We tried the Pickle Rick and it was literally the best. Pickles on pizza? Yes please!
The Ugly Mug Diner
For the morning ghouls, there’s . I love a diner when traveling and The Ugly Mug is a premiere brunch spot with offbeat originals like Duck Confit Waffles, and elevated favorites like Lox Benedict and Candied Pecan Stuffed French Toast.
Find the Salem Hocus Pocus Locations
Perhaps what Salem is best known for aside from the witch trials and all things spooky, is Hocus Pocus. The majority of the movie was filmed in Salem so you can actually go and visit the filming locations! There are Hocus Pocus Walking Tours to take if you’re interested, but if you’d rather choose your own adventure, here’s exactly where to go:
Thackery Binx’s House – Pioneer Village – Forest River Park – Salem, MA
The opening scenes of Hocus Pocus were shot at this iconic location. Pioneer Village is a living history museum and tours are available seasonally so check their website for their offerings!
Max & Dani’s House – 4 Ocean Ave, Salem, MA
The iconic white house with the whale watch, a dream! This house is privately owned, so if you go, please respect the home owners. They are very nice folks and are ok with you taking photos with the home’s exterior.
Allison’s House – The Ropes Mansion- 318 Essex St. Salem, MA
Legend has it that The Ropes Mansion is super haunted. If you dare, go find out for yourself. This spooky spot is open to the public.
Old Town Hall – 32 Derby Sq. Salem, MA
This is the spot where Winifred Sanderson brought down the house. Will it put a spell on you? Maybe! Old Town Hall is now a museum for all things Salem witchcraft.
Old Burial Hill Cemetery – Marblehead, MA
You’ll need to look out for more than just Jay and Ice. Old Burial Hill Cemetery is one of the oldest in New England, some of its oldest residents dating back to 1638.
Where to Stay in Salem
Have I convinced you enough of the merit of Salem, Massachusetts for Halloween? Ready to look for places to stay in Salem, Massachusetts? When planning your visit to Salem, Massachusetts, plan on booking way in advance. Checking out AirBnB Salem, Massachusetts is a great place to start. Why not stay in your very own little witch cottage? AirBnB lists several historic options to make your stay just a bit more spooky.
Nearby towns like Beverly, Marblehead, Danvers and the like are great options when you can’t find a haunt in Salem proper. During my stay last year, I stayed at in Beverly. We found this gem of a spot using AirBnB!
The Cabot Lodge is a boutique hotel right in the middle of quiet, quirky, quaint Beverly. Many restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques were just steps away from our stay; so nice to have a reprieve as parking in Salem can be a bit tricky.
Being a boutique hotel, our stay was unique. The building housing the Cabot used to be a grocery then a bike shop, so the layout and size of the building is a surprise and a masterfully designed space. Making the best use of space, our room had a king bed and a loft to accommodate all of us without feeling like we were right on top of each other.
No matter what kind of trickery you are into, New England is the spot to be for fall frights and delights. But Salem MA for Halloween? Yes please!
I’d gladly go back to this enchanting city on the Northeast any day. Check out my New England road trip video to get even more a feel for the city, or better yet, go see for yourself.
Happy Haunting!