Salem, Massachusetts
Time Needed: full-day
Experience Type: historic landmark, small-town charm
Best known for the infamous 1692 witch trials, Salem preserves this dark yet pivotal chapter of American history through museums, memorials, and immersive experiences that both educate and inspire reflection.
MUST-DO CHECKLIST
- Immerse Yourself in the Witch Trials – Step into 1692 at the Salem Witch Museum, Witch History Museum, or Witch Dungeon Museum for powerful exhibits and dramatic reenactments.
- Ride the Ghosts & Legends Trolley – Journey through Salem’s darkened streets on this 50-minute tour featuring tales of witches, hauntings, and murder told by eerie, theatrical guides.
- Experience Gallows Hill Museum Theatre – See ghosts, witches, and witch trial drama come alive through immersive performances with haunting special effects.
- Visit the Witch House – Tour the 17th-century home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, Salem’s only remaining structure with direct ties to the Witch Trials, filled with period furnishings and lore.
- Reflect at the Salem Witch Trials Memorial – Pause beside the Old Burying Point Cemetery to honor the 20 victims of the 1692 trials and reflect on their enduring legacy.
Itinerary Idea: Explore Salem’s past on a guided walking tour that traces the events of the 1692 Witch Trials and the city’s haunted history. Visit key sites like the Witch Trials Memorial, historic squares, old cemeteries, former jails, and even Hocus Pocus filming locations.
Photo Credit: Pascal Bernardon/Unsplash