Updated September 2025
Salem is one of those cities that completely transforms in the fall, and honestly, it’s magical! Everyone flocks here in October (and I totally get why). There’s something absolutely enchanting about Salem’s crisp autumn air, the way the sunlight hits those historic buildings, and yes, all the wonderfully witchy vibes. So, what should you do with one day wandering in Salem, Massachusetts?
Check out: Salem Fall Bucket List for more ideas for your upcoming fall trip. If you are thinking about visiting in October, also check out: 9 Things To Know Before Visiting Salem In October. Salem in October in one word: crazy! But it’s also a lot of fun.
One Fall Day Wandering In Salem
Salem Basics – What You Need To Know
Where Is Salem? Salem is located on the North Shore of Massachusetts, about 16 miles northeast of Boston. This historic coastal city sits right on Massachusetts Bay and is easily accessible whether you’re coming from Boston, New York, or anywhere else in New England.
Getting To Salem:
By Car – Salem is super easy to reach by car! It’s about a 45-minute drive from Boston (depending on traffic), and you’ll take I-95 North to Route 128 North, then Route 114 East right into downtown Salem. Fair warning, though, parking can be absolutely crazy during October, so I’d suggest arriving early or using one of the paid parking lots downtown.
By Train – This is honestly my favorite way to get to Salem! The MBTA Commuter Rail runs from Boston’s North Station directly to Salem. The trip takes about 30 to 40 minutes and drops you right in the heart of downtown Salem. It’s a very walkable small town, and you can walk to pretty much everything from the station. It’s so much easier than dealing with traffic and parking, especially during the busy season!
By Air – If you’re flying in, Boston Logan International Airport is your best bet. From there, you can rent a car, take the T into Boston, and then the Commuter Rail to Salem, or use rideshare services. It’s about an hour total from Logan to Salem.
Good To Know: Salem Edition:
- Many places are cash-friendly, but most accept cards too. Salem in the fall is all about crisp air, warm sunshine, and a nip in the air! It’s best to start your day in Salem with a hearty breakfast or a warm, delicious coffee.
- Salem gets INCREDIBLY busy in October – we’re talking thousands of people!
- Salem is not like Colonial Williamsburg; it’s just a sleepy New England town
- Most attractions are within walking distance of each other in downtown
- The Essex Street Pedestrian Mall is where you’ll find most shops and restaurants
Start Your Day With A Perfect Fall Breakfast
Red’s Sandwich Shop
I absolutely LOVE Red’s Sandwich Shop and take everyone here for breakfast. This place has been serving up award-winning breakfasts for over 50 years, and it’s housed in the coolest historic building from the 1700s. It was formerly known as the Old London Coffee House and served as a gathering spot for Patriots before the American Revolution. How amazing is that?
I highly recommend the Lobster Benedict (because yes, lobster for breakfast is totally acceptable in New England), a mimosa to get you in the fall mood, and honestly, their coffee is some of the best diner coffee you’ll ever have.
Red’s Sandwich Shop | 15 Central Street | Mon-Sat: 5 am – 3 pm, Sun: 6 am – 1 pm
Salem’s Retreat
This place is fantastic for breakfast, featuring live music and a full bar. Yes, breakfast cocktails are totally a thing here! They serve breakfast and lunch all day, and they’re known for their incredible benedicts, chicken and waffles, and the best bloody marys in Salem. Plus, they have a great patio and parking in the back, which is honestly a lifesaver in downtown Salem!
Salem’s Retreat | 96 North Street | Daily 7 am – 2:30 pm
Or If You Just Want Coffee –
Jaho Coffee Roaster and Wine Bar
Jaho is incredible and has SO many options! From excellent coffee to soft serve ice cream (yes, even in fall, don’t judge), they’ve got you covered. Plus, if you end up back here later in the day, they transform into a wine bar with craft beer and specialty drinks. It’s like the perfect Salem chameleon spot!
Jaho Coffee | 197 Derby Street | Mon-Fri: 7 am – 11 pm, Sat & Sun: 8 am – 11 pm
Gula Gula Café
Gula Gula Café is known for its amazing coffee, hard-to-find craft beer, and light food – it’s absolutely perfect for a quick bite! I love their specialty lattes list, but if you’re a coffee purist like me sometimes, definitely check out their house coffee. They have both indoor and outdoor seating, though October indoor dining fills up fast!
