Salem makes for a wonderful day trip from Boston! Our historic seaport is easily accessible from the city with the Salem Ferry or a quick ride aboard the MBTA Commuter Rail. Once in Salem, you’ll find most everything you’ll want to explore is in walking distance. Keep reading to discover some of our favorite ways to spend a daytrip from Boston.
ARRIVE
Salem Ferry
High-speed ferry service between Long Wharf, Boston and Blaney Street, Salem
(877) SEE WHALE | BostonHarborCruises.com
Hop aboard the Salem Ferry and in less and one hour you will be sightseeing, museum hopping, sampling the specialties of local chefs, and shopping in Salem’s many quaint boutiques and quirky shops!
SEE
Salem Trolley
8 Central Street, Salem
(978) 744-5469 | SalemTrolley.com
Hop aboard the Salem Trolley from the Salem Ferry landing to the Visitor Center and then take the one-hour narrated tour of Salem. The tour spans nearly 400 years of history, passes through Salem’s historic neighborhoods, stops at all major area attractions, and serves as a shuttle service between sites. (Note: the shuttle is based on availability and ticket-holding customers have priority, so you may want to purchase your ticket online in advance from SalemTrolley.com, or consider the Ferry-Trolley combo ticket fromBostonHarborCruises.com.)
Salem Witch Museum
19 ½ Washington Square, Salem
(978) 744-1692 | SalemWitchMuseum.com
The Salem Witch Museum will immerse you in the story of the Witch Trials of 1692 in their first exhibit, and then you will learn about the evolving roll of witches through history in the second exhibit, Witches: Evolving Perceptions. This evocative second exhibit will answer the questions, “What is a witch?” and “What is a witch hunt?”
Peabody Essex Museum
(978) 745-1876 | pem.org
Journey through a world of art and culture at the Peabody Essex Museum, where the wealth and power of historic Salem are showcased in an unrivaled collection of art and culture from New England and around the globe. Explore the city’s international connections through extraordinary works of art from China, India, Japan and beyond, including a 200-year-old Chinese house.
Cry Innocent
Old Town Hall, 32 Derby Square, Salem
(978) 867-4767 | HistoryAliveSalem.com
This dramatic presentation of the examination of Bridget Bishop during the Salem Witch Trials will plunge you and your fellow audience members into the history of the Salem Witch Trials. You are the jury. Cross-examine the witnesses and the accused, and determine if she was guilty, or if she was innocent.
Omen Psychic Parlor and Witchcraft Emporium
184 Essex Street, Salem
(978) 666-0763 | OmenSalem.com
With dozens of locations to have your fortune told in Salem, a visit to the Bewitching Seaport is hardly complete without a glimpse into the future. Stop by Omen, an old-style psychic parlor and Witch shop for a reading with one of Omen’s psychics, who specialize in Tarot, mediumship, palmistry and more.
DINE
Opus
87 Washington Street, Salem
(978) 744-9600 | SalemOpus.com
Dine on unrepressed cuisine, including brunch every day, vegetarian-friendly specialties, innovative sushi, and sharing plates. They smoke their own meats, making the Opus pulled pork and bacon dishes savory treats.
Turner’s Seafood at Lyceum Hall
43 Church Street, Salem
(978) 745-7665 | Turners-Seafood.com
The new stewards of historic Lyceum Hall, the Turner family is serving authentic New England seafood from the fresh catch of the day. Oyster bar, seafood market, and some of the freshest seafood around.
The Landing at the Salem Ferry
10 Blaney Street, Salem
(877) 733-9425 | BostonHarborCruises.com
If time allows, before you get back on the Ferry to return to Boston, grab a seat at the Landing at Salem Ferry for a quick refreshment with the best view in town. Open 11am – 11pm, 7 days a week (in season), the Landing serves sandwiches, snacks, and cold beverages, including their famous “fishbowl drinks,” which are perfect for sharing!
Tags: Itineraries, Things To Do
