The House of the Seven Gables is a historic house museum made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel. The guided tour takes visitors through the 17th-century mansion, including the secret staircase and the hidden room. The surrounding gardens are enchanting and feature a seaside view.
The Salem Witch Museum provides an immersive experience that takes visitors back to the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. The museum uses life-sized sets, lighting, and a narration to tell the story of the witchcraft hysteria. It's an informative and entertaining way to learn about the infamous event in history.
The Peabody Essex Museum is a world-renowned art museum that features a diverse collection of works from around the globe. The museum houses over 1.8 million works in its collection, including colonial art and architecture, and the Yin Yu Tang House, a late Qing Dynasty house brought over from China.
Salem is a compact city and can easily be navigated on foot. If you prefer driving, parking is metered and can be found throughout the city. Salem is also accessible by train from Boston's North Station on the Newburyport/Rockport commuter line with an estimated travel time of 30 minutes and a cost of $9.25 one way.
If you have more time in Salem, consider visiting the Salem Maritime National Historic Site or the Salem Willows Amusement Park. For more family-friendly fun, try the Pirate Museum or the Witch Dungeon Museum. If you have less time, consider skipping the Peabody Essex Museum or the House of the Seven Gables.
The closest airport to Salem is Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) located approximately 20 miles away in Boston. The airport serves major airlines and has options for public transportation to Salem with an estimated travel time of 45 minutes and a cost of $12 one way.