A 5-Day Enchanting Guide to Salem

Morning: Start your Salem adventure with a visit to the Salem Witch Museum. This museum offers an immersive experience that dives deep into the infamous witch trials of 1692. The dramatic presentations and detailed exhibits provide a captivating look at this dark chapter in history.

Lunch: After exploring the museum, head to Rockefellas Restaurant for lunch. Located in a historic building, this restaurant offers a modern American menu with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. If you go in September or October, you'll be sure to see plenty of fun, spooky decorations.

Afternoon: Continue your journey with a visit to The Witch House of Salem. The only structure still standing in Salem with direct ties to the witch trials, this 17th-century home of Judge Jonathan Corwin will transport you back in time with its original architecture and period furnishings. The home makes for a perfect gothic backdrop for photos!

Evening: Wrap up your day with dinner at Hallowed Ground Bar, where the ambiance is cozy, and the food is comfort-driven with a modern twist.

Morning: Begin your day at the Witch Dungeon Museum. Here, you’ll witness a live reenactment of a witch trial, followed by a tour of the eerie dungeon where those accused were held. You can even buy a certificate to formally accuse one of your friends of being a witch!

Lunch: For a quirky lunch experience, visit the Gulu Gulu Cafe. This artsy, bohemian café serves up delicious sandwiches, salads and crepes, along with a wide selection of craft beers.

Afternoon: Spend the afternoon shopping in some of Salem’s most unique stores. Start at Modern Millie for retro and eclectic designs, then head to Die with Your Boots On for alternative, goth and punk-themed fashion. Highly recommend buying one of their pumpkin-pie-shaped bags. Be sure not to miss Nocturne for luxurious dark-themed jewelry and art and Hex Old World Witchery for all your mystical needs.

Evening: Dine at Direwolf Tavern, where fantasy meets reality. With a medieval-inspired interior and a menu full of hearty dishes, this tavern is perfect for ending a day filled with magical shopping

Morning: Visit The House of Seven Gables, one of Salem’s most famous landmarks. This 17th-century mansion, immortalized by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel of the same name, offers tours that explore its history and connection to Hawthorne.

Lunch: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Nathaniel’s Restaurant, located in the historic Hawthorne Hotel. The menu offers a mix of classic American dishes with a New England twist.

Afternoon: After lunch, explore the Real Pirates Museum. This interactive museum brings to life the story of the Whydah Gally, the world’s only authenticated pirate shipwreck. Learn about the lives of real pirates and the treasure they left behind.

Evening: For a touch of glamor mixed with gothic ambiance, head to All Souls Lounge. This bar offers craft cocktails in a beautifully eerie setting, perfect for a relaxed evening.

Morning: Begin with a family-friendly visit to the Salem Wax Museum. This museum offers lifelike wax figures of historical figures, making it both educational and entertaining for all ages. Then take the kids to The Good Witch of Salem. This whimsical store is perfect for little ones who love all things frilly, magical and pink.

Lunch: Grab a bite to eat at Mercy Tavern. Enjoy a filling hamburger and lively atmosphere.

Afternoon: Explore Wynott’s Wands, a must-visit for Harry Potter fans and anyone who loves magic. Then, stop by Marble Faun Books & Gifts, a charming toy store with a selection of unique and educational toys. Buy a plague doctor plushie, Halloween-themed Calico Critters and plenty of Witch dolls.

Evening: Conclude your day with a haunting ghost tour, or Hocus-Pocus themed tours. Enjoy a night of spine-tingling stories as you walk through Salem’s haunted streets.

Morning: Start your final day with a visit to the Halloween Museum, a tribute to the spooky season that Salem is so famous for. The exhibits here are fun and festive, celebrating all things Halloween. Be sure to wear your 3D glasses for maximum fun!

Lunch: For a final Salem meal, head back to one of your favorite spots or try something new at the Witch City Mall, where you can find a variety of dining options.

Afternoon: Spend your afternoon exploring the Black Cat Curiosity Shoppe and Bewitched in Salem for last-minute souvenirs and curiosities.

Evening: End your trip with a ghost tour or a peaceful stroll through the town. Reflect on your magical time in Salem with one last evening drink back at the Hallowed Ground Bar or another favorite spot.