trip to salem ma from nyc

New England Wanderlust

Massachusetts  ·  April 22, 2022

How To Plan The Perfect Salem, MA Day Trip: 19 Ideas + Tips! (2024)

Salem is known for being the ultimate New England destination for the entire month of October, and while that’s a really fun time to visit, a Salem day trip makes for a great excursion year-round. With so much history, waterfront scenery, beautiful streets, and awesome restaurants, there’s plenty to do that doesn’t involve anything spooky (but there’s also plenty of spooky to go around if that’s your reason for visiting!).

This post will be all about how to plan the perfect Salem, MA day trip, including my tips for visiting, ideas on things to do, and if visiting in October is actually worth it. With that, let’s begin!

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Taking a day trip from Boston? Definitely consider taking the ferry to save you the hassle of parking! 🛳 Click here to check out the Boston → Salem ferry!

Is Salem, MA Worth Visiting?

Salem, MA is definitely worth visiting, whether it’s for a day trip, or a weekend getaway. It’s packed with New England charm at every corner with countless things to do that vary from historic walking tours and museums, to beautiful lighthouses and charming neighborhoods. It even makes my list of the best places to visit in New England!

Salem is also part of the North Shore region of Massachusetts, and makes for a great home base to explore the coastline of Cape Ann and surrounding areas.

Is Visiting Salem, MA In October Worth It?

Having been to Salem in October, as well as other times throughout the year, I personally think Salem is worth doing once in October. There is an undeniable energy in October, and it’s really exciting to be a part of. It is, after all, one of the ultimate Halloween destinations in the entire world!

During the month of October, the town has Haunted Happenings events every single day, which includes special Halloween tours, activities, fairs, and parties. The entire town is also perfectly decorated to celebrate the season, and so many houses go all out with really amazing decorations.

Tips For A Salem Day Trip In October

✓ Plan for crowds. October is most definitely the most busy and crowded time to visit Salem, and weekends especially will be the most packed. The busiest weekend tends to be the weekend closes to Halloween, which is also when the Halloween Ball takes place.

✓ To avoid crowds, try to visit on a weekday in October. Having been to Salem in October both on a weekday and a weekend, I can confirm that weekdays are less crowded! It’ll still be busy, but not quite as bad.

✓ Plan and book your tours and activities in advance. Many will sell out a few days beforehand in October, especially on weekends.

✓ Have a plan for how you want to get to Salem. Traffic getting there and around in October is very busy. If you want to drive in, arrive as early in the day as you can, and have a plan for parking. See the next section in this post for tips on where to park!

✓ I also recommend taking the ferry from Boston if that’s where you’re visiting from, as Salem is very walkable, and you won’t really need your car once you park downtown. The ferry is a bit expensive, but I think it’s worth it to avoid parking and traffic, especially on an October weekend! Just remember to book your return ticket, too, which is done separately!

🛳 Click here to check rates & availability for the Boston → Salem ferry!

Best Places To Park In Salem

My personal favorite place to park for a Salem day trip is the South Harbor Garage, which is located between the Maritime National Historic Site, and the center of the main part of Essex Street.

It’s also convenient to get to The House Of Seven Gables from this garage. I typically always find spots here if I arrive in the morning, and I think the daily/hourly rates are reasonable.

The town of Salem has an entire page on their website with information on parking. Click here to read more about parking in Salem .

Ideas & Things To Do On A Salem Day Trip

If you’re wondering how to plan your Salem day trip, here are the absolute best things to do in Salem, MA. You likely won’t be able to see and do everything on this list in a day, but you’ll be able to tackle most everything since Salem is pretty small and easy to walk around. Scroll down below to read my suggested itinerary of how to see as much as possible during your Salem day trip!

1. Visit The House Of Seven Gables

Made famous as the setting of Nathaniel Hawthorn’s book of the same name, The House Of Seven Gables is an actual historic landmark you can visit during your Salem day trip. Built in 1668 by Captain John Turner, a highly successful maritimes businessman, this waterfront home has 350 years of history and stories to share during tours.

Not only can you tour the inside of the house, you can also walk around the gorgeous and extensive coastal gardens, and take in views of Salem’s harbor front the front lawn of the property, which are worth the price of admission alone.

Tip : If you don’t want to pay to see the house, you can get a partial view of it from the street. Just type “House of Seven Gables” into Google maps, and it will take you right there. At minimum, I do suggest you pay for the gardens-only ticket because the grounds and the water views are definitely worth it!

2. Reflect At The Salem Witch Trials Memorial

One of the best things to do in Salem, MA during your day trip is to visit the Witch Trials Memorial. It’s a very simple display next to Burying Point Cemetery with a stone bench for each of the victims of the Salem Witch Trials. But as simple as it is, it’s also rather moving and memorable.

3. See The Lighthouse At Winter Island Park

Just outside of downtown is Winter Island Park, where you can visit Winter Island Lighthouse and enjoy views of Salem Harbor. This is a quiet little spot that’s not often crowded, which makes it a great place to venture to if you’re looking for a peaceful moment during your Salem day trip.

While you can walk to Winter Island Park from downtown, it’s almost 2 miles one-way, so it’s best to drive. I suggest you stop here either before parking your car for the day downtown, or at the end of the day just before leaving Salem (as long as it’s still light out).

4. Stop At The Salem Witch House

One of the most famous sites and best things to do in Salem, MA is to visit the Witch House , also known as the Jonathan Corwin House. This house is significant because it’s the only known house in Salem that’s still standing to have direct ties to the Witch Trials, as Corwin was one of the judges during the infamous trials.

The house itself, especially at night, has an eery feel to it, and if you decide to purchase tickets for a tour of the inside, it’ll feel even more spooky because of how cruel the owner was.

Personally, I don’t think touring the inside is worth the price of admission. You’re only able to see a few rooms, and you may leave feeling like, “Was that it?” If you’re a big history buff and want to tour as many historic homes as possible, it may be worth it for you, but if you pay for admission to one historic home, I would suggest The House Of Seven Gables over this.

I definitely think it’s more than worth it to stop by the house to see it in person, and snap some photos. It’s a popular landmark for the town and a really cool place to see, but the tour itself may not be worth it for you.

5. See The Elizabeth Montgomery Statue

This is a fun little stop to make during your Salem day trip, and it’ll only take a few minutes of your time. I especially love it because my mom named me after Samantha on Bewitched , so it has a special place in my heart. But if you’re a fan of the show, or the actress, or just witches in general, be sure to swing by and snap a photo with this statue!

The Bewitched statue can be found at the corner of Washington and Essex in downtown Salem.

6. Walk Around The Salem Maritime National Historic Site

One of the best things to do in Salem, MA is to enjoy the waterfront, and visiting the Maritimes National Historic Site is a great way to spend some time by the water. This area isn’t very large, and more like a small park, but it makes for a scenic walk and allows you some nice photo opportunities.

The Sail Loft is a gorgeous building that’s worth stopping by to see, and you’ll often find the Friendship of Salem ship docked here, which is an exact replica of the 1797 ship used to charter through the East India Trading Company routes.

7. Stroll Over To Derby Wharf Light Station

While at the Maritime National Historic Site, be sure to walk all the way to the end of the path to visit Salem’s other lighthouse, Derby Wharf Station. This is a small little lighthouse, but worth your time during a Salem day trip for some great picture opportunities, and to feel like you’ve escaped from the lively downtown area for a few minutes.

8. Get A Psychic Reading

I’m not sure if I entirely buy into psychics, but I’ve had a reading done during a Salem day trip, and it was eerily accurate! To add to the mystical vibe of your Salem trip, this is something you may want to consider as something fun and different to do!

I chose to have my reading done at Magika , and my husband and I did it as a joint session. And during the reading, the medium knew that myself and my father-in-law suffered from the same illness, that my mother lost her dad when she was young from a heart condition, and that my husband and I would buy lots of land in our future together. At the time, the land thing threw us and we laughed about it, but when we bought our house, it came with 25 acres, which we hadn’t been looking for.

Some tips that I had read about getting an authentic psychic reading were helpful before our session, so here are some things I suggest:

• Do your research and check claims that a medium makes before booking. If they claim they can talk to the dead, or make predictions with 100% accuracy, then they’re probably not legit.
• Don’t provide anything but your name (and phone number if they require it, which most will) when booking your appointment.
• Don’t tell the medium why you’re there. Keep it vague and say, “I’m just interested to know what you see or feel.”
• Try not to show emotion, or give indication of whether or not the medium is right or wrong.
• Take everything with a grain of salt. If they say something that goes against your gut instinct, rely on your own intuition. Even mediums admit that what they feel or see is not always accurate, or is misinterpreted.

I’m glad I did this experience once! It was fun, and added some mystery to one of our mystical Salem day trips in October.

9. Go On A Hocus Pocus Tour

While most of the sites that are in Salem from the movie Hocus Pocus can be found on your own, and are free to visit, if you want to take the stress out of planning each stop, this is an awesome place to take an official tour.

During the guided tour, you’ll go to 5 filming locations for the movie and get some great expert knowledge on Salem’s past and how it became known as the Witch City. If you’re a big fan of the movie, this is one of the best things to do in Salem, MA.

Click here to book your Hocus Pocus Walking Tour in Salem!

10. Get Some Homemade Chocolates & Fun Candies

Salem is home to two really amazing chocolate shops: Harbor Sweets and Ye Olde Pepper Companie, and they’re both worth visiting on your day trip! Also, there’s a very fun candy store called Curly Sue that you’ll definitely want to have on your radar.

Harbor Sweets is an adorable little shop that makes their own chocolates in small batches, and also sells some luxury and speciality chocolate brands for an amazingly curated chocolate feast at your fingertips!

Be sure to get some sweet sloops, which are little sailboat-shaped almond, buttercrunch and toffee chocolates that were invented in the neighboring town of Marblehead. But you can also pick up anything from caramels and truffles to chocolate sauces and dips while here.

Ye Olde Pepper Companie is the oldest candy shop in the country, so obviously, you’ll want to make a stop here, too 😉 This sweet little shop still uses original recipes that have been handed down over many generations, and you’ll find everything you could possibly want here.

At Pepper Companie, you’ll want to keep an eye out for Gibralters, which is a special rock candy invented in Salem, as well as Blackjacks, the first stick candy to be produced and sold in the U.S.!

Finally, be sure to pop into Curly Sue Candy Shop to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings. They have one of the best gummy candy selections I’ve found, and this is especially perfect if you happen to visit during Halloween. They change out some of their candies seasonally, so no matter when you visit, you’re sure to find something that you can’t leave without.

They also have a great mix of traditional candies, too, for those who prefer all the classics.

11. Sip On A Lobster Martini At The Lobster Shanty

My favorite restaurant in town is The Lobster Shanty, which is a casual restaurant that has awesome comfort food and seafood dishes. One of the best things to do in Salem, MA is to order a lobster martini here, which will come with a giant lobster claw garnish (which will make for the perfect photo opp!).

Some great menu items here are the lobster roll, crab cake sandwich, lobster grilled cheese and fish ‘n chips. They also have vegetarian menu selections and great cocktails!

12. Find All The Historic Houses

Being that Salem was one of the earliest established colonies in the New World, there are plenty of historic homes that are still standing around town, and one of the best things to do in Salem, MA is to walk around and take a self-guided tour of the houses.

All the historic homes will display a plaque with the date the house was built, and usually the original owner’s name and occupation. Just walking around and reflecting on how long these houses have been around, and the fact that they’re still standing and being used today, is an incredible experience on your Salem day trip.

My favorite neighborhood for touring historic homes is right by The House of Seven Gables. At the intersection of Derby and Turner, walk on Derby toward Carlton, and explore that area. One house in particular I really like in this area is the Stephen Daniels House, located at 1 Daniels Street.

13. Walk Around Pickering Wharf

Close to the Maritime National Historic site is Pickering Wharf, which is a small harbor-front destination with shops and restaurants. This is also where a lot of boat and sailing tours dock (including Schooner Fame), so if you’re looking to head out onto the water, this is a great place to check out.

While here, stop for lunch or drinks at Longboards , and snag an outdoor table with a water view. And if you’re in the market for some souvenirs to remember your Salem day trip by, the Marble Faun Books & Gifts shop is a cute little place with some unique finds and some lovely paper goods.

14. Stroll Along Chestnut Street

Chestnut Street is one of the first planned streets in the country, and I think one of the prettiest streets to visit during your Salem day trip. Originally planned in 1796, and then renovated in 1803 to make the street wider, it’s currently lined with gorgeous homes, and trees that will provide tons of color in the fall.

If you visit during peak foliage season in October, this is definitely a place you’ll want to visit to see the fiery red and orange color lining the entire street, which will make a great backdrop for a photo.

15. Visit The Shops & Boutiques

One of the best shopping areas in Salem is along Essex Street, where you’ll find tons of shops and restaurants. There’s also a section on Essex called the Pedestrian Mall, which is where you’ll find the Essex Peabody Museum, and as I’m sure you’ve guessed, is a pedestrian-only walkway. This is a great area to stroll through if you’re looking to visit the local stores and grab a bite to eat during your Salem day trip.

