Step into the eerie, authentic grounds of one of the original accused witches. The site is peaceful but haunting, with well-preserved buildings and open fields.

Only a few minutes away, this tree-filled park is perfect for a relaxed walk and visiting some cute animals before heading into the busier streets of Salem

Head to Sea Level Oyster Bar for lunch with incredible harbor views from the bar & deck. The dirty martini here is *chefs kiss*

Bit Bar Salem is a fun stop for drinks and retro gaming. Housed in a former 1800s church, it mixes historic charm with arcade classics and great cocktails. Grab a drink, play pinball or Pac-Man, and soak up the unique mix of old Salem architecture and nostalgic, laid-back energy.

From the web: Attraction offering exhibits about witches & witchcraft, souvenir shops & haunted house tours.

The Halloween Museum is a fun, quick stop that celebrates the playful side of spooky season. It’s filled with glowing displays, vintage Halloween décor, and nostalgic photo ops that make it perfect for a lighthearted break between Salem’s heavier historical sites. It only takes about 20–30 minutes to walk through but adds a pop of color and classic Halloween magic to your trip.

Make sure to make reservations for dinner!

Rockafellas is one of Salem’s most popular spots for dinner and drinks, set inside a historic downtown bank building rumored to be haunted. The atmosphere mixes old-world charm with lively energy—perfect for ending a day of exploring. Stop in for a cocktail, enjoy live music or people-watching by the big windows…Keep an eye out for the blue lady 👀

Stop by Hallowed Ground Speakeasy, hidden below Dire Wolf Tavern, either before or after dinner at Rockafellas. It’s dark, candlelit, and moody in the best way—like stepping into a gothic lounge. The cocktails are beautifully crafted, with smoky, herbal, and seasonal twists that fit Salem’s vibe perfectly. It’s the ideal spot for a pre-dinner drink or a nightcap with atmosphere.

The Juicery is a perfect morning stop in Salem if you’re craving something fresh but hearty. The Faster Than Light smoothie, made with banana, almond butter, spinach, dates, sunflower seeds, almond milk, and ginger-carrot juice, is creamy, subtly sweet, and packed with energy. I loved it so much I went back later for the Espresso Yourself, which was the perfect pick-me-up for an afternoon boost. It’s a great spot to grab a smoothie and take a quiet morning walk through the streets before the town wakes up.

With your drink in hand, take a walk over to Ropes Mansion and Garden (Allison’s house from Hocus Pocus), one of Salem’s most peaceful spots. The garden feels like stepping into a secret oasis—lush, colorful, and perfectly kept. Early in the morning, you’ll often have it all to yourself, with just the sound of bees, rustling leaves, and the soft hum of the city waking up around you.

It’s the perfect spot to sip your drink and slow down before the day gets busy. The flower paths wind through arches of greenery, and the sunlight filters beautifully through the blooms. It’s a moment of calm that feels worlds away from the bustle of downtown Salem, even though it’s just a few blocks away.

On your way back to your Airbnb to get ready for the day, make a quick stop at The Witch House, one of Salem’s most photographed spots. It’s the only structure still standing in Salem with direct ties to the 1692 witch trials, and its dark, gabled exterior looks straight out of another century.

You can book a tour inside if you want to dive deeper into the history, but even from the outside, it’s worth seeing. I didn’t take the tour—I just wanted to admire it in person and grab a few photos. Early in the morning, you’ll catch it in soft light with fewer people around, which makes it even more striking.

I wasn’t a big fan of the Witch Dungeon Museum, but my friend actually enjoyed it—so it’s kind of a toss-up depending on what you’re into. The experience starts with a short reenactment of a witch trial scene performed by live actors, followed by a guided tour through recreated dungeon cells below.

For me, it felt a little dated and slow, and the storytelling didn’t grab my attention. But if you like theatrical presentations and old-school museum vibes, you might find it interesting. It does give some context to the 1692 trials and how accused “witches” were treated, so there’s definitely some educational value.

If you’re trying to decide, I’d say it’s worth checking out only if you have extra time

If you want to get out on the water while you’re in Salem, Sunset Sail Salem is a great option. You can book a sail aboard a classic schooner and take in the harbor views from a totally different perspective. I chose a daytime cruise instead of the sunset sail since the evenings can get chilly on the water, even in late summer.

The sail itself is peaceful and scenic—you’ll glide past lighthouses, historic homes, and get that perfect sea breeze break from the bustle of downtown. It’s about a 15–20 minute walk from the center of Salem to the dock, which is a nice way to stretch your legs and see a quieter side of town, but you can always grab an Uber if you prefer.

Make sure to book ahead at sunsetsailsalem.com since spots fill up quickly, especially on weekends and sunny days.

After your sail, grab an Uber back toward downtown Salem for lunch, but make a quick detour through Charter Street Cemetery—one of the oldest burial grounds in the city. It’s a short walk from most restaurants and a quiet, hauntingly beautiful stop worth seeing.

Dating back to the 1600s, the weathered headstones and ancient trees give it that eerie, reflective Salem atmosphere without feeling staged. Take a slow stroll through the paths, read some of the names, and soak in the history

For lunch, head to The Lobster Shanty, one of Salem’s most beloved divey spots—and I mean that in the best way. The bar has that laid-back, no-frills atmosphere I love a little rough around the edges and full of character. The staff is friendly, the crowd is casual, and the patio has that perfect people-watching energy in the middle of downtown.

You have to get the lobster roll—it’s easily one of the best in town. Loaded with fresh lobster and just the right amount of butter, it hits that perfect New England comfort-food note. Pair it with a cocktail or a cold beer, kick back, and soak in the local vibe. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you found something real, not just another tourist stop.

