Salem with my Daughter: A Magical Halloween Getaway

It’s always been my dream to visit Salem. Ever since I watched Hocus Pocus as a kid, I’ve been fascinated by the idea of a town that fully embraces Halloween and all things spooky. That childhood love has never gone away and luckily for me, my daughter shares that same love of Halloween. So when we planned a seven night trip through New England I knew Salem needed more than just a quick stop. We gave it three full days and evenings and it still didn’t feel like enough.

Salem is a town with a famously spooky past that’s anything but boring. Known for the 1692 witch trials, Salem leans into its eerie history in the best way, mixing centuries old stories with quirky shops, cool museums and tons of photo worthy spots. If it looks familiar there’s a reason movies like Hocus Pocus, Hubie Halloween and even scenes from Bewitched were filmed here making it feel like you’ve stepped onto a movie set with a slightly haunted twist. It’s a fun and easy day trip from Boston and totally worth it for teens (and parents) who love a little history.

Salem completely lives up to its reputation as Witch City. It’s a small, walkable place packed with quirky shops, historic homes, costumed characters and centuries old stories that still linger in the atmosphere. We loved every second of it. There’s a real sense of magic in the air, especially if you visit in the fall.

Day 1

We kicked off our first day with the Bewitched Walking Tour of Salem, which we booked through Viator before our trip. It was the perfect way to get our bearings and ease into the town’s witchy past. Our local guide was entertaining, knowledgeable and full of stories that made Salem’s history come alive. I’d say it’s a must do especially if you’re visiting for the first time. The tour gave us a great starting point for everything we’d see over the next couple of days.

After the tour we visited the Salem Witch Museum which offers an engaging overview of the witch trials through dramatic storytelling, lighting and life size stage sets. Its a good starting point for understanding the fear and hysteria that gripped the town and it’s especially suitable to teens and older kids who can follow the historical themes. Tickets are available same day purchase online only.

We followed that with a visit to The Witch House the only remaining structure in Salem with direct ties to the witch trials, was once the home to Judge Jonathon Corwin, who lead early investigations that fueled the witch trials, we then spent time wandering the Witch Trials Memorial and Old Burying Point Cemetery nearby. Walking through those historic sites while hearing the stories from our guide earlier in the day really brought it all together. We learnt about John Proctor and his wife Elizabeth who were both accused of witchcraft in 1692. John was hanged on August 19th, while Elizabeth, who was pregnant was spared. He’s believed to be buried near Proctor’s Ledge and his name appears on a memorial stone at the Salem Witch Trials Memorial.

We ate at Flying Saucer Pizza Company a quirky, sci-fi-themed pizza spot right on Essex Street. It was a hit with my daughter and a nice break from heavier historical content. The pizzas were creative, the service was friendly. We also explored Essex Street popping into witchy shops like Crow Haven Corner and Hex. It was a mix of quirky and kitschy in the best way and it honestly felt like we were on a film set.

Day Two

We just started the day on foot, people watching as we made our way to the House of the Seven Gables which quickly became one of our favourite stops. Between the literary connection, secret passageways and harbor views it was an easy win for us both. The House of the Seven Gables, built in 1668 is Salem’s oldest surviving 17th century wooden mansion and inspired by Nathaniel Hawthorn’s famous novel of the same name. Nathaniel Hawthorne was born in Salem and later added “W” to his name to distance himself from his ancestor, Judge John Hathorne, one of the judges in the 1692 witch trials who never expressed regret for his role. Tickets are released monthly.

In the afternoon we visited the house from Hocus Pocus where Max and Dani lived. Located at 4 Ocean Avenue this charming privately owned home sits right by the water and looks exactly like it did in the film. You can’t go inside but just standing outside it and snapping a few respectful photos was such a fun experience for both of us. It’s a quick stop but a must for any fan of the movie.

After that we made our way to Ropes Mansion better known as Allison’s house from Hocus Pocus. This stunning white Georgian style home is located at 318 Essex Street and is owned by the Peabody Essex Museum. The house itself is not open for tours but you can walk the gardens behind it which are free and open to the public. The house looks just like it did in the movie.

We walked along Chestnut Street with its stately mansions and brick sidewalks which take on a seasonal glow in October, with elegant pumpkins, wreaths and subtle Halloween touches that perfectly blend with the historic charm, especially in Salem’s McIntire District where residents adopt a tasteful, classier approach to fall decor. We had dinner at Dire Wolf Tavern which became one of our favourite spots. The food was hearty the staff were welcoming and the vibe was relaxed and cosy perfect after a long day of exploring.

Day Three

We explored the Haunted Happenings events happening around Salem Common. Market stalls, street performers, costumed kids and adults, live music it was like Halloween had taken over the town completely. Our daughter loved browsing the stalls and picked up a beautiful handmade necklace and Salem hoodie, unique souvenirs.

As our final night in Salem rolled in we joined the crowds lining the streets for the Haunted Happenings Grand Parade. This annual tradition kicks off Salem’s month long Halloween festivities every October and is one of the most beloved local events. The parade winds through downtown with marching bands, school groups, giant puppets, dancers, floats and plenty of creative costumes from all ages. It felt like the whole town came out to celebrate. The energy was infectious and completely family friendly and watching it all unfold under the streetlights was a magical way to say goodbye to Salem.

If you’re planning a visit with your family especially with teens Salem is a magical mix of education, entertainment and spooky fun. Just be sure to book things early if you’re going in October as everything fills up fast. Costumes are welcome (and encouraged) and there’s something pretty special about being in a town where Halloween isn’t just a day it’s a season.

For anyone who grew up loving Halloween, Hocus Pocus or history with a supernatural twist Salem is more than just a bucket list destination it’s a nostalgic dream come to life. And if your kids love it too? That’s just the spellbinding bonus.

Our Family’s Final Thoughts on Salem

We’d come back to Salem in a heartbeat. Our three day trips just weren’t long enough to soak up everything this fascinating, historic town has to offer. Between the museums, walking tours and the atmospheric streets, we felt like we only scratched the surface.

Next time, we’d love to stay right in Salem for a few nights. Having accommodation in the heart of it all would mean we could experience the town in the quieter early mornings and evenings, as well as enjoy more time exploring without watching the clock. Salem’s mix of history, mystery and charm has a way of pulling you in – and we’re already dreaming about our return.