Ten Free Things to Do in Salem

Free to explore Salem? The following activities, destinations and diversions are open to the public and are completely free of charge:

  1. The National Park Service Regional Visitor Center (2 New Liberty Street) shows the film Where Past is Present, and the Salem Maritime National Historic Site (193 Derby Street) shows the film To the Farthest Ports of the Rich East. Both films are certain to tell you something about Salem that you never expected.
  2. Brochures for the African American History Trail, the Nathaniel Bowditch Trail: A Walking Tour of the Great Age of Sail, and the McIntire Historic District Walking Trail are available at the visitor centers. Each walking trail takes about one hour and will show you hidden points of historical interest and fascination.
    3. House on Chestnut Street, Salem MA
  3. Take the time to wander down beautiful Chestnut Street and read all of the house plaques to learn about the people who built and lived in the exquisite Federalist mansions.
  4. Visit the Ropes Mansion Gardens at 318 Essex Street. The gardens are open to the public and throughout the growing season they offer a splendid sampling of local horticulture.
  5. Originally used as a grazing area for Salem residents’ livestock, and a training area for the Salem militia, today Salem Common is a favorite spot for jogging, reading, concerts, and wedding ceremonies. There is a small playground, too.
  6. At Salem Maritime National Historic Site, take the half-mile walk out Derby Wharf to Derby Light and enjoy a beautiful view of Salem, Salem Harbor, and Marblehead.
  7. Discover Salem Willows, a short drive (or long walk) from downtown. The Willows offers a waterside park, beaches, and a pier that is great for fishing and crabbing.
  8. Pause to reflect on the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 at the Witch Trial Memorial (Liberty Street between Charter and Derby Streets). This symbolic, award-winning memorial sits behind the Old Burying Point Cemetery.
  9. At the Old Burying Point Cemetery (Charter Street) you will see the graves of, among others, a Witch Trials judge, a Mayflower passenger, and architect Samuel McIntire.
  10. Many of these sites, along with Salem’s excellent museums and attractions, are linked together by the Red Line painted on the sidewalk. Use the Red Line to help you navigate your way through Salem and American history! The printed Red Line is available in the Official Salem Visitor & Travel Guide and Salem Best Maps. Both publications are available throughout the City.

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