What to Do in Salem
The Salem Witch Museum is still a must-see, regardless of the time of year. In the off-season, the lines are shorter, allowing you to take your time and soak it in the horrors and history we all learned about in high school. A visit to The Corwin House, now known as the Witch House, also brings the past to life. One of the few structures in Salem with a direct tie to the Salem Witch Trials, this house invites you to examine family life, architecture, and furniture of the seventeenth century in order to gain a deeper understanding of the people involved in the Witch Trials and America's colonial heritage.
Want more history? Explore the Peabody Essex Museum. It’s one of the oldest museums in the U.S., and features rotating art exhibits and cultural collections. Their team seeks out art and creative expression to feel grounded, to feel awe, and to question and understand who we are and who we can become through our shared humanity, and they seek to share it all with their visitors. There’s always something new and interesting to explore here.
The waterfront is also a hidden gem in the off-season. Walk along the Salem Maritime National Historic Site—think old ships, cobblestone wharves, and the story of life on the water. Grab a coffee and take in the sights of the harbor before venturing to the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall for boutique stores, witchy shops, and cozy cafés. If you’re feeling outdoorsy, Salem Willows Park is one of our favorite year-round picnic spots, complete with ocean views, and a boardwalk ideal for exploring.
Where to Stay in Salem
For those in search of a classic stay with an elevated twist, look no further than The Merchant in downtown Salem. This intimate boutique hotel features large and lavish rooms that still maintain much of the original woodwork and craftsmanship, while also offering the best in modern amenities. Also located in the heart of the town is another one of our favorites, The Hotel Salem. Reimagined and renovated with a stylish midcentury vibe, this hotel offers a central and vibrant spot for exploring as boutiques and novelty shops are just a quick stroll away.
Looking to stay by the water? Located on Pickering Wharf Marina, Salem Waterfront Hotel and Suites is a blend of contemporary and historic, and is home to one of the North Shore’s favorite restaurants, the Regatta Pub.
Looking for more of a classic stay when it comes to hotels in Salem, MA? Both Hawthorne Hotel and The Coach House are both truly iconic Salem hotels that blend comfort, character, and history. The Hawthorne has been an integral part of the city of Salem and Boston’s North Shore since its opening in 1925. Now beautifully restored, this stately Federal-style hotel is named for author Nathaniel Hawthorne, who lived, worked, and wrote in Salem. While this hotel is steeped in historical charm, its warm, inclusive spirit is timeless. Nearby, you’ll find The Coach House. The original owner was local sea captain Ephraim Augustus Emerton and the property was built in 1879 with the utmost Victorian elegance in mind. It was later converted to an Inn in the 1950s.
A modern boutique hotel with a twist, The Cove at Salem is another one of our top recommendations. This 57-room boutique hotel dates back to the 1630s and is located less than a mile from Salem Common and the renowned Salem Witch Museum.
About New England Inns and Resorts
Ready to rediscover Salem, Massachusetts in the winter? This year, look beyond the Halloween hype and explore the attractions, art, shopping, and architecture that makes Salem the picturesque New England town it is.
New England Inns and Resorts was founded in 1907 and has been devoted to providing unforgettable experiences ever since. With over 300 hotels, inns, and resorts located across New England, we support exceptional hospitality with a dedication to keeping it local at every location.
