This summer is a great time to visit Salem Massachusetts. Get outside and breathe in the fresh sea air while participating in one of our many locally run tours. With a variety of options to choose from there is something for every visitor and local alike this summer in Salem.
For those looking to soak up some sunshine and learn about Salem’s history!
Jeff Better Than Fiction Tours
The spring and summer are great seasons to get outside and enjoy the nice weather that we have here in New England. There are so many tours to choose from when looking to experience all that Salem has to offer. If you are a history fan looking to bulk up your knowledge on the real story of the Salem Witch Trials, Better Than Fiction is a wonderful option. As stated in the name, Jeffrey Lilley founder of Better Than Fiction Tours looks to tell the truth about the Witch Trials based on historic evidence and facts from the events that took place. Lilley acknowledges that Salem is full of folklore and spooky occurrences, but the history of what conspired between locals in 1692 truly is “Better Than Fiction”!
Taken by Destination Salem Staff on a Witch City Walking Tour
Another great option for the history buffs out there is Witch City Walking Tours. Their daily History and Hauntings of Salem tour explores themes of the Witch Trials, notable deaths within the community, and more. On this two hour tour loop you will be able to dive into the cause and effect of the Salem Witch Trials and discuss the frequently asked question of “why did it all begin?”. The tour guides at Witch City Walking will explain the factors that divided the community before the trials took place. You will leave their tour reevaluating the relationships you have with your neighbors and the impacts that we all have when we are bystanders.
Taken by Destination Salem staff on a Salem Trolley Tour
If you want to enjoy the sunshine, but you don’t want to wear yourself out on a walking tour a Salem Trolley Tour is a great option for you. With a 20 minute loop and a 40 minute loop this tour will cover the fascinating history of the McIntire District, as well as Downtown, and the Waterfront District.
If you are an early riser with an appetite for adventure Salem Food Tours will offer you a great taste of history. Their AM Coffee Walks offered Monday through Saturday will give you an insiders guide to the best local food, coffee, and tea spots around town bringing history to life through the senses. Don’t fret if you aren’t an early bird! Salem Food Tours also offer a 1pm food tour on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sundays and a 3pm Food Tour on Friday. Salem Food Tours is a great option for private groups, as well as team building activities for your work place. Take advantage of summer Fridays and enjoy a walking tour with your co-workers!
We also recommend checking out
- Dynamic History Salem
- Salem Kids Tour
- Salem Night/ Day Tours
- Salem On Your Own
- Salem Vintage Postcard Tours
- Tours for Touring Tourists
- Salem Historical Tours
Taken by Destination Salem Staff on a Black Cat Tours Land & Sea Tour
For the salty sailors!
Cast off this summer on the Naumkeag with Essex Heritage boat tours to both Bakers Island Light and Misery Island. Sailing on their vessel offers a unique perspective of the Salem Harbor coast line with views of the House of Seven Gables, and the Salem Maritime National Historic Site where the Friendship of Salem is docked. To transport yourself back to 1812 book a trip on the Schooner Fame ship, a replica of the privateer ship. The ship sails up to five times daily leaving from Pickering Wharf conveniently located Down Town. For visitors over the age of 21 enjoy an adult beverage while you help raise the sails for a truly authentic experience! If you are in the mood to kick back and listen to some music Mahi Harbor Cruises offers a summer music series. You can listen to live music on board their vessel every Thursday starting June 30th.
Taken by Destination Salem Staff on a Black Cat Tours Land & Sea Tour
Deciding between a walking tour and a boat tour can be a daunting choice, but Black Cat Tours is the answer to your dilemma. This season they will be offering their brand new Land & Sea tour in partnership with Essex Heritage and the Naumkeag. Their tour is a combination walking and boat tour giving participants a wholistic view of some of Salem’s most historic spots by land and sea. This tour is great for anyone that wants an up-close look at the House of Seven Gables, the Friendship of Salem, and many more coastal spots.
For the séance seekers!
Looking to convene with the dead? Salem Haunts offers a Salem’s Haunted History night tour that explores sites and stories of tragedies that may have left residual energy in their wake! If you’re lucky you might even be able to capture an energy orb in a picture of these historic sites. Your guides will point out these haunted spots and explain the local lore that surrounds each.
Image from Forest Lore Tours
Have you ever wanted to frolic through the woods with a local Salem witch? Search no further! Euni Morrow the Mushroom Witch and owner of Forest Lore Tours will connect you back to nature while exploring the science, history, and folklore that intersects through the practice of modern day witch craft. If you are looking for a night tour to transport yourself back in time to the Witch Trials took place in Salem hop onto a Bewitched After Dark tour. Local historians will guide you on a walking tour that explains how Salem became Witch City.
Salem isn’t just famous for its witches, we have ghosts and paranormal stories to explore too! Face your fears and join Spellbound Tours led by professional paranormal investigators, or walk with Salem Ghosts to find all of the best spots around town to see a potential apparition!
Tags: boat tours, Outdoor, Walking Tours
