Salem in October: The Ultimate Halloween Guide (2024)

Salem, Massachusettes needs no introduction. This New England town is famous for being the site of the 1692 Witch Trials, the first case of recorded mass hysteria in America, and one of the most epic places to go in the fall.

Visiting Salem in October is a real treat for history buffs and Halloween enthusiasts alike, full of fascinating tours and witchy things to do. Last year, I enjoyed a spooktacular Witch City day trip from Boston with my Aunt and cousin. We absolutely loved visiting the witch attractions and diving deeper into the lore and history. There was a whole lot more going on in this town than what I ever learned in school!

After my first visit to Salem, I plan to come back almost every October. There are just so many things to do like visit the infamous Witch House, the Witch Museum, the House of Seven Gables, check out the unique museums and witch shops on Essex Street, plus take an unforgettable Salem walking tour.

From history to hauntings to holiday festivities, Halloween in Salem is a magical experience. Let’s take a look at the best tours, what to do, and where to stay in Salem, MA in October!

October in Salem, MA

October in Salem, Massachusettes is an autumnal dream come true! You won’t even need to ask ‘Is Salem, MA worth visiting‘ because the answer is a resounding yes!

If you’re wondering when’s the best time to visit Salem, MA, October is definitely it! All of the history, hauntings, and Halloween fun is sure to cast a spell on you.

A trip to Salem, MA in October is so worth it thanks to the incredible combination of fascinating history, unique Halloween celebrations, and beautiful New England fall foliage. (Oh, and the yummy seafood!)

Essential Tips for Visiting Salem in October

Keep in mind that Salem is a small town with less than 50,000 residents. As a popular Halloween destination, the crowds are unavoidable. If you’re able to, visiting on a weekday will make things easier.

Before we get into the best things to do in Salem, read on and uncover everything you need to know before going to Salem. These important tips will help you decide when and how to visit!

• Weather: October usually brings crisp, cool New England. You’ll experience temperatures ranging from 40°F-60°F (4°C-15°C), perfect for enjoying the fall foliage while wearing a cozy sweater and sipping a pumpkin spice latte.
• When to Visit: If you’re planning a day trip, the best day to visit Salem depends on what you’re after. Visiting on Monday, even in October, may not provide the atmosphere you’re looking for. Meanwhile, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays are full of visitors and fun activities. A Friday in early October is best for soaking in the fun atmosphere and events, without getting overwhelmed by crowds. Alternatively, if there’s a specific event you want to go to like the Halloween Parade, the Derby Street Carnival, or the Witches Ball, check the annual schedule.
• How Long to Visit: So, how long do you need in Salem? While it makes a great day trip from Boston, there’s so much to do in this town and the surrounding areas that you could justify 3-4 days. It really depends on how into Halloween or history you are. You can see and do a lot in 10-12 hours. I fit in tons of sites and experiences on the day trip I did with my Aunt and cousin. Next, I’d love to visit with my boyfriend for at least 2 days so we can check out some of the weirder things to do like seances and unique tours.
• When to Book: Okay, here’s the scary part. Ideally, you should book hotels and tours up to a year in advance when possible. I know, it’s a big commitment. For any last-minute folks, there’s still plenty of fun to be had.
• Last Minute Bookings: If you’re determined to try and snag a last-minute room, your best bet is to contact local spots directly, especially the smaller inns and Airbnbs. You can also follow on social media to see if they post about any cancellations. Good luck!
• Day of Bookings: Keep in mind that some locations, like the Salem Witch Museum, are only released on a day-by-day basis. As long as you log on early, you shouldn’t have too much trouble securing timed entry. Another way to circumvent this is to book a tour that includes a visit here.
• Crowds: Like I said, crowds are simply unavoidable in October. The earlier in the month you visit, the less you’ll be impacted.
• Getting Around: Good news! In Salem, you can walk everywhere you want to go. There’s also a trolley available and shuttles from nearby parking lots. I highly recommend leaving strollers, bulky backups, and the like behind. (Keep reading for more on parking!)
• Costumes: Dressing up for a trip to Salem is highly encouraged! Costume spotting was one of the highlights of the trip. People really go all out when visiting Salem.

Spooky Things to do in Salem, MA IN OCTOBER

From haunted historical sites to Halloween parades and gorgeous fall foliage, Witch City has no shortage of fun activities to enjoy! Take a look at this list of spooky things to do in Salem, MA in October:

WITCH TRIALS

After doing tons of research to prepare for my day trip to Salem, I’ve put together the perfect itinerary and it all revolves around the alluring witch trials sites.

