Quick Summary:

  • What is Salem, Massachusetts best known for?
    • Salem, Massachusetts, is best known for a dark moment in history when the town was overtaken by hysteria surrounding suspicions of witchcraft.
  • Why is Salem a common household name?
    • The Salem witch trials are now known throughout the world and have made this small town a common household name.
  • What historical attractions can visitors explore in Salem?
    • Many of Salem’s attractions focus on the time when the witch trials took place in 1692.
  • What other activities can visitors enjoy in Salem?
    • Visitors can also find parks such as Breakheart Reservation, enjoy recreational activities like kayaking in the sound, and visit the nearby Singing Beach.
  • What kind of architecture can be found in Salem?
    • Salem features many examples of colonial architecture and beautiful historical homes to explore.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Peabody Essex Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture
Peabody Essex Museum | Things to Do in Salem, Massachusetts
© Peabody Essex Museum

2. Misery Islands ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Romantic Islands
Misery Islands | Things to Do in Salem, Massachusetts
© Courtesy of travelview - Fotolia.com

3. The Witch House

The Witch House | Things to Do in Salem, Massachusetts
© Courtesy of travelview - Fotolia.com

4. Historic New England Phillips House

Category: Attractions
Historic New England Phillips House | Things to Do in Salem, Massachusetts
© Courtesy of Destination Salem

5. Witch Dungeon Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Witch Dungeon Museum | Things to Do in Salem, Massachusetts
© Witch Dungeon Museum

6. Breakheart Reservation

Category: Activities
Breakheart Reservation | Things to Do in Salem, Massachusetts
© Courtesy of Sascha - Fotolia.com

7. Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery

Category: Museums & Culture
Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery | Things to Do in Salem, Massachusetts
© Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery

8. Fort Sewall

Category: Activities
Fort Sewall | Things to Do in Salem, Massachusetts
© Courtesy of dmiller324 - Fotolia.com

9. High Rock Tower Reservation

Category: Activities
High Rock Tower Reservation | Things to Do in Salem, Massachusetts
© Courtesy of Fotolia.com

10. House of Seven Gables

House of Seven Gables | Things to Do in Salem, Massachusetts
© Courtesy of Pierrette Guertin - Fotolia.com

11. Myths and Misconceptions Walking Tour

Tours
Myths and Misconceptions Walking Tour | Things to Do in Salem, Massachusetts
© Courtesy of Paul Kowalski - Fotolia.com

12. Old Burying Point Cemetery

Category: Activities
Old Burying Point Cemetery | Things to Do in Salem, Massachusetts
© Courtesy of Eric BVD - Fotolia.com

13. Pickering Wharf

Pickering Wharf | Things to Do in Salem, Massachusetts
© Courtesy of rosario scalia - Fotolia.com

14. Pioneer Village

Category: Museums & Culture
Pioneer Village | Things to Do in Salem, Massachusetts
© Courtesy of Destination Salem

15. Ropes Mansion

Category: Museums & Culture
Ropes Mansion | Things to Do in Salem, Massachusetts
© Courtesy of Destination Salem

16. Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site

Category: Attractions
Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site | Things to Do in Salem, Massachusetts
© Courtesy of Zack Frank - Fotolia.com

17. Salem Food Tours

Tours
Salem Food Tours | Things to Do in Salem, Massachusetts
© Courtesy of Destination Salem

18. Salem Kayak

Salem Kayak | Things to Do in Salem, Massachusetts
© Courtesy of Chris - Fotolia.com

19. Salem Maritime National Historic Site

Category: Attractions
Salem Maritime National Historic Site | Things to Do in Salem, Massachusetts
© Courtesy of Enrico Della Pietra - Fotolia.com

20. Salem Trolley

Salem Trolley | Things to Do in Salem, Massachusetts
© Salem Trolley

21. Salem Witch Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Salem Witch Museum | Things to Do in Salem, Massachusetts
© Courtesy of Dave - Fotolia.com

22. Singing Beach

Category: Beaches
Singing Beach | Things to Do in Salem, Massachusetts
© Courtesy of Chee-Onn Leong - Fotolia.com

23. Punto Urban Art Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Punto Urban Art Museum | Things to Do in Salem, Massachusetts
© Punto Urban Art Museum

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