Make the Most of Your Salem Visit
I have lived on the North Shore my entire life and spent many days and nights in Salem long before I eventually called it home. It's a beautiful waterfront city with so much to offer year-round, but there's nothing quite like Salem in the Fall. This guide is especially focused on visiting during Salem's busiest season. Below are a few things I wish every visitor knew before arriving to make the most of their time here!
Know Before You Visit
Salem is easy to explore, but a little planning goes a long way, especially during peak season. Here's what I would tell my friends!
Getting to Salem
- Take the Commuter Rail: Hop on the Newburyport/Rockport Line from Boston’s North Station. The ride is about 30 minutes and Salem Station drops you right downtown.
- Take the Salem Ferry: Make getting here part of the experience! The ferry runs seasonally between Boston’s Long Wharf and Salem’s Blaney Street Wharf, about a 15-minute walk from downtown.
- Uber or Lyft: Staying elsewhere on the North Shore? Rideshare can save you the headache of parking altogether. Just expect higher prices, longer waits and possible pickup/drop-off restrictions during peak October weekends.
Parking
- Have a parking plan before you arrive. For downtown, try Museum Place Garage (1 New Liberty St.), South Harbor Garage (245 Derby St.), or the Salem MBTA Garage (252 Bridge St.). These will likely be full, but you never know.
- A few smaller lots are worth knowing: Front Street Lot (3 Front St.) and Salem Green Lot (35 Church St.) are both right downtown, but they get busy.
- Don’t be afraid to park a little farther out. You’ll also see locals and businesses selling parking spots on private property, especially around Bridge Street and other routes into downtown. Great for backups!
- October tip from a local: arrive early, park once and walk. Salem is compact, and trying to move your car later in the day usually isn’t worth it. You need to download the Destination Salem app for events, parking & restrooms - this is so HELPFUL.
Getting Around
- Walk, walk, walk! Salem is incredibly walkable, and once you’re downtown, this is hands-down the best way to explore. Most major attractions, shops and restaurants are within an easy walk of each other.
- Ride the Salem Trolley: A fun way to get your bearings while learning some Salem history! The narrated tour lasts about an hour and takes you beyond the main downtown stretch to places you might not otherwise see. I recommend doing it early in your visit so you can scope out places you want to come back to. Visiting during October? Go early! Regular daytime trolley tickets cannot be purchased online in advance, they're sold in person the day you ride, and lines can get long during peak season.
Where I Eat & Drink
My go-to Salem (or nearby!) spots for coffee and brunch, dinner, drinks & everything in between.
Coffee & Breakfast
A&J King Artisan Bakers: My pick for coffee & a pastry. A Salem staple for artisan breads, incredible pastries and breakfast sandwiches, right downtown.
Crave : Go here for a breakfast sandwich, they have the best around. Known for creative, made-to-order sandwiches, plus coffee, pastries and plenty of gluten-free options. Tip: the line can be ridiculous, so drive 7 minutes to their Beverly location.
Odd Meter Coffee Co.: A tiny coffee shop right downtown with really good coffee and fun seasonal drinks. It’s an easy stop while you’re walking around downtown.
Coffee Time Bake Shop: A true local favorite that’s outside the downtown tourist zone. Known for coffee, donuts and pastries and especially their seasonal treats. If you’re visiting during October, this is a fun stop for their Halloween-themed goodies. I love it here!
Red’s Sandwich Shop: The classic Salem breakfast. An old-school, no-frills spot right downtown for pancakes, French toast, eggs, omelettes and all the breakfast staples. It's right near Essex St. and very quaint - it is probably my favorite just on vibes only.
Salem’s Retreat: My pick for a sit-down brunch away from the downtown crowds. Head to North Street for Benedicts, homemade corned beef hash, chicken & waffles and brunch cocktails. Bonus: they have their own parking. Also, while you are over here, go check out The Midnight Bookseller!
Lunch
Life Alive: My go-to when I want something healthy. You can order online ahead of time too. Their Green Goddess Bowl is absolutely addictive. They also have smoothies, salads, wraps and plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. It’s right on Essex Street, so it’s an easy stop while you’re exploring downtown.
Gulu-Gulu Cafe: One of the coolest spots in Salem, hipster, funky and fun, and right in the middle of everything. It’s directly behind the famous Samantha statue from Bewitched, so you really can’t miss it. Grab a crepe or sandwich, a coffee or beer, and sit outside for some of the best people-watching downtown.