Here are the can’t-miss Salem, Ma witch attractions, and the best order to visit:

1. Salem Witch House

The first thing you should do in Salem is pay a visit to the infamous Salem Witch House.

Not only is this historical home the only surviving building with direct ties to the notorious trials, it’s also the perfect place to start your adventures when visiting Salem, MA in October. Here, you’ll get a unique look at the belief systems and daily life of the historical community that allowed this witch hunt to persist.

Once the residence of Judge Jonathan Corwin, rumor has it this home could be quite haunted. Thankfully, I didn’t see any spooky ghosts, but I did find it fascinating to explore the well-preserved interior and relics of 16th-century Puritan society.

What I learned about their medical practices, their social norms, and even their diets was enough to send some serious shivers down my spine!

2. Salem Witch Museum

For your next stop, I highly recommend diving deeper into the history of the witch trials at the Salem Witch Museum. This spooky attraction is the most popular thing to do in October, and for good reason!

Your museum visit will begin with an impactful multimedia presentation recapping the frightful events of 1692. If you’re like me, fascinated by history, but happy sticking to the highlights, this is the perfect way to refresh all the details you may have forgotten!

Not only was it a great history lesson, I was also really impressed with the storytelling. It was a gripping account of how the witch trial madness began when a group of young girls started making false claims. Soon, the fervor turned into full-blown paranoia, the witchhunt spreading to every corner of the court and community.

Important Note: Tickets are only available online and released on a day-of basis. Reservations shouldn’t be a problem if you log on early in the morning.

3. Salem Witch Trials Memorial

Next, head to the Salem Witch Trials Memorial and pay your respects to the 20+ innocent victims whose names and execution dates are engraved on granite benches.

Once convicted as witches, these victims were denied a proper burial since cemeteries were seen as sacred grounds. So while their true final resting places remain a mystery, you can honor the lives of Salem women like the defiant Martha Cory, a covenanted member of her church and well-regarded community member.

4. Old Burying Point Cemetery

Next to the memorial, you’ll find the Old Burying Point Cemetery, or Charter Street Cemetery, one of the oldest cemeteries in the United States. Here, you can check out the gravestone of Judge John Hathorne, one of the main witch trial judges.

It was crazy to learn that Judge Hathorne never admitted to any regret or remorse! Pretty sad considering how poorly the courts were run at this time. It was practically impossible for any of the accused to prove their innocence.

FUN FACT: American novelist Nathaniel Hawthorne, the great-great-grandson of Judge Hathorne, changed the spelling of his last name to distance himself from his ancestor’s awful crimes.

HISTORICAL SITES

Even if you’re visiting during spooky season, these staple Salem historical sites are enough of an enigma to give you instant goosebumps. I recommend trying to fit at least one of these activities into your itinerary.

The House of The Seven Gables

A stop at The House of The Seven Gables is a crucial part of any Salem itinerary! Built in 1668, this site near Salem’s waterfront is brimming with intriguing history and spellbinding architecture.

Previously owned by his cousin, Susanna Ingersoll, this enchanting mansion inspired the setting of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s famous novel of the same name.

Honestly, as a former English major and sci-fi nerd, I should’ve been more excited to visit The House of The Seven Gables. However, once I learned I’d get to climb up a secret staircase concealed within the house, I was all in!

Unless you’re a huge literary or history buff, I recommend skipping the guided tour and option for a self-guided visit.

Peabody Essex Museum

A lot of people skip the Peabody Essex Museum when visiting Salem in October, but if you have time, this is one of the coolest things to do in Salem, especially during Halloween!

Until recently, this highly regarded art museum was home to an authentic collection of actual Witch Trials court documents! While these official records were recently transferred to the Massachusetts State Archives, letters and artifacts from both the accused and their accusers remain on display at PEM.

There are also plenty of other interesting exhibits to check out covering everything from fine art to fashion and even science fiction. Plus, you can take special Halloween-themed tours in the fall to keep it extra spooky!

PRO TIP: Interested in the court documents? Good news! The full collection is now available to view for free!

Pioneer Village

For more local history, head to Pioneer Village in Forest River Park. This authentic recreation of life in early New England was truly like stepping back in time. Wandering through the rows of thatched-roof houses complete with gardens and windmills gave me a distinct feel of what colonial life must have been like. (I don’t think it was for me, tbh!)