Best Shops In Salem, MA To Check Out

• Wicked Good Books – A small but absolutely charming little bookshop that I love visiting each time I come to Salem.
• The Cheese Shop Of Salem – More than just cheese! A really lovely little stop to make to peruse not only amazing cheeses, but also wines and specialty foods. A great place for stocking your pantry.
• 100 Derby Store – Of all the gifty-type shops in Salem, this is my favorite because it’s reminiscent of an old country store, and also features some locally-made items.
• Oak + Moss – A gorgeous homewares boutique that sells live plants, and a beautifully curated selection of gifts and things for your home.

16. Set Sail On Schooner Fame

One of the best things to do in Salem, MA is to head out onto the harbor waters on Schooner Fame, which is a replica of a significant ship that set sail during the The War of 1812. Fame has five daily charters to choose from in-season, and you’ll learn about the history of the ship, get some amazing views from the harbor, as well as try your hand at hoisting the sails if you’d like!

The Schooner Fame crew also allows you to bring snacks aboard the ship (just no coolers to allow rooms for all guests aboard), and they also have snacks and drinks available on the ship for the duration of the cruise.

17. Explore The Peabody Essex Museum

The Peabody Essex Museum is a nationally-recognized, incredible destination that’s dedicated to the preservation of history, art, science and nature. It’s also one of the oldest operating museums in the U.S. that’s known for having one of the largest collections of Asian art.

Here at the museum, you’ll be able to admire paintings from the 1700s, walk through the Art & Nature center and visit the Museum Garden. You’ll also be able to see the model ship that was used to build the Friendship of Salem. It’s absolutely worth your time during a Salem day trip, especially if you have a particular interest in history and art.

18. Make Your Own Broom

The Witchery in Salem is a great place to visit to make the ultimate souvenir to bring home: your own, handmade, customized broom!

Workshops to make your own broom can be made online, and take about an hour. You’ll get to pick your own broom handle, embellishments like dried flowers, and then learn how to put it all together. When you’re done, you’ll walk out with a new piece for your home to remember your trip by.

Pro Tip : The Witchery also offers bookbinding workshops, if that’s more your speed!

19. Explore The Town By Trolley

If you’re looking for an easy tour around town, Salem Trolley is a great one to consider. This hour-long narrated tour takes you through many of the best sites to see, and includes history and fun facts along the way to learn something new.

Pro Tip: The trolley tour is not designed as a hop-on/hop-off tour. They’ll sometimes allow visitors to use it that way when it’s not busy, but generally in the fall, it’s required that you experience it as the one-hour tour.

What’s The Scariest Thing To Do In Salem, MA?

Doing anything at night in Salem will automatically be scarier. Add in a ghost or spooky stories walking tour, and you’re sure to get goosebumps!

The scariest tours you can take in Salem would be the Mysteries & Murders of Salem Walking Tour and the Salem Voodoo, Vampires & Ghosts Walking Tour . Both are guided tours that take place at night, and go into the spooky history and stories surrounding Salem. Click the links below to book your tours.

Click here to check out the Mysteries & Murders of Salem walking tour!

Click here to check out the Salem Voodoo, Vampires & Ghosts Walking Tour in Salem!

Free Things To Do In Salem, MA

One of the great things about visiting Salem for a day trip is that a lot of things are free to see and do. Below is a list of all the free things you can do in Salem:

• The Salem Maritime National Historic Site
• Winter Island Park & Lighthouse
• Derby Wharf Light Station
• Tour the historic homes and side streets
• Take a peak at The Witch House from outside
• Walk through Essex Street and the Pedestrian Mall
• The Elizabeth Montgomery/Bewitched Statue
• Take a peak of The House of Seven Gables from outside
• The Salem Witch Trials Memorial
• Walk around Salem Common
• Walk along Chestnut Street
• The Salem Heritage Trail

Is The Hocus Pocus House in Salem?

Yes! Max and Dani’s house that was featured in the movie Hocus Pocus is in Salem, and can be found at 4 Ocean Avenue.

It’s not located right in the downtown area, but if you walk about a mile outside of downtown, you can see it. It’s important to be respectful when visiting because an actual family lives in the house, so be sure not to trespass, enjoy it from a distance, and be respectful.

Can You See Salem, MA In One Day?

Salem is very easy to see in a day! While it’s a city, most the attractions you’ll want to visit are all located within in a mile or so of each other, making it easy to get from one place to the next. While you can absolutely spend longer than a day here, a Salem day trip is more than doable.

How Do I Spend A Day In Salem, MA?

While a Salem day trip is very easy, it’s still a good idea to have a plan to make the most of your time. Below is a basic itinerary option that you can adjust based on your own preferences, which factors in where each attraction is, and groups them all together to maximize your day.

• Start or end your day at Winter Island Park & Lighthouse.
• Park at the South Harbor Waterfront Garage, and walk to the Maritime National Historic site, and also visit Derby Wharf Light Station.
• Then walk to The House of Seven Gables, and walk around some of the side streets, including visiting the Stephen Daniels House. You can also visit Ye Olde Pepper Companie in this area.
• Walk over to the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, then head over to Essex Street and visit the Peabody Essex Museum, or walk the Pedestrian Mall and the rest of Essex Street. As you make your way down Essex, you can also visit Old Town Hall (another Hocus Pocus filming location!), the Bewitched Statue and end at the Witch House.
• Stop for lunch at The Lobster Shanty, which can also be done during your walk along Essex (it’ll be just a few blocks away).
• From either Witch House or Lobster Shanty, head over to Chestnut Street and enjoy this picturesque New England street (I recommend also visiting some of the side streets in this area – they’re all beautiful).

That covers all the major sites! You’ll want to adjust based on your preferences, where you park, and also where you want to eat, and also if you do any tours.

Can You Do A Day Trip To Salem From Boston?

A Salem day trip is very easy to take from Boston. Whether you drive or take the ferry, the journey is only about an hour, which will leave you plenty of time to explore Salem, and not feel rushed. If you’re planning a fall trip to Boston and want to visit Salem for a day trip, I highly recommend it.

How To Get From Boston To Salem

The best ways to get from Boston to Salem for a day trip are to either drive or take the ferry. The drive will take about an hour or less, depending on traffic, and the ferry also takes about an hour dock to dock.

Click here to check out the ferry from Boston to Salem!

Tip : Keep in mind that the Boston to Salem ferries only run seasonally , so if you plan to visit Salem in the off-season or winter, you’ll likely have to drive.

Is Salem, MA Walkable?

Salem is a very walkable city, and most of the attractions are very close to each other. Once you arrive in Salem, I recommend you park your car for the entire day, and get around everywhere by foot. You shouldn’t need a car unless you’re not able to walk more than a mile, or if you want to drive to Winter Island Park.

Is There Uber In Salem, MA?

Yes, Uber is available in Salem. If you’re visiting in October, there will be higher than average wait times, as traffic is more congested. However, it’s pretty easy to navigate year-round.

Day Trips From Salem, MA

One of the great things about visiting Salem is that you’re able to take so many day trips to surrounding areas along the North Shore region of Massachusetts. You could easily make this a stop on a longer road trip through the coast of Northern MA, and visit some amazing places. Below is a list of all the beautiful towns that are easily drivable from Salem along the North Shore:

• Marblehead (10-15 minute drive from Salem)
• Manchester-By-The-Sea (25 minute drive from Salem)
• Gloucester (30 minute drive from Salem)
• Rockport (35 minute drive from Salem)
• Essex (30 minute drive from Salem)
• Newburyport & Plum Island (45 minute drive from Essex)
• Portsmouth, NH (1 hour drive from Salem)

Here are some posts you may find helpful while planning a trip to this area:

• Best Things To Do On Cape Ann
• Best Things To Do In Rockport, MA
• Best Things To Do In Marblehead
• Cape Cod vs. Cape Ann
• Best Things To Do In Newburyport, MA & Plum Island

If you’re not taking a Salem day trip from Boston, you can also get to Boston’s downtown in less than an hour from Salem, and visit the South Shore, which consists on the cute towns of Scitute, Cohasset, Hanover and Plymouth.

Best Time To Visit Salem, MA

October is the most popular and busiest time to visit Salem, and lots of events happen throughout the month to celebrate Halloween, and the town’s ties to all things spooky.

But Salem is actually a really great place to visit year-round, and if it’s not important to you to experience the Halloween festivities, June, July, August & September are also great months to visit, with November being another one of my favorite months for a Salem day trip.

In early November, there’s often still some beautiful foliage around (even if a lot of it is on the ground), and the crowds have thinned out, making it more enjoyable to walk around. A great weekend to visit Salem is the first weekend after Halloween, as a lot of houses will still have their Halloween decorations up, and it still feels very much like October.

Psst! I have a more detailed guide on the best time to visit Salem if you need more information 😉

What Is Salem, MA Known For?

Salem, MA is most known for the infamous Salem Witch Trials, where 19 innocent people were sentenced to death by hanging after being accused of witchcraft.

Salem also has a deep and rich history in New England maritimes, and recently, President Obama signed a bill that officially recognized Salem as the birthplace of the National Guard.

Best Restaurants In Salem, MA

If you’re looking to dine at the best restaurants during your Salem day trip, below is a list of my favorite places to eat while visiting:

• The Lobster Shanty – I know I’ve already mentioned this as one of the best things to do in Salem, MA, but it bears repeating! You’ll often find people lining up here for a table, which speaks volumes about how great the food is.
• Howling Wolf Taqueria – Fresh and delicious Mexican-inspired food and yummy margaritas.
• Bella Verona – A small little Italian place that’s always packed because the food is that delicious.
• Ledger Bar & Restaurant – A really cool and upscale bar/restaurant with traditional menu offerings and really good cocktails.
• Melt – Awesome ice cream!
• A&J King Artisan Bakers – Great for a cup of coffee/warm beverage and baked goods. Any flakey pastries like croissants are especially great here.

More posts you may find helpful:

• Massachusetts In The Fall: Your Ultimate Guide On What To Do & Where To Go!
• Best Boston Hotels Near The Aquarium
• Best New England Day Trips
• Best Things To Do In New England In The Fall
• Best New England Ghost Tours
• The Perfect New England Fall Road Trip
• My Unforgettable Boston To Bar Harbor, Maine Road Trip Itinerary

That’s A Wrap On Planning The Perfect Salem, MA Day Trip

Now that you know all the best things to do in Salem, MA, you’re ready to begin planning your Salem day trip. Hopefully you can see that Salem is a great destination to visit all year-round, but if you’re looking for the ultimate New England Halloween day trip, then visiting in October is definitely memorable. But regardless of when you visit, Salem makes for a perfect day trip getaway.

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Perfect Salem Itinerary (+15 Epic Things To Do in Salem, MA!)

• September 9, 2023

There is a good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. As ever, all opinions are my own.

Want to visit the Halloween capital of America? Then get ready, because Salem has some incredible things to do on a day trip – from the historical to the haunted.

People from all over the world have heard of Salem, whether that’s because of the witch trials or the movie Hocus Pocus. 

Most people visit Salem from Boston on a day trip, and, since it’s just 17 miles away, this makes perfect sense!

One day is the ideal amount of time to spend in this fascinating city.

It’s also the perfect way to extend your trip to Boston .

I was so unbelievably excited to visit Salem on my US trip, and it didn’t disappoint. I went on a wonderful Salem day trip from Boston and you can do the same by following this tried-and-tested one day in Salem itinerary .

So, here’s everything you need to know to take a great day trip from Boston to Salem.

Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Day trip to Salem from Boston – How to Get There

Salem is one of the best day trips from Boston by public transport . You can usually catch the Newberry/Rockport train from Boston’s North Station.

The journey takes around 30 minutes and costs $8 each way .

From the Wonderland T station in Boston you can catch a direct bus (number 455 ) to Salem. This journey takes around an hour and is the cheapest way to get to Salem.

It costs just $1.75 each way with a Charlie Card!

The most fun way to get from Boston to Salem, by far, is to take the ferry!

The journey takes around 1 hour and is the perfect way to start your day trip to Salem, MA in style!

It’s far more scenic than taking the bus or train.

Plus, since a visit to Salem is sure to be such a memorable event there’s no reason not to celebrate!

A one-way ticket costs around $27 , with a return ticket costing $49 . If you’re keen to stick to a budget head to Salem on the ferry and return on the bus.

It’s the perfect way to balance out your transportation costs.

Click here to book your ferry tickets!

Things to Do in Salem, MA (In One Day)

Wondering what to do in Salem Massachusetts? I’ve got you covered. Here’s how to spend a brilliant day in Salem.

Oh – and you don’t need to arrive in Salem super early since there aren’t a million things to do here, so enjoy that lie-in!

I recommend arriving in Salem at around 11-11.30am so you’ll be able to check out a few attractions before lunch.

