When you’re in Boston, be sure to leave time to tour Salem, too. This famous (or infamous?) town in Massachusetts is known for the witch trials, but there’s far more to it.
The last time I was in Boston, I made sure to take the ferry over to Salem – an easy ride – as part of a Walks and Devour tour of the town. While I usually do food tours while in Boston, this walking tour Salem in a Day: The Legacy of Witches was a great switch up from many of my usual walking tours, and I’m glad I did it.
I did receive a complimentary tour, but all my opinions about this experience are my own.
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Why Visit Salem?
A visit to Salem is an easy and fascinating day trip from Boston, and the Walks and Devour tour makes it easy to get there and back and have a great time in Salem. The tour ensures you hit the high points while there while also giving you time to explore your favorite parts in more depth.
This walking tour blends the history of the infamous witch trials with a broader look at Salem’s maritime past, literary connections, and present-day culture. While the tour focuses on the witches, you also learn plenty about the town itself.
I appreciate that the tour includes ferry transportation, a guided walking tour, and free time to explore on your own before returning to Boston. You can also visit Salem via car as a solo trip, but this is a great day trip to take from Boston with a totally different vibe from the city itself.
Getting to the Ferry
The tour starts at Long Wharf in Boston. Walk to the right of the Marriott Long Wharf toward Pier 5, where you’ll find your guide holding a green Walks sign. There may be multiple guides, especially during peak season, so confirm you’re with the Salem tour.
Check in and keep your round-trip ferry ticket safe; replacements aren’t available. If you lose your ticket, you’ll need to purchase another one or take the train back if you miss the ferry altogether.
The Ferry Ride to Salem
The ferry ride to Salem takes about 50 minutes. The is not a charter but the same ferry used by regular passengers, so you can sit anywhere.
You have options to enjoy either the covered lower deck or the open upper deck. The top level offers the best harbor views, but it can get windy. I started sitting there but moved inside partway through the trip because I got chilly.
If you’re prone to seasickness, prepare before boarding. There are plenty of ways to avoid seasickness, and the boat also has ginger candies aboard, which they handed out on our rough crossing.
The ferry sells snacks and drinks on the lower level and has restrooms in the back. Take advantage of them, as there’s limited access upon arrival. The ferry staff provides light narration during the ride, and you’ll receive a Salem city guide and map to help plan your afternoon.
Arriving in Salem
Once docked, our guide led the group toward the historic center. Elizabeth, a knowledgeable local, was engaging and did a great job sharing insight into both the witch trials and the city’s deeper history.
Salem may be known for witches, but it’s also one of the country’s oldest ports, filled with stories of trade, art, and revolution. I spent much of my free time exploring some of the historical sections, including the no cost to visit Custom House.
The Salem Witch Museum
The first major stop is the Salem Witch Museum. You get to go inside for the productions as part of the tour. The presentation, told through illuminated exhibits and narration, shares the events of 1692 when fear and hysteria led to the deaths of 19 people.
A second, shorter exhibit examines how perceptions of witches have evolved through time. The museum’s goal is to honor the innocent and examine the lessons history left behind.
This was not my favorite part of the tour, to be honest. While I really enjoyed the first piece with the history of the witch trials that I didn’t know, I felt rushed through the second part, but this was just a small portion of the tour.
Exploring Salem’s Historic Sites
After the museum, the guided portion continues through Salem’s historic streets until about 1:30 p.m. We passed by many stops after the museum, as the Salem Witch Museum was the only one we went inside.
I had no idea about the ties of the Bewitched television series to Salem, nor did I know about the memorial that was created to remember those who were persecuted. The town has residents who want to be known for more than the witch trials, but creating the memorial feels like the right thing to have done.
We stopped at the Salem Witch Memorial with the Charter Street Cemetery next to it that was closed when we were there. The simple stone memorial honors the victims of the witch trials, while the adjacent cemetery holds early settlers and figures tied to the trials.
You visit a number of other sites with history and informaton pointed out as the guide shares pertinent facts. We ended in the garden of the Ropes Mansion, which was gorgeous and filled with blooms when we were there.
Sites You Can Visit on Your Own
Once the guided portion ends, you have about two hours to explore. The House of the Seven Gables, built in 1668, inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel and is worth touring if tickets are available.
Ye Olde Pepper Companie, the oldest candy shop in North America, still makes its original Gibraltar candies and molasses sticks, both of which I had to buy and bring home. The Pickering Wharf area offers shopping, dining, and harbor views.
If you prefer history, head back to The First Church of Salem, Ropes Mansion, and other historic homes that you can view as part of the Peabody Essex Museum’s “PEM Walks” series.
And of course, there’s the Peabody Essex Museum itself that’s always worth a visit. Of course, you can find plenty of witchy stores to browse, and many people returning on the ferry had witch hats they purchased that day.
Where to Eat in Salem
For lunch, Finz Seafood and Grill, Turner’s, or the Lobster Shanty are all solid options. I got recommendations from both a friend who spends tons of time in Salem and Elizabeth, who provided ideas to the tour group.
Elizabeth also suggested Red’s Sandwich Shop, but note that it closes at 2 p.m. I just missed it, but I enjoyed my burger at Village Tavern. If you want a snack later in the day, Gulu-Gulu Café has a Bohemian feel with coffee and desserts.
Modern Salem and Pop Culture Connections
Salem’s modern-day identity blends its witch trial legacy with pop culture. The Bewitched statue honors the 1960s television show that filmed several episodes here.
Fans of Hocus Pocus will recognize filming sites like the Ropes Mansion (Allison’s house) and the old Town Hall, and yes, the tour guide will point out all the famous spots from the movie.
Shops such as Crow Haven Corner, Remember Salem, and Wynott’s Wands cater to witch-themed souvenirs, while the Trolley Depot and Black Cat Curiosity Shop offer more traditional gifts. I also spent time in Artemesia Botanicals browsing for teas and other remedies.
Practical Tips
Salem is at its busiest in September and October, so book early if visiting during that time. The “Legacy of Witches” tour, however, runs year-round and is just as engaging in quieter months.
Be sure to return to the ferry dock around 3:30 p.m., as boarding begins then for the 4 p.m. departure. If the weather is pleasant, arrive early to get a seat on the upper deck for the ride back to Boston.
Take the Time to Enjoy Salem
The Salem in a Day: The Legacy of Witches tour combines convenience, insight, and flexibility. It offers a seamless way to see Salem’s highlights without worrying about transportation or logistics.
I found it fascinating for the colonial history, maritime trade, and the witch trials. This experience was a great way to see a town I’ve heard so much about and see how a small Massachusetts town became one of America’s most enduring historic destinations.
