Picture a place where you can wear a witch hat to breakfast, have your tarot cards read before lunch and spend the afternoon wandering streets where the history is just as haunting as the ghost stories. We’re going somewhere a little wicked. We’re going to Salem, Massachusetts!
Now, I know what you’re thinking. Isn’t Salem at Halloween like going to Disney World on Christmas Day? Yes. Yes, it is. Trust me, because I’ve been there. Instead of Mickey ears, everyone’s wearing pointy hats, black capes and enough eyeliner to frighten a Sephora employee. And let me tell you something: Salem does not simply celebrate Halloween. Salem is Halloween. We’re talking an entire month of haunted happenings, historic cemeteries, ghost tours, costume parties, witchy shops and more pumpkins than a pumpkin spice latte convention. I even found some good, real fried dough there, for my northerners. But here’s what most people don’t realize: Salem isn’t just a spooky tourist destination. So grab your broomsticks and let’s get wicked.
First, a Little History (the Fun Kind)
Before we start talking about witches, you need a little history lesson. Don’t worry, there will be no pop quiz, and nobody has to write a five-page essay. Salem is about 16 miles northeast of Boston, right along the Massachusetts coast. It’s a beautiful, walkable New England city with historic homes, cobblestone touches, waterfront views and the kind of fall atmosphere that makes you want to throw on a sweater and order something involving cinnamon or pumpkin or all the things fall.
But Salem became famous for something much darker: the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. During that period of fear, suspicion and religious tension, more than 200 people were accused of witchcraft in the Salem area. Nineteen people were executed by hanging, one man was pressed to death and others died while imprisoned. And here’s something important. They weren’t actually witches practicing magic. These people were caught in a wave of hysteria, false accusations and injustice.
Before going, I had heard the stories, of course, but I had no idea what it was actually about. So it’s very interesting to take a tour and really learn the history. Today’s Salem embraces witch culture and Halloween tourism, but the real history deserves respect.
The Salem Witch Trials Memorial
One of the most powerful places to visit is the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, and that place was unreal. It’s a quiet memorial honoring the victims, with stone benches bearing their names, and it’s one of those places where you stop joking for a minute. You take it in and think, these people were not doing what they were accused of doing. Everyone got caught up in this crazy hysteria, and people died because of it. It happened so long ago, but standing there, it hits you that it actually happened. Behind all of the costumes and the Halloween fun, real people’s lives were lost. So go, and honor the victims.
The Witch House
Another fascinating stop is the Witch House, the former home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, who was involved in the witch trials. It is the only surviving structure in Salem with direct ties to the trials. Picture a dark wooden 17th-century house that looks like it belongs in a spooky movie, except this one is real.
And here’s your little travel tip. Not everything associated with the Salem witch trials actually happened in present-day Salem. Some of the events took place in what was then Salem Village, which is now Danvers. So if you’re a true history lover, there’s more to explore beyond downtown Salem. But a lot of it really is right there downtown, so you get plenty of history and interesting facts. It really was something I was not expecting.
Good to know (checked October 2026): the Witch House is run by the City of Salem and is open from mid-March through November 30, with limited hours in winter, so check before you go. The Salem Witch Trials Memorial is downtown on Liberty Street, right next to the Charter Street Cemetery (the Old Burying Point), and its benches carry the names and execution dates of the 20 people who were executed.
Samantha’s Secret Spots in Salem
You know I love a destination where I can find something that isn’t already plastered across every travel influencer’s Instagram. And Salem has a few surprises.
The Ropes Mansion and Its Garden
If you’re a fan of the movie Hocus Pocus, you might recognize this gorgeous historic mansion. It was used as the exterior of Allison’s house in the film. And yes, you can stand outside and have your own little Hocus Pocus moment. Just don’t start lighting black flame candles. We’ve seen how that turns out.
The mansion also has a beautiful garden in the back that can feel like a peaceful escape from the Halloween madness. I actually got to go back there, and there was a wedding going on. I was mesmerized by it. They were dressed in goth, all of them, even the officiant (he might have been dressed as a pirate). They knew their wedding was entertaining, and they were quite a show. It was a beautiful day and a gorgeous wedding. The gardens behind the mansion are just beautiful, so make sure you check them out.
