Condé Nast TravelerOct 3
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.
city-run festival transforming town into Halloween wonderland
25 things in this story
- Blackcraft CoffeeCaféfor your morning fix
- Witchside TavernRestaurantfor classic tavern food
- Hallowed GroundsRestaurantfor drinks like the Boneyard
- Far From the TreeRestaurantcraft cider house using local apples
- Flying Saucer Pizza CompanyRestaurantserves unique pies with outer space motifs
- Turner's Seafood at the historic Lyceum HallRestaurantblends New England's fishing heritage with elegant dining
- The Lobster ShantyRestaurantcasual seafood in a classic shack setting
- Gulu-Gulu CafeCaféwhimsical, artistic European-style cafe with quirky twist
- The Hawthorne HotelHotelhistoric, luxurious, and considered one of the most haunted
- Nathaniel'sRestaurantserves refined American cuisine at The Hawthorne Hotel
- The Salem Waterfront Hotel & SuitesHotelmodern luxury with nautical charm and harbor views
- Regatta PubPubserves seafood dishes at The Salem Waterfront Hotel
- The Daniels House InnHotel17th-century colonial home turned B&B with historic charm
- The MerchantHotelboutique experience with modern luxuries and historical flair
- Salem Haunted HappeningsFestivalcity-run festival transforming town into Halloween wonderland
- Salem Witch MuseumMuseumgripping peek into 1692 witch trials with life-sized figures
- The Witch HouseMuseumhome of Judge Jonathan Corwin, involved in witch trials
- House of the Seven GablesSightinspiration for Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel, preserved rooms
- Peabody Essex MuseumMuseumbroader cultural view of Salem, art, history, maritime
- Salem Witch Trials MemorialSight20 stone benches engraved with names of those who perished
- Burying Point CemeterySightoldest cemetery, final resting place of infamous figures
- Salem Farmers MarketMarketbountiful harvest, local vendors, fresh bread, roasted pumpkins
- Botanica of SalemPlaceoccult science supplies like candles, crystals, and literature
- Salem Bespoke BoutiquePlacedesign your own witch hat, requires appointment
- Elsewhere
- SpringHill Suites Boston PeabodyHotelPeabody, United Statesbudget-friendly, no-frills stay 18 minutes from Salem