Gula Gula Café | 247 Essex Street | Daily 8 am – 10 pm
For Fellow 90’s Kids: Take The Well Worn Shoes Self Guided Hocus Pocus Tour
Okay, if you’re a Hocus Pocus fan (and honestly, who isn’t?), you HAVE to take my Self Guided Hocus Pocus Tour! It’s so easy to visit all the iconic filming locations from this absolute Halloween classic. I mean, what better time than fall in Salem, right?
If you are NOT a huge fan of the cult classic 90’s Halloween flick there are plenty of other options for you…
Dive Into Salem’s Incredible History
Salem Witch Trial Memorial
This is a poignant and somber stop. The memorial features 20 granite stones with inscribed benches bearing the names of the accused and the dates of their executions. It’s incredibly moving and educational. Located right next to the Old Burying Point Cemetery, so you can easily visit both.
Salem Witch Trial Memorial | 24 Liberty Street
Old Burying Point Cemetery
I promise I don’t just hang out in cemeteries, but this one is seriously cool! It’s the oldest cemetery in Salem and one of the oldest in the entire United States. It’s been open since 1637. You’ll find some of Salem’s most notable historical figures here, including Judge John Hathorne, one of the witchcraft trial magistrates.
Old Burying Point Cemetery | 51 Charter Street | Open 24 hours
The Witch House
This is THE house, the only structure still standing in Salem with direct ties to the 1692 Salem witch trials. It was Judge Jonathan Corwin’s home, and walking through it provides an incredible glimpse into that period of history. Fair warning, though: I typically avoid historical sites during October because the crowds can be overwhelming. However, if you don’t mind that, it’s absolutely worth it!
The Witch House | 310 Essex Street | Daily 10 am – 5 pm | Adults $8.25-$10.25
If you skipped breakfast and just grabbed a coffee, you may want to grab some lunch…
Check Out: The Best History Spots In Salem, Massachusetts
Grab A Delicious Lunch
Lobster Shanty
This place is bustling and informal in the best possible way! They serve classic New England seafood and have live music on weekends. I absolutely love their outdoor dining (though it might be chilly in the fall), and their craft beer selection is fantastic. Try some Far from the Tree Cider with their lobster roll for the most perfect New England fall meal ever!
Lobster Shanty | 25 Front Street | 12-10 pm most days, closed Tuesdays
Sea Level Oyster Bar
Two floors with spectacular views of Salem Harbor, and offering waterfront dining on their seasonal patio, you can’t go wrong! . They feature fresh seafood, raw bar, pizzas, sandwiches, 20 craft beers, and cocktails. Their raw bar has the freshest local oysters, littleneck clams, chilled lobster, and jumbo shrimp. It’s perfect for a fall lunch by the water.
Sea Level Oyster Bar | 94 Wharf Street | Hours vary seasonally
The Roof
Salem’s only rooftop bar, situated above Essex Street at The Hotel Salem, was named one of the best restaurants in Salem by Boston Magazine. They offer a mostly Mexican-inspired menu featuring tacos, tortas, and shareables. It’s perfect for lunch with incredible views of downtown Salem.
The Roof | The Hotel Salem, Essex Street
Ledger Restaurant & Bar
Located in the former Salem Savings Bank building (circa 1818), this historically unique location features a progressive New England concept, where traditional 19th-century dishes, cocktails, and techniques are elevated with 21st-century techniques and resources. Chef Daniel Gursha was nominated for his culinary work at Ledger in 2022 for “Best Chef Northeast” by the James Beard Foundation. This is definitely a step up if you’re looking for something more refined for lunch.
Ledger Restaurant & Bar | 125 Washington Street | (978) 594-1908
For My Fellow Harry Potter Nerds
But while in Salem you HAVE to visit
Wynott’s Wands
You HAVE to visit Wynott’s! They create the most incredible hand-carved wands, and while they’re not officially affiliated with Warner Bros., they do have some great Harry Potter merchandise. The shop is absolutely adorable, and if you’re a Potter nerd like me, you’ll be in heaven!
Wynott’s Wands | 127 Essex Street | Daily 11 am – 6 pm
Remember Salem
Right next door to Wynott’s, this place is Harry Potter paradise! If it’s still warm enough, definitely get yourself a butterbeer. But honestly, just browsing all their incredible Harry Potter merchandise is entertainment enough!
Remember Salem | 127 Essex Street | Sun-Thurs 11 am – 6 pm, Fri-Sat 11 am – 8 pm
Embrace The Witchy Salem Fun
Bewitched Sculpture
It’s not hard to find the Bewitched Sculpture in town! You can take your picture with it before/after you stop at Gula Gula Café! You’ll find the statue at the intersection of Essex and Washington Street.