Good to know (checked October 2026): the Ropes Mansion belongs to the Peabody Essex Museum. Its garden is free and open every day from dawn to dusk, and it can be rented for events like weddings. The house itself is closed for the season, with tours scheduled to resume in May 2027. Each October the outside is decorated to look the way it did in the movie.
More Hocus Pocus Spots (Be Respectful)
Speaking of Hocus Pocus, Salem is basically a pilgrimage site for fans of that movie. You can visit several filming locations, including the exterior of Max and Dani’s house on Ocean Avenue. Remember, though, that it’s a private residence, and a lot of these spots are. Take your photo respectfully from the public area and keep moving. Let’s be honest, these people know. But I still don’t think we should be traipsing around their property like we’re just going to hang out there.
Forest River Park
Another spot I love is Forest River Park. It’s a waterfront park with lovely views and a much quieter atmosphere than downtown during Halloween season. You can also find Pioneer Village here, a re-creation of early colonial Salem. That was another Hocus Pocus filming location, so check seasonal opening hours before going.
Good to know (checked October 2026): Pioneer Village is moving. The City of Salem is relocating it from Forest River Park, which sits close to sea level and floods, to the former Camp Naumkeag site at Salem Willows, and local news reports expect the new site to be ready for summer 2027. Check the city’s Pioneer Village page before you plan a visit.
Salem Maritime National Historical Park
For something completely different, head toward the Salem Maritime National Historical Park. Suddenly you’re reminded that Salem was once a major international trading port. You’ve got historic waterfront buildings, Derby Wharf and beautiful harbor views. I did go down there, and it was gorgeous. It was cold, because that wind off the water was cold, but the day was beautiful. So keep that in mind and bring a layer.
That’s what makes Salem so interesting. One minute you’re buying a witch’s broom, and the next you’re standing by the ocean learning about America’s maritime history. That’s what I call a destination with range.
If you want my advice, don’t spend your entire trip on the busiest part of Essex Street. Wander, explore and find the little side streets, because sometimes the best part of Salem is the part that isn’t trying to scare you. I went off the beaten path many times, ended up in some super fun places and did a lot of really cool things that a lot of people would say they’d never do. They really lean into the afterlife there, and they should, given its history.
Where I Stayed: The Hotel Salem
Coming from Orlando, of course I had to find somewhere to stay, and I stayed at The Hotel Salem. When I tell you it’s downtown, I mean it is literally on the main drag, Essex Street. What I didn’t expect is that the street was completely closed off for walking only. You cannot drive to the hotel. So we parked in a massive main garage, and then came the craziest part: we had to drag our luggage across the cobblestones and through all of the scare zones.
And yes, there are scare zones. There are people out there in their best Halloween outfits: clowns, monsters, the Scream guy, you name it, it’s there. They’re there to scare you for the fun of it, or to earn some money taking pictures with you. There were the three Hocus Pocus sisters, and oh my gosh, they looked exactly like the characters. I feel like someone put out an audition notice: does anyone look like this person? If you do, come on in! They were dressed and ready, and it was literally perfect.
Walking through all of that with our luggage was not exactly what I had expected. My daughter, who went with me, was like, what are we doing? Our luggage was bouncing everywhere. Then, in front of the hotel, there’s a restaurant (the hotel has a restaurant right in it), so you’re wondering: is this the hotel? Is it a restaurant? I don’t know what I’m walking into, and I’m dragging my luggage in here. I asked if there was a better way to park, and nope. That garage, which is exactly where you’d park on a day trip, is where you’re supposed to park. There was no one to help us with our luggage, which is fine. It was just confusing.
But our room was phenomenal. It had a loft upstairs and was very big, and the location was unreal. The minute we walked outside, we were right in the mix of everything. I highly suggest this hotel, and I’m calling it worth the splurge because it wasn’t cheap.
