8 Spooky Things to Do in Salem, MA For All Ages
Are you looking for a fall or spooky season getaway to get into the Halloween spirit? Well, there’s really no better time to visit Salem, MA than during Halloween. This travel guide provides the best things to do in Salem during spooky season, or really, anytime of the year!
Salem’s 8 Iconic Things to Do During Halloween
Salem’s connection to Halloween began when the tragic events that unfolded during the Salem Witch Trials in 1692, with 200 people accused and 19 executed. However, Salem didn’t receive the name Witch City from the Salem Witch Trials, actually, the small village was first put on the tourist map when Hollywood decided to film a season of Bewitched in 1970, making it the Witch Capital in the US! While there’s a lot to do in Salem, I put together a list of things to do and see to help you get into the Halloween spirit, with all location addresses available!
1. Visit the Hocus Pocus Filming Locations
The Ropes Mansion – Allison’s House
The Ropes Mansion, or as you might know of it, Allison’s Mansion from Hocus Pocus! This is one of Salem’s most visited attractions. You can visit through a guided tour or walking/driving to the destination yourself. Be sure to grab a photo to document your experience!
- Location: 318 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970
- No ticket purchase or reservation required.
Salem’s Old Town Hall – Halloween Party Scene
This exact location is from the Halloween Party scene, where Bette Midler puts a Spell On You, the most famous musical moment from the movie. The Old Town Hall is located in the heart of Salem, so it won’t be a far walk or drive to visit! If you’re a Hocus Pocus fan, you’ll recognize the building right away!
- Location: 32 Derby Square, Salem, MA 01970
- No ticket purchase or reservation required.
Salem’s Pioneer Village – Sanderson Sisters’ Cottage
The infamous filming location where the Sanderson sisters’ cottages are located, only a quick 10 minute drive from downtown Salem. The cottage is available for a walk-through tour through the months of June – October 29th.
- Location: 98 West Ave, Salem, MA 01970
- Purchase tickets here.
Are you looking for more Hocus Pocus filming locations to visit? I got you! For an entire list of each location, and addresses included, visit my Travel Guide to All Hocus Pocus Filming Locations.
2. See the Statue of Samatha from Bewitched
If you’re familiar with the sitcom Bewitched, then you might know a thing or two about why a statue of Samantha is located in Salem. The seventh season of the sitcom was filmed in Salem, due to the original LA filming location burning down in-between seasons. The cast had to think fast, and previously knowing about the Salem Witch Trials, they decided to film in Salem! The popularity of the show intrigued tourists to visit the location and learn about the history, which is why Salem is now known as Witch City!
- Location: Essex Street, Salem, MA 01970
- No ticket purchase or reservation required.
3. Visit the Witch House at Salem
The Witch House Museum is the only structure still standing in Salem, which is one of the few structures tying directly to the Salem Witch Trials in 1692. The house was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, where Corwin was called to investigate the claims of witchcraft accusations. The house has now been transformed into a museum, allowing tourists to purchase tickets to view and tour the inside of the home.
- Location: 310 Essex Street, Salem, MA 01970
- Purchase tickets here.
4. Take a walk on Essex Street
Essex Street is one of the main streets in Salem, filled with shops, restaurants, museums, haunted houses, and so much more. Pedestrians are decked out in their Halloween costume, and many of the stores are decked out in movie themes. You’ll also be able to find myriad theme shops, where you’re able to browse spell books, try palm readings, crystal ball predictions, and so much more. It is such a unique experience, and while you’re there, don’t forget to grab yourself a souvenir!
- Location: Essex Street, Salem, MA 01970
- No ticket purchase or reservation required.
5. Experience the Salem Witch Museum
The Salem Witch Museum is a unique experience, where you can immerse yourself and learn about the history of the Salem Witch Trials. The museum examines one of the most enduring and emotional events in American history, offering two presentation styles to visitors. First, experiencing the drama from the dark-time through thirteen life-size stage-sets, figures, and narration. Secondly, Witches: Evolving Perceptions, this presentation style explores the meaning behind the word witch. The museum is a remarkable experience, and a must-do during your visit to Salem.
- Location: 12 ½ N Washington Square, Salem, MA 01970
- Purchase tickets here.
6. Explore the House of Seven Gables
American author Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1851 novel takes place at the House of Seven Gables. It is a 45-minute tour experience walking you through the 8,000 square foot home, with 17 rooms. It is one of North America’s oldest surviving timber-framed mansions.
- Location: 115 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970
- Purchase tickets here.
7. Visit the Salem Witch Trials Memorial & Old Burying Point Cemetery
The Witch Trials Memorial is a tribute to the descendants accused and executed during the Salem Witch Trials. Located right next to the memorial, you’ll find the Old Burying Point Cemetery where many important historical figures were buried. The cemetery is the oldest in Salem – and one of the oldest in the world!
- Location: 51 Charter St, Salem, MA 01970
- No ticket purchase or reservation required.
8. Celebrate Halloween with Salem’s Haunted Happenings
The Salem Haunted Happenings is one of the largest Halloween celebrations in the world! The celebration runs annually from October 1st – 31st, with over half-million visitors. The parties, parades, museums, haunted houses, walking-tours, ghost tours, live music, and special events are one of the best ways to get into the Halloween spirit!
- Location: The Haunted Happenings activities are scattered throughout downtown Salem. Purchase your spooky activities in advance, and your tickets will tell you where you need to be!
Final Thoughts
Interested in more travel guides? Visit here to check out some of the top things to do around the globe!