Stop 1 – The Witch House

Why not start your day trip to Salem from Boston with the best attraction in town – The Witch House !

Also known as the Jonathan Corwin House , this place was the home of the judge who presided over the Salem Witch Trials in 1692.

This black-painted house is the quintessential Salem landmark, and a trip to Salem without a visit here would be a waste!

Entry costs $9 , and inside you’ll find the house restored to how it probably looked during the era of the witch trials.

There are a few historical artefacts here, as well as plenty of information regarding the Salem witch trials and life in Salem in the 17th century.

The house itself is pretty small so you’ll probably only need 30-45 minutes here.

Be prepared to queue here, though, if you’re visiting in October!

Stop 2 – Ropes Mansion and Garden

Just a couple of buildings down from the Witch House is the Ropes Mansion and Garden, built in the 1720s .

This stunning building was built for Samuel Bernard, a local merchant, before it was passed to Judge Nathaniel Ropes Jr in the 1760s.

The house was occupied by the Ropes family until 1907, and it opened as a museum in 1912.

The Ropes Mansion is free to enter. Wahoo!

It also has passionate guides who can answer any question you have on the history of the house as well as the history of Salem.

The gorgeous Ropes Garden is located behind the mansion. It’s small but lovely, with a small pond, flowers, and vines.

It’s a peaceful spot to wander around for a few minutes and imagine what life would have been like for the Mansion’s inhabitants.

Stop 3 – Lunch at Bambolina

If you’re looking for an incredible plate of pasta and some unique craft beers, look no further than Bambolina.

The service here is fabulous and the pasta here is to die for !

Make sure you arrive hungry because the portions here are ENORMOUS! You’ll need space in your bag, too, as you’ll likely need to take your leftovers to go. 

I ordered the Fettuccine Bolognese, which cost me $23 , and I can vouch for it!

Stop 4 – The Burying Point & Salem Witch Trials Memorial

Eating at Bambolina puts you in the perfect location to explore more of Salem’s most famous things to do.

Next up on your Boston to Salem day trip itinerary is the Burying Point graveyard.

In this graveyard, you’ll find the resting places of Revolutionary War heroes and Bartholomew Gedney, a Judge of the Salem Witch Trials.

It is also thought that the bodies of some of the Witch Trial victims were buried in unmarked graves in this area.

Just outside the graveyard you’ll find the harrowing Salem Witch Trials Memorial , a small park square surrounded by large stone slabs jutting from the wall.

Each slab has the name of a victim of the witch trials as well as their execution date.

You’ll see that some people have left coins or flowers on these slabs in memory of the victims.

If you take the time to go around and read each name, you’ll be surprised by how many of the victims were male.

There’s a misconception that the Salem Witch Trials only affected women, but at this memorial you’ll see that this wasn’t the case.

Stop 5 – The House of the Seven Gables

Just a 10-minute walk away from the Salem Witch Trials Memorial is the House of the Seven Gables.

This is one of the most photographed buildings in Salem Massachusetts.

This colonial mansion was built in 1668 and made famous by the novel ‘The House of the Seven Gables’ by Nathaniel Hawthorne.

Its black exterior is the perfect spooky backdrop for your Halloween photos, and it’s an essential stop on any Salem itinerary.

The House of the Seven Gables complex also contains the birthplace of Nathaniel Hawthorne , which was originally located elsewhere in Salem and relocated here in 1958. 

There are two different tickets you can purchase for the House of the Seven Gables.

The first is a ticket to the entire complex, which includes entry to the House of the Seven Gables itself via a guided tour, which costs $20 .

The second is a Grounds Pass, where you can explore the grounds, enter the Nathaniel Hawthorne House and see the House of the Seven Gables from the outside. This costs $12 .

I opted for the Grounds Pass, because I didn’t care enough about it to pay an additional $8 to see the inside of the House of the Seven Gables.

I felt happy with my choice to save some money and still got to check out how cool the house looks from the outside.

Stop 6 – Ye Olde Pepper Companie

For an afternoon pick-me-up, it’s time for a sugar rush from Ye Olde Pepper Companie, Salem’s oldest candy shop .

It’s so old that Ye Olde Pepper Companie claims to be the oldest candy company in America, apparently dating back to 1806 !

This shop is just a couple of minutes’ walk from the House of the Seven Gables and looks so old-fashioned and adorable from the inside.

Here, you’ll find fudge, brittle candy, old-fashioned sweets and artisan chocolates.

I bought some strawberry and watermelon boiled sweets and they were such delicious souvenirs!

Stop 7 – Salem Common

In the centre of downtown Salem you’ll find Salem Common, which has been a public park since the 17th century .

There’s nothing in particular to do here, but you’ll be passing anyway and it is pretty lovely – and worth a couple of photos!

Stop 8 – Bewitched Sculpture

In nearby Lappin Park you’ll find the 9-foot tall bronze statue showing the character of Samantha from the hit 1960’s TV show “ Bewitched ”.

Aside from just having a witchy vibe (hence the name, I guess), Salem has a lot more to connect it to this TV show.

That’s because, in 1970, the show’s Hollywood set burnt down.

The producers, looking for a solution, decided to film a few episodes in Salem itself whilst the original set was repaired!

It’s one of Salem’s most popular places to visit and you’ll likely find a small queue of people waiting to take a photo of themselves with the sculpture.

Stop 9 – Take a Ghost Tour!

If you have time I recommend extending your day trip to Salem so that you can attend this haunted history guided tour . This is easily one of the best things to do in Salem Massachusetts!

This tour will appeal to history nerds and ghost hunters alike as your guide leads you to the most haunted historic sites in Salem.

This would be the perfect way to round off any fall day trip to Salem, but a Salem ghost tour is worth taking any time of year .

After all, Salem embraces its spooky side, and you should too!

The tour lasts 80 minutes and stops at around 10 haunted locations.

This is by far the best way to learn first-hand why Salem is deemed one of the most haunted places in the USA!

Click here to book your spot!

More Things to Do in Salem, MA

Got more time, or you’re just very quick and rocketed through this itinerary in record time? Want some more suggestions of cool Salem activities?

I’ve got you covered.

Here are my top recommendations for what to do in Salem Massachusetts when you’ve already seen the top attractions:

• Peabody Essex Museum : a museum showcasing an extensive collection of art and cultural artifacts from around the world, spanning centuries.
• Witch Dungeon Museum : offers a vivid (if not slightly gimmicky) glimpse into the 1692 witch trials, featuring live reenactments and historical displays.
• Salem Maritime National Historic Park : lovely green space commemorating Salem’s maritime heritage with historic buildings, wharves, and the Friendship of Salem replica ship.
• Salem Pioneer Village : established in 1930, this replica village provides a journey back to 1630, recreating the earliest settlement of the Massachusetts Bay Colony with authentic structures and exhibits.
• Gallows Hill Museum : delves into the dark events of the Salem witch trials, bringing to life the stories and legends associated with the accused and their fates.
• Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery : perfect for horror enthusiasts, this gallery hosts an impressive collection of lifelike figures and memorabilia from classic to contemporary horror films.

Getting Around Salem

Salem is very small and very walkable .

Like, very walkable.

The great news is that you won’t need to use public transport during your one day in Salem MA.

If you have mobility issues, or if the weather isn’t on your side, you can use the public bus system, which is surprisingly not bad.

The Google Maps app is pretty accurate when it comes to bus times and routes, so I recommend searching from A to B there and it’ll give you the best route.

Best Time to Visit Salem

October is definitely the most popular time to spend a day Salem MA, and this is when the town comes into its full spooky season celebrations .

However, October is the most crowded time of the year, and you’ll have to queue for a few attractions.

If you’re visiting Salem in October try to visit on a weekday, or arrive early as everything will take longer!

I visited Salem in early June and this was a wonderful time to visit as there were no crowds and the weather was on our side.

However, there’s not a bad time to visit Salem!

In fact, it’s one of the best winter day trips from Boston.

There’s something so cosy about Salemy’s old-fashioned vibe that makes you just want to snuggle up over a coffee and escape the winter weather.

Where to Stay in Salem, MA

Tempted to extend your stay in Salem?

I don’t blame you! There are so many cool events, beautiful places, and interesting things to do in Salem. Plus, experiencing Salem at night is half of the fun of visiting!

But you’ll need a place to lay your head after an evening of ghost hunting, following in the steps of the Sanderson sisters, or hanging out at Salem’s many craft beer spots.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a huge range of accommodation options in Salem.

However, if you’re looking for something centrally-located yet affordable this chic hotel will meet all of your needs.

Prices start at just $140 per night for a double room, including breakfast.

It has an outstanding 9/10 rating on Booking.com and looks stunning!

Click here to check availability

FAQs About Going on a Salem Day Trip

Is salem massachusetts worth visiting.

Salem is definitely worth visiting if you’re interested in learning more about the morbid history of the Salem witch trials, or you’re really into all things spooky and Halloween! However, it’s not for everybody.

I have a full post to help you decide whether or not Salem is worth visiting for you .

Can You Visit the Salem Witch Trials?

You can visit many sites made famous by the Salem Witch Trials in Salem, Massachusetts. Although many of the original buildings are no longer standing, you’re still able to visit the Witch House, the Salem Witch Trials Museum, and the Burying Point, Salem’s oldest graveyard.

Is Salem MA Walkable?

All of the sights you’ll want to see on your Salem day trip are close together, and the centre of Salem is very walkable. Unless you have mobility issues you won’t need to use public transport on your one day trip to Salem.

How Many Days Do You Need in Salem MA?

One day is the right amount of time to spend in Salem, MA. Unless you’re visiting Salem at Halloween, you won’t find enough things to do in Salem to keep you busy for two or more days.

Conclusion: Day Trip to Salem Itinerary

As you can see, there are lots of cool things to do in Salem Massachusetts – it’s easy to build an awesome Salem itinerary.

If you follow this tried-and-tested one day in Salem itinerary, I’m certain you’ll have a great day trip to Salem MA and really enjoy yourself!

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Ella Moore is the founder of Many More Maps. Growing up just 45 minutes away from Liverpool, Ella has spent years exploring the city inside out. In her teenage years, she was introduced to the music of The Beatles, and the rest, they say, is history! Today, she stands as a leading authority on Beatles tourism in Liverpool, helping over 40,000 people a month to plan their dream trip to the city.

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Is there a way to print the itinerary so that we have it in front of us?

Hi Shelley, I don’t currently have printable versions of my posts but it’s something I’m working on! However, you can right click on anywhere in the post to print it, it just won’t be formatted very well. Hope you have a great time in Salem 🙂

this was so helpful! thank you!!!

You’re welcome! Thanks Ziggy

Comments are closed.

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New York City to Salem (Massachusetts) drive

New york city to salem (massachusetts) road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from New York City to Salem (Massachusetts). If you're planning a road trip to Salem (Massachusetts), you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Traveling with a dog or cat? Find pet-friendly stops . Camping along the way? Search for RV campgrounds . Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

10:00 am  start in New York City drive for about 53 minutes

10:53 am   Stamford (Connecticut) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 11:53 am drive for about 47 minutes

12:39 pm   New Haven eat at Modern Apizza stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:39 pm drive for about 42 minutes

2:22 pm   Hartford stay for about 1 hour and leave at 3:22 pm drive for about 54 minutes

4:15 pm   Old Sturbridge Village (Massachusetts) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 5:15 pm drive for about 1 hour

6:18 pm   Walden Pond State Reservation stay for about 1 hour and leave at 7:18 pm drive for about 36 minutes

7:54 pm  arrive in Salem (Massachusetts) stay at Hawthorne Hotel

driving ≈ 5 hours

Where should I stop along the way?

Stamford (Connecticut)   (4 answers)     questions about Stamford (Connecticut):         Healthy grocery store near Stamford Marriott? New Haven   (10 answers)     restaurants around New Haven:         Modern Apizza         Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana         Goodfellas Restaurant     questions about New Haven:         What is your favorite restaurant in New Haven?         Let's get serious about Pizza..... Sally's? Pepes? or Modern? Hartford   (15 answers)     The Mark Twain House & Museum   (4 mentions)     Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art   (2 mentions)     questions about Hartford:         What is your favorite restaurant in Hartford? Old Sturbridge Village (Massachusetts)   (4 mentions) Walden Pond State Reservation   (2 mentions)

Where's the best place to stay in Salem (Massachusetts)?

Are you going straight to a hotel, or looking for a vacation rental or Airbnb?

The best resource on neighborhoods, areas, and hotels is the Trippy page on where to stay in Salem (Massachusetts) .

If you're looking for a quick answer, you can check out Hawthorne Hotel , which was mentioned 3 times on Trippy.

Want to research more popular hotels in Salem (Massachusetts)? Click the blue button below.

What are some things to do in Salem (Massachusetts)?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

These are some of the places people talk about on Trippy:

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

For example, here are some questions people have asked about Salem (Massachusetts). Click on any question to see answers from the community!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Salem (Massachusetts).

