VISITING SALEM IN OCTOBER - A MINI GUIDE TO A SPOOKY WEEK-END
If you love all things October and Halloween, then Salem, Massachusetts absolutely belongs on your travel bucket list. Known as “Witch City” and the unofficial Halloween capital of the U.S., Salem goes all out every October with spooky events, haunted tours, and family-friendly activities. From ghost tours and witch trial reenactments to costume contests and Hocus Pocus walking tours, Salem offers something for every type of Halloween traveler.
Because Salem is such a popular destination in October, it’s important to plan ahead. Weekends leading up to Halloween bring the biggest crowds, long lines, and pricey parking, but also the most festive atmosphere. If you want fewer crowds, consider visiting Monday–Thursday in October. You’ll miss some of the big events, but you’ll have a much easier time getting around.
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Salem in October, including how to get there, where to stay, and the best ways to enjoy the Halloween festivities.
how to get to salem from boston
Salem is located 30 minutes from Boston.
If you’re flying in, you will want to fly into Boston Logan Airport. While you can get to Salem using public transportation, we liked the convenience of having our own car.
From Boston:
If you’re driving on a weekend day, arrive by 0700 for best parking spots. Parking is expensive, over $30/day in most lots around central Salem and traffic can be so congested, it could take you a very long time to get out
By Train/Bus from Boston: Take the Newbury/Rockport line from North Station in Boston ($16 roundtrip). Download the MBTA app; purchase tickets on app. Walk from Salem Depot to downtown Salem
By Ferry: You can hop on at Boston’s Long Wharf. For pricing and tickets click here.
GETTING AROUND salem during halloween:
Once you arrive, the best way to explore Salem in October is on foot. The city is compact, and most Halloween events, museums, and walking tours are close together.
Walking is the best way to get around Salem in October - Chestnut Street
Salem gets extremely crowded on week-ends in October and driving is almost impossible. We attempted to drive on two separate trips and were just stuck in gridlock trying to get around. We will never do that again. Walking will be your best bet here and the City of Salem has really gone to some lengths to try to make it easier by having Shuttles on the week-ends to satellite parking lots. This is what I would recommend if you plan to rent a car.
Bring a good pair of walking shoes, you will be walking a lot.
Parking: As mentioned above, parking is very, very difficult. If you want to try to park as close to the activities as possible and don’t mind paying $40-$50 a day then plan to arrive by 0700. For a list of paid parking lots, click here.
Walking: This will be the fastest, easiest way to get around. Parking is very expensive if you can find an open lot. I recommend parking at a Satellite lot and taking Shuttle into town
Shuttle: On the weekends you can hop on a shuttle from one of the various satellite parking lots. Last year, there were three satellite lots. The shuttle lines do get long as the day goes on so just prepare for this and as you can imagine, it can be a long wait to return to your car at the end of the day.
Salem Trolley: This is a great way to get the layout of the city with a little history narration. Tickets sell out quickly in October.
Ride Share: If you don’t feel like walking at the end of the long day or waiting for a Shuttle, you can use Uber or local ridesharing service, the Salem Skipper for a ride back to the Ferry, parking lot or your hotel.
WHERE TO STAY IN AND AROUND SALEM in october
Hotels in Salem sell out months in advance for Halloween, and rates are much higher than at other times of year. If you’re planning to visit in October, book as early as possible or consider staying nearby and commuting in.
Hampton Inn Salem: walking distance to all Salem Halloween sites. Free breakfast, Parking is $27/day.
Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites: Close to the waterfront and 5-minute walk to the Salem Witch Museum and all the sights.
Daniels House Inn: If you’re looking for an historic B&B in a great location, this it it.
Hawthorne Hotel: walking distance to Salem Commons. Free parking
The Salem Inn: close to everything; free breakfast and free parking
Boston Marriott Peabody: This hotel is by the highway so you’ll still need to drive in and park in one of the satellite lots - but prices are typically reasonable, or you can redeem your Marriott points here.
tips for visiting salem in october
Download the Destination Salem App. It includes event schedules, maps, and transportation updates.
Book tours early. Ghost tours, witch trial reenactments, and museum tickets sell out quickly in October.
Arrive early: If you’re visiting on a weekend, get into Salem by 7:00 a.m. for the best parking and to beat the crowds.
