Spend a Summer Day in Salem 

Salem is traditionally known for its ties to the 1692 Witch Trials and the month-long Haunted Happenings in October, but the summer months in Salem can be just as exciting as the fall. 

Enjoy a sail on the water, shop at the unique boutiques, dine on cuisine from around the globe, and explore the robust history of this New England coastal city. From walking the historic streets to basking in the arts and culture of the Witch City, who wouldn’t want to visit Salem during some of the most beautiful months of the year? 

Start Your Day 

Start your day in Salem by doing a little homework to determine where you want to visit as Salem has so much to offer that you will want to prioritize your list. 

A great place to start is by checking out the Destination Salem Visitor Information Center at 245 Derby Street where you can access maps, brochures, and visitor’s guides to help you plan your day. Additionally, we suggest you visit the  Salem Regional Visitor Center at 2 New Liberty Street, open Wednesday-Monday, 10 am-4 pm where you can gather valuable information before setting out on your Salem adventure. 

Salem On the Water

If a day along the coast is your plan, check out the Salem Maritime National Historic Site where you can walk the grounds, view the replica of the Friendship, and book a tour on the Essex Heritage Boat Tours.

As you explore the coastline of Salem, take advantage of the views at Winter Island Lighthouse, Derby Wharf Light Station or get out on the water via a kayak or standup paddleboard at Salem Willows through the Coast to Coast Paddle. While there, enjoy a picnic and marvel at the views of the boats and sailing vessels that call Salem Harbor home. 

If your day includes getting out on the water in a replica of an 1812 Privateer Fame, then find your way to Pickering Wharf right in downtown Salem where you can be a part of the crew. Join the crew of the Fame for a sunset cruise all while you learn more about the maritime history of Salem. 

Explore the Art & Culture of Salem

If you enjoy art and culture, Salem has it in spades. 

Start your adventure at the world-class Peabody Essex Museum where you can spend hours viewing American art and art from around the globe as well as take in a 200-year-old Chinese house! The options are endless at the PEM. 

A visit to the House of Seven Gables where Nathaniel Hawthorne’s work of the same name took shape is always a great place to visit for literature lovers and history lovers alike. Plan a semi-private guided tour of the mansion and head inside the historic home, or plan a Gardens and Grounds Experience where you can tour the outdoors at your own pace.

Suppose you want to learn more about the infamous 1692 Witch Trials. In that case, there are many options of museums and landmarks to visit including the Witch History Museum’s presentation of the history of the Salem Witch Trials, or the Witch Dungeon Museum on Lynde Street is another great choice. To view all the notable landmarks the Salem Trolley can provide a tour of historic Salem while you learn more about the past. 

Take In Shopping and Dining 

What is a day of touring without enjoying the flavors of the region? Salem has so many wonderful restaurants to explore, many of them with outdoor dining for the summer months. To see a comprehensive list of Salem’s dining establishments, we suggest you visit Destination Salem and choose from a wide variety of cuisines. From Asian delights to New England seafood options, you will have a hard time deciding which dishes to choose. 

During your Salem adventure, don’t forget to browse the shops and boutiques that line Salem’s downtown streets. The downtown shops include uniquely Salem pieces as well as gifts for people of all ages. 

We also suggest stopping at one of the local breweries to experience what’s new on tap and feel that welcoming atmosphere that Salem is known for. 

Wherever your interests lay, whether it’s art, culture, history or maritime pursuits, Salem has everything you will need for a day adventure. Plan your next day trip to the Witch City and be sure to stop into Real Pirates Salem where you can learn more about the Golden Age of Piracy and see artifacts found at the wreckage of the Whydah.