A HAUNTED Salem, Massachusetts Travel Guide
If Halloween is your favorite holiday or you’ve been obsessed with witches since your first Hocus Pocus rewatch, Salem, Massachusetts needs to be on your bucket list. Whether you're visiting during October or planning a witchy New England road trip any time of year, this historic town is packed with spooky charm, important history, and fun for every kind of traveler.
Here’s everything you should add to your Salem itinerary.
Must-See Witch Trial History Sites
Salem Witch House: Tour the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, one of the men directly involved in the Salem Witch Trials. It’s the only structure still standing in Salem with direct ties to the events of 1692. Location - 310 Essex Street
Proctor’s Ledge: This is the site where the executions of the accused witches took place. A solemn but important stop to pay your respects and reflect on the town’s dark history. Location - 7 Pope Street
Salem Witch Trials Memorial: Walk through this quiet memorial filled with granite benches engraved with the names of the 20 victims. It’s located next to the Old Burying Point Cemetery. Location - 24 Liberty Street
Old Burying Point Cemetery (also known as Charter Street Cemetery): One of the oldest cemeteries in the country, this is the burial site of several figures involved in the witch trials, including Judge Hathorne. Location - 51 Charter Street
Salem Witch Museum: This museum gives a dramatic retelling of the 1692 witch trials and explores how fear and mass hysteria led to tragedy. Tickets often sell out in October, so book ahead. Location - 19 1/2 N Washington Square
Salem Heritage Trail: Follow the red line on the sidewalks throughout town to easily navigate Salem’s historic sites. It's a self-guided walking tour that makes it simple to explore everything on foot.
Hocus Pocus Filming Locations
Salem is widely known as the setting of the Halloween classic Hocus Pocus, and several memorable scenes were filmed throughout the city. Today, fans can visit many of these real-life filming locations and step into some of the movie’s most iconic moments.
Allison’s House: The iconic Ropes Mansion is beautiful year-round, but extra festive in October with fall decor. Location - 318 Essex Street
Max & Dani's House: This is a beautiful waterfront home, but it is a private residence, so please be respectful. Location - 4 Ocean Avenue
Binx’s House: It’s a bit farther from the main area of town, but checking out the Pioneer Village is a MUST. It’s America's first living history museum. Location - 38 West Avenue
Old Town Hall: You’ll remember this as the spot where the Sanderson Sisters sang “I Put a Spell on You.” It’s also a popular photo op and often hosts events during Halloween season. Location - 32 Derby Square
Jacob Bailey High School: The kids high school is an actual school right next to Salem Common called Phillips Elementary School. Location - 84 Essex Street
Salem Common: This is a nice park and served as multiple outdoor scenes from the movie, including where Max & Allison rode their bikes.
Where to Eat & Drink
Witchside Tavern: We ate breakfast here and it was delicious. Location - 283 Derby Street
Blackcraft Coffee: I would HIGHLY recommend getting here early, we got here 45 minutes before it opened and were about 20th in line. By opening there was over 100 people in line. But it’s definitely worth it and our coffee was delicious. Location - 253 Essex Street
All Souls Lounge: Great, central spot for lunch or a snack. We absolutely loved their pretzel bites. Location - 282 Derby Street
The Tavern at the Hawthorne Hotel: Having dinner at one of the most haunted hotels in America is a must while in Salem. It was named after Nathaniel Hawthorne and was featured in Bewitched. Location - 18 Washington Square W
Goodnight Fatty: They’re known for their iconic cookies and it’s never a consistent menu, so it’ll be a surprise when you arrive. But wow were they INCREDIBLE. Location - 1 Washington Square W
Hallowed Ground Speakeasy: Find the red light in the alley and head downstairs to grab some cocktails. Location - 87 Washington Street
Halloween Events and Experiences
Salem Haunted Happenings: Held every October, this is the largest Halloween celebration in the world. Expect street performers, parades, costume contests, haunted houses, psychic readings, and more.
Witches’ Halloween Ball: Hosted at the historic Hawthorne Hotel, this ticketed event includes dancing, live DJs, psychic readings, rituals, and even seances. Costumes are a must.
Other Can’t Miss Spots & Activities:
Bewitched Statue: Located in Lappin Park, this bronze statue depicts actress Elizabeth Montgomery as Samantha Stephens from the classic television series Bewitched. It is a quick, iconic photo stop in the heart of downtown Salem.
Haunted Warren Museum: The Haunted Warren Museum brings together more than 1,000 paranormal and true-crime artifacts, including the famous Annabelle doll and objects connected to Ed and Lorraine Warren’s investigations. Visitors explore the darkened museum by flashlight during a self-guided experience, and phones and recording devices are not allowed inside. Location - 259 Essex Street
Pickering House: Built around 1660, the Pickering House is one of Salem’s oldest homes and was occupied by 10 generations of the same family. Its architecture evolved over several centuries, making it an interesting stop for anyone who wants to see another side of Salem’s history beyond the witch trials. Location - 18 Broad Street
ENTERING SALEM sign: The “Entering Salem” sign is a quick roadside photo stop that makes the perfect backdrop for announcing your arrival in the Witch City. It only takes a few minutes to visit, but it is a fun addition to any Salem itinerary. Location - St. Mary's Cemetery - North Street
Count Orlock's Nightmare Gallery: A horror movie museum filled with life-sized monsters, detailed sculptures, movie props, and memorabilia from classic and modern horror films. It is an especially fun stop for horror fans who want something spooky that is not centered on the Salem witch trials. Location - 217 Essex Street
Pickering Wharf: Charming waterfront area filled with restaurants, boutiques, and views of Salem Harbor. It is a great place to stroll, shop for souvenirs, enjoy a meal by the water, or simply take a break from Salem’s busier historical attractions.
Betwitched Walking Tour: Guided walk to see multiple locations of the Salem Witch Trials.
Witch City Broom Making Workshop: Create and personalize your own decorative broom using dried flowers, charms, crystals, and other materials. It is a fun, hands-on activity that feels uniquely Salem, and you will leave with a one-of-a-kind souvenir to take home. Location - 246 Essex Street
Where to Stay
Hawthorne Hotel: This historic hotel in the heart of downtown is one of the most iconic places to stay in Salem as it’s one of the most haunted hotels in America. Book early if you’re coming in October because it fills up SO fast.
Final Tips for Visiting Salem
October weekends are extremely busy, so plan ahead and book all tickets and reservations in advance
If visiting in the fall, arrive early in the day to avoid crowds and traffic
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as most of the town is best explored on foot
Don’t miss out on local shops and cafes as they’re filled with witchy finds, Halloween goodies, and cozy fall treats
Salem is one of those destinations that’s magical year-round but truly comes alive during spooky season. Whether you're diving into the history of the witch trials or reenacting your favorite Hocus Pocus scene, this town is a must-visit for anyone who loves a little mystery, magic, and Halloween.
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