A Frightfully Fun 1 Day Trip to Salem MA Itinerary

We visited Salem during Halloween time (last week of September 2022), but you could do all of these same things any time of the year! We went to family friendly places in Salem and were traveling with our one year old (21 months).

I’ve always wanted to visit Salem and to be able to go on a day trip to Salem MA, especially around Halloween time was such a dream.

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Best Hotels in Salem- Where to stay in Salem

Hawthorne Hotel:

This iconic Salem hotel is located walking distance to Salem Witch Museum and Salem Common. It is also very close to The Peabody Essex Museum and the House of the Seven Gables. The hotel also has a souvenir gift shop and free bikes available to rent.

Salem Waterfront Hotel and Suites:

Located right on the wharf in a great location and within walking distance to many Salem attractions. This hotel has an extremely high rating.

The Merchant:

Very charming and clean hotel in a historic building within walking distance to all of the nearby Salem attractions

The Salem Inn:

This property is located in 3 historical homes, provides free breakfast, free parking and WiFi. Each room is unique in their own way- some feature their own fireplace or jacuzzi tub. This is within walking distance to all of the local attractions.

Is Salem MA good for a day trip?

Salem MA is a great day trip! There’s plenty to do, but most of the attractions are nearby each other and it’s very walkable. If you only have one day in Salem, you will still have an amazing time!

Is Salem a walkable town?

Salem is a very walkable town! There are only a few attractions you would need to drive to or take public transportation, otherwise everything is very close by each other.

Most of the main sights are very walkable and are located on Essex and Washington streets.

Is visiting Salem in October worth it?

Salem in October is amazing with all of the Halloween decorations and daily Halloween events. The con is that it’s also very busy especially on weekends closer to Halloween.

Another option is to come the last week of September to still catch the Halloween decorations and Fall vibes, but miss the crowds!

Where to park in Salem MA?

I suggest parking at Crombie Street Jerry’s Lot. It is the perfect location to walk to most of the sights on your day trip to Salem MA itinerary.

1 Day Trip to Salem MA Itinerary

9:30 Arrive and Head to Federal Street to see Iconic Houses

Drive down Federal Street to see some iconic historic houses. Make sure to stop at the Instagram famous house on 111 federal street to see some really great Halloween decorations.

10:00 Explore The Witch House

Visit the outside of the infamous Witch House or opt to take a tour inside. Jonathan Corwin bought this house in 1675 which later would become a huge part of Witch Hunt history in the US.

This is one of the few structures you can visit in Salem with direct ties to the witch hunts. In October, the outside is decorated with bales of hay and pumpkins. Make sure to book your tickets ahead of time.

It’s $12 for adults and $8 for children. Kids 3 and under are free.

Check out this Witch Trials Tour and visit The Witch House, Peabody Essex Museum and Old Burying Point Cemetery.

11:00 Explore Ropes Mansion (Allison’s House from Hocus Pocus)

318 Essex Street

Visiting the Ropes Mansion is a must on a day trip to Salem itinerary, especially for Hocus Pocus fans because this is actually the location of Allison’s house on Hocus Pocus!

Self-guided house tours are available on weekends through October 20, 2024 for an additional $5 (with purchase of Peabody Essex museum admission.) The Gardens are open year-round and are free to tour.

Timed reservations for historic house tours are required and entry is included in general admission.

The outside is decorated with pumpkins and hay bales in October definitely setting the Halloween Hocus Pocus mood!

12:00 Explore the Shops on Essex Street

After exploring the historic charm of Salem’s landmarks, take a stroll down Essex Street, the city’s vibrant shopping hub. Discover unique boutiques, eclectic galleries, and specialty stores showcasing local artisans and makers.

From handmade jewelry and candles to witch-themed curiosities and occult-inspired gifts, Essex Street’s diverse shops offer a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind finds.

Whether you’re looking for a memento or simply soaking up the city’s eclectic atmosphere, Essex Street’s shops are a must-visit on your Salem day trip itinerary.