Salem Witch Trial Museum
If I’m being completely honest, I am not a fan of any of the Salem Witch Trial Museums. All the ones I’ve visited are a bit dated and I just didn’t find that they were worth the price of admission! But, hey, that’s just me and there are plenty to choose from!
The Coven’s Cottage
I visit this shop literally every single time I’m in Salem. It has such a great vibe and an amazing selection – definitely one of my top recommendations for shopping in Salem.
The Coven’s Cottage | 190 Essex Street | Daily hours vary
Hex Old World Witchery
Hex is no joke! They have everything from voodoo dolls to potions and any other magical thing you can imagine. They even have locations in both Salem and New Orleans, which I think is pretty awesome. Their website says they’re for “Witches and the curious alike,” and I love that!
Hex Old World Witchery | 246 Essex Street | Daily 11 am – 7 pm
Crow Haven
- Where: 125 Essex Street
- Hours: Daily: 10 am – 9 pm
This is the oldest witch shop in Salem and worth a visit!
Check out my guide to the Best Shops In Salem for more fun shopping while you’re in town!
You are probably starving by now if you didn’t stop for lunch so check out this place for dinner or drinks…
Perfect Fall Dinner And Drinks
The Bit Bar
The Bit Bar is so much fun! From their game inspired drink menu to their incredible elk burger, I was totally impressed. They have classic arcade and pinball machines (though I have to admit, I absolutely sucked at Addams Family pinball when I visited – embarrassing!).
Food-wise, you have to try the mac & cheese bites with sriracha ranch (amazing!), the elk burger, fried chicken BLT, and their Tetris tots. And yes, I loved their Butterbeer – hello, Potter nerd here! Additionally, their patio is now dog-friendly, which is great!
The Bit Bar | 50 St Peter Street | Thurs-Sun 4-11 pm
Turner’s Seafood
For more traditional New England fare, Turner’s is absolutely fantastic! They’re currently offering outdoor patio dining and curbside takeout, which is perfect for fall weather. This is the kind of place where you get that authentic Salem seafood experience – think fresh lobster, amazing chowder, and all the classic New England dishes that make fall dining so special.
Turner’s Seafood | 43 Church Street | Tues-Thurs 4-9 pm, Fri-Sun 12-9 pm | (978) 745-7665
Far From The Tree Cider
Perfect for fall! They offer both dining in and to-go options, with food available Friday through Sunday. It’s such a great local spot and their cider is incredible – you really can’t get more New England fall than sipping local cider in Salem!
Far From The Tree Cider | 108 Jackson St | Wed-Sun, hours vary
For Something More Upscale
If you want to treat yourself after a day of exploring, there are several fantastic upscale dining options in Salem’s downtown area. Many of the restaurants along Federal Street and Chestnut Street offer farm-to-table dining with that cozy New England atmosphere that’s absolutely perfect for a fall evening. I’d suggest checking what’s currently available and making a reservation if you’re looking for something a bit more special.
End Your Day With A Spooky Night Tour
Salem Haunted History Tour
This 90-minute tour runs rain or shine and explores all the reportedly haunted locations in Salem. For $16 per adult, it’s such a fun way to end your Salem day!
Departs from 127 Essex Street | 90 minutes | $16 per adult
Salem ‘Voodoo, Vampires and Ghosts’ History Walking Tour
This one has been on my list for years! It combines historical information with ghost stories AND New England vampire folklore. It sounds absolutely incredible, and I can’t wait to do it finally!
Departs from 2 New Liberty Street | 90 minutes | $16 per adult
If You’ve Got More Time:
- Witchside Tavern for breakfast, lunch, or dinner in Salem’s iconic setting
- Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery (cinematic monster museum!)
- Witch Pix (dress up and take witchy photos)
- More witchy shopping on Essex Street
- Coffee Time for pastries and their famous real cream Bismarcks
- Ugly Mug Diner for a different breakfast experience
- Jolie Tea Company has hundreds of varieties of loose-leaf tea
- Life Alive Organic Cafe for healthy options and smoothies
- More ghost tours and walking tours
Mapping Your Day Wandering In Salem, Massachusetts
It’s honestly so easy to have the perfect fall day in Salem, Massachusetts! This city is an absolute dream Halloween destination, and you definitely shouldn’t skip it. You can have an incredible time whether you visit during the crazy October rush or opt for a slightly quieter fall experience. Either way, Salem in the fall is pure magic!
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