Come Halloween, things get even more exciting when Pioneer Village morphs into the magical Salem Night Faire. With live music, psychic readings, and plenty of fun costumes, this is a super fun thing to check out in October.

Salem Heritage Trail

The Salem Heritage Trail is a great place to explore during fall, especially if you’re looking for free or cheap things to do. Grab a map and informational pamphlet from the Visitor’s Center and get ready to dive into the highlights of historical Salem!

You can cover most of the sites in just about two hours, without stopping to venture inside any of the historical attractions, of course.

HALLOWEEN ACTIVITIES

Okay, it’s time to lighten things up a little and explore some of the most fun Halloween activities in Salem, MA. Ready, boys and ghouls?

Hocus Pocus Filming Locations

Okay, I have a confession… I’m not the biggest Hocus Pocus fan. I know, I know. But if it’s any consolation, I’m a die-hard Halloweentown girl. No? Well… I tried.

Regardless, I know this is one of the most popular things to do in Salem, Ma so don’t worry, I still put together a list of the most iconic Hocus Pocus sites to round out your epic visit to Salem in October.

• Old Town Hall: This local building is forever famous thanks to Bette Midler’s performance of “I Put A Spell on You.” (32 Derby Square)
• Ropes Mansion: The set of Alison’s house, this 18th-century mansion was once owned by a family of well-known merchants and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Book a tour or visit the gardens for free. (318 Essex Street)
• Old Burial Hill: Located nearby in Marblehead, Massachusetts, a few different cemetery scenes were filmed here with Max.

Bewitched Statue

You can’t visit Salem MA without saying hello to Samantha!

The Bewitched Statue, located in Lappin Park, at the intersection of Essex and Washington Streets, is one of the must-visit Salem Instagram spots.

This bronze statue of actress Elizabeth Montgomery is a great tribute to the beloved television show, Bewitched, which filmed Season 7 right here in Salem, Massachusetts.

Halloween Decorations

Every October, Salem comes alive with the spirit of Halloween! Checking out the city’s historic homes is one of the best free things to do at any point in the year, but at Halloween, they turn into spooktacular masterpieces with whimsical decorations.

My favorite spot is definitely the James Braden House. This yellow house goes all out, with giant skeletal figures seemingly invading the place and a cascade of gourds tumbling down the stairs. (170 Federal Street)

Here’s where to find more lovely historic homes with fall foliage and Halloween decor:

• Chestnut Street: Stately old homes with elaborate decorations
• Derby Wharf National Recreation Trail: The homes here are so historic they even have their own names like The Custom House and the Derby House.

PS: Hopefully this goes without saying, but people live in these homes so remember to be respectful.

Salem Commons

Experience the otherworldly charm of Salem Commons! Every October, this historical park which once functioned as a militia drill site, transforms into a hub of Halloween festivities.

Make sure you check out the Haunted Happenings Marketplace, complete with photo opps, food vendors, and fun street performers. Plus, the whole place is totally decked out for Halloween!

Salem Witches Ball

The Salem Witches Ball is an enchanting Halloween festivity taking place in Salem. Taking place the Saturday before Halloween, this magical assembly of witches is an event where old traditions are revived with the ignition of hilltop fires, joyous feasts, and spell-casting for the forthcoming year. Attendees can enjoy music, partake in seances, and even receive a glimpse into the future with psychic readings!

Witch Shops

Salem is a great place to find unique souvenirs, metaphysical needs, and psychic readings. Although many witch shops in Salem, MA offer goods that may be foreign to some of us like voodoo dolls and ritual tools, they also offer plenty of cute ordinary items like quality candles, self-care supplies, and crystals.

An afternoon exploring these quirky shops along Essex Street is one of my favorite things to do in Salem, MA in October!

Here are a couple of Salem witch shops I highly recommend:

• Crow Haven Corner: Salem’s oldest and most well-known witch shop, complete with a Spell Altar once featured on The Bachelor. 
• The Coven’s Cottage: They specialize in spell kits, voodoo dolls… and really nice soap!
• Ye Olde Pepper Companie: Not exactly a witchcraft shop, but trust me, their candy is completely magical.

Metaphysical & Occult

Did you know Salem is home to a growing community of modern-day witches? Some see witchcraft as a spiritual practice of meditation and prayer, for others, the magic of spellcasting is real.