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Salem (Massachusetts) to New York City drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

Looking for ideas for more destinations within driving distance of New York City? Try searching for places within 4 hours of New York City .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from New York City to Salem (Massachusetts) . Or get a full New York City to Salem (Massachusetts) flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend. Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, or Sydney, and get inspired for your dream trip around the world.

And if you know New York City well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about New York City!

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Train New York NY - Salem MA

• Train New York to Salem

Travel information

Information about the train from New York to Salem . The train is one of the safest modes of transportation in existence, and offers a comfortable atmosphere for you to relax on your journey from New York to Salem. Best of all, getting from New York to Salem is budget-friendly, with train tickets starting at just $83. This is an estimate, so please contact the train ticket seller directly for precise information.

According to our database, the best route to go from New York to Salem is through Framingham. Take a look at the route we propose for this trip. We show you all available schedules for each train trip.

Tickets and schedules

New York Station

Framingham Station

Amtrak Vermonter

Frequently asked questions

How can i get cheap train tickets to go from new york to salem.

If you want to get cheap train tickets from New York to Salem we recommend that you book in advance as the best Amtrak Vermonter tickets sell out fast.The price of the ticket is usually $83.Remember that you must also add the cost of the journey: Framingham -> Salem

What time is the first train from New York?

The first trains for the route we propose are: New York -> Framingham: 11:33 Framingham -> Salem: -

What companies can help me on my trip?

The companies that can help you are: Amtrak Vermonter.

How can I get ticket refund on Amtrak Vermonter?

Each company has its rules and depending on the ticket, price, and offer different refund policies apply. We recommend that you contact the company where you bought the ticket to get a solution.

Why do I see more than one step on the route New York - Salem?

In Goticket we try to give a solution for every trip the user asks. Sometimes is not possible but we do our best to group different train direct routes to in order to create a multi-step journey that satisfies the user. This is the route we recommend:: 1.- New York -> Framingham 2.- Framingham -> Salem

How far is New York from Salem?

The approximate distance between the two places is 379 km. With the route we propose, it will take approximately 9h 10m (plus the time it takes to you to make: Framingham -> Salem).

Trains from New York NY

• Train New York to Leesburg
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Trains to Salem MA

• Train Providence to Salem
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• Train Richmond to Salem
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• Train Saco to Salem
• Train West Haven to Salem
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• Train Charleston to Salem
• Train Wells to Salem
• Train Houston to Salem
• Train Exeter to Salem
• Train Indianapolis to Salem
• Train Memphis to Salem
• Train Roanoke to Salem
• Train Johnstown to Salem
• Train Tampa to Salem
• Train Dallas to Salem

Find cheap flights from New York to Salem from $54

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from new york to salem departing on 5/2. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal..

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Good to know, when to book flights from new york to salem, faqs for booking flights from new york to salem, which airports will i be using when flying from new york to salem.

When flying out of New York you’ll be using one of these airports: Newark, New York John F Kennedy Intl or New York LaGuardia. Salem does not have its own airport so you’ll be flying into nearby Boston Logan Intl airport, which is 12.1 mi away.

How long does a flight from New York to Salem take?

Direct flights cover the 190 miles separating New York and Salem in about 1h 10m.

How many flights are there between New York and Salem?

274 direct flights run between New York and Salem on a daily basis. On average, there are about 1,922 departures each week.

What’s the cheapest day of the week to fly between New York and Salem?

Consider leaving on a Wednesday and avoid Mondays if you are looking for the best rates. For your return to New York, you’ll find the best rates on Tuesdays and the most expensive ones on Thursdays.

How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from New York to Salem?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from New York to Salem.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from New York to Salem?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Salem from New York is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from New York to Salem?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to Salem with an airline and back to New York with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from New York to Salem?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Salem from New York up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Which airlines provide the cheapest flights from New York to Salem?

In the last 72 hours, the cheapest one-way ticket between New York and Salem found on KAYAK was with Spirit Airlines for $54. United Airlines offered a round-trip connection from $93 and Delta from $99.

Top tips for finding cheap flights from New York to Salem

• There is no airport in Salem. Instead, you’ll be flying into Boston Logan Airport when flying between New York and Salem.
• The cheapest flight from New York to Salem was found 86 days before departure, on average.
• Book at least 2 weeks before departure in order to get a below-average price.
• High season is considered to be May, June and July. The cheapest month to fly is September.

Top 5 airlines serving New York to Salem

Uncomfortable seats on 14 hour flight. Mediocre food. On time and great crew.

The helpful attitude of the staff, and being a wheelchair passenger everyone was helpful and understanding. The trip was made comfortable by the upgraded seat which was given without my request, that was a great surprise. Thank you Delta.

Everything went well with the flight. But one of the flight attendants had on inappropriate pants. She had on an old worn out pair of sweat pants. The back seam was unrivaled and should not have been worn for work. If I had not seen her in the airport with the standard type of luggage, I certainly would not have thought she was working for Delta. Not a good look at all for representation.

Great!! I haven’t had a bad experience with them.

The plane was one hour late cause they were doing some reparations with us on the plane no mention I was in the first seat and the door was open the entire time with 8 degrees! The plane was totally dirty no mention old ! The staff was nice but no put together, the attention to details and passenger experience is missing and i always travel first !!! Is better the lounge than the plane! KLM/air France every details is taken care maybe you need a creative creator or experience client need asap was terrible and not memorable for the price that I payed very dissatisfied

Boarding super slow with people allowed to linger in aisles

We flew early evening on New Year's Eve. Our plane was less than half full... Great for the passenger experience -- not so much for the airline lol. Comfortable, spacious, smooth flight -- and early arrival!

First time travel in economy and the worst experience I ever had ! Shame on paying 600 dollars to be in a tuna can ! Service was terrible no even water no even class no even matters your flight attendants were lazy and sloppy very bad experience! After all these years traveling in first and once I try this cause I need to go to a destination for an emergency wow shame on you !

Really impressive staff at airport and on plane, especially given how busy it was

Crew was great. However the seat I had would not recline and stay put. It would spring back to upright. Hopefully they can check the seats and maintain them. Otherwise the plane is clean and the crew is very friendly.

There were multiple delays but JetBlue tried to make the boarding and departure process as quick and efficient as possible. The crew was as detached from reality as could be, meaning: not very friendly and just doing things by the numbers.

40 minute delay before take off after boarding flight. Bright lights throughout night flight due Issues with light panels. In flight Entertainment nonfunctional

Another horrible Jet Blue experience. This airline has suffered the biggest decline of all from best to worst. TVs didn’t work (again). internet was temperamental. Boarded late and couldn’t get organized to serve snacks.

I hate their constant delays! It’s as if I cannot confidently make plans for timing when I'm traveling with them. I slept through it, so all I can say is it was good.

There was no wheelchair or wheelchair escort at the gate..unacceptable

From bag drop to boarding, it was great. In-flight is a little different. The seats were a little uncomfortable for that long of a flight. The rest of the cabin crew except for Eva was wonderful. Eva was not friendly at all. I've had to personally encounter her twice in-flight. First time was when I had to go to the lavatory in the back of the plane, and since it was the first for me to board such tiny plane, I didn't know we were using the crew toilet. She was giving me an attitude while telling me where and how to open it since it's not the regular push to open type of door. The second one was when I had to throw trash then use the lavatory again. I asked where to throw them, and unfortunately she was the only crew in the back doodling on her phone, she had to point it out to me with an attitude then told me to wait on the carpet, which I understand because I didn't realize that, but she could have been nicer. After all, I'm a paying customer, and assisting a passenger who isn't knowledgeable about the aircraft is one of the things she's there for. The rest of the experience and crew from bag drop to in-flight were excellent except for her.

It took an hour to get my bag after landing. Not exaggerating

Boarding process on JetBlue is an absolute disgrace. I can’t believe they can’t figure out a better way to board everyone. They called people with disabilities, mosaic and group A all at once and it was a disaster

We flew halfway to our destination (NYC to Burlington) and turned around due to a mechanical issue (landing gear wouldn’t retract automatically). We turned back to JFK for JetBlue’s benefit as we landed safely at JFK and could've just as easily landed safely in Burlington on our Christmas Day flight. Instead the company directed the crew to return the plane to more easily service the aircraft. The passengers landed 3 1/2 hours later and JetBlue gave each passenger $50 for the trouble. Hardly fair compensation to be separated from family on Christmas Day.

There were weather issues and coding problems whatever those refer to, but JetBlue, for two days in a row was unbelievably late. Several hours late, resulting in almost no sleep for passengers like me.

737 Max was leaking water into the cabin through the windows. Overhead bins opened on landing. Bad bad plane.

Other than the two hour delay, it was fine. Of course they were very professional and kept us informed throughout the whole delay..

Easy boarding in group 2. Landed 1/2 hr early. Delicious cookie snack.

Good. The wife was not working but then it got resolved.

Missed this flight due to delays from my previous flight

Easy peasy. Crew was great. Take-off and landing nice anc chill (good job by the pilot). Thank you UA!

The plane was delayed coming in and on the tarmac. I was coming from another flight so it made for a very long day. The stewardess kept trying to slam the overhead bins closed and I was worried that she had damaged my new luggage. They ran out of snacks and lccdsddd me a hummus box which was nice. It took them a very long time to pick up the garbage so I could not go to the washroom and had little time. To prepare for disbarment. The TV system was hard to control from the armrest and picture wasn’t clear. The crew did apologize several times for the lateness. It took the Denver airport an unusually long time to de-ice the plane.

Another late flight from United. We never got the exact reason why. When we got on the plane, the staff seemed to spend a very long time just milling around in the front of the plane. I also never figured out why the door to the cockpit was open for so long prior to leaving. All in all just a poor performance again from United. There is a reason we did not choose United for the international legs of this recent trip, overall dissatisfaction.

The flight was delayed by 4 hours !!!!! It was very uncomfortable , and they told us only one our before departure

Poor. 3 hours on the tarmac waiting for maintenance. We’re told numerous times it will be 10 minutes. Once going tv was blurry. Seat cramped. Not good at all. Missed an important meeting as a result.

The flight was excellent, provided that we had inclement weather. We departed earlier than scheduled and arrived early. There was a little turbulence, but nothing to be worried about.

pleased with overall experienced, but seats in coach are tight.

Don't often sit in 1st class. Our experience was great.

The 2 hour delay was frustrating but our crew did a great job getting us out quickly and keeping communication especially with the people who had connecting flights

It was right on time and crew were very courteous

American always delays flight so it stressful getting the next connection

Flight was 2 1/2 hours late and information at the gate was inaccurate and inconsistent with online data.

Nothing really nondescript, the flight attendants were friendly and helpful.

Our flight was delayed for the following reason. No captain for our initial departure time with pushed our departure time back by two hours and to make matters worse there was a rain delay. American Airlines needs to do better with staffing the flights

Flight was delayed 2 times, first from 6:30 to 7, then to 8:45 pm (the last flight out). There was almost NO information provided, and the first indication that something was wrong was the posting on the board. Gate attendants scarcely announced it. There was no effort to assist customers in finding other/ earlier flights and the assistance desk was understaffed with a painfully long line.

The airplane was extremely hot the air conditioner wasn’t working I

Seats horrible. No way of getting comfortable . But flight ran smoothly

Every thing was fine ,low price,easy on time ,clean, good staff, really no issues

Unfortunately not great, my flight was canceled with no notice given. I attempted to reach out to spirit airlines and have yet to receive any correspondence. I then had to book a new flight at two times the cost of the original.

The price is good but I feel that carry-on bag could be a little low and snacks prices

Pack light and enjoy the quick boarding and early departure and arrivals.

They kept Changing the flight times. It was delayed several times and at one point it was supposed to depart at 3.40am! At which point we ended up staying overnight and booked long a separate United flight for early morning departure. The spirit flight then got moved up and left at 1.30 in the morning when it was supposed to leave at 9.40pm the night before.

Smooth flight flight attendants were extremely helpful kind friendly. I had Glenn he was by far the most outgoing

Flight was delayed...not horribly late. Just before push back engine shut down for a quick replacement item that took about five minutes. After that, everything was smooth and the pilot was able to make up time in the air so that our arrival time was not too far off the original anticipated arrival time.

You get what you pay for. I did and was pleased.

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Short trip to Salem from NYC? - Salem Forum

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Short trip to Salem from NYC?

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The plan you described is not technically impossible I don't think, but if any one part of it has an issue (a delayed flight , for example) it could really throw off the whole day and cause a lot of stress. Even though the flight between NYC and Boston is very quick, there can be a lot of traffic getting to/from the airports in either city and leaving extra time to get through security means several hours of your day will already be lost.

You'd also be limited by the ferry schedule and availability. You may have more flexibility to be able to maximize your time in Salem if you go by train from Boston instead of boat, though the boat is in my opinion a more fun way to travel there. But the boat may sell out during the month of October - and getting into and out of Salem generally takes longer/is more congested no matter what mode of transportation you use during that month.

