October is the month of witches, pumpkins, and everything spooky. Looking to get in the festive Halloween spirit in New England? A trip to Salem, Massachusetts is in store! Salem makes for the perfect day trip from Boston. Keep reading for our guide on Things to do in Salem in October. PS you really could visit Salem at any season, but the added fall decor really brings the town alive!
How to get to Salem from Boston:
There are a couple of different options when it comes to getting to Salem from Boston. This website has some helpful tips on how to get to Salem. Personally, I would recommend driving if you have access to a car. As we didn’t have a car, we were going to take the train, but found that it was only a bit more expensive to Uber both ways and split it.
- Driving: ~30-45 minutes drive
- Commuter train: ~30 minutes
- Bus: ~1 hour
Start with breakfast at Brew Box on Essex
Start your morning at the tiny but adorable Brew Box on Essex. They’re most well known for their biscuits and “cereal milk.” Lines can get crazy and go out the door, but they move quickly! This is a great option if you’re looking to make the most out of your day and get moving.
- Address: 131 Essex St. Suite 2., Salem, MA 01970
- Hours: Daily 7 AM – 5 PM
- What we ordered:
- Biscuit egg sandwich
- Chai latte
- Seasonal latte
Stop at the Witch House
“The Witch House,” also known as the Jonathan Corwin House is the only building still standing that is directly related to the 1692 Salem witch trials. It was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin (one of the judges presiding during the trials).
Pro Tip: Here’s the deal with the witch house. If you’re going to go, go EARLY. Why do I say this? We walked by at 10:15 AM and there was barely a line. We walked by again at around noon and the line snaked all the way down the street.
- Address: 310 1/2 Essex Street, Salem, Massachusetts 01970
- Hours: Open March 15 – November 15, daily 10 AM -5PM
- Admission:
- Guided House Tour
Adult $10.25 Senior $ 8.25 Child (7-14) $ 6.25 - Self-guided House Tour
Adult $8.25 Senior$6.25 Child (6-14) $4.25
- Guided House Tour
Drop by the Visitor’s Center
Whether you’re following this guide, or roaming through town, stop at the Visitor Center for a map and to find out what events are happening that weekend.
- Address: 2 New Liberty St, Salem, MA 01970
- Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM daily
Walk down Essex St.
Essex St. is the main street in historic Salem. It is also home to many shops, restaurants, and museums. Take a walk down the street, grab a snack, and pick up a souvenir.
Check out some of the many Salem Museums
I recommend doing some research ahead of time as there are many museums and not enough time to visit them all in a day. We decided to visit the Witch History Museum and the Salem Witch Board Museum, but take your pick!
Witch History Museum
This tour is a guided animatronics experience recounting the history behind the Salem Witch Trials. It’s a good option for families if you’re looking to teach your kids the basic history behind the Trials, or anyone wanting to brush up on their history.
- Address: 197 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970
- Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM daily
Salem Witch Board Museum
The Salem Witch Board Museum is hiding at the back of a shop. There are Ouija Boards from all over the world and from different eras. Learn about the history and maybe even pick up a board! PS: this spot makes for a great photo opp too!
- Address: 127 Essex St, Salem, Massachusetts, 01970 United States
- Hours: Open 7 days a week 11 AM-8 PM
Last on the list for things to do in Salem in October? Enjoy all the fall decor!
Many of the homes are decorated with festive fall decor. Take a walk around town to spot all the different decorations!
We hope you enjoyed reading our guide on Things to do in Salem in October. Have you been to Salem before?