Whether you fall into either of these buckets or you simply want to have some fun living out your The Craft fantasies, Salem is just the place to explore the paranormal and unusual.

Tarot Card & Psychic Readings

Ever wanted your palm or aura read? There is, quite literally, no better place than Salem to have your fortune told.

Head to any of the spots below for a reading at around $35:

• Essex Street: Readings are available at many Essex Street witch shops. 
• Omen Witchcraft Emporium: Book a session at one of Salem’s premier psychic shop, but do it early!
• Festivals: Plenty of professional psychics set up shop at the fairs and events around town.

The Satanic Temple

Ok so apparently modern-day Satanists don’t actually worship the devil. I know, I was surprised too.

However, a quick scroll through the Satanic Temple’s website shows this brand of Satanists are all about compassion, civil liberties, and community.

After learning there wouldn’t be any sort of scary sacrifices involved, I was actually quite keen on visiting the headquarters of this upstart religion.

Also home to the Salem Art Gallery, a $13 ticket gets you access to a fascinating series of rotating exhibits exploring themes like the ethics of modern labor.  

PS: Intrigued? Learn more with The Little Book of Satanism by alternative travel blogger, La Carmina.

Quirky Museums

I was shocked to learn how many unique museums and interesting hidden gems are hiding in plain sight! These are a few of the most highly recommended museums in Salem:

• Witch Dungeon Museum: Catch a popular, historically accurate reenactment of the 1692 trials adapted from real court transcripts.
• The Salem Witch Board Museum: This literal hidden gem full of historic Ouija Boards from around the world is tucked away inside Remember Salem on Essex Street.
• Witch History Museum: Their animatronics-based tour offers a kid-friendly account of the history of the Salem Witch Trials.
• Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery: A movie monster museum with full-size recreations made from Hollywood artists. Plus, a cool horror gift shop.

HAUNTED HOUSES

Personally, I don’t recommend the haunted houses in Salem, MA. I’d heard that they’re designed to get as many tourists in and out as possible. Plus, you can go to a haunted maze just about anywhere. With so many things to do in Salem in October, this activity was simply a pass.

However, if haunted mazes happen to be what you’re all about, don’t let me hold you back! Here are the most highly-rated attractions in the area:

• Hysteria at Connors Farm: This 45-minute fright fest takes you through a creepy cornfield maze where something sinister may or may not be following you.
• Lost Museum at Gallows Hill: Featuring an underground escape room experience located completely underground. Will you make it out alive?

Halloween in Salem: October Festivals & Events

I’m sure it’s no surprise that Salem, Massachusettes, the one and only Witch City, goes all out for Halloween. While the actual holiday and the weekends leading up to it are as busy and crowded as you’d expect, I can’t deny that this experience is truly one-of-a-kind.

Here are some of the top festivals and events that take place in October:

• Haunted Happenings: Salem’s official Halloween festival is a full-on month-long event with parades, costume parties, and fun for the whole family. 
• Festival of the Dead: For fans of all things paranormal, this month-long celebration includes psychic readings, real-life séances, and an annual Halloween Ball.
• Salem Night Faire: Taking place the last two weekends of October, this festival in Pioneer Village is filled with goods and oddities vendors, fireside ghost stories, its own Biergarten, and more!

Best Salem Tours in October

To truly experience the magic of Salem in October, you absolutely must take a walking tour! Salem walking tours offer an unbeatable mix of fascinating history and spine-tingling intrigue.

Each step along the cobblestone paths is like stepping back into a rich, mysterious past. Don’t miss out on one of the best ways to experience Salem’s charm bewitching during the spookiest month of the year.

Ghost Tour

There’s nothing quite like a ghost tour in Salem in October to fully immerse yourself in the spooky spirit of Halloween. With the “Spellbound Tours”, led by paranormal activity experts who delve into Salem’s gruesome past, you get to unravel the chilling tales of the city’s most haunted spots, each offering a unique, eerie exploration of Salem’s dark history.

These tours are far beyond simple storytelling; they offer a spine-tingling venture into the supernatural, set against the atmospheric backdrop of Salem’s historic streets. It’s the perfect blend of history, mystery, and spookiness and is undoubtedly one of the best activities to engage in during October in Salem!

Book the best Salem ghost tour now!

