Built in 1668 for Capt. John Turner I, this waterfront mansion was home to three generations of Turners before being sold to Capt. Samuel Ingersoll in 1782. After Ingersoll's death, the property was inherited by his daughter, Susanna Ingersoll. Susanna's cousin, now-famous author Nathaniel Hawthorne, visited her here often and the property eventually became the setting for his 1851 novel, "The House of the Seven Gables." Although the official name of the house is the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion, the home quickly took on the name given to it by Hawthorne.

In 1910, the home opened to the public as a museum. Philanthropist Caroline Emmerton, the museum's founder, hoped to preserve the home for future generations and use the proceeds to help fund settlement programs for immigrant families. Today, the museum honors her wishes by funding social work and offering various types of educational programming, including English language classes and community-based conversations on immigration. At the museum, visitors can marvel at original period features that span four centuries, including the home's extraordinary Georgian paneling, and climb a hidden staircase that leads to the structure's attic. In addition to the House of the Seven Gables, the property boasts a collection of six historic buildings set along Salem Harbor. Other buildings within the collection include the Hooper-Hathaway House, the Retire Beckett House, the Counting House and the Nathaniel Hawthorne Birthplace, which was moved here from its original location on Union Street in 1958. It also includes a visitor center and a museum store where guests can purchase unique souvenirs. The whole campus has been designated a National Historic Landmark District.

One of the largest art museums in the country sits in Salem's backyard. Founded in 1799 and renovated in 2019, the Peabody Essex Museum takes the title of the oldest continuously operating museum in the United States. Here, visitors can explore a wide variety of American, Asian, African, Native American, Oceanic and Maritime art. Today, the collection includes more than a million works.

Examples of every major architectural style can be found in Salem. So, it shouldn't be surprising that Peabody Essex Museum's massive campus, which spans three city blocks and includes several off-site properties, also features a broad collection of historic gardens and buildings. These include structures like the Samuel Pickman House, East India Marine Hall, John Ward House and Ropes Mansion.

If you're heading to Salem, you should set aside some time for a visit to the Salem Witch Trials Memorial. Built to honor the victims who died during the 1692 witchcraft hysteria, the memorial features three four-foot-high granite walls that surround a small grassy area where locust trees have been planted. Along the walls are granite benches engraved with the names, means of death and date of execution for each of the 20 victims who were executed during the Salem witch trials. At the entryway to the memorial, stone slabs are inscribed with the protests of each of the deceased, cut off mid-sentence to symbolize society's indifference to the victim's innocence.

Many travelers recommend stopping here to remember the people who lost their lives during the 1692 witch trials. While some said there wasn't much to see, others appreciated the opportunity to reflect on Salem's dark past away from the kitschy Halloween-themed attractions. Small trinkets like flowers, coins and stones are often left on the benches as a way to pay respect to the deceased. A stop at the memorial is also included on many of the itineraries of the best Salem tours. Centrally located in downtown Salem, the Salem Witch Trials Memorial is open every day from dawn to dusk and free to enter. For more information, visit the Salem tourism board's website.  

The name of this famed Salem attraction can be misleading – it was never home to any witches –nevertheless, it warrants a visit. Formerly the residence of infamous Judge Jonathan Corwin, the Witch House is the only structure in Salem still standing that has direct ties to the 1692 witch trials. Because of this, it is a crucial stop on any Salem itinerary (and included on many of the best Salem tours).

Situated on the corner of Essex and North streets, this foreboding mansion has a gloomy history. During the Salem witch trials, Corwin was one of several judges who presided over the pretrial examinations of citizens accused of witchcraft. Today, the house is open to the public as a museum and is considered one of Salem's most haunted destinations (the spirits of the people Corwin sentenced to death supposedly haunt its halls).

The first National Historic Site in the United States, Salem Maritime National Historic Site is a collection of 12 historic structures set along Salem Harbor. Established in 1938, this historic waterfront park preserves the site of one of America's most important ports in the late 18th and the early 19th centuries, offering a fascinating look into the maritime history of New England and the United States. The national park includes historic sites, such as the Custom House, Derby Wharf, Hawkes House, Narbonne House and the Colonial Revival Garden.

In addition to the park's buildings and grounds, Salem Maritime National Historic Site includes the Salem Armory Visitor Center and the Waite & Peirce Park Store. Head to the visitor center for brochures, maps, exhibits and films on the park's history, or peruse the souvenirs at Waite & Peirce Park Store.

Old Burying Point Cemetery, like the name suggests, is Salem's oldest maintained cemetery. Established in 1637, this cemetery is a frequent stop on many of Salem's best ghost tours. Famous Salem residents such as Judge John Hathorne (one of the main judges in the witch trials), Gov. Simon Bradstreet (the last governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony) and Revs. John Higginson and Nicholas Noyes are buried here, along with other notable Salem citizens. Contrary to popular belief, none of the victims of the Salem witch trials are buried here.

