Salem

Salem is known for its rich history, so a visit to the Salem Witch Museum, Peabody Essex Museum, and Salem Maritime National Historic Site should definitely be on your itinerary. For a more spooky experience, check out the Witch Dungeon Museum or go on a ghost tour. And if you're interested in literature, don't miss the House of the Seven Gables, which was made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel.

Salem offers plenty of outdoor activities for nature lovers. Take a stroll through Forest River Park, which features a beach, walking trails, and picnic areas. Or, head to Winter Island Park, which offers camping, fishing, and a historic fort to explore. You can also take a whale watching tour or go on a harbor cruise to see Salem from the water.

If you're looking for a unique experience, consider staying in one of Salem's historic bed and breakfasts, like the Salem Inn or the Morning Glory Bed & Breakfast. For a more modern option, there are several chain hotels in the area, including the Hawthorne Hotel and the Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites.

Salem is best known for its Halloween festivities in October, but it can get very crowded during that time. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is beautiful. Summer is also a popular time to visit, but it can be very hot and humid.

Salem is a great destination for families. Kids will love the interactive exhibits at the Peabody Essex Museum and the Salem Witch Museum. The Salem Willows Amusement Park offers classic carnival rides and arcade games, and you can take a trolley tour to see the city's historic sites. If you have older kids, they might enjoy the ghost tours and haunted houses.

Salem has plenty of great restaurants to choose from. For seafood, head to Turner's Seafood or Finz Seafood & Grill. For Italian cuisine, try Bella Verona or Bambolina. Gulu-Gulu Cafe is a popular spot for coffee and pastries, and Opus offers a great brunch menu. And, of course, no trip to Salem is complete without a stop at Ye Olde Pepper Companie, America's oldest candy company.

Salem is a small city, so it's easy to get around on foot or by bike. There are also several car rental companies in the area if you want to explore further afield. The Salem Trolley is a great way to see the city's historic sites, and the MBTA commuter rail connects Salem to Boston and other nearby towns.

If you're on a budget, there are plenty of free things to do in Salem. The Salem Maritime National Historic Site and Derby Wharf are both free to explore, and the Salem Witch Trials Memorial is a somber but important site to visit. You can also take a self-guided walking tour of the city's historic sites or explore the Peabody Essex Museum's outdoor installations.

Yes! Salem is just a short train ride from Boston, and it's easy to visit as a day trip. The MBTA commuter rail runs from Boston's North Station to Salem Station, and the trip takes about 30 minutes each way. Once you're in Salem, you can explore the city on foot or by bike, or take a trolley tour to see the highlights.

Salem is full of unique experiences. You can visit the Witch House, which is the only building in Salem with direct ties to the witch trials. Or, check out the Salem 1692 Wax Museum, which features life-sized wax figures of key players in the witch trials. You can also take a psychic reading or a spellcasting class, or visit the Crow Haven Corner, which bills itself as the oldest witch shop in Salem.