Night Walking Tour

The Salem Night Tour is an exceptional experience, great for history buffs. Delve deep into the layers of Salem’s past on a relaxed 75-minute walk through Downtown Salem.

The tour guides are extremely well-versed in the haunted past of Salem and present information in a digestible and realistic manner. Yes, Salem is famous for its ghostly history and its witch trials, but it’s so much more than that!

Book the best Salem night tour now!

Salem Witch Walk

The Salem Witch Walk offers an experience that’s far from the usual. Guided by a knowledgeable witch, you’ll take part in a genuine witch ceremony, paving the way for an enlightening journey into the world of modern-day witchcraft and an alternative take on the history of the witch trials.

This tour is designed to paint witchcraft in a positive light, demonstrating how witches predominantly use their abilities for benevolent purposes. You can buy tickets at Crow Haven Corners.

SALEM VILLAGE: THINGS TO DO NEAR SALEM IN DANVERS

If you’re like me, you may have come across a place called Salem Village, and assumed it was just another way of identifying Salem, Massachusetts. However, when I visited Salem in October, I learned that Salem Village, now known as Danvers, MA is actually a totally separate place. (And yes, it’s full of some equally spooky things to do!)

Salem Village is actually where the witchcraft hysteria first began. It was here that the daughter and niece of Reverend Samuel Parris had the fits that kicked off the entire affair.

If you just can’t get enough spooktacular spectacles, head to nearby Danvers to check out more historical witch trials attractions and important historical sights.

The Danvers State Hospital Story

Among the eerie landmarks near Salem, you’ll find Danvers State Hospital, which functioned as an asylum for many years. While the majority of the buildings have been demolished and replaced with residential complexes, its original facade and on-site cemetery can still be explored.

Gallows Hill

In the quiet town of Danvers, you’ll find the historical site of Gallows Hill where the accused witches were hung. Today, this spot is tucked away behind a local Walgreens. (Weird, I know.)

Rebecca Nurse Homestead

In the heart of Danvers, discover the historically significant Rebecca Nurse Homestead. As one of the surviving landmarks linked to the Salem Witch trials, it offers an immersive dive into the past. The tour guides are well-informed and provide unique perspectives about the trials that you won’t hear anywhere else!

Where to Stay in Salem MA in October

Sometimes a day trip just isn’t enough! Luckily, Salem is filled with great places to stay… some of them more haunted than others!

Take a look at these exciting options, and don’t forget to check out my guide to the most haunted places to stay in Salem, MA if an eerie Halloween is what you’re after!

Hawthorne Hotel

The Hawthorne Hotel, named after none other than author Nathaniel Hawthorne, is widely regarded as one of the most haunted hotels in Salem. The popular paranormal show Ghost Hunters even visited in 2007!

Staying at this historic hotel in Salem is a real thrill… if you’re brave enough to handle it. Lights and faucets here are said to have a mind of their own and the third floor is haunted by a female apparition who has a thing for mirrors.

Room 325 is famous for other unexplained phenomena like the eerie sounds of a child’s cry. Many guests have reported inexplicable tugs on their sheets and hair while they sleep!

Book your stay at the haunted Hawthorne Hotel!

The Hotel Salem

For something more modern and decidedly less haunted, check out Hotel Salem.

Renovated in a design-forward mid-century style, Hotel Salem is situated in the heart of town. It offers easy access to all the best attractions, making it an ideal place to stay in Salem in October. From the Witch House to Salem Commons and Essex Street, everything is just a stone’s throw away.

Plus, Hotel Salem is home to Salem’s only rooftop bar, and if you’re anything like me, that earns this spot some major bonus points.

Book your stay at Hotel Salem now!

WHERE TO EAT IN SALEM, MA

If you’re visiting Salem in October, you’re in for a gastronomic treat! This spooktacular city serves up an array of enchanting dining experiences that perfectly complement the chilling Halloween season.

Check out the options below and be sure to take a look at the full list of the best places to eat in Salem MA in October.

Turner’s Seafood

Turner’s Seafood, a historic culinary landmark is also one of the most haunted places in Salem! The restaurant is reputedly built on a former apple orchard owned by Bridget Bishop, the first victim of the Salem witch trials. Patrons often report spooky sightings and the aroma of apples. Their standout dishes include rich seafood pasta, creamy lobster pie, and fresh seafood for home cooking. Despite its appeal to tourists, Turner’s Seafood maintains its authenticity and busy charm, especially in October. Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins might get lucky due to its size.