Past travelers recommend a visit to Old Burying Point for its historic value, citing the original headstones as relics from Salem's past. Guests appreciated this interesting piece of history, though some recommended coming here on a tour to make the most of your trip. Just keep in mind, visitors are not allowed to stray from the walkways.

Named for its ample white willow trees, the 35-acre Salem Willows Park is a popular destination come summertime. This public park, located at the tip of Salem Neck, features three swimming beaches, a large band shell for performances, basketball and tennis courts, several shaded gazebos, restaurants, bumper cars and the Salem Willows Arcade, which offers classic games like Pac-Man, air hockey and Skee-Ball. A small amusement park, called Kiddieland, also opens in the summer and offers a variety of children's rides.

Recent visitors loved this waterfront park, and recommended stopping by in the summer and early fall when the restaurants and arcade are open. Several also mentioned that this is a fantastic place to bring children for an evening ice cream cone, a game of catch or to get out their energy on an amusement ride. However, many said this is more of a local's hangout, so if you're expecting a major tourist destination, you'll be disappointed.

Essex Street Pedestrian Mall, located smack dab in the middle of downtown Salem, is a historic brick and cobblestone road lined with restaurants, shops, galleries and museums. Vehicles are not permitted to drive on the road – which is for the best, considering how crowded it can get – and come October, the mall becomes a hot spot for hundreds of costumed tourists looking to score the perfect witch-themed souvenir. While you will certainly run into other tourists here, it's a classic Salem haunt you won't want to miss.

If you have some time to spare, travelers recommend perusing Essex Street's unique boutiques. Past visitors loved the collection of witch-themed shops and small cafes, but said the area floods with tourists during Salem's peak Halloween season, so strike this from your list you're looking to avoid crowds. 

Despite its waterfront position along the Salem Harbor, Salem is not known for its beaches. However, travelers willing to look outside the box will be rewarded with scenic Winter Island Park. Located on a peninsula connected to the Salem Neck about 2 miles northeast of downtown Salem, this hidden gem was once the site of a 17th-century military fort named Fort Pickering. Eventually, it became a base for the U.S. Coast Guard from 1933 to 1970. Although much of the historic fort still exists, Winter Island is primarily used as a camping and beach destination today.

Recent travelers praised Winter Island's picturesque Waikiki Beach, calling it a tranquil place to kick back on a summer day and watch the sun set behind Fort Pickering lighthouse. However, some visitors said the no-frills campsites could be better maintained. Facilities here include a public boat ramp, a camping store, dinghy rack spaces and a function hall. 

The Salem Witch Museum is perfect for first-time visitors to Salem. Founded in 1972, this museum offers two types of presentations: One is an immersive narration of the 1692 Salem witch trials featuring costumed life-size mannequins, lighting and prerecorded narration, and the second, titled "Witches: Evolving Perceptions," uses audio-dubbed tableaux and informational displays to educate visitors on the European witchcraft trials, the history of witch-hunting and the evolution of the term "witch," among other topics. Because these presentations depict some disturbing scenes and images from the Salem witch trials, the museum may not be suitable for young children.

While many travelers complimented the entertaining and informative presentation, others warn that this isn't your typical museum experience – there are no actual historical artifacts – so if that's what you're looking for, you may be disappointed. Several reviewers also noted that the museum itself is outdated and needs renovating, but that it's worth a visit if you're looking for a brief history lesson on the Salem witch trials. There is also a gift shop selling trinkets and Salem memorabilia. If you're looking for a more in-depth exploration of Salem history, consider signing up for one of the best Salem tours, which are led by knowledgeable locals eager to share stories about the city's past.

Whether you only have a few hours to experience Salem or your feet just need a break from walking, the Salem Trolley is an excellent way to learn about this intriguing town. Visitors can either stay on the trolley for the duration of the tour (which lasts approximately one hour), or hop on and off at their leisure while they explore historic Salem. Aboard the trolley, local tour guides narrate Salem's fascinating history, pointing out notable landmarks, such as The House of the Seven Gables, Old Burying Point Cemetery and the Salem Witch Museum, along the way.

Recent visitors praised the trolley's knowledgeable tour guides, calling them informative and entertaining. However, some travelers noted that the service was disorganized and the trolley gets crowded quickly, making hopping on and off difficult. For the best experience, visitors recommend taking the full one-hour guided tour instead of using the trolley as a shuttle service.

One of Salem's most iconic landmarks is the Statue of Elizabeth Montgomery, located in Lappin Park at the end of Essex Street Pedestrian Mall. Measuring six feet tall, this bronze statue depicts Samantha Stephens – the character Montgomery played in the 1960s sitcom "Bewitched" – sitting sidesaddle on a broom next to a crescent moon. Several episodes of the hit show were filmed in Salem in 1970, a fact that the city has embraced. Next to it is a small plaque that reads, "Hair of gold, eyes that twinkle, a nose that neatly twitched, clever, charming and enchanting, Samantha left us all Bewitched."

Recent travelers agree that this statue makes a great photo opportunity for Salem visitors, but say it isn't worth going out of your way for unless you're a die-hard "Bewitched" fan. Access to the statue is free 24/7.