Salem Massachusetts, the sea-side city of witches, spooky tales, and of course Halloween can be enchanting to experience in the month of October. Home to the filming location of everyone’s favorite Halloween movie, Hocus Pocus, you can really feel the Halloween magic when strolling through the streets or even visiting the house where it was filmed! I know visiting a new city during its busiest time of year can be daunting, so I am here to share some tips on how to visit Salem during the month of October.

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When to come:

If you like to avoid crowds:

If you want to beat some of the crowds I would recommend visiting in the few weeks leading up to Halloween keeping in mind that all of October will be very busy but the closer it gets to Halloween the more busy it will become. Even visiting in the middle to end of September can be worth while as the town of Salem does cater to the fact that it is well known for October and Halloween festivities.

If crowds do not bother you:

If crowds don’t keep you away, the actual week of Halloween will definitely be the most exciting time with parties and street fairs a-plenty. For 2019 Halloween falls on a Thursday. The most activity packed, yet busiest days, will be from Friday October 25, 2019- Thursday October 31, 2019. There will still be Halloween activities the immediate weekend following Halloween but usually after a full month long spooky fest, many have already had their fill of festivities. If you can’t make it during the actual week of Halloween do not worry there is still lots of activities throughout the town all month long.

Where to stay:

The Hotel Salem

The Hotel Salem is a newer hotel with beautiful interiors, a rooftop bar that serves small bites and a small first floor restaurant for quick-classy meals. They are well located in the center of town near other amenities and restaurants. It is a small boutique hotel in the Lark Hotel chain and because of this, it does book up quick especially around Halloween time. So if you have your heart set on staying here, I recommend booking as early as possible!

Hawthorne Hotel

First opened in 1925, the Hawthorne hotel is an older, well established, lodging option. The hotel has played host to Hollywood a few times with movies and television shows such as Joy (2015), Bewitched (1970), and most recently Adam Sandler’s (soon to be released) Halloween movie filming there and right next to the hotels location. Along with an amazing historical background, the hotel also has their own bar and restaurant and is well located to other nearby restaurants and amenities.

INN or Airbnb

Another great option for the area is staying in an Inn or Airbnb.

Where to eat:

Breakfast:

Reds Sandwich Shop ($): Located in the historic London Coffee House built circa1698 Reds Sandwich Shop offers breakfast all day long as well as amazing lunch specials, salads, and soups. *Bonus Tip: get their fairly early on the weekends or be prepared to wait.

Bagel World ($): For the best bagels outside of New York City, Bagel World Bakery and Deli is where its AT. I may be biased but I even think they are better than NY bagels, there, I said it! They are located a little bit out of downtown Salem but it is well worth the short drive. They offer 10 different types of spreads and 21 different bagel varieties and during the month of October usually offer a 22nd type in the flavor of pumpkin. *Bonus Tip: The lines are usually very long on the weekends (although WELL worth the wait) but they offer a fast line for those who wish to buy bags of bagels and containers of cream cheese. If staying in an Inn or Airbnb this is a great option to save money on breakfasts during your stay!

The Ugly Mug Diner ($-$$): If you’re looking for something a little different, look no further than the Ugly Mug Diner. They offer up a variety of homemade sodas and specialty coffee and tea concoctions. They have a nice variety of the normal breakfast/ brunch options while also offering more unique dishes like loaded potato skins, huevos rancheros, and a whole section for different kinds of eggs benedicts, not to mention daily specials. *Bonus Tip: get their fairly early on the weekends or be prepared to wait.

Lunch or Dinner:

Life Alive ($-$$): Vegetarian and vegan spot with counter-service. Menu offers soups, salads, grain bowls, as well as delicious and healthy juices and smoothies.

The Lobster Shanty ($-$$): Featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives, the Lobster Shanty is famous for not just their quirky style and service but also their New England seafood staples, burgers, and heavy handed drinks.

Finz ($$-$$$): Waterfront views only add to this restaurant that offers up delicious and sustainable seafood, sushi, and raw bar dishes as well as unique cocktails. *Bonus Tip: On Saturdays and Sundays throughout the month of October, they do not accept reservations so they can accommodate all of their guests.

Ledger ($$-$$$): Located in a 19th century bank building, Ledger, serves upscale New England fare. Great for drinks. *Bonus tip: on Saturdays or Sundays be sure to check out their brunch from 10-2. It is higher priced but it is the best around and well worth the money.

Opus ($$-$$$): Hip restaurant with new American eats, sushi, small plates, and live music. Also great for drinks including specialty cocktails, and a great selection of local and craft beers.