My recommendation would be to do an overnight either in Salem or in Boston, that way you just have to travel one-way each day (and can linger longer in Salem in the evening, which is always fun in October, rather than having to rush back to catch a flight ). I think it would really be a lot to try and do in one day, but I'm curious if others say the same.

Best of luck!

I agree with the above posters that it will be an ambitious day. I also agree about using the commuter rail (Newburyport/Rockport line) rather than the ferry, not only because it is faster, but also because it runs more frequently (though service is rather infrequent outside commuting hours). Emily's point about the ferry selling out in October is also an important one. You will not purchase a ticket for a specific train; you can show up at North Station and get on the next train (though you should use the mTicket app or purchase your ticket before boarding to avoid a surcharge). The train depot is also closer to most of Salem's attractions than the ferry landing, saving you a little more time.

I think you're best deciding for yourself after learning travel times.

If this is on a weekday, commuter rail is probably best from Boston to Salem , it runs fairly frequently (every hour or so midday, more during rush hour) but factor in the time between North Station to the Airport. To be super efficient, you could just Uber between Logan and Salem but that comes with a price.

If this is any weekend in October, especially later in October, I wouldn't bother attempting this. Salem is a madhouse and you won't make good use of your time there, unless that's especially what you want to see is the Haunted Happenings.

If you're flying on a day trip, I presume you'll have no luggage, maybe just a purse or daybag, so that will speed things up for you at both airports. Again, I've done this and it's not as formidable as it seems if you plan it right.

Time to get to airport?

Arrive 1-2 hours early for check-in and security.

Deboard, out of airport, bus to Blue Line to State Street station to Orange Line to North Station

Commuter rail to Salem (faster than ferry?)

reverse course back to NYC

As this is for 2020, I'd look at changing your plans to allow an overnight in Boston and an early return to NYC the next day.

I guess if you could get an early morning flight out of NYC and a late flight back, you would potentially have a few hours in Salem, assuming you can time everything right, but as mentioned don't try to do it on an October weekend day.

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Salem Hotels and Places to Stay

• How do I get to Salem by public transit from Boston?
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• I’m visiting in October. Will driving be difficult? Will I find parking?
• What’s Salem like in October? What is Haunted Happenings?

40 Best Stops Between Salem and New York City

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How long is the drive from Salem to New York City?

The direct drive from Salem to New York City is 232 mi (374 km) , and should have a drive time of 4 hrs 13 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Salem to New York City, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Boston , Bronx , Providence , Cambridge , Hartford , New Haven , Springfield , Worcester , Flushing , and Concord , as well as top places to visit like Freedom Trl and Faneuil Hall Marketplace, or the ever-popular closed.

Top cities between Salem and New York City

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Springfield

Best stops along salem to new york city drive.

Freedom Trl

Faneuil hall marketplace.

Public Garden

Fenway Park

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Minute man national historical park, mine falls park, north bridge, gillette stadium, nashoba valley winery, distillery, brewery and restaurant, risd museum, great wolf lodge water park | new england, roger williams park zoo, worcester art museum.

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Stay organized with a to-do list, packing list, shopping list, any kind of list.

Old Sturbridge Village

Mohegan sun, the adventure park at storrs, the botanic garden of smith college, naismith basketball hall of fame, six flags new england preferred parking, gillette castle state park, essex steam train & riverboat, wadsworth atheneum museum of art.

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The Mark Twain House & Museum

Gouveia vineyards, lake compounce amusement & water park, quassy amusement & waterpark, frederic v. malek west point visitors center, top searches in new york city, other popular road trips from salem, explore nearby places.

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Looking for day-by-day itineraries in New York City?

Get inspired for your trip to New York City with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from salem to new york city.

Yes! You can drive from Salem to New York City.

How far is New York City from Salem by car?

The drive from Salem to New York City is 232 miles (374 km).

How long does it take to drive from Salem to New York City?

Driving from Salem to New York City should take you 4 hrs 13 mins in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from Salem to New York City?

Gas from Salem to New York City would cost around $20 to $48 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from Salem to New York City?

You could check out Freedom Trl and Faneuil Hall Marketplace, or the always popular closed!

What are the best cities to visit between Salem and New York City?

People love visiting Boston, Bronx, and Providence, among others.

What's the weather like in Salem?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Salem in January
• Weather in Salem in February
• Weather in Salem in March
• Weather in Salem in April
• Weather in Salem in May
• Weather in Salem in June
• Weather in Salem in July
• Weather in Salem in August
• Weather in Salem in September
• Weather in Salem in October
• Weather in Salem in November
• Weather in Salem in December

What are some other road trips from Salem?

There are plenty! Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Salem.

• Salem to New York City drive
• Salem to Washington DC drive
• Salem to Orlando drive
• Salem to Montreal drive
• Salem to Toronto drive
• Salem to Philadelphia drive
• Salem to Chicago drive
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• The Journey from 1692 to Salem’s Modern Witch Community

SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS

ART. MEET. SHOP. EAT. ALL WITHIN STEPS

About Salem

“Still making history.”

That’s our tagline, but it’s so much more. It’s everything that made Salem come to life, and everywhere we’ll go next. It’s witches, and ocean ships, making waves through literature, settlers, pirates and trading.

And it’s all right here. What will you learn?

Come Visit Us

• THINGS TO DO
• FOOD & DRINK
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Omen: Psychic Parlor & Witchcraft Emporium

St. Peter’s Church Historic Presentations & Tours

Friendship of Salem

Count Orlok's Nightmare Gallery

Salem Woods

The Hotel Salem

Salem Food Tours

Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie

Longboards Restaurant & Bar

Essex's NY Pizza & Deli

Olde Main Street Pub

Sea Level Oyster Bar

Kakawa Chocolate House

Witch City Hibachi

Witch Tee's

Emporium 32

Bewitched in Salem

Diehl Marcus & Company

The Good Witch of Salem

Moody's Home & Gifts

Morning Glory Bed & Breakfast

Daniels House Inn

Silsbee’s by the Daniels House

Inns of Rockport

The Merchant

Hawthorne Hotel

Hampton Inn Salem

Lorelei’s Love Nest

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Book a “Good Witch Magical Transformation”

Children, tweens, teens, and adults are all welcome to participate in our “Good Witch Transformations”! Through our transformations children unleash their own spellbinding charms and embrace their individuality. Children are...

The all-new Destination Salem app is now available for iOS and Android! Download the app to get the latest updates on everything Salem, including events, museums and attractions, shop, restaurants, parking and more.

Use the app during this year’s Salem Haunted Happenings for updates on parking availability, restrooms, and special events. And keep the app all year long for all the latest on Salem’s annual festivals, including Salem’s So Sweet, Salem Arts Festival, Salem Heritage Days, and more.

How will you spend your visit to Salem, MA?

The printed version of the 2023 Salem Guide is available, order your FREE copy by clicking here! Find all of the information you need, all in one place. Download our 2023 Digital Flipbook & Map Of Downtown Salem.

Salem has so much history, but also so much happening today. Learn more by reading our blog!

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My Guide to the Spookiest City in the USA: Salem, Massachusetts

• September 21, 2022

When it comes to fall destinations, few can beat Salem, Massachusetts .

Dubbed “Witch City,” there’s more history and supernatural speculation here than just about anywhere else in the country. That said, it’s not all witches and ghosts. Salem is a beautiful seaside town with excellent food, beautiful architecture, stunning hotels, and bed and breakfasts. October is prime time to visit, with the Haunted Happenings celebration in full swing. Parades, film nights, haunted houses… and huge crowds might be your thing. Didn’t book your stay in time for this year’s festivities?  I suggest planning your trip after things mellow out for next year. Or if you still want to experience Salen, plan now for when things have mellowed out a bit. Trust me, it’ll still be fun and waaaay less crazy.

Getting there

Your best bet is flying into Boston for those not within driving distance. You can rent a car or make it easy on yourself by taking the train. In fact, if you’re planning a long weekend in Boston, Salem makes for a perfect day trip. The commuter rail at North Station will take you into Salem in about 30 minutes, dropping you within walking distance of just about everything. You may also take a ferry from Boston between May and October.

Where to stay

I love finding interesting places to stay while visiting historic towns. Morning Glory Bed & Breakfast , a beautifully restored Georgian Federal home, dates back to 1808. Owner Bob Shae, a native of Salem, keeps the inn in stunning form (and has tons of recs for visitors!). In addition to a fantastic breakfast, there’s a 700-square-foot ocean view terrace; off-street parking, and if you don’t want to drive, they’ll send someone to pick you up at the ferry or train station. It’s in the heart of everything, but on a quiet street near the seaside (and across the street from the historic House of Seven Gables).

For more of a hotel experience, check out The Merchant . The building dates back to 1784 and, in the years since, has served as a home, a tavern, an office building, and a rare bookshop. Today, this historic, 11-room hotel mixes modern, fun, vibrant character with the building’s old-school charm. Spend the night in the same room George Washington did in 1789 (hint: it’s the room named after him).

Where to eat

One of the most beloved eateries has to be Red’s Sandwich Shop . Located in the historic London Coffee House (built in 1698), this place does classic diner fare, and they do it well. Fried egg sandwiches, omelets, and lots and lots of sandwiches.

For a modern twist on diner grub, hit up the Ugly Mug . Think breakfast poutine; or their take on chicken and waffles, made with duck confit and candied pecans atop a waffle, served with a bourbon maple syrup reduction. Kids and adults will love their soda fountain drinks, from the traditional New York Egg Cream to the unconventional Spring Sprang, made with elderflower and ginger syrup with a splash of lemon.

Who doesn’t like pizza? You’ll find delicious Neapolitan-style pies at Bambolina restaurant. Try the Autumn Harvest, made with roasted cauliflower, aged provolone, truffle essence, and mascarpone, topped with a soft poached egg. Their simple Margherita is fantastic as well.

Good bar food, cocktails, and classic arcade games? Count me in! Bit Bar offers next-level (video game puns!) mac and cheese, burgers, tater tots, and salads alongside your childhood favorite games. You really can’t go wrong with the food, so I guess the real question is which to play first: Centipede, Q-Bert, Miss Pac-Man, or Galaga.

I love a good brewery, but being a bit of a lightweight means, many taprooms pour stronger stuff than I want. Enter Notch Brewing , which specializes in session beers, aka beers that won’t knock you on your Massachusetts. A session beer is 4.5% ABV or lower, but that doesn’t mean they’re not delicious. Try a perfected European brew, like the Polotmavy Czech Amber Lager or the Dog and Pony NE IPA. Bring your own food, order from one of the food trucks that often pops up, or enjoy a delicious Bavarian pretzel from their onsite kitchen.

Of course, no trip to Salem is complete without a little seafood. Visit the Lobster Shanty for a great seafood spot that’s masquerading as a dive bar. Awesome clam chowder, spicy crab cakes, sammiches, and more.

Architecture

There’s something really special about the architecture here. Let’s face it—there are not too many places in the USA with buildings dating back to the 17 th Century. Soak up much of the town’s architectural history in the McIntire Historic District , named after famed local architect Samuel McIntire. Head out on the McIntire Historic District self-guided walking trail, which is one mile (about one hour’s walk). The trail is marked on posts and sidewalk plaques by one of McIntire’s favorite designs – a sheaf of wheat, symbolizing the prosperity of Salem and the new United States. Here’s a map if you’re interested .

You should make a special trip to visit the House of Seven Gables , the place that inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne’s book of the same title. The seaside mansion was built in 1668 for Captain John Turner I. Admission includes a 40-minute guided tour of the mansion, a visit to Nathaniel Hawthorne’s birthplace, a stroll through the Colonial Revival seaside gardens, and more.

Witch Trials

You can’t talk about Salem without mentioning its infamous witch hunt. There are all sorts of museums, shops, tours, and more capitalizing on the witch thing. It’s fun to dig into the kitschiness of it all, but it’s worth mentioning that 20 innocent people died during these 1692 trials. Steep yourself into the complicated history at Salem Witch Trial Museum . The main exhibition features thirteen life-size stage sets, figures, lighting, and a stirring narration.

Another notable locale is the Jonathan Corwin House (1640–1718), aka the Witch House. Corwin served on the Court of Oyer and Terminer, which ultimately sent nineteen to the gallows. It’s the only structure still standing in Salem with direct ties to the Salem witch trials.

The Salem Witch Memorial is a must. Dedicated in 1992 by Nobel Laureate Eli Wiesel, it’s a somber, understated place to remember and honor those executed in 1692.

Okay, now that we got the serious historical stuff out of the way, let’s talk about fun stuff! I love a good walking tour—it’s a way to get the lay of the land, learn interesting facts from locals, and get your 10,000 steps in. For a great overview of the city, check out Hocus Pocus Tours . This 90-minute walking tour delves into Salem’s infamous Witch Trial Hysteria, the life and times of Nathaniel Hawthorne, plus fun stops showcasing sites from the cult classic Halloween flick, Hocus Pocus . If you’re a fan, you know it takes place in Salem and yes, it was filmed here.