Gulu-Gulu Cafe

Gulu-Gulu Cafe, a Bohemian retreat in tourist central, is another must-try destination in Salem in October. The cafe features an award-winning craft beer selection, vegan/gluten-free options, live music, and the cutest pup mascot around.

What really makes Gulu-Gulu Cafe stand out, though, is the fact that it serves as a great local meeting place with plenty of local art. It has a relaxed atmosphere that allows people to come together, share stories, and feel connected with one another. The cafe even hosts events like book club meetings, trivia nights, and live music.

Ledger

Ledger Restaurant & Bar, tucked within America’s second-oldest savings bank, is a great place for a nice dinner out in October. The gastronomic creation of Matt O’Neill, it showcases 19th-century traditional dishes with a 21st-century twist, thanks to the innovative genius of Executive Chef Daniel Gursha. From a savory charcuterie board to the yodel cake dessert, every dish is an adventure in flavors.

Their menu changes seasonally, providing surprises like cider-glazed pork shank with grilled apples and honey nut squash puree, perfect for a cozy October evening.

Don’t miss their brilliant brunch offerings, including the mystery mimosas and rotating doughnuts, making it not just a dinner spot, but an all-day culinary delight.

All Souls Lounge

All Souls Lounge, the perfect spot for after-dinner drinks, is full of fun vintage cocktails. Their cocktail collection is a historic journey from 1732 to 1947, featuring concoctions like the rum, cognac, and peach brandy Fish House Punch, or the El Diablo, a tequila fusion with crème de cassis and ginger beer. And the cherry on the cake? A jukebox and vinyl-spinning sessions for that perfect lounge vibe.

If you want to eat here, this hotspot in Salem has a great menu centered around hot dogs and mouthwatering grilled cheese sandwiches. You might find your hot dog topped with Icelandic flavors of sweet brown mustard, remoulade, and bacon, or your grilled cheese packed with the tropical notes of pineapple, Provolone, and teriyaki sauce.

GETTING AROUND SALEM

The easiest way to get around Salem is by walking. This Massachusetts town was actually built for pedestrians (and, well, horses) with most major attractions located within a 20-minute walk of one another.

Downtown Salem, for example, is only a mile wide.

PARKING IN SALEM

I’ll start with the good news for anyone renting a car: Most of the main parking lots are located within a 10-15 minute walk from Salem’s top attractions.

The not-so-good news? Parking can be tough on weekends. The closer you are to Halloween, the more difficult it’s going to be, so public transit is something you should definitely consider.

• Parking Map: Check out this handy parking map to figure out where to leave your car for the day.
• Parking Fees: Pay for meters with coins or use the Passport Parking app. Expect to spend around $40 for the day if you’re parking in a garage.

SALEM TROLLEY

Tired of walking? Not to worry! There’s plenty of public transportation to get from one spooky, historic site to the next! The Salem Trolley is by far the cutest way to get around, with an hour-long tour of the city, including guided narration.

With stops at multiple local attractions like the House of Seven Gables and the Witch Dungeon Museum, it’s a great option for travelers in a hurry.

Note: Day Tour Tickets are only available in person, day of.

GETTING TO SALEM

Getting to Salem in October is as easy as can be! And the best part is, you don’t even need a car to do it.

Witch City is a popular addition to most New England road trips and is the perfect next stop after spending one day in Boston.

Closest Airport: Logan International Airport in Boston is the closest airport to Salem, a 40-minute drive.

Boston to Salem

The drive from Boston to Salem is incredibly scenic, especially in the fall. The route winds past beautiful colonial architecture surrounded by a canopy of red, orange, and gold leaves.

But a day trip from Boston to Salem is pretty easy, even if you don’t want to rent a car. If you ask me, the scenic ferry ride is the way to go!

Train: The MBTA Commuter Rail adds options to their schedule every Halloween to get you from Boston to Salem in about 30 minutes on the Newburyport/Rockport Line.

Ferry: The high-speed Salem Ferry will get you from Long Wharf in Boston to Salmen’s Blaney Street dock in under an hour. Available May-November.

HOW TO BUDGET FOR A TRIP TO SALEM

Need to figure out your travel budget? No problem! Below, I’ve included average prices for the different hotels, attractions, and expenses based on my own experience. This should give you an idea of about how much money you’ll need to bring along.

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