Condé Nast TravelerOct 3, 2026
A Fall-Lover's Guide to Visiting Salem, Massachusetts, the US's Real-Life Halloweentown
The historic city turns 400 this year—here's how to experience its milestone fall.
25 things in this story
- SpringHill Suites Boston PeabodyHotelbudget-friendly, no-frills stay 18 minutes from Salem
- Elsewhere
- Blackcraft CoffeeCaféSalem, United Statesfor your morning fix
- Witchside TavernRestaurantSalem, United Statesfor classic tavern food
- Hallowed GroundsRestaurantSalem, United Statesfor drinks like the Boneyard
- Far From the TreeRestaurantSalem, United Statescraft cider house using local apples
- Flying Saucer Pizza CompanyRestaurantSalem, United Statesserves unique pies with outer space motifs
- Turner's Seafood at the historic Lyceum HallRestaurantSalem, United Statesblends New England's fishing heritage with elegant dining
- The Lobster ShantyRestaurantSalem, United Statescasual seafood in a classic shack setting
- Gulu-Gulu CafeCaféSalem, United Stateswhimsical, artistic European-style cafe with quirky twist
- The Hawthorne HotelHotelSalem, United Stateshistoric, luxurious, and considered one of the most haunted
- Nathaniel'sRestaurantSalem, United Statesserves refined American cuisine at The Hawthorne Hotel
- The Salem Waterfront Hotel & SuitesHotelSalem, United Statesmodern luxury with nautical charm and harbor views
- Regatta PubPubSalem, United Statesserves seafood dishes at The Salem Waterfront Hotel
- The Daniels House InnHotelSalem, United States17th-century colonial home turned B&B with historic charm
- The MerchantHotelSalem, United Statesboutique experience with modern luxuries and historical flair
- Salem Haunted HappeningsFestivalSalem, United Statescity-run festival transforming town into Halloween wonderland
- Salem Witch MuseumMuseumSalem, United Statesgripping peek into 1692 witch trials with life-sized figures
- The Witch HouseMuseumSalem, United Stateshome of Judge Jonathan Corwin, involved in witch trials
- House of the Seven GablesSightSalem, United Statesinspiration for Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel, preserved rooms
- Peabody Essex MuseumMuseumSalem, United Statesbroader cultural view of Salem, art, history, maritime
- Salem Witch Trials MemorialSightSalem, United States20 stone benches engraved with names of those who perished
- Burying Point CemeterySightSalem, United Statesoldest cemetery, final resting place of infamous figures
- Salem Farmers MarketMarketSalem, United Statesbountiful harvest, local vendors, fresh bread, roasted pumpkins
- Botanica of SalemPlaceSalem, United Statesoccult science supplies like candles, crystals, and literature
- Salem Bespoke BoutiquePlaceSalem, United Statesdesign your own witch hat, requires appointment