Looking for something spookier? Book a ghost tour with Salem Historical Tours . This lantern-lit stroll features engaging guides that creatively convey Salem’s authentic haunted history. Delve into Salem’s macabre past guides regale you with true tales of documented paranormal activity, chilling cemeteries, and centuries-old murder. Bwahahaha!

And if spooky isn’t your thing, get out on the water with Mahi Harbor Cruises . You can opt for one of their specialty charter cruises from May to October. Think daytime trips with live music, sunset cocktail cruises, and fall foliage and lighthouse cruises.

This Post Has 15 Comments

One of my all time favorite places ,

Did you actually take those tours? One of them is #16 on Trip Advisor.

My two daughters and I have been dying to get to Salem during the Halloween season for years now. We actually had it planned all out this year and then we needed the money we had set aside for the trip for bills. Thank you for posting all about Salem and it’s fun stuff! Maybe next year!

Salem in October is the best! If you can’t make a walking tour (my poor father uses a cane and can’t go long distances) don’t forget to jump on the trolley tours. When we went we learned that a statue honoring Elizabeth Montgomery (the actress who delightfully played Samantha the witch on the “Bewitched” series) was in Salem.

Interesting, I just did a 4-part story on Salem complete with bakery and restaurant guides before you. Maybe Sam is Free Time Journal’s #1 fan?!

A long time ago I visited Salem. Back in2010 I still love it over there

I visited Salem and I like it

This is on my bucket list! I’m a huge fan of all things scary, so this is the place for me at this time of year! I love all of the great suggestions – as usual.

Hello, We also have a tour could the Salem Smugglers’ Tour that we would like added to your page if you would be so kind! We offer tours at 3 pm and 8 pm 7 days a week. The More than Witches Tour we provide goes over how Salem made America’s first millionaires through a series of smuggling tunnels. These millionaires then went on to shape our government and our daily lives to this day! We have stories about the first drunken elephant in America, the murde the game Clue is based on, and how one man from Salem almost controlled the White House, Congress, the Supreme Court, and the National Bank! To find out more info please visit http://www.salemsmugglerstour.com .

We also work with Angelica of the Angels’ 30th Love and Passion Psychic Faire with over 8 psychics throughout the month. They are the home of the Salem Love Psychic, Rev. Barbara. They are offering a group psychic reading for over 3 people at discount rates that a whole BFF Gang can sit with one psychic at the same time. They can make it like a party. Then they also have great one on one services to help anyone find their way to love, or at least passion. They can be reached at http://www.salemloveangels.com . Thanks for your time and consideration. Cheers, Chris

I’m in love with a Witch

On one of my visits to Boston with friends many years ago we took a side tour and Salem was one our stops. It was a very interesting place to visit. Hoping you will add Boston to one your Places to Love. Many good memories.

I actually visited Salem last October for a few days during Halloween week (October 2020). Because of COVID, the crowds were a fraction of what they normally would have been. I went to a number of places in your article and the crowds were minimal. A great trip!

I spent Halloween week in Salem last year (October 2020). Because of COVID, the crowd was a fraction of what it normally is. I went to several places in your article and the crowds were minimal. Overall, a great trip!

Salem in October is heavy on the spooky / crowded / ghoulish vibe – and the rest of the year it is glorious for a lot of other reasons! The witch stuff is actually a teensy part of the city’s history. The Peabody Essex Museum is world-class, and owns several nearby old houses for early-period architecture buffs. Within it is also the Yin-Yu Tang, a classic home relocated from China (Salem made its early fortune off the China trade). In the neighborhood are also lots of trendy restaurants for lunch and evening, and a fab bakery, a cheese shop, and Jolie Tea with some really interesting blends and a good proper afternoon tea service…..

Yes, Salem is a fun place, but if you have a low tolerance for crowds, long lines & wait times, limited parking, elevated prices, etc., etc… I would not recommend that you go anytime close to Halloween. It will probably be worse this year due to pent up damand, and covid is also making a comeback… i don’t mean to be a downer, but just be prepared if you go there in October – if you must, try to go mid-week earlier in the month.

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3 Days in Salem: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary

It’s rather difficult to think of Salem and not think of the 1692 Salem Witch Trials. The trials will forever remain in our history books, and we have more questions than answers about what could have led to such a gruesome time in our history.

Salem today embraces its past and celebrates a culture that was once persecuted. The Salem witch community is thriving, and they’re eager to tell you more about what exactly witchcraft is when you visit the aptly nicknamed Witch City. 

But celebrating witches is just one part of the many things to do in Salem. For some parts of Salem, it’s Halloween all year round. For other parts, it’s a place with fine dining, boutique shopping, and live music every night. With museums on every corner dedicated to history, art, and much more, there’s always something to keep you busy in Salem.

But visiting Salem for a 3-day weekend is best done at certain times of the year. If you want to get the full witchy experience, the best time to visit Salem is in October, when the city is gearing up for its massive Haunted Happenings events. From galas to tours to haunted houses, it’s a month of spooky fun. 

However, Haunted Happenings brings about thousands of visitors every year. The crowds during this time are intense, and they get worse the closer to Halloween you visit. Visiting earlier in the fall will let you enjoy some spooky activities, as well as the changing leaves and other autumn beauty, without all the people around.

Visiting in summer lets you enjoy an entirely different side of Salem. The weather is perfect for kayaking trips, sailing on historic boats, and dining by the water. Plus, there is always some spookiness about in Salem, so you’ll still find scary things to do, like ghost tours. 

Salem is a highly walkable city, but because of how cold it gets in the winter, you won’t want to be outside for long. When scheduling your long weekend, stick to late spring to mid-fall.

Planning a long weekend trip in Salem? With so much to do and see in this historic city, it’s tough to know where to start. We’ve put together a 3-day Salem itinerary to help you see all that you can of Witch City. Follow these recommendations, from where to eat to what to do, and you’re bound to have an amazing time exploring Salem!

If you’re still deciding where to stay then make sure to check out our article on the  best boutique hotels in Salem !

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

How to Spend a Weekend in Salem, Massachusetts

Getting around salem.

You don’t really need a car in Salem. Salem is a very walkable city. You’ll find that much of our Salem itinerary can be accomplished by foot, with a few taxis or Ubers thrown in to help get to some places that are a little ways from downtown. 

The only time you may want to consider renting a car is to get from the airport to Salem. You’ll most likely be flying into Logan International Airport in Boston for your 3-day Salem vacation. The airport is between a 30- to 45-minute drive from Salem. 

If you don’t want to have a car with you during your vacation, you can most likely just take a taxi or Uber from the airport to Salem, though it can be a bit costly. Still, taking this one long taxi or Uber ride is likely less expensive than renting a car for the whole trip.

Your other option is to take the subway and train system, though the way to get to Salem is a bit complicated. You would take the T, or Boston’s subway system, from the airport to Boston’s North Station. From there, you’d take the commuter rail to Salem. 

As someone who lived in Boston, I honestly wouldn’t recommend this method. If you have a plane to catch or a strict timetable for when you need to get into Salem, you’re not going to want to be at the mercy of the T. 

The T is a great, inexpensive public transportation option, especially for those living in Boston. However, it can be a bit unpredictable, and you may end up being delayed on your journey because of it. 

That said, the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) does do a good job of keeping up with the demand to get to Salem. If you were to take the commuter rail, you’d take the Newburyport/Rockport Line.

Recognizing that more people want to visit Salem in October during the area’s Haunted Happenings festivities, the MBTA adds more trains to this line to accommodate the added guests. So, you’ll still likely be able to get into Salem using this method, even during its busiest season. 

If you’re visiting Salem in the summer and fall, and you’re not in any rush, you may want to take the ferry instead. It’s a scenic cruise that’s a lovely way to see the Boston area. 

This ferry departs from Long Wharf. You can either take an Uber or taxi to the wharf or take the T to the aquarium and take a quick stroll to the wharf’s ferry station from there.

Salem Weekend Itinerary – Day 1

For Day 1 of your 3 days in Salem, you’ll enjoy the spooky and unexplainable side of Salem. Start your Salem weekend with breakfast at Deb’s Diner on Boston Street. This unassuming family diner is serving up one of the best breakfasts in Salem. 

The menu is simply filled with all your favorite breakfast staples, and you’ll be amazed by the massive portion sizes. You’ll leave here very satisfied and fueled up to start your Salem vacation. 

Crow Haven Corner 

Once you’ve finished up breakfast, head on over to Crow Haven Corner on Essex Street for one of the most unique things to do in Salem. You’ll either want to take a quick Uber or taxi ride or enjoy a long stroll to get there. 

Are you a believer in the unbelievable? You’ll find a home at this shop, the oldest witch shop in Salem. But what makes this store a must-do is its owner, Salem’s famous love clairvoyant. 

Lorelei has been a staple of Salem for over 35 years, performing psychic readings for visitors, particularly of the love variety. Lorelei often books up far in advance, especially if you’re trying to book her during the spooky season. 

So, it’s best not to wait until the last minute to schedule a reading. But if you can’t get Lorelei, don’t fret – she has a well-trained team that specializes in all different types of readings, from tarot readings to mediumship to career guidance.

Over on Derby Street, you’ll find Jolie Tea Company . If you’ve ever wanted a classic and classy high tea lunch, you’ll find it at this bright and colorful location. Featuring teas of all kinds, scones, tea sandwiches, and macarons, you’ll feel full and fancy after dining here. Though Jolie Tea Company does take walk-ins, it’s best to make a reservation to schedule your high tea time.

Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery

After lunch, head over to Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery on Essex Street, the only museum in Salem dedicated to cinema’s greatest monsters. Named for the main antagonist of the classic 1922 German silent film Nosferatu , it’s the perfect place to visit in Salem if you love the history of the horror genre.

You’ll find more than 60 life-sized creatures in this one-of-a-kind gallery. Werewolves and vampires and zombies, oh my! The detail work in these sculptures is truly astounding and maybe just a bit terrifying. 

Nathaniel’s

All that screaming probably worked up an appetite, so take a short stroll over to the Hawthorne Hotel, where you’ll find Nathaniel’s . This supposedly haunted hotel is home to one of the best fine-dining restaurants in Salem. 

Offering live jazz in a lounge-like atmosphere, with classic and delicious American fare on the menu, you’ll have a positively delightful evening at this hotel. Though you may have a few additional dinner guests if the haunting rumors are true. 

Salem Ghosts

After dinner, embrace the night with a ghost tour, like the ones provided by Salem Ghosts . Explore the darker side of Salem when you meet famous ghosts like Mr. Derby, the once-prominent merchant who is rumored to be at Old Town Hall, or Abigail Ropes, whose angry spirit haunts the hallowed halls of the famous Ropes Mansion. 

All tours meet at the Salem Five Savings Bank on Essex Street, an easily-accessible location in Downtown Salem that’s only a few doors down from Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery. You can take either the standard tour, which is one hour and has eight stops, or the extended tour, which is 90 minutes with 12 stops. Both are walking tours.

Enjoy a Salem Ghost Tour

Salem Weekend Itinerary – Day 2

For the second day of your 3-day trip to Salem, we’re going to focus less on the spooky and more on the history of this iconic location. Start your day off at Fountain Place on Essex Street, a family-friendly breakfast joint that feels like home. 

Though the restaurant offers plenty of waffle and omelet options, their specialty is their eggs benedict, which is served in tons of different ways. From ones with housemade crab cakes to options with corned beef hash, everyone is sure to find a style of this breakfast favorite that they’ll love.

Salem Witch Museum

After breakfast, head to the Salem Witch Museum in Washington Square, which unpacks the tragedy of the Salem Witch Trials. This museum consists of two exhibits. In the first, you’ll be provided an immersive look into the events of 1692 through 13 life-size stage sets depicting the Salem witch hunt. 

But the second exhibit provides a more hopeful look into the reality of witches. Though there’s a great deal of questioning about whether or not anyone who was punished during the Witch Trials was actually a witch, there is a thriving witch community in Salem today. In this second exhibit, you’ll explore the meaning of the word witch and how it’s evolved with time. 

Visit the Witch Museum

Red’s Sandwich Shop 

Over on Central Street, you’ll find the perfect place for lunch on the second day of your 3 days in Salem: Red’s Sandwich Shop . This historic restaurant is a local favorite for a good reason. Dive into a Monte Cristo, chow down on a Buffalo Chicken Roll-Up, or munch on a Red’s Grilled Cheese Club. You really can’t go wrong with anything on this menu. 

Peabody Essex Museum

Once you wrap up lunch, explore a different sort of history at the Peabody Essex Museum on Essex Street. The story of this museum dates back to 1799. The East India Marine Society, an organization of Salem captains and supercargoes who sailed beyond the Cape of Good Hope or Cape Horn, wanted to build a place for their “cabinet of natural and artificial curiosities.” These curiosities came from all over the world, from the Americas to Asia to Africa and beyond. 

