Things to do in Salem

    Discover amazing Salem activities and premium in-home experiences.

    Steeped in rich history and a touch of mystery, Salem invites you to explore its storied past on winding cobblestone streets lined with charming architecture. Known for the infamous witch trials of 1692, this vibrant city today offers eclectic shops, maritime heritage museums, and spirited festivals that celebrate both its enigmatic legacy and thriving contemporary culture. Whether you're strolling through historic sites or indulging in local cuisine at seaside cafes—Salem effortlessly blends intrigue with New England charm.

    Popular Activities in Salem

    Behind the Scenes Director's Tour in Salem

    Enjoy a small-group, behind-the-scenes museum tour with expert docent and complimentary digital photos.

    4.9 2.2K reviews
    $21/ person

    Real Pirates Salem General Admission

    Explore the only authenticated pirate treasure and interactive exhibits

    4.9 2.2K reviews
    $18/ person

    Salem Witch Trials History Walking Tour

    See key Salem Witch Trials sites and haunted spots in just one hour

    4.9 174 reviews
    $21/ person

    Haunted Salem After Dark Walking Tour

    Explore Salem’s historic streets after dark and hear spine-tingling tales from a local guide.

    4.6 246 reviews
    $21/ person

    Private Winter Coastal Paddle

    Experience a calm private winter paddle with dry suits and an expert guide on sheltered New England waters

    5.0 43 reviews

    North End Neighborhood Private Food Tour

    Savor award-winning bites and rich history on a guided North End culinary walk

    4.8 482 reviews
    $133/ person

    Boston North End Food Tour

    Sample award-winning bites while exploring historic Little Italy

    4.8 482 reviews
    $105/ person

    North End and Market District Food Tour

    Taste award-winning bites across Boston's North End and Public Market in 3 1/2 hours.

    4.8 482 reviews
    $105/ person

    Boston Seafoodie Tour

    Taste iconic Boston seafood and explore the North End and waterfront

    4.9 285 reviews
    $169/ person

    Boston City View Bike Tour

    Ride through six Boston neighborhoods and top sights with a guide and gear included

    4.6 304 reviews
    $78/ person

    Cambridge Bike Tour of Harvard, MIT and the Charles River

    Experience Harvard, MIT, and riverfront paths by bike with an expert local guide

    4.6 304 reviews
    $78/ person

    Tour de Boston Family-Friendly Bike Tour

    Cycle scenic Charles River paths with a guide, perfect for families and newer riders

    4.6 304 reviews
    $78/ person

    North End Boston Food Tour

    Taste classic Italian flavors with a lifelong North End local guide

    5.0 911 reviews
    $107/ person

    Effortless Boston Segway Tour: 15+ Landmarks

    Cover Boston's key landmarks, skyline views, and Freedom Trail sites effortlessly on a fun Segway ride

    4.9 2.8K reviews
    $89/ person

    Historic Boston in 1 Hour: Guided Scooter Tour

    Cover Boston's top historic sites on an easy electric scooter, guided and photo-ready in only an hour.

    4.9 2.8K reviews
    $73/ person

    Boston Freedom Trail Segway Tour (1 Hour)

    Glide along Boston's Freedom Trail on a Segway to see iconic landmarks in just one hour

    4.9 2.8K reviews
    $73/ person

    Boston Photo Tour: Back Bay & Beacon Hill

    Capture stunning images while exploring Back Bay, the Public Garden, and Beacon Hill with expert photo tips

    4.9 453 reviews
    $27/ person

    Highlights of Boston Photo Tour

    Capture iconic shots across Beacon Hill, Public Garden, and Back Bay with expert tips in 2 hours

    4.9 453 reviews
    $27/ person

    Beacon Hill Photo Tour

    Capture Beacon Hill’s 19th-century charm with photo tips on a small-group walk

    4.9 453 reviews
    $21/ person

    North End-Little Italy Photo Tour

    Discover Boston's oldest neighborhood with creative photo tips and historic insights

    4.9 453 reviews
    $21/ person

    Freedom Trail History and Photo Tour

    Visit famous American Revolution sites and capture great photos in 1.5 hours

    4.9 453 reviews
    $21/ person

    Somerville Food Tour: 5 Bites in Union Square

    Taste five diverse bites in Union Square while exploring its vibrant history with a local guide

    4.8 60 reviews
    $85/ person

    Harvard Square Chocolate Tasting & History Tour

    Sample decadent treats and learn chocolate history while exploring historic Harvard Square.

