Best things to do in Salem

One of the oldest and largest art museums in the U.S., Peabody Essex Museum houses close to 2 million pieces. Originally founded in 1799, the museum now has 22 different buildings. Explore themed exhibits, including art pieces from Africa, Oceania, America, and an extensive collection of Asian art. Check the museum's schedule of events for information on the frequent temporary exhibits, family craft days, and music festivals.

Experience the hysteria of the 1692 Salem Witch Trials at Salem Witch Museum. Stage sets, lifesize statues, and live guides take you through the process of the trials. You will learn how these accusations occurred, how they affected the town, and the tragedy of the executions. An exhibit on different cultures' perceptions of witchcraft and the evolution of these perceptions helps put the trials in context. Afterward, you can peruse witch-related souvenirs, such as pagan jewelry, books about the trials, or a mystical witch's ball.

Salem Witch Trials Memorial features a row of benches installed in a stone wall. Each bench is engraved with the name of a victim of the trials. You might bring flowers or a memento to honor those who suffered the witch hunt. You are welcome to sit on benches. The memorial is next to the Peabody Essex Museum.

The House of the Seven Gables embodies Salem's rich history. The house was built in 1668 for Captain John Turner, one of the wealthiest men in the Massachusetts Colony. Nathaniel Hawthorne immortalized the building in an 1851 gothic novel that carries the house’s name. Today, the mansion is a nonprofit museum that celebrates American history and Hawthorne's work. The museum offers guided tours through immaculate gardens and rooms equipped with historically accurate antiques. There are regular educational events, workshops, and period performances. Check the online schedule to see what’s on during your visit and to make reservations.

Tap into the supernatural at Crow Haven Corner, a store specializing in the mysterious legends surrounding Salem's colonial past. Get a psychic's perspective from Loralei, the resident clairvoyant who specializes in communicating with spirits from the past. You can also discover what your future holds from a health and wellness scan, or a tarot card or palm reading. Browse the shop's selection of occult items, such as crystal balls, figures, essential oils, and even spell kits to meet your magic needs. Be sure to book a psychic reading ahead of time.

Established in 1637, Old Burying Point Cemetery is the second oldest known cemetery in the United States, featuring headstones so old that some are crumbling. Look for the burial spot of John Hathorne--apart from being the great-great grandfather of the famous writer Nathaniel Hawthorne, he was also the judge during the infamous Salem Witch Trials. Although no one knows where the victims of the trial were buried, a memorial has been erected at this cemetery. Numerous other intriguing people rest here as well, illustrating Salem's eerie and colorful past.

~ Since 2012 ~ Salem Food Tours offers guided food and cultural walking tour of historic Salem, MA. Every step abounds with beautiful sites, history and tastings at some of Salem’s best food shops and restaurants. Enjoy talks with chefs and fellow foodies. From tales of early colonial dinners and Salem’s illustrious maritime spice trade to today’s culinary renaissance, Salem is a truly delicious place to explore! For more information and to make reservations, please visit www.SalemFoodTours.com. Walk. Eat Local. Experience History!

Salem Spirits Trolley is our sister Tour, www.SalemSpiritsTrolley.com, and offers tastings at our local cidery, brewery, and distillery.

Witness reenactments of the Salem witch trials at Witch Dungeon Museum. The daily performances are based on historic manuscripts from the 1692 trials. The dramatic "possession" of Salem's young women led to the hanging of 19 people and two dogs. After watching the harrowing performance, you can tour the reconstructed dungeon below. You can save on the admission fee by purchasing a combination ticket that includes entry to three museums within walking distance of each other.

At Omen: Psychic Parlor and Witchcraft Emporium discover your faith in the witch's daydream. The emporium sells anything you may need, from candles and crystals to magical gifts. Leave a name of a person who needs healing on a note at the altar and absorb the positive energy sent by the Shalimar of the emporium. Buy a tarot deck and explore your inner powers at the place for aspiring witches. Get a reading from an experienced witch of your choice, or ask for help from the staff to be paired up with one that would suit you.

Visit Hex: Old World Witchery to purchase magical items or get a psychic reading from a witch. Browse through the collection of items and pick out a candle to bless your home, a love potion, herbs and roots for your own magic spells, or a voodoo doll made by a real voodoo practitioner. While you are there, cast a spell at the witches' alter or leave a message for a departed loved one at the Altar of the Dead.The witches who give psychic readings are all trained in tarot cards, palmistry, clairvoyance, spirit mediumship, astrology, and past lives.

The waterfront neighborhood of Pickering Wharf represents a variety of charming stores, cafes, and restaurants. You can search for souvenirs at its antique stores, independent boutiques, galleries, and gift shops before stopping for a drink or bite to eat overlooking the water. Those who don't like to shop can simply enjoy observing the activity of the harbor and its collection of boats. Don't miss an impressive replica of the Friendship Schooner, a 1800s trading ship that is docked here.