When the museum as we know it today was established in 1992, it contained more than 840,000 works of art and culture. Two libraries on-site boasted over 400,000 books, manuscripts, and other historical documents. Today, the collection has grown to over one million works. 

But the museum is more than just one building. It covers three city blocks and several off-site properties, including the famous Ropes Mansion, the Quaker Meeting House, and the John Ward House, all of which you can visit on a self-guided tour. 

Stroll on over to the famous Turner’s Seafood at Lyceum Hall for dinner. Before Lyceum Hall became a historical landmark, it was an apple orchard owned by none other than Bridget Bishop, the first woman to face her demise during the Witch Trials. Diners at Turner’s have said that Bishop haunts the halls.

But whether you want to see a ghost or not, you’ll love dining at Turner’s, which serves fresh New England seafood in upscale ways. From Gloucester Hake Masala to Mussels & Calamari Fra Diavolo, there’s nothing on this menu that isn’t fresh and delicious. 

You’ve had a long day of exploring, but if you’re still ready for more, end the night with drinks at one of the most haunted places in the city, Mercy Tavern , located on Derby Street, which has quite a history. It was once a brothel that supposedly used to take part in kidnapping the young sailors who frequented it to force them into servitude aboard ships that lacked a crew. 

The brothel had underground tunnels, and although those tunnels have mostly been filled, people claim they hear shouting and fighting under the building. And more than one patron says they’ve seen a specter of a sailor roaming the halls of the pub. 

Today, though, Mercy Tavern is simply a lovely historic place to have a few drinks with friends and listen to live music. But you just may end up having someone unexpected join you for your drink.

Salem Weekend Itinerary – Day 3

You’ve had a weekend filled with adventuring around Salem. Now it’s time for a bit more leisurely day of just exploring the sights for the final day of your long weekend trip to Salem. 

Caramel French Patisserie 

Start the last day of your Salem vacation with breakfast at Caramel French Patisserie . It’s a great place to stop if you don’t want a full breakfast and instead just want something quick to grab on your way. Don’t forget to stock up on macarons for dessert later!

After picking up your pastry, spend the morning wandering Essex Street. Especially around October, this area of the city is perfect for finding witchy souvenirs. But even throughout the rest of the year, you’ll love exploring this downtown area. Don’t forget to check out the iconic Bewitched statue at the corner of Essex and Washington Streets.

Pickering Wharf

Enjoy strolling down Essex Street and stop by the Salem Common. It’s a wonderful place for a picnic. But if you’d rather grab a bite to eat elsewhere, head to your next destination: Pickering Wharf.

From Essex Street, head to Pickering Wharf for some more scenic views and chances to explore the city. For lunch, visit the Regatta Pub , located in the Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites. The menu is simple and delightful, sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. From lobster rolls and fish and chips to burgers and chicken tenders, there’s something for everyone.

Then, head out to explore more of the wharf. Although Essex Street is a perfect place for witchy souvenirs, Pickering Wharf is more focused on Salem’s maritime history and has plenty of shops dedicated to the beachy, watery side of Salem. Shop around these stores, which often have local wares you can’t get anywhere else.

You’ll want to stick around Pickering Wharf when the sun goes down to take in the sunset over the water. At night on the wharf, you’ll often hear live music in the breeze emanating from the area’s many restaurants. 

Our top pick for dinner and drinks, along with great music, is the Sea Level Oyster Bar . Serving up local seafood, inspired libations, and waterfront views, it’s the ideal place to end your weekend in Salem. This restaurant offers seafood with clever twists. From white clam pizza to Baja tacos to baked seafood pie, you’ll leave this place satisfied, happy, and eager to come back.

More Places to Eat & Drink in Salem

Eat and play at Bit Bar : This barcade offers old-school arcade games, as well as a playful menu, like deep-friend mac and cheese and a burger made with brisket and short rib. Despite being a bar setting that’s 21 and up after 8 pm, it’s a family-friendly establishment throughout the rest of the day. There’s even a full menu for little ones, who also get $3 in game tokens with their kid’s meal.

Have a pizza at Bambolina : This rustic Italian eatery serves up wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pizzas that are truly inspired. But what’s even better about this location is that its sister restaurant, Kokeshi , can now be found here, too. So you can now enjoy Kokeshi’s Asian street food on the same menu as Bambolina’s Italian fare.

Enjoy cozy vibes, live music, and comfort food at Gulu-Gulu Cafe : This boho spot is where you’ll find local craft beer, coffee that would please even the biggest coffee lover, eclectic cocktails, an all-day breakfast menu, tons of sweet treats, and simple and not-so-simple sandwiches. Plenty of this menu is vegetarian- or vegan-friendly, making it even easier to find something for everyone.

What to do if you have more than 3 days in Salem

Salem trolley.

Hop on the Salem Trolley . Running daily from April to November and on weekends throughout November, the Salem Trolley takes you on a tour of Witch City, guiding you around the most beloved spots in Salem. On select nights, the trolley transforms into the Tales & Tombstones Tour, showing you the darkest sides of the city. And for a truly unique holiday celebration, you can catch a one-of-a-kind performance of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens aboard the trolley from the end of November to the end of December.

Haunted Happenings

Attend the Haunted Happenings . All throughout October, the Witch City truly lives up to its name with a unique festival put on by the Salem Chamber of Commerce and the Salem Witch Museum . Guests are invited to numerous events, from costume balls to spooky tours to terrifying haunted houses. There’s plenty to do for everyone. It’s a family-friendly festival, but there are also haunted houses that are definitely best left to the biggest of thrill-seeking adults.

Take the Haunted Salem Walking Tour

Salem Willows

Hang out in the Salem Willows . You may think that Salem is best for fall travel, but visiting in the summer allows you to spend some time at the family-friendly Salem Willows. Sitting on over 35 acres of oceanfront views, you’ll find two arcades in addition to picnic areas, a band shell, and basketball and tennis courts. From bumper cars to water boats to a 1905 carousel, it’s a perfect place to take little ones on a Salem vacation. You can also rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to take out on the water here or book yourself a tour.

Fame of Salem

Enjoy becoming a part of the crew on the Fame of Salem . Running from May to October, the Fame offers one of the best sailing cruises in the Salem area. This Fame is a replica of the 1812 privateer of the same name. While you can sit back and relax on this ride, you can also help raise the sails yourself.

Take a trip into Boston. If you’re in the Salem area for longer than three days, you shouldn’t pass up the chance to spend a day in historic Boston. From walking the Freedom Trail to seeing a Red Sox game at Fenway , Boston has so much to do. For more things to do in Boston, check out our guide to the 15 best things to do in the city !  

Boston Hop On, Hop Off Trolley Tour

We hope you enjoy your weekend trip to Salem, MA! Should we add something else to our 3-day Salem itinerary? Let us know in the comments.

Planning a trip to Massachusetts? Check out our favorite travel guides and resources!

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About the Author:

Jacqueline is a writer and editor pursuing the freelance life to explore the world. Born and raised in New Jersey, she spent her college years in Boston before settling down with her partner and puppy in Monterey, California. When she’s not writing, you can often find her planning her next trip. Road trips are her favorite, whether it’s driving across the country or simply exploring a new city in her own backyard. She loves uncovering the history of every new place she goes. Jacqueline has a restless passion for learning and makes it a goal to pick up a new skill every year. She’s picked up embroidery, crocheting, knitting, and cross-stitching, but she’s hoping to master more languages to help her in her travels. She’s also a published author, with short stories and poetry appearing in several anthologies.

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April 9 Earth Days Events Include Lectures on Environmental Racism and Global Climate Litigation

Join us for Day 2 of our 2024 Earth Days Celebration. All events are open to all students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the larger community. Three events are featured on Tuesday April 9th.

1. From Air to Makeup: Addressing Environmental Justice in the U.S.   12:30-1:45 pm, ECC, Martin Luther King, Jr. Room       

Micaela Martinez,   Director of Environmental Health at WE ACT for Environmental Justice, New York City. This inspiring recorded talk is back by popular demand.

2. Legal Action for Climate Justice: A Global Movement 1:30-2:30 pm, Via Zoom.  Register for this event.  

Benjamin Franta , Senior Research Fellow in Climate Litigation at the Oxford Sustainable Law Programme and the founding head of the Climate Litigation Lab.The Climate Litigation Lab is a multidisciplinary research initiative to inform, enable, and accelerate climate change litigation globally. His research focuses on applying rigorous methods to practical challenges presented by climate litigation worldwide and has been published in Nature Climate Change, Global Environmental Change, The Guardian, and more, translated into 10 languages, and cited in the US Congressional Record.

3. Forest River Park Beach Clean-up 4:30-5:30 pm

Join students from the BioSociety, Scuba Club, Greenhouse Club, and SACNAS for a clean-up of Forest River Park Beach.

Meet in front of the Theater on North Campus.

For access and accommodation information, visit our page on access or email [email protected] .

April 8, 2024, Solar Eclipse Will Pass Over All 7 US Cities Named Nineveh?

Some christian groups have preached that the eclipse is a bad omen., published march 31, 2024.

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On April 8, 2024 , a total solar eclipse will blot out the sun for a couple of minutes in a small band across the United States. The eclipse's totality is the only time humans can look directly at the sun without damaging their eyeballs, and so millions of people from around the world will flock to cities in the path of totality, such as Dallas and Indianapolis.

Eclipses do not discriminate, so anyone in the path of totality will be able to see the sun fully obstructed by the moon. However, some people  have claimed online that there's one interesting coincidence about the eclipse's path of totality: It will pass through every city in the United States named Nineveh. That name is shared by an ancient city in modern-day Iraq that was described in the bible as "evil." 

Snopes received an email from a reader who requested that we check the claim about cities named Nineveh in the eclipse path. In our research, we discovered that many of the people making the claim were Christians who were interpreting the eclipse as a bad omen . 

Contrary to the claims, Snopes discovered that the path of totality in the eclipse does not pass through seven cities in the United States named Nineveh — it passes through just two. But before counting places named Nineveh, we must first briefly clarify how eclipses work.

How Eclipses Work

A total solar eclipse is caused by the moon and the sun being in exactly the right place at exactly the right time. The moon fully blocks the light from the sun, casting a really large shadow on the earth. Those inside the moon's shadow, called the umbra, are the only ones who will be able to look directly at the sun without eye protection, and it's the small path of the umbra that people travel to in order to see the total solar eclipse. The website GreatAmericanEclipse.com created a visualization of the shadow's path across North America.

Outside the umbra, where the moon blocks only some of the sun, is called a partial solar eclipse, and the sun looks like it has a giant bite taken out of it. You cannot view a partial solar eclipse without special eclipse glasses, and this area is much, much larger than the umbra. The entirety of the continental United States will be able to see a partial solar eclipse on April 8, just as the entirety of the United States (even Alaska and Hawaii) was able to see a partial solar eclipse in  2017 . 

The cool part (partial) of an eclipse can be seen from a very large area, as long as you wear eclipse glasses. The really cool part (total) of an eclipse can be seen only in a small area. It is the total eclipse that people have thought held religious significance since practically as long as humans have had eyes to see and religions to follow.

To quote the essayist Annie Dillard :

A partial eclipse is very interesting. It bears almost no relation to a total eclipse. Seeing a partial eclipse bears the same relation to seeing a total eclipse as kissing a man does to marrying him, or as flying in an airplane does to falling out of an airplane. Although the one experience precedes the other, it in no way prepares you for it. 

Places Named Nineveh

We started with Wikipedia's list of places named Nineveh to get a general idea of where to look. Of course, we cross checked those results with more-reliable sources of knowledge, including Google Maps and data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Wikipedia listed just six places in the U.S. named Nineveh, which made our claim of seven dubious to begin with. Checking the locations of those places on Google Maps, we found that three were actually townships, a term used for county subdivisons in some states. 

The first was the largest, Indiana's Nineveh Township (south of Indianapolis), which contains a small hamlet of the same name. Both the township and the hamlet will indeed fall in the path of the total eclipse.

Next, Wikipedia listed two townships in Missouri — one in Adair County (about halfway between Kansas City and Davenport, Iowa) and one in Lincoln County (about an hour northwest of St. Louis). But neither of the two townships contained a village named Nineveh on any of the maps we looked at. Furthermore, neither of the townships fell in the path of the total eclipse. 

The fourth place on Wikipedia's list, Nineveh, New York, is about 30 minutes east of Binghamton. We found it marked on maps but, again, it did not lie in the path of totality.

Fifth: Nineveh, Pennsylvania, roughly halfway between Pittsburgh and Morgantown, West Virginia. This Nineveh was marked on maps, but it was also outside of the total eclipse. It was also the last Nineveh listed by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Sixth, we found Nineveh, Virginia, an hour and a half west of Washington, D.C. This was the easiest to check: Nobody in the state of Virginia will be able to see full totality during the eclipse. We did not find a label for Nineveh on maps, and buildings located in the area had their postal addresses listed as White Post, Virginia.