Maitland Farm, Kitchen & Spirits: I feel like not everyone knows about Maitland yet, and it’s such a great spot. It’s a little off the beaten path, farther down Derby Street near the water and the Salem Ferry. The food is really good (especially the sandwiches!), and this whole area is worth exploring while you’re over there.
Sea Level Oyster Bar: A fun, casual sit-down spot right in Pickering Wharf. Ask to sit upstairs if you can, the second floor overlooks the wharf and water. Great for seafood, oysters, lobster rolls and a drink when you want to sit for a bit without doing a super formal lunch.
Mercy Tavern: Their burger is fantastic. It’s a small, cozy spot farther down Derby Street, so there isn’t a ton of room inside, but they also have some street-side seating when the weather is nice. Another great option if you want to venture a little beyond the busiest part of downtown.
Anchor Pub & Grille: Technically in Beverly, but hear me out, it’s right over the bridge from Salem and feels much more like a local spot. Super casual, stiff drinks, great seafood, big portions and really reasonable prices. They also have an outdoor patio in the warmer months. If Salem is absolutely packed, pop over the bridge and get out of the craziness for a bit. Also a fun dive at night!
Dinner
Ledger Restaurant & Bar: One of my go-tos downtown for a really good dinner and excellent cocktails. It’s inside a former bank, and the space is gorgeous. They also have a fantastic brunch, so keep Ledger in mind earlier in the day too (you have to get the rotating donut). At dinner, definitely get the popovers. Do not miss it here!
Settler & Bernadette: If you’re a foodie, try to get into one of these. Settler is small and intimate, and Bernadette is their newer French-inspired sister restaurant. In October, Settler offers a prix fixe menu, so keep that in mind when making a reservation.
Turner’s Seafood: Easily one of my top three restaurants in Salem. Really good seafood and pasta dishes, excellent cocktails and wine, and reasonably priced for the quality. The atmosphere is great too, this is one I recommend all the time.
Bambolina & Kokeshi: Two concepts under one roof, but I almost always get the pizza. Bambolina is easily one of my favorite pizza spots on the North Shore. Get the soppressata, you will not be disappointed. Just know they only serve beer and wine.
Bella Verona: A cozy little Italian spot tucked away on Essex Street. It’s small and intimate with that old-school Italian feel, a great pick for pasta and a bottle of wine. Definitely make a reservation during busy season.
Longboards: A fun, casual option right on Pickering Wharf. Great for bigger groups, with games, good drinks and a waterfront location. It’s also a fun spot to stick around for drinks later at night.
Finz Seafood & Grill: If you’re looking for a seafood dinner, Finz is right on Pickering Wharf with a big seafood menu, cocktails and waterfront views.
Brodie’s: Don't miss it!! One of my absolute favorites and only a short drive from Salem in downtown Peabody. From October 1–November 15, they go all-in with their Hocus Pocus pop-up, complete with themed decor, food and fantastic themed drinks and cocktails. If you’re visiting Salem during spooky season, you’re going to want to check this one out. And while you’re there, head upstairs to Palm & Crane, their premier cocktail lounge, for another drink, the space is SO cool. Also, looking for Halloween night plans? Don't miss The Black Flame Ball! Go check it out on brodiespubpeabody.com to get your tickets! That's where I will be & that is saying something.
Want to venture outside Salem? Beverly is right over the bridge and has some great options too. Daniella’s on Cabot is one of my picks for Italian and Taku Sushi Bar is where I’d go if you’re craving sushi.
Drinks & Cocktails
Hallowed Ground: Such a cool underground, speakeasy-style cocktail bar and perfect for spooky season. You can enter through Dire Wolf Tavern, or find the door with the red light in the alleyway and head downstairs. The cocktails are excellent and the whole space is dark and moody. Expect a line in October, especially later in the evening. Outside of peak season, it’s generally much easier to get in.
All Souls Lounge: One of my absolute favorites. It has an old-school neighborhood cocktail lounge feel, a vintage jukebox and fantastic classic cocktails. You can also grab a grilled cheese, hot dog or other late-night snack while you’re there. It’s small and first come, first served, so keep that in mind during busy weekends.
Olde Main Street Pub: One of my favorite places when I want something low-key. Dark wood, a little fireplace inside and just a really cozy, chill pub. Grab a beer or cocktail and hang out for a while, especially good on a cold fall day.
