Salem, Massachusetts is a city that is steeped in history, culture, and tradition and intersects with haunted houses, Halloween parades, and costume parties during the month of October. For many, visiting Salem during the month of October is a bucket list experience. To ensure that you have a positive experience during your visit to Salem this coming October we have compiled a list of tips and tricks to know before you go. Take some time to read through our checklist to success before you begin planning your visit, and as always please feel free to reach out to Destination Salem with any itinerary planning questions you may have.
Book your accommodations early
October is the busiest time of year in Salem, so it is important to book your accommodations early. There are a variety of hotels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals in Salem, so you are sure to find something that fits your budget and preferences. Accommodations fill up extremely quickly for the month of October, and oftentimes have minimum nights stays that are required when making a reservation. If you’re able to visit Salem midweek, you will have an easier time booking your accommodations, and you will be greeted with more availability at attractions and lots to see and do! Salem’s museums and attractions, walking tours, trolley tours, and harbor cruises, run all week long during October. Check the events calendar to see what else may be happening during your visit.
If you are unable to find accommodations in Salem directly try booking a stay in one of our neighboring towns. You can find several options for regional accommodations that are close to Salem. Some are just a short drive away from downtown Salem, and others are located right on the Commuter Rail line, so you can skip the drive altogether. If you are staying in Boston, you can also reach Salem via the Salem Ferry, which departs from Long Wharf in Boston and arrives downtown at Blaney Street.
Plan your itinerary in advance
There is so much to see and do in Salem in October, so it is important to plan your itinerary in advance. Some popular attractions that require ticket purchase in advance include The Salem Witch Museum, The House of the Seven Gables, and The Peabody Essex Museum. You may also want to take a ghost tour, visit a haunted house, or attend a Halloween-themed event. If you have a walking tour, harbor tour, museum or attraction on your “must do” list, visit individual business websites to find out more about their October reservation policies. We recommend planning three activities within a day to allow yourself some time to walk around and navigate through Salem’s busy streets.
Dress appropriately
October in Salem can be chilly and rainy (or sunny and warm!), so it is important to dress appropriately. Be sure to bring layers, a waterproof jacket, and – most importantly – comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestones and brick sidewalks. You may also want to bring an umbrella or rain poncho, just in case. If you happen to get caught in inclement weather make sure to stop by the Destination Salem Visitor Information Center located at 245 Derby Street to stock up on rain ponchos, fresh socks, and umbrellas.
Take public transportation
The scariest part of Salem in October is the traffic! Getting to and from Salem during the month of October can be frustrating if you are driving, especially on weekends. Roads are often blocked off to accommodate foot traffic and events that take place during the lead up to the October 31st Halloween holiday. The MBTA is a great way to travel to and from Salem, MA during the month of October and is about a 30 minute ride from North Station in Boston to the Salem MBTA station. The Newburyport / Rockport lines connect Salem, Boston and points north with daily service. On weekends, we recommend parking at the Beverly or Swampscott stations, and taking the commuter rail one or two stops to Salem. Make sure to take advantage of their weekend passes which offer a discounted price when bundling both Saturday and Sunday. The pass is 10 dollars for the entire weekend and connects you all along the Newburyport / Rockport line along the North Shore.
Another way to reach Salem from Boston is to hop aboard the Salem Ferry. In just under an hour, the ferry can take passengers between Salem and Boston, while offering scenic views of both cities. The ferry, Nathaniel Bowditch, is equipped with enclosed and open-air seating, tables, and restrooms, making the trip a quick and comfortable one. During the month of October the Boston to Salem Ferry launches their larger boat the Salacia to make room for the higher levels of passengers.
Know where to go
Where are the bathrooms? – You can find restrooms at the South Harbor Garage (9am – 8pm), Central Wharf (10am – 4pm), Salem Regional Visitor Center (Wednesday – Sunday, 10am 4pm), and Artists’ Row (9am – 8pm). The City also brings in banks of porta-potties for October, which can be found on Derby Street, Salem Common, Hawthorne Boulevard, Lynde Street, and outside of the National Park Service visitor center.
Pro tip: Use the restroom finder on the Destination Salem app!