The other thing I’ll tell you, which is so funny: to get light into the room, there was a window down at ground level. I looked over and saw a clown’s feet in my window, and I jumped a mile. I’m not afraid of clowns, just so you know, but seeing a clown’s feet in my window scared me. It was hysterical. Not what I was expecting, but the location? Phenomenal.
Good to know (checked October 2026): The Hotel Salem is at 209 Essex Street on the pedestrian mall, with no on-site parking and no vehicle access. Its closest parking is the city’s Downtown/Museum Place Garage, about a three-minute walk away, and the hotel doesn’t validate parking. If you need help with your bags, call the hotel ahead of time.
What’s Worth the Splurge in Salem
I mentioned that the hotel cost a little more than I wanted to spend. Now let’s talk about what else you should spend money on.
A Small-Group History or Ghost Tour
If you’re planning the ultimate Salem Halloween trip, I would absolutely consider booking a small-group evening history or ghost tour, but not just any ghost tour. I want a knowledgeable guide who knows the actual stories behind the buildings, the legends and the people. Because a good ghost tour isn’t just someone in a cape saying, ooh, this building is haunted. I can do that myself after two glasses of wine. A great tour takes Salem’s fascinating history and brings it to life. Look for a smaller group, especially in October, because downtown can get incredibly crowded. And of course, you know I love myself a private tour, so a private guided tour of Salem is worth considering too.
Did I see a ghost? I did not. But if you get a really good guide, they’ll show you pictures on their phones of what they’ve caught over the years. Think about it: they’re bringing people on tours every hour on the hour, all night long, so they’re going to see something eventually. It was interesting to see what was on their phones, so ask your guide.
A Medium, a Tarot Reading and an Aura Photo
You’re going to think this is a little crazy. Maybe not. It was not cheap, but I had a medium do a reading for me, I had my tarot cards read and I had a picture of my aura taken. Listen, these are not things I hunt down on a daily basis. But when you’re there, you’re right in it, and I was like, I’ve got to do it.
The aura photo was the craziest thing. It was not cheap by any means, and we stood in line for a long time for this Polaroid picture. Then they read your aura. My daughter and I both did it, and her colors were completely different from mine. Mine, go figure, was very white and blue and purple, with this massive white halo around me. The reader explained it showed a lot of purity and a good heart, and I thought, well, at least the Polaroid camera knew me. But the really cool part was when she said I have four guardian angels that follow me around, and two figures that walk with me that they could see in the picture. It gives me goosebumps to think about.
The funny thing is that red is the passionate color. My mother wasn’t with me, but she got her aura read somewhere else afterward, and hers was all red. I called her and said, wow, you’re angry. She said, it’s not angry, it’s passionate. So if your aura comes back a passionate red, don’t panic. It doesn’t mean you’re a horrible person. My mother is not angry, just so you know. I just like to give her a hard time, because that’s what we do to our mothers, isn’t it?
The medium readings were super expensive, but well worth it. They know some stuff down there. I was blown away by how intuitive they were and how honed in on their craft, because they knew things there was no way they’d know about me, just walking in there. I told her nothing. I filled out nothing. She just looked at the palms of our hands. I was very nervous about sending my daughter, because she’s young, and I was thinking, please, for the love of everything, don’t tell her anything scary. Thankfully, the medium understood she was young.
And one of the funniest moments: the medium told my daughter she has a little dog that follows her around. I started laughing, because my daughter hated our first dog, Pippi, a miniature dachshund. Pippi would try to eat her food, and she would get so mad at that dog. So this poor dog has been following her around in real life and in the afterlife, stuck to the kid who doesn’t like her. The medium also told her she has a really sisterly bond with somebody and shouldn’t lose it. My daughter thought it was her best friend. In my head, I was like, she’s totally talking about me. She nailed that one, too.
So yes, I consider it worth the splurge. It was well worth the entertainment, and I learned a lot of things I had no idea about.
