One of my all time favorite places in the world is Salem, MA.
...that was my opinion before it was trendy and before I experienced Salem in the fall...
I've been to Salem many, many times. I've been there alone. I've been there with girlfriends. I've been there as a family of three, then again as a family of four. Most recently, I've gone as a family of four plus four more. I've been there in the spring and I've been there in the summer. Most recently, I've been there in the fall. Despite my extensive Salem traveling experience, today we're focusing on a 2 day trip as a family with young kids in the fall. Let's do this!
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The ultimate 2 day itinerary for a trip to Salem, MA with kids.
When is the best time to go?
I need to be clear when I say that traveling to Salem in the fall can be an absolute nightmare. To say that Salem is "crowded" or "congested" is an understatement that people don't understand until they experience it themselves.
How do you avoid the nightmare, you ask? It's simple, wait for October to pass. In 2023, we went on November 2nd and it was PERFECT! I highly recommend the weekend after Halloween. If you wait too long, you run the risk of the season ending along with some of the top touristy attractions closing for the year.
Where is the best place to stay?
There are lots of places to stay in Salem and they're all central to everything. Salem is a very small, quaint, walkable town. That being said, for our fall trip, we want a certain vibe. That's why I'm recommending the Hawthorne Hotel (link). This hotel is very Salem - full of history and very haunted.
Another great choice is the Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites (link). This more modern hotel has child friendly amenities like an indoor pool, free parking, food onsite, and is on Pickering Wharf.
Day One
I recommend driving up to Salem the night before and waking up early enough to see the sunrise. Don't want to splurge on the extra night's stay? That's cool too. Either way, we're starting with breakfast at Jaho Artisan Coffee (link). This small coffee shop is full of delicious treats, quick breakfast options, and bold, beautiful coffee. You're starting the day with a scenic walk so make sure you get that coffee or a second cup to go!
Tip: Save yourself some money, and go to Salem with their iconic woolen witch's hat in tow. Click here (link) to buy it for less than half the price beforehand.
Once your caffeinated and fed, we're taking a walk along the waterfront to the Derby Wharf Light Station (link). This walk takes you out into the bay. Along the way, you'll pass other historical sights such as the Custom House (link), the Old Sail Loft building, the Waite & Peirce Museum Store (link), and the Friendship of Salem Boat (link). Once you get to the lighthouse, turn around and look at the view of the Salem waterfront. That's New England charm at its finest!
Once you make your way back to the mainland, head over to the Salem Trolley Tour (link) pick up spot. Here you'll experience a great tour and uncover the secrets of Salem's past. Hint, Salem is way more than, ya know, witches.. This is a hop on and hop off tour. If you're looking to save a few steps and utilize your tour bus as a shuttle, this is definitely the way to go.
There are lots of "witchy" museums in Salem. They all give the same information but in different formats. Of all the museums, these are the (2) that I recommend. Either way, pick your favorite and make that the next stop on your itinerary.
1. Salem Witch Museum (link) - This is the most popular option. If I had to guess why, it's because of its location. That being said, it's an OK experience. You start the tour with a sit down show. The show is full of outdated animatronics and has been the same since at the very least my first visit 16 years ago. After the show, you're guided through a museum which is interesting, but nothing show stopping. This is also the more expensive option. Bottom line - It's worth the experience but this would be my second choice.
Tip: The Salem Witch Museum is right across from the Salem Commons. While waiting to enter the museum, go explore the Commons. It's beautiful, especially in the fall. Also, this is where Allison gave Max back his number in the famous scene from Hocus Pocus.
2. Witch Dungeon Museum (link) - This option is a little farther away from the heart of Salem, but close enough that it's worth the walk. In this experience you start with a live demonstration of the Salem Witch Trials. The actors display true events, speaking lines truly spoken according to the historical transcripts. After witnessing the Salem Witch Trials, you're taken downstairs to their dungeon. Here you'll find an artifact from the original jail and exact replicas of the jail cells. It's one thing to hear about the conditions. It's another to see the space and know the number of people crammed into it. Bottom line - This is definitely my first choice!
Grab a bite to eat at Blue Fez (link). This Moroccan restaurant is conveniently located across from the famous Bewitched Statue (link), has delicious food, and unlike the statue typically doesn't have a long line.
Walk off some of your lunch by exploring the Old Burying Point Cemetery (link) and the Salem Witch Trials Memorial (link). Take time to respectfully observe the trinkets at the memorial. Many times you'll find handwritten notes from descendants to their ancestors. It's very grounding.
Head back towards Essex Street, but this time take care to stop at the Witch House (link). I've never been inside, but if you plan ahead, you can get tickets and walk through the home.
Once on Essex Street, a whole new adventure begins! Meet the characters for fun photo ops just don't forget to tip. Go shopping! Shopping on Essex Street in Salem is a whole thing of its own. My favorite shop is The Coven's Cottage (link). Even if it's just to browse, you must stop in this store. This is where you should linger until dinner.
Enjoy a relaxed meal at the Village Tavern (link).
End the night with a Salem Ghost Tour (link).
Day Two
Wake up early because this is a hot spot and the line will be long. Head on over to the Ugly Mug Diner (link). This place is FANTASTIC! Their mocha cappuccino with almond milk is fabulous. Their food is comforting and spectacular. If you go to only one place on my entire itinerary, this should be it!
After your hearty meal, you're going to fangirl or boy.
1. Walk past the building pictured above. The address is 56 S Washington Square, but it's better know as the school that Max and Allison attended in Hocus Pocus.
2. Head on over to 318 Essex Street and pass the Ropes Mansion, also known as Allison's house in Hocus Pocus.
3. Hop in the car and drive past the Dennison household in Hocus Pocus. The address is 4 Ocean Ave.
4. Get back in the car for a little bit longer of a drive. This time you're driving to the neighboring town of Marblehead, MA and stopping at the Old Burial Hill (link). This is where the famous scene in Hocus Pocus took place where the bullies steal Max's shoes.
For your final stop of the day, walk across the street to Fountain Park (link). Hike up to the top of hill and take in the view. It's truly a uniquely beautiful sight filled with true New England charm.
Happy traveling!
- R&W
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