Wear a costume: Many visitors dress up, and it adds to the festive atmosphere. A witch hat or cloak is almost required in Salem!
top things to do in salem, mass
Most of Salem’s best attractions are centrally located and easy to explore on foot. The Salem Trolley also stops at many key sites including Pioneer Village, making it a convenient way to see the highlights without worrying about parking.
House of Seven Gables
HISTORIC AND MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS IN SALEM, mASS
Essex Street Pedestrian Mall – The heart of Salem’s shopping and dining district. Stroll past boutique shops, Halloween stores, restaurants, and even tarot card readers. Perfect for people-watching during October.
Chestnut Street – Known as one of the most beautiful streets in New England, lined with historic colonial homes. Visit during peak fall foliage to see golden leaves raining down. It’s magical. Located just a block from the Rope’s Mansion. (Pro tip: don’t drive it, traffic is heavy; walking is best.)
Salem Witch Trials Memorial – A powerful and moving tribute to the 20 victims of the 1692 Witch Trials. Located off Charter Street, next to the Old Burying Point Cemetery.
Old Burying Point Cemetery – One of the oldest cemeteries in the U.S. (1637). Grab a map at the entrance or join a walking tour to find the graves of notable historical figures.
Salem Witch Museum – Yes, it’s a little kitschy, but for first-time visitors, it’s one of the best introductions to Salem’s history. The exhibits are both educational and family friendly.
Pioneer Village – America’s first living history museum, showcasing life in Salem in the 1630s. (Best reached by trolley or car; not walkable from downtown.)
House of the Seven Gables – Built in 1668 and made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel, this historic house is a must-see. Buy tickets in advance if visiting in October.
The Witch House (Corwin House) – The only building in Salem still standing with direct ties to the 1692 Witch Trials. A can’t-miss for history buffs.
Wynott Wands – A favorite stop for Harry Potter fans, offering handmade magic wands and wizard-inspired gifts.
Tarot Card or Psychic Reading – Whether you’re a believer or just curious, Salem is the place to have your fortune told. It’s part of the experience!
BEST WALKING TOURS IN SALEM
Booking a walking tour is a great way to see and learn about Salem. Lots of spooky options to choose from. Here are some that come highly recommended by my readers:
Salem Night Tour: Haunt and History Guided Tour: Walk through many of Salem’s most popular sights and two cemeteries while learning about its spooky history.
Hocus Pocus Movie Sights Guided Walking Tour: You’ll visit five filming locations from Disney’s Hocu Pocus movie.
Salem History and Hauntings Guided Walking Tour: This is a great way to see all the sights I recommend without getting lost and learning the history behind them.
Salem Ghost Tours Guided Walking Tour: Focused purely on spooky tales, ghost sightings, and paranormal history.
HOCUS POCUS FILMING LOCATIONS IN SALEM
For many visitors, the biggest draw to Salem in October is visiting the real-life Hocus Pocus filming sites. Most are walkable from downtown, with a few that require a trolley ride or short drive.
Rope’s Mansion - Allison’s house in Hocus Pocus
Ropes Mansion (Allison’s House) - 318 Essex Street. You won’t miss the long line. It moves quickly and is worth it for the photo op. The Witch House Museum is a few doors down and you may have walked by it to get here. While here, head over to Chestnut Street for a stroll.
Salem Old Town Hall (Halloween Party) - 32 Derby Square
Phillips Elementary School (Max and Allison’s school) - just off Salem Common
Max and Dani’s House
The following are not walkable but near each other: Trolley or park at Pioneer Village - walk to:
Max and Dani’s House (roads are blocked off/no street parking) 4 Ocean Ave
Thackery Bink’s House (Pioneer Village) - 98 West Ave. (there is a large parking lot here but can fill up quickly)
FINAL THOUGHTS: VISITING SALEM FOR HALLOWEEN
Visiting Salem, Massachusetts for Halloween is unlike any other trip. Yes, the crowds are big, the parking is expensive, and you’ll do a lot of walking, but the atmosphere is magical. From spooky tours to historic sites, Salem is the ultimate October getaway for Halloween lovers.
Happy Spooky Travels!
Want more Fall travel inspiration? Check out my Fall in New England itinerary.