Dinner at the Hawthorne Hotel
There’s a hotel in Salem called the historic Hawthorne Hotel, and it’s supposed to be extremely haunted. It’s a really cool place. I had dinner there, and the food was phenomenal. I did not see a ghost. Of course, I asked our waiter how long he’d worked there. He thought I was asking about the place, but nope, I was digging into the ghosts. He’d worked there a while, so I asked if he’d seen any. He said, oh yeah, if you’re here by yourself, cleaning up or starting early, it’s happened. There are definitely ghosts. If you want to experience the ghosts for yourself, you can book a room and stay there. You don’t have to just eat there like I did.
Tourist Trap or Totally Worth It?
It’s time for my favorite game.
The Salem Witch Museum: Worth It for First-Timers
I’m going to say worth it for first-time visitors, with one little warning. This is not your traditional museum where you wander through endless galleries. It’s a narrated presentation with dramatic sets that tell the story of the witch trials, followed by an exhibit about the changing perception of witchcraft. So if you’re expecting the Smithsonian, adjust those expectations and thoroughly enjoy it, because it’s really, really great.
Good to know (checked October 2026): the Salem Witch Museum’s main presentation uses life-size stage sets, lighting and narration, and the second exhibit, Witches: Evolving Perceptions, is led by a guide. Plan on about an hour, and check the museum’s website for fall ticketing before you go, because October is its busiest month.
The Witch Shops on Essex Street: Both
Tourist trap or totally worth it? Both. Some of the shops are full of mass-produced Halloween souvenirs and really expensive stuff, but they’re fun to wander through. My advice: don’t buy the first plastic broomstick you see, unless of course it comes with airline miles. Ka-ching. Then I’m interested.
The House of the Seven Gables: Totally Worth It
That was really cool, and it was totally worth it. It’s off the beaten path, and it’s the historic house that inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne’s famous novel. It’s a gorgeous property with a bunch of houses on it, and you go through on a guided tour. It’s a long tour, I will say, but it was really, really cool.
Tarot Card Readings: Totally Worth It
Standing in line for a tarot card reading is mystical fun, and I think it’s completely worth it. Shop around, because there are tons of tarot card readers and tons of mediums. I even went back to the same medium. I sent my daughter first, and the medium knocked it out of the park. So I thought, you know what? I’m going back. And then she knocked mine out of the park, which was even crazier.
When to Go and How Long to Stay
I highly suggest going in the fall. The leaves were changing, it was a beautiful temperature and it was gorgeous seeing everything during that time frame. For those of us living down here in Orlando, it’s a great time to go. There’s a lot of witchy stuff, and of course goofy stuff, and I had amazing fried dough from the little street-corner vendors. There was even a food fair the weekend we were there, and the food was excellent.
Just know that it is super busy on the weekends. I drove in on a Friday night, and it wasn’t too bad, but there was a lot of traffic, and I heard Saturday morning was way worse. So be careful.
And 100% stay in town. Don’t leave. Stay for a night, stay for two nights. I stayed for two nights, and it was perfect: just enough time to see everything without being rushed. We did what we wanted to do, took the night tours, did all the ghost tours and walked really far. It was an amazing weekend. I went during Halloween season, and I thought it was going to be absolutely horrific. It was not terrible. My total recommendation is to stay downtown, right in the middle of it, so you don’t have to leave and drive your car.
Good to know (checked October 2026): Salem’s official visitor guidance for October is to skip the drive if you can. The MBTA Commuter Rail runs from Boston’s North Station to Salem in about 30 minutes, with extra trains on October weekends, and the Salem Ferry runs from Boston’s Long Wharf. Weekdays are less crowded, many October restaurants don’t take reservations, and popular tours and attractions can sell out days or weeks ahead, so book early.
Ready for Your Own Spooky Weekend?
Salem was my crazy, spooky weekend, and I loved it: real history that deserves your respect, plus a whole lot of Halloween fun. If you’re ready for your own fabulous adventure, my team at Fabulous Adventures Travel would love to help you plan it. Want the whole story? Watch the Salem episode. Until next time, travel smarter and vacation harder.
