Salem: Day Trips and Tours from Boston, Massachusetts

On face value, the coastal city of Salem is a wonderful getaway from the hustle and bustle of Boston. From the peaceful Sales Common and Salem Willows to the quaint Pickering Wharf Marina, the city is filled with history, culture, and beauty.

But the real reason that so many Boston tourists flock to this small, 50,000-person town isn't its beauty - it's its eerie, mysterious, and mystical air.

Haunted by tales of witches, burnings at the stake, and spectral sightings, Salem is a city steeped in dark history. The town is, of course, best known for its witch trials of the late 1600s, a heavy cloud that still hangs over the city — and one that makes Salem day trips from Boston some of the most popular excursions in all of New England.

Here's all you need to know about Salem, one of the most exciting day trips from Boston.

How to get to Salem From Boston?

Sitting on the coast of Massachusetts, Salem is a 40-minute drive or train ride away from the bustling city of Boston, making it an ideal destination for day trips.

From Boston to Salem by car

The easiest way to get to Salem from Boston is by car. To get out of Boston, take the I-93 North, then turn onto US Route 1 North for a lovely drive along the Atlantic coast. Once you arrive in Salem, there is plenty of public parking available downtown. If you prefer the scenic route, the US 1A is a slightly longer drive, but hugs more of the actual coastline.

From Boston to Salem by train

The MBTA Commuter Rail offers services between North Station and Salem Depot, on the Newburyport/Rockport Line. The trip takes about 30 minutes and trains run every 30-40 minutes. The train arrives in downtown Salem, less than 10 minutes walk to the Witch History Museum and Salem Witch Museum.

Guided tour to Salem From Boston

The most popular and hassle-free way to get to Salem from Boston is by taking a guided tour. These tours take care of the logistics, providing transportation to Salem and back, as well as a friendly, knowledgeable guide to join you on your journey.

Pre-organized Salem day tours from Boston often include a stop at the Salem Witch Museum or other iconic spots around town.

What is the typical itinerary?

Every Salem day tour from Boston is slightly different, but generally, they start with a convenient hotel pickup in Boston. You'll then be taken on a comfortable bus ride to Salem, which usually takes less than an hour. Alternatively, some tours provide transport by train or boat instead.

Once you arrive in Salem, your guide to walk you through the city's most iconic attractions, such as the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, the Bewitched Statue of Elizabeth Montgomery, the Salem Witch Museum, the Old Burying Point Cemetery, and the (less haunted) Essex Street shopping promenade, to name a few.

Along the way, your guide will share stories about Salem’s culture and explain compelling facts about the 200+ witches accused during the Salem Witch Trials of the 1600s. Many day tours also visit other nearby attractions, such as Castle Rock and quaint New England towns along Cape Ann, like Gloucester, Manchester-by-the-Sea and Rockport.

Some tours also feature a guided tour of Boston itself, checking out historical sites like the Freedom Trail and the Quincy Market, bustling neighborhoods like Little Italy, and peaceful spots like the Boston Commons. At day's end, you'll return to your hotel in Boston, with plenty of stories to tell.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Salem?

There are several tour packages available for visiting Salem from Boston, including full-day and half-day options, as well as combination tours.

Guided tours to Salem from Boston by ferry

These guided boat tours from Boston depart from Long Wharf and take about 45 minutes to arrive to Salem. During the high-speed catamaran ride, your tour guide will provide an overview of Salem’s culture, its history, and its role in America's independence.

On arrival in Salem, there are several attractions that are often included on guided tours like this one — such as the Salem Witch Museum, the Old Burying Point Cemetery and the Ropes Mansion and Garden.

Private Half-Day Tour to Salem from Boston

Lasting around 4-hours, this private tour is a great way to explore Salem and its surrounding attractions in a more luxurious fashion. You'll have private transportation, your own personal guide, and a fascinating walking tour around Salem's most famous sites.

Since these day tours are private, you can customize it to your tastes by adding or removing attractions from the itinerary.

High-speed ferry transfer without a guide to Salem from Boston

Suited to independent travelers, a high-speed ferry service from Boston’s Long Wharf to Salem gives you the flexibility to explore Salem at your own pace. For round trip tickets, you will need to purchase two separate one-way tickets.

Private tour to Salem plus North Shore (Cape Ann) from Boston

For those who want to see as much of the region as possible in a day, this private tour departs from Boston and heads to Salem. After leaning about the Witch Trails, you'll journey along the North Shore of Massachusetts, taking in stunning coastal vistas and visiting quaint fishing villages like Gloucester Village, Rockport, Manchester-by-the-Sea and Magnolia. Your experienced guide will provide interesting stories about these towns throughout the drive.

How much does a day trip to Salem from Boston cost?

The cheapest day trip to Salem from Boston is a transport-only ticket, for US$27 each way. A guided tour to Salem from Boston by ferry costs around US$120 each.

For a private tour to Salem, expect to pay US$420 to US$950 per group, which means they can actually work out the best value for larger groups.

What will you see and do?

In Salem, you can expect to explore all the key attractions connected with its witch trials history. Highlights include the Salem Witch Museum, the House of Seven Gables, the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, and the Peabody Essex Museum.

On tours that include a drive along Massachusetts’ North Shore, you can expect to visit cute towns like Gloucester Village, Rockport Harbor, Manchester-by-the-Sea and Magnolia. All these locations offer a mix of historical sites, charming shops, galleries and waterfront restaurants.

Finally, if your tour also includes a city tour of Boston, you can look forward to visiting the Freedom Trail, Old North Church, and Paul Revere's house. Of course, you'll also see some of the city's most famous landmarks, such as Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall.

When is the best time to visit Salem?

The best time to visit Salem is during October, when the town is in full Halloween spirit, celebrating its rich history and the infamous witch trials. Streets come alive with festivals, haunted tours, and parades. The fall foliage adds to the ambiance, creating a picturesque backdrop.

However, it's also the busiest time, so if you prefer fewer crowds but still want the autumn experience, visit in late September or early November.

Travel tips

• Start early to maximize your time. Salem can be quite busy, especially during weekends and the Halloween season.
• The New England weather can be unpredictable. Bring layers and check the forecast before heading out.
• Salem's attractions are relatively near each other, so wear comfortable walking shoes.
• If you have a sweet tooth, make sure you visit the Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie, America’s oldest candy company.