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A masked waitress carrying two plates of food to a table

Trip Planning Checklist for Visiting Salem, Massachusetts

Travel may look different right now, but Salem, Massachusetts is open for business with everyone’s health and safety in mind. Museums and attractions, walking, harbor and trolley tours, shops, and restaurants are open and waiting to see you when you’re ready to travel. Grab your mask (or find a locally made mask while you’re here) and use the tips below to help plan your visit to Salem.

Before your visit

Review current travel restrictions. Travelers visiting from out of state may be required to fill out a traveler form and either quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Massachusetts or provide a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of travel. The form and additional guidance is available at mass.gov/matraveler.

Check state guidelines and regulations. In Massachusetts, masks are required in public areas, both indoors and outdoors, and regardless of the ability to physically distance. View Salem’s mask order by the Salem Board of Health here.

Confirm event schedules with hosts. Annual events may have changed by the time you visit. If you have questions about a specific event or attraction, reach out to the individual business for confirmation before your trip.

Pack your patience. Arriving in Salem or Massachusetts may be different than some of your previous trips, and local businesses may have made accommodations to adhere to state reopening guidelines. You may encounter limited capacities, reservation requirements, and event changes due to COVID-19.

What to pack

· Hand sanitizer
· Masks/face coverings
· Sanitizing wipes
· Portable phone chargers
· Credit/debit cards and cash

While you’re here

Photo by John Andrews

Remember to wear your mask properly. To be effective, masks must be worn over both your mouth and nose. While masks are required in downtown Salem, they may be removed while seating at your table in a restaurant.

Use the restroom while at locations that have them available. COVID-19 has made accessibility to public restrooms a challenge for many businesses. As a result we recommend using the restroom when you see one available while exploring downtown, like at the Witch City Mall or before you leave after a meal at a restaurant.

Wash your hands frequently and for at least 20 seconds. Many businesses will also have hand sanitizer available upon entry.

Take the Salem Together Pledge and join us in helping to keep visitors, residents, and workers in Salem safe during your visit. Learn more here.

Share your photos with us by using #DestSalem. (You may see them in one of our monthly photo posts on our blog!)

Planning for a Later Visit?

Follow us on social media. Keep up with what’s happening in Salem from wherever you may be by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Shop online. Most Salem stores have online shops and ship purchases to you. Find a list of online shops here.

Buy a gift card for a later visit. Consider ordering a gift card from your favorite Salem businesses as you plan for next year’s visit (or get ahead on holiday shopping!)

Check the events calendar. Many events have gone virtual, so you may be able to follow some of your favorite events from home.