A One-Day Salem Itinerary for Cruise Ship Passengers

Located just north of Boston, Salem’s cruise port offers easy access to one of New England’s most historic and walkable downtowns. From maritime history and world-class museums to waterfront dining, unique shopping, and local attractions, you’ll find plenty to experience during your time ashore.

One of the best things about visiting Salem by cruise ship is that you can explore almost everything on foot. Nearly every stop in this itinerary is located along Derby Street or at Pickering Wharf, making it easy to enjoy a day in Salem without venturing far from the cruise port.

Begin at Salem’s Historic Waterfront

Take a walk through Salem Maritime National Historic Site, America’s first National Historic Site, and stroll along Derby Wharf to take in beautiful harbor views. The park offers a glimpse into the city’s rich maritime heritage, with sights like the Custom House, Derby Wharf Light Station, and the Friendship of Salem, making it the perfect introduction to Salem.

If you’re looking for a broader overview of the city before exploring on your own, hop aboard the Salem Trolley. This one-hour narrated tour departs from outside the Salem Armory Regional Visitor Center in the center of downtown. During the tour, a guide introduces many of Salem’s historic landmarks and provides an excellent orientation for first-timers.

Explore Salem’s History

Learn about the events of 1692 at the Salem Witch Museum, then explore centuries of art, culture, and maritime history at the internationally renowned Peabody Essex Museum.

Back along Derby Street, continue discovering Salem’s fascinating past at The House of the Seven Gables, where you can tour the historic mansion that inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne’s famous novel.

Continue to Real Pirates Salem, where interactive exhibits and artifacts focus on the wreck of the Whydah, and at the New England Pirate Museum, which explores the lives of pirates who sailed New England’s waters.

Interested in Salem’s artistic side? Stop by Salem Arts Association to browse rotating exhibitions by local artists. Nearby, The Witchery offers the opportunity to create your own uniquely “Salem” work of art with broom-making and bookbinding workshops.

The Haunted Neighborhood, located right off Derby Street, brings Halloween to life with seasonal attractions and the The Lost Library, an immersive gift shop that is home to Salem’s largest pumpkin. Behind the neighborhood, take some time to reflect on the events of 1692 at the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, and walk through the adjacent Charter Street Cemetery.

Shop Along Derby Street & Pickering Wharf

Pickering Wharf, Salem’s waterfront shopping district, is filled with shops and boutiques offering everything from locally made gifts to handmade treasures.

Find stunning jewelry and gifts at Timeless Life Treasures, discover thoughtful gifts and seasonal décor (with a huge selection of ornaments!) at Partridge in a Bear Tree, explore yarns, fiber arts supplies, and everything for fiber witchcraft at Circle of Stitches, or find your next goth-inspired makeup look, clothing, or accessories at Coven.

On your way back to the ship, be sure to stop by Ye Olde Pepper Companie, the oldest continuously operating candy company in the country, or the Chocolate Pantry (a must for chocolate lovers!), to satisfy your sweet tooth as you head to your next port of call.

Enjoy Lunch by the Water

After a morning of sightseeing, relax over lunch at one of Salem’s waterfront restaurants. For fresh seafood and harbor views with harbor views, head to Sea Level Oyster Bar or Finz Seafood & Grill. Nearby, Longboards offers plentiful indoor seating and a patio above the docks, with a menu featuring sandwiches, seafood, and more.

There are plenty of great restaurants located along Derby Street, too. Trade House is a local favorite pub with sandwiches, salads, and a variety of mains. Mainstay Social, located inside the Salem Waterfront Hotel, serves creative cocktails and elevated comfort food and features a great patio for outdoor dining.

Bit Bar combines all the best bar food and cocktails with vintage arcade games. And, if you need a restaurant with a menu to please everyone in your party, Witchside Tavern is a great go-to on Derby Street.

Tips for Making the Most of a Cruise Stop in Salem

With so much to see and do in Salem, a half or full day from a cruise ship itinerary will be enough time to introduce you to Witch City and entice you to come back.

We recommend using this itinerary as a starting point, as most destinations listed above are located within a short walk from the cruise port. With one day in Salem, prioritize one or two attractions so you have time to explore on your own, do some shopping, and stop for lunch.

Before you begin exploring, download the free Destination Salem app to discover events and happenings taking place during your visit. And as you walk toward downtown, stop in to the Destination Salem Visitor Information Center to pick up a Salem guide, or find brochures to help you plan your next trip!