A Day Trip to Salem MA in October: All Things Spooky!
What says “fall” and “Halloween” like a day trip to Salem MA in October? I mean, it’s known as the “Witch City” and it’s filled with spooky fun and Hocus Pocus sites! Yes. Witch City, USA. Also yes, Hocus Pocus. And that’s just the beginning of what a day trip to Salem MA in October has to offer.
Know Before You Go
Salem is a little town located just north of Boston, and it’s easily accessible from there by train, bus, and boat. I can’t imagine Salem being disappointing to visit at any time of year but if at all possible I highly recommend visiting in the month of October. Crowds flock here to see the Salem witch trial sites, learn about the history of witches, and to see and attend various spooky tours and events. This city absolutely comes ALIVE for Halloween and it’s SO MUCH FUN! (I mean, would you expect any less from the Witch City? 😉)
Where to Stay and How to Get There
The crowds tend to be fewer at the beginning of October and get more and more busy the closer it gets to Halloween. That being said, hotels in Salem can book up fast and at a pricey cost. Plan on booking your stay well in advance, or plan on staying in Boston and taking a train, bus, or boat to Salem. *I recommend using Google transit maps for the most up to date directions on how to get there by bus or train. Check here for the current boat schedule.*
So now that we’ve covered where to stay and how to get there, let’s go over everything I recommend seeing and doing once you’re there. 😊
Bewitched Statue
Start your explorations of Salem off with a picture of the Bewitched statue. This town celebrates everything witches; and witches in the media are no exception!
The Witch House at Salem
Visit the Witch House which was the home of Jonathan Coriwn, a judge in the Salem witch trials. This is actually the only remaining building in Salem with direct ties to the trials.
Salem Witch Museum
Swing by the Salem Witch Museum to learn about the history of the Salem witch trials, the history of witches and witchcraft, and the way they’ve been used in popular media. Wizard of Oz, anyone? Wicked? Harry Potter? Check the website for the latest information about purchasing tickets. (And do so in advance if you’re visiting in October especially!)
Salem Witch Trials Memorial
Stop by the Salem Witch Trials Memorial and see how the 20 victims of the trials are remembered today: by an individual bench with their name on it and the date and way they were executed.
Proctor’s Ledge
See the memorial that marks the place where the victims of the witch trials were hanged. It was once believed that Gallows Hill was the site of the executions. It wasn’t until 2010 that historians evaluated the findings of historian Sidney Perley who had claimed in 1921 that the site was actually here, at Proctor’s Ledge. In 2016 it was confirmed that Perley was correct and that this was indeed the actual site of the executions. This memorial was placed here shortly after.
Old Town Hall
Check out the Old Town Hall which was a filming location for the movie Hocus Pocus! (The Halloween party that Max and Dani’s parents go to and where Winifred [Bette Midler] sings “I Put a Spell on You.”) This is also where you can watch the play “Cry Innocent,” which is a reinactment of Bridget Bishop’s preliminary witch trial. In this experience YOU get to participate by asking the characters any questions you may have about the trial and by acting as the Puritan jury when it comes time to pass judgement on Bridget Bishop. (Don’t worry, you don’t HAVE to participate if you don’t want to.) Tickets can be purchased at the box office cart, 32 Derby Square.
The House of the Seven Gables
Visit the real life home for the setting of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel, The House of the Seven Gables. I can attest to the fact that even if you haven’t read the novel it’s still a cool place to visit and tour to take!
Ropes Mansion and Garden
Swing by the Ropes Mansion and Garden which you may recognize as Allison’s home in Hocus Pocus.
Hocus Pocus House
And how could you visit Salem without swinging by the house used as Max and Dani’s home in Hocus Pocus?! It’s a little further away from everything mentioned above but it’s totally worth a visit. Find it at 4 Ocean Ave, Salem.
Salem Pioneer Village
This living history museum was the filming location for the opening scenes of Hocus Pocus, where Thackery Binx wakes up to find his sister, Emily, missing. Check the website for the latest opening hours and ticket information. (Or if it’s closed when you visit, put your phone up above the fence to snap a quick pic like I did). 😉
Old Burial Hill Cemetery
This cemetery is widely considered one of the most beautiful in New England. It’s also where Ice and Jay bully Max on his way home from school in Hocus Pocus.
And if you check off everything on that list you will have seen and done all the best witch and Hocus Pocus fun that Salem has to offer!
If you’ve been to Salem before do you think there’s anything I missed and should add to this list? And if you haven’t been to Salem yet please let me know if this post was helpful for you! A Day Trip to Salem MA in October is a fun little way to celebrate spooky season. I hope you enjoy visiting it as much as I do. 😊
Safe travels, friends.
CE