That completed the Wikipedia list, but various posts about the supposed line-up listed two more Ninevehs located in the U.S.: one in Texas and one in Ohio.

Nineveh, Texas, was not marked on maps, nor did it have a post office. It was located not far off of Interstate 45 halfway between Houston and Dallas. This one was close, but we eventually confirmed that it would be outside of the zone of totality by referencing nearby cities that also were outside of totality.

Nineveh, Ohio, was a similar story: not found on maps, no post office, no Census data. But this Nineveh, 30 minutes northwest of Dayton, was finally our second hit.

In total, we counted two places named Nineveh in the United States that could be found in the path of totality.

2024 Total Eclipse . https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

"A Total Eclipse Is near. For Some, It's Evidence of Higher Power. For Others It's a Warning." USA TODAY , https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/03/23/2024-total-solar-exclipse-religious-implications/72869724007/. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

April 8, 2024 Eclipse Will Pass Over 7 United States Cities Named Nineveh . www.youtube.com , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3n6dp85XynY. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

April 8 Eclipse and Third-Day Events in Scripture . https://www.biblejournalclasses.com/blog/april-8-eclipse-and-third-day-events-in-scripture-2. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Dawson, Brandon. "THE JONAH ECLIPSE - 40 DAYS - GODS URGENT WARNING TO AMERICA!" Tribe of Christians , 2 Mar. 2024, https://www.tribeofchristians.com/single-post/the-jonah-eclipse-god-s-great-warning-to-america-april-8th-2024.

Dillard, Annie. "Total Eclipse." The Atlantic , 8 Aug. 2017, https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2017/08/annie-dillards-total-eclipse/536148/.

Eclipse 2017 . https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Mark, Joshua J. "Nineveh." World History Encyclopedia , https://www.worldhistory.org/nineveh/. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

"Nineveh (Disambiguation)." Wikipedia , 29 Oct. 2023. Wikipedia , https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nineveh_(disambiguation)&oldid=1182408744.

Noah. "The Upcoming U.S. Eclipse Just Got Even Stranger!" WLT Report , 4 Mar. 2024, https://wltreport.com/2024/03/04/upcoming-u-s-eclipse-just-got-even-stranger/.

The APRIL 8, 2024 ECLIPSE & The 7 Cities Named Nineveh | The APRIL 8, 2024 ECLIPSE & The 7 Cities Named Nineveh | By Messiah GuguFacebook . www.facebook.com , https://www.facebook.com/100067092253715/videos/the-april-8-2024-eclipse-the-7-cities-named-nineveh/397509926249711/. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

The April 8 2024 Eclipse and the 7 Cities Named Nineveh . www.youtube.com , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLkxKT65IFc. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

"Total Solar Eclipse 2024 US." Great American Eclipse , https://www.greatamericaneclipse.com/april-8-2024. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

By Jack Izzo

Jack Izzo is a Chicago-based journalist and two-time "Jeopardy!" alumnus.

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How the Key Bridge Collapsed in Baltimore: Maps and Photos

By Weiyi Cai ,  Agnes Chang ,  Lauren Leatherby ,  Lazaro Gamio ,  Leanne Abraham and Scott Reinhard

On Tuesday, a major bridge in Baltimore collapsed into the water seconds after it was struck by a cargo ship, sending vehicles on the bridge into the river below. The ship lost power and issued a mayday call shortly before it hit the bridge.

The ship, a 948-foot-long cargo vessel called Dali, was about a half hour into its journey toward Colombo, Sri Lanka, when it hit a main pillar of the bridge. All crew members are safe, according to the ship’s owners.

Follow our live coverage .

A mayday call from the ship gave officials enough time to stop traffic at both ends of the bridge. The waters where the bridge collapsed are about 50 feet deep. By Tuesday morning, six construction workers who had been fixing potholes on the bridge remained missing as divers and other emergency workers on boats and helicopters continued to search for them. Two others had been rescued, and one was in the hospital.

Francis Scott

Patapsco River

The ship left the Port

of Baltimore around

1 a.m. on Tuesday.

Where impact occurred

Direction of the ship

The ship hit the

bridge at 1:28 a.m.

The ship hit the bridge at 1:28 a.m.

Where impact

Source: Spire Global

The New York Times; satellite image by Google Earth

The lights of the ship flickered on and off as it lost power in the minutes before the ship changed bearing and hit the bridge.

Ship approached from

the Port of Baltimore

Road repair crews

Ship changed heading

as it neared pillar

Ship hit pillar

Southern and central spans

of bridge began to collapse within

seconds of impact

Northern span began to

collapse seconds later

Within 30 seconds of impact,

the central part of bridge had

entirely collapsed.

Source: StreamTime Live via YouTube

Timestamps are from StreamTime Live video.

The New York Times

The Francis Scott Key Bridge was opened in 1977 and carried more than 12.4 million vehicles last year. The bridge was one of the three major ways to cross the Patapsco River and formed part of Baltimore’s beltway.

The Port of Baltimore is a major trade hub that handled a record amount of foreign cargo last year. It is an especially important destination — the nation’s largest by volume last year — for deliveries of cars and light trucks.

Ship impact

To Chesapeake Bay

Sources: Maryland Port Administration, OpenStreetMap, MarineTraffic

Note: Ship positions are as of 2:46 p.m. Eastern time.

Overall, Baltimore was the 17th biggest port in the United States in 2021, ranked by total tons, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. The bridge collapse brought marine traffic there to a standstill, with seven cargo or tanker ships stranded in the harbor as of Tuesday afternoon.

Gov. Wes Moore declared a state of emergency for Maryland and said that his office was in close communication with Pete Buttigieg, the U.S. transportation secretary. The White House issued a statement saying that President Biden had been briefed on the collapse.

Erin Schaff/The New York Times

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Total solar eclipse April 8, 2024 facts: Path, time and the best places to view

In the U.S., 31 million people already live inside the path of totality.

Scroll down to see the list of U.S. cities where the April 8 total solar eclipse will be visible, the duration of the eclipse in those locations and what time totality will begin, according to GreatAmericanEclipse.com .

"Eclipse Across America," will air live Monday, April 8, beginning at 2 p.m. ET on ABC, ABC News Live, National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Disney+ and Hulu as well as network social media platforms.

On April 8, 2024, a historic total solar eclipse will cast a shadow over parts of the United States, prompting a mass travel event to the path of totality -- from Texas to Maine and several states and cities in between.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth and, for a short time, completely blocks the face of the sun, according to NASA .

The track of the moon's shadow across Earth's surface is called the path of totality, and to witness the April 8 total solar eclipse, viewers must be within the 115-mile-wide path. To discover when to see the solar eclipse in totality or the partial eclipse in locations across the U.S. outside of the path, check out NASA's Eclipse Explorer tool .

Eclipse travel

In the U.S., 31 million people already live inside the path of totality, bringing the celestial phenomenon to their doorsteps, Michael Zeiler, expert solar eclipse cartographer at GreatAmericanEclipse.com told ABC News.

MORE: Eclipse glasses: What to know to keep your eyes safe

But for individuals outside of the path, investing time and money are needed to experience the event in totality.

Eclipse chasers, or umbraphiles, are individuals who will do almost anything, and travel almost anywhere, to see totality, according to the American Astronomical Society .

"There's a very active community of solar eclipse chasers and we will go to any reasonable lengths to see solar eclipses anywhere in the world," Zeiler said. "All of us are united in pursuing the unimaginable beauty of a total solar eclipse."

MORE: The surprising reason why a Texas county issued a disaster declaration ahead of April total solar eclipse

Bringing together both eclipse experts and novice sky watchers, the total solar eclipse on April 8 is projected to be the U.S.'s largest mass travel event in 2024, according to Zeiler, who likened it to "50 simultaneous Super Bowls across the nation."

"When you look at the number of people expected to come to the path of totality for the solar eclipse, we estimate those numbers are roughly the equivalent of 50 simultaneous Super Bowls across the nation, from Texas to Maine," he said.

Eclipse map, path of totality

In the U.S., the path of totality begins in Texas and will travel through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total solar eclipse, according to NASA.

Best times, places to view eclipse

Below is a list of some American cities where the April 8 total solar eclipse will be most visible -- pending weather forecasts -- the duration of the eclipse in those locations and what time totality will begin, according to GreatAmericanEclipse.com.

• Eagle Pass, Texas, 1:27 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 23 seconds
• Uvalde, Texas, 1:29 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 16 seconds
• Kerrville, Texas, 1:32 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 23 seconds
• Austin, Texas, 1:36 p.m. CDT: 1 minute, 53 seconds
• Killeen, Texas, 1:36 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 17 seconds
• Fort Worth, Texas, 1:40 p.m. CDT: 2 minutes, 34 seconds
• Dallas, Texas, 1:40 p.m. CDT: 3 minutes, 47 seconds
• Little Rock, Arkansas, 1:51 p.m. CDT: 2 minutes, 33 seconds
• Jonesboro, Arkansas, 1:55 p.m. CDT: 2 minutes, 24 seconds
• Poplar Bluff, Arkansas, 1:56 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 8 seconds
• Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 1:58 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 6 seconds
• Carbondale, Illinois, 1:59 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 8 seconds
• Mount Vernon, Illinois, 2:00 p.m. CDT: 3 minutes, 40 seconds
• Evansville, Indiana, 2:02 p.m. CDT: 3 minutes, 2 seconds
• Terre Haute, Indiana, 3:04 p.m. EDT: 2 minutes, 57 seconds
• Indianapolis, Indiana, 3:06 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 46 seconds
• Dayton, Ohio, 3:09 p.m. EDT: 2 minutes, 46 seconds
• Wapakoneta, Ohio, 3:09 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 55 seconds
• Toledo, Ohio, 3:12 p.m. EDT: 1 minute, 54 seconds
• Cleveland, Ohio, 3:13 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 50 seconds

Pennsylvania

• Erie, Pennsylvania, 3:16 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 43 seconds
• Buffalo, New York, 3:18 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 45 seconds
• Rochester, New York, 3:20 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 40 seconds
• Syracuse, New York, 3:23 p.m. EDT: 1 minute, 26 seconds
• Burlington, Vermont, 3:26 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 14 seconds
• Island Falls, Maine, 3:31 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 20 seconds
• Presque Island, Maine, 3:32 p.m. EDT: 2 minutes, 47 seconds

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How to travel around the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore: A look at the traffic impact and alternate routes

By Rohan Mattu

Updated on: April 1, 2024 / 8:13 AM EDT / CBS Baltimore

BALTIMORE -- The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore early on the morning of March 26  led to a major traffic impact for the region and cut off a major artery into and out of the port city. 

Drivers are told to prepare for extra commuting time until further notice.

Alternate routes after Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse

Maryland transit authorities quickly put detours in place for those traveling through Dundalk or the Curtis Bay/Hawkins Point side of the bridge. The estimated 31,000 who travel the bridge every day will need to find a new route for the foreseeable future. 

The outer loop I-695 closure shifted to exit 1/Quarantine Road (past the Curtis Creek Drawbridge) to allow for enhanced local traffic access. 

The inner loop of I-695 remains closed at MD 157 (Peninsula Expressway). Additionally, the ramp from MD 157 to the inner loop of I-695 will be closed. 

Alternate routes are I-95 (Fort McHenry Tunnel) or I-895 (Baltimore Harbor Tunnel) for north/south routes. 

Commercial vehicles carrying materials that are prohibited in the tunnel crossings, including recreation vehicles carrying propane, should plan on using I-695 (Baltimore Beltway) between Essex and Glen Burnie. This will add significant driving time.    

Where is the Francis Scott Key Bridge? 

The Key Bridge crosses the Patapsco River, a key waterway that along with the Port of Baltimore serves as a hub for East Coast shipping. 

The bridge is the outermost of three toll crossings of Baltimore's Harbor and the final link in Interstate 695, known in the region as the Baltimore Beltway, which links Baltimore and Washington, D.C. 

The bridge was built after the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel reached capacity and experienced heavy congestion almost daily, according to the MDTA. 

Tractor-trailer inspections

Tractor-trailers that now have clearance to use the tunnels will need to be checked for hazardous materials, which are not permitted in tunnels, and that could further hold up traffic. 

The MDTA says vehicles carrying bottled propane gas over 10 pounds per container (maximum of 10 containers), bulk gasoline, explosives, significant amounts of radioactive materials, and other hazardous materials are prohibited from using the Fort McHenry Tunnel (I-95) or the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (I-895).  

Any vehicles transporting hazardous materials should use the western section of I-695 around the tunnels, officials said. 

• Francis Scott Key Bridge
• Bridge Collapse
• Patapsco River

Rohan Mattu is a digital producer at CBS News Baltimore. Rohan graduated from Towson University in 2020 with a degree in journalism and previously wrote for WDVM-TV in Hagerstown. He maintains WJZ's website and social media, which includes breaking news in everything from politics to sports.

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