There’s no better place to celebrate spooky season than Salem during Halloween. But here’s the thing: Salem in October is crazy. It’s wildly popular, and without the right game plan, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the crowds.
After wrapping up a New England fall road trip, we ended our adventure in Salem, Massachusetts and I’m so glad we did. With the help of a former local in tow (thanks, Shannon!) we planned the perfect trip from Salem during Halloween that wasn’t overwhelming and had just the right amount of spooky.
This little coastal town transforms into a full-on Halloween festival every October, with haunted happenings, Hocus Pocus filming locations, costumed visitors, food trucks, ghost tours, and more.
I’m sharing all my best tips for visiting Salem during Halloween so you can plan your dream spooky-season trip, whether you’re into ghost stories, the Salem witch trials, or just want to dress up and drink a lobster martini (yes, that’s a thing).
When to Visit Salem in October
Let’s be real: weekends in October are chaos.
We intentionally planned our visit for a Tuesday night and stayed through Wednesday. And honestly? That’s the move. Essex Street still had plenty of people so it felt alive, but it wasn’t the shoulder-to-shoulder gridlock you see on weekends or Halloween day.
I saw plenty of TikTok videos of people packed on Essex Street like sardines in a can, and I wanted nothing about that. I hope to visit Salem for Halloween season again and I’ll be booking it for weekdays.
Best Days to Visit Salem:
- Tuesday or Wednesday
- Avoid weekends and October 31 unless you love huge crowds
Where to Stay in Salem (Walking Distance Is Key)
Traffic in Salem during Halloween is no joke. Parking is basically impossible, and Ubers can be both expensive and slow. You’ll want to stay within walking distance of Essex Street, the main hub for shops, events, and spooky attractions.
Top Salem Lodging Tips:
- Hampton Inn Salem Boston: We stayed here last-minute. It was pricey but totally worth it, just a few blocks from Essex.
- Witch Hallow: If I go back, I’ll be booking this whimsical Airbnb near Witch Hollow. Major cottagecore-meets-spooky vibes.
- Warlock House: Another Salem Halloween Airbnb with all the fun spooky decor you want!
Must-Do Things in Salem During Halloween
Whether you’re a casual Halloween enjoyer or a full-blown witchcore devotee, these are the activities that made our trip unforgettable.
1. Explore Essex Street Twice
Salem’s main street is full of shops, street performers, witch museums, and Halloween magic. It’s the hub of Salem.
- Go at night to see it all lit up and spooky. I had so much fun walking around at night when the city felt like I was living inside Halloweentown.
- Go again in the day for easier shopping and smaller crowds.
- Pro Tip: Don’t skip the side streets. Some of the best shops and photo ops are tucked just off Essex.
2. Visit The Witch House
The only building in Salem with direct ties to the 1692 witch trials! The Witch House was once the home of Witch Trials Judge Jonathan Corwin, who oversaw the famous trials.
It’s creepy, historic, and very photogenic in the fall. It’s only $12 for adults and well worth the museum price. One thing I adore about this part of the country is just how old everything is. I live in San Francisco where we have some buildings dating back to early 1800s, but Salem and the Witch House? 1600’s baby.
3. Take a Ghost Tour at Night
I love walking tours when I travel to get more history and mental map of the city. If I’m visiting a spooky city like Salem or New Orleans, I love to take a nighttime ghost tour.
Join the Witches & Wicked Whispers tour for a truly eerie experience. This walking tour covers 4–8 haunted landmarks like Salem Old Town Hall, Wicked Good Books, and the Old Burying Point Cemetery, while your guide shares spine-tingling stories of supernatural sightings and Salem’s dark past.
This is a great thing to schedule on your first night on a weekday so you can get all the history and then go shopping in the morning daylight.
4. Visit Hocus Pocus Filming Locations
If you grew up on Hocus Pocus (same), this is your moment. The girls and I woke up early to go visit all the Hocus Pocus filming spots before the crowds and had Max and Dani’s house all to ourselves.
Some spots we visited:
- Pioneer Village (Allison’s house scenes)
- Salem Commons
- Ropes Mansion (aka Allison’s house)
- Marblehead for bonus spots
Check out my whole guide to Hocus Pocus locations in Salem for more tips and addresses.
5. Omen: Psychic Parlor & Witchcraft Emporium
Located on Essex Street, Omen is known for its authentic psychic readings, séances, tarot sessions, and spiritual supplies.
- Book online in advance as they fill up fast in October
- Highly rated psychics and a great vibe, whether you’re a believer or just witchy-curious
6. Stop at Wynott Wands
Wynott Wands is a whimsical wand shop that feels like Diagon Alley. Truly a must for Harry Potter fans. We stepped in and I instantly felt like I was a Hogwarts student shopping for my supplies.
7. Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery
I’m not a horror movie gal but the girls wanted to visit a museum so they twisted my arm and we did a tour of Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery. Honestly? I loved it!
It’s a niche stop for horror film buffs or anyone who is interested in movies in general. There’s giant wax statues of famous horror creators and villains. This place was super cool and I’d go again.
8. Salem Commons
Lit with string lights at night and lined with food trucks, this central park feels like a small-town Halloween carnival. In the daytime, it makes for a really lovely stroll (and, if you know your film history, another Hocus Pocus spot).
9. Peabody Essex Museum
A great mix of art, 200+ years of history, and culture. The PEM is a great stop if you need a break from spooky stuff and it’s right downtown.
10. Salem Witch Museum
The Salem Witch Museum is one of Salem’s most popular museums since it offers an immersive look into the Salem witch trials and local lore. We didn’t have time to go in but I want to next time we visit!
Where to Eat in Salem
Turner’s Seafood
Classic New England seafood. Get the mashed potatoes, you won’t regret it. It can get crowded so make a reservation if you can.
The Lobster Shanty
Yes, they serve lobster martinis! Weird but on-brand for Salem. Great fish and chips, too.
Black Craft Salem (Hidden Coffee Shop)
Behind the Black Craft Salem store is a cozy café with vibrant drinks and a fireplace.
- Add your name to the waitlist, then shop while you wait. They even have a haunted house for you to do while waiting.
- Very Instagrammable and one of my favorite stops
Front Street Coffeehouse
Perfect for breakfast or a mid-morning caffeine run. A cozy, local favorite.
Don’t Miss the Salem Halloween Parade
If you’re in Salem the first week of October, time your visit around the Haunted Happenings Grand Parade, the official start to Halloween season.
- Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025
- Time: Starts at 6:30 PM
- Route: From Shetland Park to Salem Common
- Over 15,000 spectators, marching bands, costumed locals, floats, and spooky fun. Pro Tip: Arrive early to grab a spot, this is one of the biggest Halloween events in Salem
Bathroom PSA (Seriously)
Avoid the Witch City Mall bathrooms.
They’re truly awful. You’re better off using a porta potty or buying a drink at a bar or café to access a restroom.
Final Tips for Visiting Salem During Halloween
- Plan mid-week if you can: the vibe is still festive, but with fewer crowds
- Pack layers: fall weather in Salem can turn fast
- Wear comfy shoes: you’ll walk a lot
- Book early: hotels and tours sell out fast in October
- Be patient: lines are long, but the magic is worth it
Why Salem During Halloween Is Worth It
Visiting Salem during Halloween was the perfect finale to our fall road trip. After a week of chasing foliage through Vermont and New Hampshire, it felt magical to shift into full-on spooky mode, ghost tours, haunted hotels, mashed potatoes, and all.
If you go with the right expectations and a solid plan, it’s one of the most unique and festive fall destinations in the U.S.
Happy haunting!