Far From the Tree Cider: I’m not usually a cider person, but this is the cider I drink. I love it, it’s fantastic. During spooky season, try their Hocus Pocus flight, Sarah is my favorite. It’s a little outside the main downtown area, but this October they added a free golf cart shuttle from the Front Street area, which makes getting there so much easier.
Notch Brewing: Such a great brewery right on the water. The indoor space is big and airy, and when the weather is nice there’s plenty of outdoor seating right along the water too. Grab a beer and one of their warm German pretzels and hang out for a while.
Palm & Crane: Yes, I’m mentioning it again because it’s one of my favorite places for cocktails on the North Shore. It’s upstairs from Brodie’s in downtown Peabody, only a short drive from Salem. The space is gorgeous and the cocktails are creative, definitely worth venturing out of downtown for.
Sweet Treats
Goodnight Fatty: The cookies you need in your life. It’s right across from the Salem Witch Museum, and yes, there’s pretty much always a line, but it moves and it’s worth it. Their warm, gooey “fatties” rotate every week, so the flavors are always changing. Going in the morning? They also do Good Morning Chubbies for breakfast.
Melt Ice Cream: One of my favorite spots to grab ice cream right downtown. They make their ice cream in-house and always have a mix of classic and fun seasonal flavors. Grab a cone and keep exploring.
Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie: A little piece of Salem history and known as America’s oldest candy company. It’s right across from the House of the Seven Gables, so it’s an easy stop while you’re over there. Try a Salem Gibralter!
Harbor Sweets: A Salem classic for handmade chocolates. Their signature Sweet Sloops are such a cute Salem treat and also make a great gift to bring home.
Holy Cow Ice Cream Cafe: Some of my favorite ice cream on the North Shore. Their Salem location is at the Salem Willows, so make a trip out of it, walk along the water, check out the arcades and grab ice cream. Get the Ritzy AF. You’re welcome. The Willows location is seasonal, so check the hours before you go. If it’s closed, their Peabody location on Andover Street is only a short drive from Salem.
Things to Do & See
There is so much to do in Salem, especially during Haunted Happenings. These are the things I actually recommend, a mix of the classics, history, spooky Salem, and a few experiences that get you away from the crowds downtown.
See & Do
Salem Witch Museum: If it’s your first time in Salem, I still think you should do the Salem Witch Museum. Just know what you’re getting: it’s more of a narrated presentation with staged scenes than a traditional museum where you walk around looking at artifacts. That said, I think it gives you a really good foundation for understanding the Salem Witch Trials before you explore the rest of the city. It’s a Salem classic for a reason. October is BUSY. Get your tickets ahead of time if this is a must-do for you.
Salem Wax Museum & The Lost Library: Head down to the Haunted Neighborhood on Derby Street for a little old-school spooky Salem. This is so fun! The Salem Wax Museum is one of those classic Salem attractions, with scenes and figures depicting the city’s history. Right across the way, check out The Lost Library for a darker, immersive haunted experience. Tip: If you are here on a Friday night in October, grab a Terror Ticket for the Raveyard (yes, there is a DJ!).
Salem Night Faire: My absolute favorite thing to do in Salem during Haunted Happenings. If your visit lines up with the Salem Night Faire, GO. Presented by The Black Veil, the Night Faire takes over Pioneer Village after dark and completely transforms it. Think lantern-lit paths through the woods, 50+ artists and oddity vendors, live performances, fireside ghost stories, food, hot cider, a biergarten and wonderfully weird things hidden throughout the village. And yes, Pioneer Village is where the opening scene of Hocus Pocus was filmed. Tip: Go after dark. The atmosphere is what makes this so special. It feels completely different from downtown Salem, and it's genuinely one of the most magical things you can do here in October.
Get Out on the Water with Mahi Cruises: Need a break from downtown? Get out on the water. Mahi Cruises is such a fun way to see a completely different side of Salem and the North Shore. For fall, check out their Lighthouse & Foliage Cruise, a 90-minute narrated cruise along the coastline that passes five working lighthouses and gives you views of Salem, Beverly, Marblehead, Manchester-by-the-Sea and the Misery Islands. If you want to keep things spooky, they also offer a Haunted Happenings Cruise with Halloween theming, pirate stories and tarot readings.
