How long does it take to visit Salem?
Salem is an excellent day trip and an even better overnight stay. By staying overnight, you can take advantage of the evening walking tours, live music, and Haunted Happenings programming without worrying about a late-night drive home.
How big is Salem?
Salem, Massachusetts, covers about 18 square miles, with a vibrant downtown area that’s easy to explore on foot. The downtown spans roughly 1 mile wide, and it typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes to walk from one end to the other. With most of Salem’s key attractions within walking distance, it’s a compact and accessible city perfect for strolling and sightseeing.
What is the weather like in October?
Average temperatures in October are a high of 62 degrees and a low of 45 degrees. But being New England, it could be 75 degrees and sunny, or 32 degrees and snowing. Salem Haunted Happenings goes on rain or shine so be sure to dress in layers.
Are there any deals, discounts, or combination tickets?
Many attractions, museums, and tours offer discounted rates for booking in advance, as well as special combination tickets that provide access to multiple sites at a reduced price. Be sure to check individual attraction websites for seasonal promotions or group discounts. Additionally, you can often find savings through tourism passes or packages that bundle multiple experiences together for a lower overall cost.
How do we get there?
Salem is easily accessible by public transit! You can take the MBTA Commuter Rail on the Newburyport/Rockport Line from Boston’s North Station, which brings you right into Salem in about 30 minutes. Alternatively, several bus routes, including the 450 and 455, connect Salem to surrounding areas like Lynn and Boston. For those coming by ferry, there’s also a seasonal Salem Ferry that runs between Boston’s Long Wharf and Salem. For schedules and more detailed information, visit salem.org/travel-info/.
Where do we start?
We recommend starting your visit at the Destination Salem Visitor Center, located at 245 Derby Street. Here, you can pick up maps, brochures, and get helpful advice from the staff on how to make the most of your time in Salem. The Visitor Center is a great starting point for exploring the city’s top attractions, historic sites, and learning more about what Salem has to offer.
What is the line drawn on the sidewalks?
That is the Salem Heritage Trail! It connects Salem’s historically significant sites and neighborhoods. We recommend following it in conjunction with a map (like the one in our free Guide to Salem Haunted Happenings) so you don’t miss a thing.
Are there public restrooms?
Planned Road Closures
The City of Salem has announced planned and anticipated road closures for October in Salem, including lot closures and traffic impacts from planned special events. The Salem Police will close roadways at any point if they determine they should be closed for public safety reasons.
Visitors to Salem in October should not plan to drive into downtown Salem, especially on weekends.
Learn more about planned road closures here.