Begin your day by visiting the Salem Witch Museum, which offers an overview of the infamous witch trials and a glimpse into the lives of the women who were accused. From there, take a short walk to the Salem Old Town Hall, a historic building that was used as a filming location for the hit television show "Bewitched." Next, visit the House of the Seven Gables, an atmospheric mansion that was made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel of the same name. Finally, stop by the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, where you can learn about the city's maritime history and explore the Friendship of Salem, a replica of an 18th-century sailing vessel.
On your second day in Salem, start your day at the Peabody Essex Museum, one of the oldest and most respected museums in the country. The museum houses an extensive collection of art and artifacts, with a particular focus on maritime art and history. Next, head to The Witch House, the only building still standing in Salem that is directly linked to the witch trials. Here, you can learn about the home's former resident, Judge Jonathan Corwin, and his involvement in the witch trials. In the afternoon, visit the Salem Art Association, where you can view works by contemporary artists and take part in art classes and workshops. Finally, end your day at the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival, a free annual music festival that takes place in early June and features live performances by local and national musicians.