    4.8 60 reviews
    $53/ person

    Harvard Square Donut Walking Tour

    Sample diverse donuts and a coffee pairing while exploring Harvard Square.

    4.8 60 reviews
    $53/ person

    Stories of Harvard Square Food Tour

    Sample Cambridge favorites and hear Harvard Square stories on a 2-hour walk

    4.8 60 reviews
    $95/ person

    Quincy Presidential Food Tour

    Savor Quincy's presidential history on a guided walk with all food included

    4.8 60 reviews
    $85/ person

    Hands-On Dumpling Making Class in Boston

    Master folding techniques and enjoy your own dumplings in a fun 2-hour cooking session.

    4.7 404 reviews
    $96/ person

    Salem Harbor Sunset Sail on 1812 Schooner

    Watch Salem Sound glow at day’s end while you help raise the sails and toast the sunset with a relaxed drink.

    5.0 535 reviews
    $49/ person

    Salem Sound Sail Aboard the Schooner Fame

    Hands-on 1812-style sail with engaging crew and scenic Salem Sound views

    5.0 535 reviews
    $33/ person

    Private Charter on a Traditional Schooner

    Sail Salem Sound with your group of up to 40 and enjoy a private, hands-on experience

    5.0 535 reviews
    $1,048

    Salem Stand-Up Paddleboard Rentals

    Paddle Salem’s coastline with flexible hourly or daily rentals and friendly on-site support

    5.0 43 reviews
    $27/ paddleboard

    Salem Discovery Kayak or SUP Tour

    Guided paddle along Salem’s historic coast with calm coves and local history

    5.0 43 reviews

    Boston Harbor Pastries and Prosecco Brunch Sail

    Sail Boston Harbor with pastries, coffee, and skyline views

    4.4 27.5K reviews
    $45/ person

    Boston Emerald Necklace Bike Tour

    See Boston’s green side on a 15+ mile ride led by a knowledgeable guide

    4.6 304 reviews
    $90/ person

    Boston & Cambridge E-Scooter Tour with Lunch

    Glide on electric scooters through historic Boston and innovative Cambridge with lunch and photos included

    4.9 2.8K reviews
    $179/ person

    Historic Boston Harbor Sail with Landmark Views

    Sail an 80-foot classic schooner and admire Boston Harbor landmarks

    4.7 1.5K reviews
    $60/ person

    Boston Harbor Cruise: 90 Min Skyline & Landmarks

    Discover Boston’s skyline and historic landmarks on a relaxing 60–90 minute harbor cruise.

    4.7 1.5K reviews
    $41/ person

    Boston Sunset Cruise on 1920s Vintage Yacht

    Savor evening skyline views with light commentary and music aboard a classic 1920s-style yacht.

    4.7 1.5K reviews
    $48/ person

    Boston Harbor Brunch Cruise Aboard Northern Lights

    Savor a gourmet brunch and skyline views on a relaxed 2-hour cruise

    4.7 1.5K reviews
    $57/ person

    Boston Harbor Sunset Sail on Schooner Adirondack

    Savor a 2-hour sunset cruise past Boston Harbor landmarks aboard an elegant 80-foot schooner

    4.7 1.5K reviews
    $100/ person

    Explore the Enchantment of Salem

    Salem is a city where history and mystery blend seamlessly with vibrant modern life. Known for its infamous witch trials, this coastal gem offers more than just tales from the past. Wander through historic streets lined with 17th-century architecture or explore the lively downtown area filled with unique shops and cafes. The Peabody Essex Museum showcases art that spans centuries, while nearby Pickering Wharf invites you to enjoy fresh seafood by the harbor.

    In autumn, Salem transforms into a Halloween haven unlike any other place in New England. Visitors flock here to experience haunted happenings like ghost tours and costume parades that capture both spooky fun and historical intrigue. But even outside of October's festivities, there's plenty to discover year-round—take a leisurely stroll through the serene gardens at Pioneer Village or catch a ferry to marvel at Marblehead’s rocky coastline.

    For nature enthusiasts, Salem Common provides an inviting green space perfect for picnics or simply soaking up some sun amid towering trees. Venture further afield on scenic trails along Forest River Park's waterfront paths where panoramic views await your exploration. Whether you're diving deep into its storied past or enjoying present-day pleasures, Salem promises memorable experiences around every corner.

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