After lunch, make your way back toward your Airbnb to recharge and stop at any shops that catch your eye. One must-see along the way is Black Craft, which doubles as a dark boutique and an incredibly detailed haunted walk-through. Even without actors, it’s visually amazing—moody lighting, immersive sets, and that perfect eerie vibe.

You can grab a coffee or refresher from Black Craft Coffee right next door and bring it with you as you explore the haunt. It’s a cool little touch—sipping something cold while walking through the scary sets adds to the whole experience.

Dinner at Adriatic Restaurant & Bar is the perfect way to slow down before your ghost tour. The patio has a cozy, tucked-away feel, with warm lighting, string lights overhead, and just enough buzz from the nearby streets to feel alive without being loud. It’s one of those spots that feels upscale but still relaxed—you can linger over your meal without feeling rushed.

The menu leans Mediterranean, with fresh seafood, handmade pasta, and beautiful seasonal dishes. The grilled octopus and lamb lollipops are standouts, and their pasta portions are perfect for sharing. Pair dinner with a glass of wine or one of their craft cocktails while you people-watch and soak up the evening air.

It’s the kind of meal that eases you into Salem’s nighttime atmosphere—just refined enough to feel special, but close enough to everything that you can walk straight to your ghost tour afterward, ready for the spooky side of the city to begin.

After dinner, walk just a few steps from Adriatic Restaurant to meet your guide for the Spirits, Sinners & Scandals Tour with Witch City Walking Tours—hands down my favorite part of the entire trip.

This tour dives into Salem’s darker, more risqué history—stories of betrayal, crime, and scandal that go far beyond the witch trials. It’s equal parts eerie, fascinating, and fun, offering a totally different perspective on the city’s past. The guides are engaging storytellers who blend humor and history perfectly, making each stop feel like a secret being uncovered.

Starting the tour right after dinner was ideal. The sun was just setting, the air had that perfect chill, and the lantern-lit streets made every story feel even more alive. If you only do one tour in Salem, this should be it—it captures the spooky charm and human drama that make the city so unforgettable.

Link: https://witchcitywalkingtours.com/our-tours/

Start your morning at Odd Meter Coffee Co., a cozy local favorite that always feels calm before the Salem crowds wake up. The space is bright and modern, with big windows and a friendly, laid-back vibe.

Definitely try one of their seasonal specials—they’re creative, well-balanced, and usually themed perfectly for the time of year. Whether it’s a spiced latte in fall or a floral cold brew in summer, it’s worth branching out.

Skip the bagels, though—they look tempting but don’t live up to the rest of the menu. Grab your drink to go instead and enjoy a peaceful walk to Lapplin Park

With coffee in hand, head to Lappin Park to see one of Salem’s most famous landmarks—the Bewitched statue of Samantha Stephens. It’s a fun, lighthearted stop that nods to Salem’s pop culture connection and the Bewitched TV series that helped shape the city’s modern witchy reputation.

The park itself is small but charming, surrounded by shops and cafés, and it’s an easy walk from Odd Meter Coffee Co. It’s worth a quick visit for photos and a bit of nostalgia before continuing your morning exploring more of Salem’s historic downtown.

Drive over to The Satanic Temple & Salem Art Gallery—it’s a bit too far to walk comfortably from downtown, so bringing your car is the best move.

The temple is one of Salem’s most fascinating and thought-provoking stops. It’s not about devil worship, as many assume, but rather about art, philosophy, and the separation of church and state. Inside, you’ll find striking exhibits, powerful artwork, and of course, the famous Baphomet statue, which makes for an unforgettable photo.

Plan to spend around 45 minutes here taking it all in. Whether or not you share the temple’s beliefs, it’s an incredible example of how Salem’s spiritual and artistic communities have evolved far beyond the witch trials.

Pioneer Village is a short drive from The Satanic Temple, especially if you’re a Hocus Pocus fan—it’s where the opening scenes of the movie were filmed. Built in 1930 as a living history museum, it recreates what Salem looked like in 1630 with rustic cottages, herb gardens, and period details that make it feel straight out of another time.

Even if you’ve already seen the movie a dozen times, walking through the village should a fun layer of nostalgia and quiet charm. It’s supposed to be a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path stop that mixes cinematic magic with a glimpse into Salem’s earliest days. Just check their hours before going, as it’s not open year-round.

Just a few minutes from Pioneer Village, you’ll find Max and Dani’s house from Hocus Pocus—one of the most iconic filming locations in Salem. The home, located on Ocean Avenue, looks almost exactly like it does in the movie, complete with its distinctive tower room and ocean views.

It’s a private residence, so you can’t go inside, but it’s a fun, quick stop for photos from the street. Since it’s so close to Pioneer Village, it’s easy to pair the two stops for a mini Hocus Pocus moment that feels straight out of the movie.

If you’re looking for a great place to eat in Salem, The Derby is an absolute must. It ended up being my favorite restaurant of the whole trip—we loved it so much we went twice. The food is consistently great, from the burgers and sandwiches to the creative entrees and cocktails, and everything feels fresh and well-made.

What really makes it special is the outdoor seating. The patio has a casual, relaxed vibe that’s perfect for people-watching and enjoying the downtown atmosphere. Whether you stop for lunch between exploring or come back later for dinner and drinks, The Derby nails that mix of comfort, good energy, and seriously delicious food. It’s one of those places that makes you feel like a local the minute you sit down.

Grab dinner at The Roof, located atop Hotel Salem, for one of the best sunset views in town. The open-air setting gives you a full overlook of downtown with golden light spilling across the rooftops—perfect for winding down the day. The vibe is casual but chic, with upbeat music, great cocktails, and a fun menu of shareable bites and tacos. It’s a must-do for the atmosphere alone, especially if you catch the sky turning pink and orange over the city while you eat.