Quick Summary:

  • Salem is located about 30 miles north of Boston.
  • Because New Hampshire does not charge sales tax, Salem has become a popular shopping destination that draws many visitors from Massachusetts.
  • If you are looking for a great place to shop, you can head straight to the Mall at Rockingham Park, which offers excellent retail therapy.
  • If you prefer to spend some fun time outdoors, you can treat the family to a day of excitement at Canobie Lake Park.
  • Salem is also home to America’s Stonehenge, where you can see several large stone structures of uncertain origin.
  • Salem is a 30-minute day trip from Manchester (23 miles via I-93 S).


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
  • Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Go on roller coaster ride at Canobie Lake Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Go on roller coaster ride at Canobie Lake Park | Things to Do in Salem, New Hampshire
© SnarlingPenguin/stock.adobe.com

2. Shop at The Mall at Rockingham Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Shopping
Shop at The Mall at Rockingham Park | Things to Do in Salem, New Hampshire
© Lana_M/stock.adobe.com

3. See America’s Stonehenge

See America’s Stonehenge | Things to Do in Salem, New Hampshire
© Lisa Hendrickson/stock.adobe.com

4. Choose from over 90 brands of cigars at the Two Guys Smoke Shop

Category: Shopping
Choose from over 90 brands of cigars at the Two Guys Smoke Shop | Things to Do in Salem, New Hampshire
© Maria/stock.adobe.com

5. See a New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra performance on your getaway

Category: Entertainment
See a New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra performance on your getaway | Things to Do in Salem, New Hampshire
© Lukas Gojda/stock.adobe.com

6. Have a romantic dinner at Trattoria Amalfi

Have a romantic dinner at Trattoria Amalfi | Things to Do in Salem, New Hampshire
© Trattoria Amalfi

7. Visit the playgrounds in the Field of Dreams Park

Category: Activities
Visit the playgrounds in the Field of Dreams Park | Things to Do in Salem, New Hampshire
© Field of Dreams Park

8. Taste unique brews at the Border Brewery

Category: Food & Drink
Taste unique brews at the Border Brewery | Things to Do in Salem, New Hampshire
© Border Brewery

9. Play on the Campbells Scottish Highlands Golf Course

Category: Entertainment
Play on the Campbells Scottish Highlands Golf Course | Things to Do in Salem, New Hampshire
© Campbells Scottish Highlands Golf Course

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