As the sun starts to peek through the gloomy New England sky and waves make their way across our shores, visions of New England summers begin to manifest themselves into our reality. Summertime in Salem Massachusetts is filled with fresh culinary bites, breathtaking sunsets, refreshing waterfront sails, and a lineup of art and cultural events. We’ve created a go-to guide for your upcoming Salem, MA Summertime trip.
Image by Finz
Foodie Fanfare
If you are looking to take in the waterfront views this summer here in Salem, MA Pickering Wharf offers a beautiful backdrop and delicious food options. Both Finz and Sea Level Oyster Bar are situated on the waterfront abutting the Salem Maritime National Historic Site. Both restaurants offer fresh raw bar options, deliciously crafted cocktails, and a robust menu of New England summer classics. Directly across from the two, is Longboards Restaurant and Bar in their newly renovated space. Sit at their high-top tables with a view of the Mahi Mahi, a beloved cruising vessel in Salem, MA. A must-try at Longboards is their roast beef sandwich, which is a meal that is connected to the North Shore culture here in New England.
Have a bit of history with your meal! In downtown Salem proper there are many delicious culinary institutions that not only brag about their robust menus, but are residing in historic buildings. Rockafellas on the corner of the Essex Street Pedestrian walkway takes up residence in the old Daniel Low & Co department store building. If you ask the staff during your visit about the lore of the women in blue they will regale you with staff ghost stories. You can even offer their lady in blue cocktail in honor of the spine chilling tales. The history doesn’t stop there! Turner’s Seafood a short walk away from Rockafellas on Church street operates within the old Lyceum Hall once welcomed speakers such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Frederick Douglass and John Quincy Adams. If you are looking for the opulence and elegance of day of yore Ledger is just the place. Located in the former Salem Savings Bank dating back to 1818, Ledger serves traditional 19th century dishes using 21st century resources. For a full list of our dining options click HERE.
Image by Mahi Mahi Cruises
Sea Breeze and Harbor Views
Summer in Salem MA is filled with maritime and nautical themes. With a robust roster of harbor cruises and waterfront experiences visitors are sure to enjoy their time here by the shore. If you are looking to let loose and enjoy some live music Mahi Mahi cruises have their beloved Summer Music Series. Guests can purchase tickets to the music themed sails and cruise through the Salem Harbor listening to the sweet sounds of the live music mixing in with the rhythmic waves. If you are in the mood to get your feet wet, Coast to Coast Paddle will take you and your loved ones out on a paddleboard excursion. Explore Bakers Island Light with Essex Heritage, or learn about our maritime history aboard the Schooner FAME. For a full list of Harbor Cruises click HERE.
Image by The Creative Collective
A Feast of Festivals
The Summer months kick-off our robust festival season with Salem Arts Festival, the North Shore Pride Parade & Festival, Salem Maritime Festival and many more! This year Salem Arts Festival will return to Derby Square from June 7th – 9th with immersive arts, culture, and community experiences. Arts Fest is entirely free to attend, and it allows visitors to engage with a robust selection of local artists and creatives from throughout the North Shore. The North Shore Pride Parade will kick off at 12pm on June 22nd at Shetland Park, snaking its way through downtown Salem, and connecting itself to the festivities taking place on the Salem Common. Drag Shows, Brunch performances, and so many more community based events will be taking place all across Salem, MA to celebrate Pride Month all June long.
Image by Kathryn Horrigan – Destination Salem
Free Things To Do
If you want to enjoy the sea, sand, and sun of it all this summer in Salem, but you don’t want to break the bank, we have some great options for you. Stroll through the Salem Farmers’ Market at Derby Square Thursdays June 13 – October 10th from 3pm – 7pm. The Farmers’ Market has a great selection of vendors and live performances that are free for all patrons. Each week a different community organization will have a pop up both at the markets to give out free information. If you want to take in some tunes the Salem Willows Concert Series will be back this year, Tuesdays July – August 7pm to 9pm. The full concert band will serenade you with family friendly music as the sun sets over the water. Make sure to grab some kettle corn and stop by the Arcade while you’re there. Stroll across downtown Salem following the Salem Heritage Trail by downloading the free app on your phone HERE. The mobile audio visual tour is a great way to engage with Salem’s robust history at your own pace.