To Drink:

Notch Brewing ($): One of Salem’s very own breweries! Launched in 2010 this was America’s first brewery that focuses exclusively on session beer. With outdoor views to the waterway, Notch is a great place to hangout during the day for a brew (or two!) *Bonus tip: if youre in the mood for a snack, they serve up some great warm German pretzels and be sure to get it with a side of the Obatzda, a buttery, cheesey dip.

Deacon Giles Distillery ($): Salem’s very own distillery that features what they call their “Speak Easy Lab” which is where they serve up their spirits in the form of delectable cocktails. You can also purchase any of their spirits, Gin, Vodka, Rum, Spiced Rum, and Amber Rum to take home with you.

Dessert:

Goodnight Fatty ($): A MUST go for any sweet tooth sufferer out there. Open only on the weekends, Goodnight Fatty serves up freshly baked, warm cookies, what they call ‘fatty’s’, along with milk and games to keep us all feeling like children at heart.

Boston Burger Company ($): Although they, of course, sell burgers, they are also well know for their milkshakes or as we call them in New England, frappes. They offer a wide array of different types of over-the-top, indulgent, frothy, treats including monthly specials. One of the most outrageous they have to offer is the ‘Churro-ly We Can Taco Bout it”.

Kakawa ($): Originated in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Kakawa is a specialty chocolate shop offering gourmet drinking chocolate (hot chocolate) in unique flavors and blends as well as truffles, caramels, solid dark chocolate, and homemade ice cream. Truly, a chocolate lovers paradise! *Bonus tip: Order a drinking chocolate flight to try a few of the different flavors they create!

For more info on where to eat, check out my post: The Ultimate List of Where to Eat, Drink, and be Merry in Salem, MA

What to do:

As for what to do while visiting Salem, there is a lot to be enjoyed simply walking around and taking in the atmosphere of the city of witches during the month of October. But once you have enjoyed that there are some recommendations I have for what else to partake in. 

Dress up

When visiting Salem during Halloween, dressing up for the occasion should be a no-brainer! Many people go ALL-OUT as in head-to-toe transforming into their favorite movie, comic, or novel character. So, get creative and use your imagination. When you see how excited other people get looking at your great costume, you won’t regret the effort it may have taken!

Ghost Walk

Ghost walks are a fun evening activity to really get you in the Halloween spirit. There are many tours operating throughout Salem that offer ghost tours but my favorite and one I would personally recommend is here. The tour takes you on a journey throughout Salem’s history with the theatrical, haunted, storytelling. Remember, these stories ARE true!

Marblehead

Visit nearby Marblehead and explore the old town there. A lesser known nearby town with beautiful waterfront views, quaint shops, amazing restaurants, and colonial buildings. Marblehead is very similar to Salem so much so that even movies that are supposedly set in Salem have been filmed in Marblehead (cough, cough, Hocus Pocus). It is a great town to visit to take a break from all of the hustle and bustle of downtown Salem during this time.

Hawthorne Hotel Halloween Ball

If you come during Halloween, the Hawthorne Hotel Halloween Ball is THE place to be for a spectacular Halloween party. Started in 1990 the Ball is a tradition at the hotel and includes live music, DJ’s, food, physics and of course a costume contest with amazing prizes. Unfortunately, for 2019, they are officially sold out but are already planning for Halloween 2020 with party and room packages that can be found here.

Peabody Essex Museum

For those who enjoy history and art I recommend visiting the Peabody Essex Museum. They always have a great selection of limited exhibits as well as permanent.

Harbor cruise

With Mahi Mahi Cruises, you can choose from a few different times and options between, day-time kid friendly, afternoon, or evening booze cruises.

House of the Seven Gables

The House of the Seven Gables made famous by author Nathaniel Hawthorne. Enough said.

Witch museum

The Witch Museum gives you a look into the 1692 Salem Witch Trials as well as a look at witchcraft today through life-size stage sets and a great gift shop!

Psychic or Medium Readings

There are plenty of Psychics or Mediums in Salem to get quick readings at, some of which involve tarot cards. I have yet to visit any of the psychic/mediums in town, but one in nearby Swampscott I can recommend is Deborah Livingston. The readings you will receive from her will be more in depth and well worth the time and money spent.

Trolley Tour

The Salem Trolley’s take you on a unique tour (different than ghost walks but similar) through Salem’s epic history while also taking 14 stops to allow riders to explore on their own. Not to mention, riding on a trolley is pretty exciting!