The Good Witch

The Good Witch is most likely the most adorable store in Salem and quite the opposite of most of the places you will visit in Salem. This store is based off of a book of the same name, “The Good Witch of Salem.”

This store also does special events like tea time and wand making for little ones. The Good Witch of Salem has a goal to weave magic into learning through events, and a retail line of educational resources, children’s clothing, accessories, and imaginative toys.

Town Hall from Hocus Pocus

This is a must visit stop on your day trip to Salem MA itinerary because this is the location the witches performed, “I put a spell on you!” This was so fun being able to see it in person.

Emporium 32

Known as Salem’s original vintage and curiosities shop, this is one of the best things to do during one day in Salem. But, be prepared to wait in line as it’s quite popular!

There are so many fun things to look at including so many different hats, incredible crystal crowns, cute trinkets and Halloween goodies and even a Zoltar machine.

Halloween Stand

As you walk down Essex street, there’s a cute Halloween street side stand with cute little Halloween souvenirs. Make sure to stop here for a quick peek.

Wynott’s Wands

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, this is one of the absolute top things to do in Salem in one day. It literally feels like you walked into Ollivander’s Wand Shop.

There are wands everywhere and even a goblin on the top floor overlooking the shop. It gets really busy on weekends in October so check out their website to make a reservation time slot to be able to visit the store.

Remember Salem

Right next door to Wynott’s Wands is Remember Salem, another Harry Potter themed store in Salem!

There’s tons of Harry Potter merch to buy from the books, collectible books, accessories, backpacks, cookie jars, costumes and so much more!

1:00 School from Hocus Pocus

Max and Allison’s school from Hocus Pocus is worth seeing from the outside for a quick photo opp, but the inside has actually been turned into an apartment complex.

1:30 Salem Witch Museum

On our day trip to Salem MA, we only had time to see the Salem Witch Museum from the outside, but if you have a bit more time, spend some time inside the museum.

Here you can delve into the fascinating and often misunderstood world of witchcraft at the Salem Witch Museum. This interactive and educational attraction offers a captivating look at the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, dispelling myths and shedding light on the historical context and hysteria that led to one of the darkest chapters in American history.

Through immersive exhibits, engaging presentations, and 13 captivating stage sets, the museum brings to life the stories of the accused, the accusers, and the courageous few who dared to speak out against the madness.

With a focus on promoting tolerance, understanding, and critical thinking, the Salem Witch Museum is a thought-provoking and interesting experience.

Note: May not be suited for young audiences.

2:30 Halloween Museum

We tried out the Halloween Museum on our one day trip itinerary in Salem MA. We had our one year old with us and were looking for a family friendly activity because I know some of the others are a bit more creepy/scary.

This museum is pretty small and is $10 per adult, but we thought it was fun and worthwhile. There’s a lot of fun vintage Halloween memorabilia and the whole place is neon and they give you 4D glasses so everything is popping out.

There are also a lot of props from the original Hocus Pocus and some other Halloween movies. There’s also different themed Halloween rooms to walk through.

Skeletons near Derby Square

This is a quick and fun little photo opp with some big skeletons!

3:00 Nocturne

Nocturne is one of the coolest stores in Salem and you definitely have to stop in on your day trip. This whimsical gothic boutique is inspired by the night and has the most immaculate vibes.

3:30 Eat at the Flying Saucer

Flying Saucer is a funky space themed diner with delicious gourmet pizzas topped with fresh ingredients.

This was definitely a fun themed place to eat while in Salem and the food was great. We enjoyed the outdoor dining.

Mom and son dressed like Winifred and Boots in Salem

Blackcraft Store

Blackcraft is another must stop in Salem. There’s tons of really cool dark and gothic Salem clothes, bags and other goodies.

Fun fact: the Salem store has the original bank vaults put in by the Merchant National Bank over 100 years ago.

The store also has a sort of hidden coffee shop in the back!