Make Your Own Broom at The Witchery: Want to actually do something instead of just walking through another attraction? Make your own broom at The Witchery. You can create your own rustic broom and customize it with different colors of broomcorn, dried flowers, crystals, charms and other details. It's such a fun Salem experience, plus you leave with something you actually made instead of another souvenir you bought.
Salem Witch Trials Memorial: Take a few minutes to visit the Salem Witch Trials Memorial while you're downtown. It's free, outdoors and right next to the Old Burying Point Cemetery. The memorial honors the 20 people executed during the Salem Witch Trials and is an important reminder that underneath all of the Halloween fun, this was a very real tragedy. It will take 5-10 minutes.
Peabody Essex Museum (PEM): One of Salem’s must-visit museums, right in the heart of downtown. Explore art, culture and Salem history, including original objects from the 1692 Witch Trials.
Tips: You do not need to do every attraction in Salem. Pick a couple of the classic Salem experiences, add something different like a cruise or broom-making workshop and leave yourself time to just wander. Make sure to check out the Salem buskers for a photo op when you are on Essex Street. Please make sure to tip them! They are out there to make sure you have a fun experience. Lastly, while it can be quieter, Salem at night is magical and you should try to be there then too!
Where I shop
Salem has a lot of shops, and you could easily spend an entire afternoon just wandering Essex Street, Front Street and Pickering Wharf. These are some of my favorites and the places I think are actually worth stopping into.
Did someone say shopping?
Oak & Moss: One of my favorite shops in downtown Salem. If you love plants, home decor, candles and beautifully curated gifts, go here. It's a nice break from the traditional Salem souvenir shops and one of those stores where I always find something I want to bring home.
Spruce Home: Right next to Oak & Moss and another one I love. Spruce is a gorgeous, beautifully curated home store with decor, furniture, gifts and accessories. Even if you don't need anything for your house, you'll probably find something you want.
Coven: If you're walking around Pickering Wharf, definitely pop into Coven. It's a dark, alternative boutique with clothing, jewelry, accessories, candles, gifts and witchy finds that feel different from a lot of the more touristy Salem merchandise.
The Sea Wych: One of the coolest little shops in Salem, and don't just shop here. Do the DIY Sea Spell Jar Bar. The entire shop is dedicated to sea and water magic, and the inside is so cool. You can create your own spell jar using salts, herbs, crystals, shells and other ingredients based around your intention. It's such a fun little Salem experience, and you actually get to take something home that you made yourself.
ASCEND Get Lifted: Part shop, part experience. ASCEND has crystals, jewelry, gifts and spiritual goods, but one of the coolest reasons to stop in is to get your aura photographed and read. You'll leave with a colorful photo of your aura and an interpretation of what the different colors and energy around you mean. It's a fun, very-Salem thing to do while you're shopping, and a pretty cool keepsake to take home.
Blackcraft Salem: Blackcraft is worth seeing if the line isn't too bad (keyword, if). it's inside an incredible historic former bank building, complete with the original vaults and a massive witch hanging beneath the dome. You'll find apparel, accessories, home goods, coffee, collectibles and more inside. October warning: Blackcraft can get a HUGE line. If you're visiting during peak October weekends, you may have to decide whether it's worth spending part of your day waiting to get inside.
Trolley Depot If you want the classic Salem souvenirs, t-shirts, sweatshirts, witchy gifts, Halloween finds and things to bring home for people, Trolley Depot is a great stop. This is where I'd go if you're specifically looking for your classic “I went to Salem” souvenir.
Hive & Forge: If you'd rather shop small, add Hive & Forge. It's a collective featuring work from local and independent artists and makers, so you'll find handmade goods, artwork, gifts, oddities and things you probably won't see in every other store in Salem.
Tip: Don't feel like you need to hit every shop you see. Wander Essex Street, Front Street and Pickering Wharf and pop into whatever catches your eye. Half the fun of shopping in Salem is finding the weird little place you weren't planning to visit!
For the Salem Lovers
A little something for anyone who loves Salem year-round. Meet the Salem Social Club crewneck from By the North Shore!
See you on the North Shore!
I hope this guide helps you have the best time exploring Salem! For more of my favorite restaurants, things to do, events, hidden gems and everything happening around the North Shore, follow @bythenorthshore on Instagram and TikTok.
And if you have a question while planning your visit, reach out! Send me a DM on Instagram or TikTok, or email me at hello@bythenorthshore.com. I’m always happy to help.
See you around the North Shore! 🖤