Bewitched Salem: A 4-Day Adventure for the Whole Family
Discover the enchantment of Salem – a family adventure filled with history, mystery, and magic!
19 July 2023
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
A family friendly trip to Salem, United States offers a unique blend of history, culture, and entertainment. Explore the infamous Salem Witch Trials through interactive exhibits and guided tours, providing educational opportunities for kids and adults alike. Engage in outdoor activities, such as visiting Salem Maritime National Historic Site, strolling through picturesque gardens, or enjoying a picnic by the waterfront, making it a memorable experience for the whole family.
Travel plan
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- Start your day off with a spine-tingling stroll through the hauntingly beautiful Salem Witch Trials Memorial.
- Get your broomsticks ready and fly over to the bewitching Salem Witch Museum for a spellbinding tour of Salem's witch history.
- Take a break from the supernatural and head to the enchanting Peabody Essex Museum, where art and culture collide in a delightful dance.
- Fill your hungry tummies at the cozy, family-friendly Flying Saucer Pizza Company, where the pizza is out of this world!
- As the moon rises, join the ever-popular Spellbound Tours for a hauntingly hilarious ghost tour around the city.
- Begin your day by channeling your inner ghostbuster at the eerie House of the Seven Gables, a haunted mansion with a rich history.
- Brave the terrifying screams at the popular attraction known as Frankenstein's Castle, where spooks and scares await.
- Zoom through the day with some family-friendly fun at Salem Willows Amusement Park, where thrilling rides and carnival games await.
- For a quick yet delicious bite, swing by Howling Wolf Taqueria for some fiendishly good tacos and burritos.
- End the night with a bang at Grand Prix Salem, the go-to spot for adrenaline-junkies looking to conquer the raceway.
- Begin your day by exploring the lovely Gedney House, a hidden gem of early colonial architecture and beautiful gardens.
- Step back in time at Pioneer Village, America's first living history museum, where you can experience a taste of colonial life.
- Take a picturesque stroll along the Derby Wharf and soak in the scenic harbor views while immersing yourself in Salem's maritime history.
- Satisfy your cravings at Red's Sandwich Shop, a local landmark serving up generous portions of comfort food.
- Wrap up your charming day by catching a show at the cozy Salem Theatre Company, where local talent shines on stage.
- Dive into the world of magic and illusion at the mesmerizing Salem Magic Show, where you'll be mystified by mind-bending tricks.
- Discover the breathtaking beauty of nature at the serene Salem Woods, perfect for a family hike or a peaceful picnic.
- Immerse yourself in the curious exhibits of the Salem Wax Museum, where historical figures come to life in eerily realistic fashion.
- Treat your taste buds to a delectable seafood feast at Turner's Seafood, a local favorite serving up the freshest catches from the sea.
- End your Salem adventure on a picturesque note with a relaxing coastal drive along the scenic Salem Harbor, bidding farewell to this bewitching city.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Salem, United States by plane is to fly into Boston Logan International Airport and then drive or take public transportation to Salem, which is approximately 25 miles northeast of the airport.
Car
The best way to get to Salem by car is to drive on I-95 N and take exit 44-A for MA-128 N/MA-62 E towards Danvers/Lawrence. Follow the signs to Salem.
Train
There is no direct train to Salem, but the nearest Amtrak station is in Boston. From there, you can take a commuter rail or drive to get to Salem, which is approximately 16 miles north of Boston.
Boat
The best way to get to Salem by boat is to take a scenic harbor cruise from Boston to Salem, which takes approximately 1 hour and offers stunning views of the coast. Alternatively, you can charter a private boat to sail to Salem.
Bus
The best way to get to Salem by bus is by taking a Greyhound bus to Boston and then taking a commuter rail or driving to Salem, which is approximately 16 miles north of Boston.