4:30 Ye Olde Pepper Companie

This is the oldest candy store in the US and a perfect addition to any Salem itinerary. It’s so fun to visit during the Fall and October when they have tons of Halloween themed treats and goodies. I wanted one of everything!

Halloween Houses

There are many fun Halloween decorated houses in this area near Ye Olde Candy Companie that are fun to drive by. (End of September and all of October).

Max and Dani’s House

Max and Dani’s house is located at 4 Ocean Ave. This is where the outside of their house was filmed in Hocus Pocus. Make sure to be respectful because this is a private residence.

We only stayed for a few minutes because the owners were sitting right outside on their porch. They were very friendly, but make sure not to linger too long.

Salem Pioneer Village

Pioneer Village is America’s first living history museum and it sits on three acres giving visitors an insight into the lives of the Puritans.

Admission is only $5.00 per person, but it’s only open on weekends 12pm-4pm.

This is another Hocus Pocus filming location. This is the village Thackery Binks lived in the beginning of the original movie.

More Things to do in Salem in 1-3 days

Peabody Essex Museum

A place I regret we didn’t have time to visit on our day trip in Salem MA is the Peabody Essex Museum. This definitely needs to be added to your 2 or 3 day Salem itinerary.

Here you can uncover the treasures of the world’s cultures, one of the largest and most renowned museums in the United States.

With a collection spanning over 1.8 million objects, PEM takes you on a journey through time and around the globe, from the art of ancient China and Japan to the maritime history of New England.

With its breathtaking architecture, beautiful gardens, and innovative exhibitions, the Peabody Essex Museum is a must-visit destination for art lovers, history buffs, and anyone curious about the world’s diverse cultural heritage.

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Derby Street

Derby Street is a local historic district established in 1974 and actually includes properties dating back from 1655 to 1950.

There are houses, a wharf and even a lighthouse. This area is worth exploring a bit if you are visiting House of the Seven Gables.

Salem Maritime National Historic Site

Explore the maritime history of Salem at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, a museum showcasing the city’s significance as a major seaport during the 18th and 19th centuries.

You can learn how Salem’s merchants and mariners played a crucial role in the China Trade, exchanging goods like silk, porcelain, and tea for New England’s prized cod and timber.

You can even step aboard the Friendship, a replica of a 1797 East Indiaman ship, and imagine life on the high seas. The museum’s exhibits also highlight the cultural exchange and global connections that defined Salem’s maritime era.

With its stunning harbor views, historic buildings, and engaging exhibits, the Salem Maritime National Historic Site offers a glimpse into Salem’s maritime heritage.

The House of the Seven Gables

If you have time during your one day in Salem, make sure to check out the House of the Seven Gables, made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s iconic novel, this historic mansion has been a Salem landmark since 1668.

You get to explore the intricate wooden architecture, winding staircases, and ornate furnishings that transport you back to the 17th century. Learn about the history of the Manning family, who once called this place home, and discover the secrets hidden within its ancient walls.

If you’re a literature lover, history buff, or simply drawn to the mysterious allure of this National Historic Landmark, the House of the Seven Gables is a must-visit destination on your Salem itinerary.

Old Burial Hill Cemetery

This is one of the most picturesque graveyards in New England. There are view of Old Marblehead, the harbor, and the sea and it is also one of the filming locations from Hocus Pocus.

Real Pirates Salem

Check out this fun Pirate Museum during your Salem MA itinerary. This family-friendly pirate experience is dedicated to the true stories of “Black Sam” Bellamy, who was actually the very richest (and one of the youngest pirates of all time).

The museum also features Maria Hallett, the love of his life and so-called “Witch of Wellfleet.” During the 1700s he captured more than 50 ships. Learn more about their history and see some of their treasures.

Ouija Board Museum

Actually located in the back of Remember Salem on Essex street, there is an Ouija and Witch Board Museum. This is the only one in the world of its kind.

Learn more about the history of the Ouija board and the board’s dark reputation.