The sun is just beginning to peek through the New England clouds to set the tone for a picturesque summer season here in Salem, MA, but all we can think about are cool breezes and crisp Fall nights. Today marks the official halfway point to Halloween 2024 and we are here to give you the low-down on all things October and Haunted Happenings.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Book ahead of time:
October is the busiest time of year in Salem, so it is important to book your accommodations early. There are a variety of hotels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals in and around the city, so you are sure to find something that fits your budget and preferences. Accommodations fill up quickly for the month of October, and oftentimes have minimum nights stays that are required when making a reservation. If you’re able to visit Salem midweek, you will have an easier time booking your accommodations. You will also be greeted with more availability at attractions. If you are looking for a landing page of this to do in October keep an eye out here on lots to see and do! Salem’s museums and attractions, walking tours, trolley tours, and harbor cruises, run all week long during October. Check the events calendar to see what else may be happening during your visit.
If you are unable to find accommodations in Salem directly try booking a stay in one of our neighboring towns. You can find several options for regional accommodations that are close to Salem. Some are just a short drive away from downtown Salem, and others are located right on the Commuter Rail line, so you can skip the drive altogether. If you are staying in Boston, you can reach Salem via the Salem Ferry, which departs from Long Wharf in Boston and arrives downtown at Blaney Street.
Plan your itinerary in advance:
There is so much to see and do in Salem in October, so it is important to plan your itinerary in advance. Some popular attractions that require tickets purchased in advance include The Salem Witch Museum, The House of the Seven Gables, The Peabody Essex Museum, and The Witch House. You may also want to take a ghost tour, visit a haunted house, or attend a Halloween-themed event. If you have a walking tour, harbor tour, museum or attraction on your “must do” list, visit individual business websites to find out more about their October reservation policies. We recommend planning three activities within a day to allow yourself some time to walk around and navigate through Salem’s busy streets. Keep in mind that October is very different from the rest of the year in Salem, give yourself plenty of in-between activity to allow yourself to navigate the busy sidewalks and walking paths. PRO TIP, when you are looking to begin planning for your 2024 October visit use our resources! Salem.org has a great year-round calendar and blog posts that can give you some basic knowledge before diving into all things October. If you’d prefer to chat with one of our Information Specialists, give us a call at 978-741-3252 the Visitor Information Center is open year-round seven days a week from 9am – 5pm.
Dress for the season:
As it goes with New England tradition the weather can be a bit unpredictable when it comes to weekly forecasts. October in Salem historically has been chilly and rainy (or sunny and warm!), so it is important to dress appropriately. Be sure to bring layers, a waterproof jacket, and – most importantly – comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestones and brick sidewalks. You may also want to bring an umbrella or rain poncho, just in case. If you happen to get caught in inclement weather make sure to stop by the Destination Salem Visitor Information Center located at 245 Derby Street to stock up on rain ponchos, fresh socks, and umbrellas. If you need to add a layer to your outfit while you are visiting us here in October you can stop into one of our local shops which can be found HERE.
Take Public Transportation:
The scariest part of Salem in October is the traffic! Getting to and from Salem during the month of October can be frustrating if you are driving, especially on weekends. Roads are often blocked off to accommodate foot traffic and events that take place during the lead up to the October 31st Halloween holiday. The MBTA is a great way to travel to and from Salem, MA during the month of October and is about a 30 minute ride from North Station in Boston to the Salem MBTA station. The Newburyport / Rockport lines connect Salem, Boston and points north with daily service. On weekends, we recommend parking at the Beverly or Swampscott stations, and taking the commuter rail one or two stops to Salem. Make sure to take advantage of their weekend passes which offer a discounted price when bundling both Saturday and Sunday. The pass is 10 dollars for the entire weekend and connects you all along the Newburyport / Rockport line along the North Shore.
Another way to reach Salem from Boston is to hop aboard the Salem Ferry. In just under an hour, the ferry can take passengers between Salem and Boston, while offering scenic views of both cities. The ferry, Nathaniel Bowditch, is equipped with enclosed and open-air seating, tables, and restrooms, making the trip a quick and comfortable one. During the month of October the Boston to Salem Ferry launches their larger boat the Salacia to make room for the higher levels of passengers.
Know Where to Go:
Where are the bathrooms? – You can find restrooms at the South Harbor Garage (9am – 8pm), Central Wharf (10am – 4pm), Salem Regional Visitor Center (Wednesday – Sunday, 10am 4pm), and Artists’ Row (9am – 8pm). The City also brings in banks of porta-potties for October, which can be found on Derby Street, Salem Common, Hawthorne Boulevard, Lynde Street, and outside of the National Park Service visitor center
