Salem has been called “New England’s treasure house.” There’s so much to see and explore. Choose from five themed sets of adventures — Family Fun; Maritime Adventures; Legend, Legacy & Lore; Hawthorne and Friends; and Open Spaces for All. Start at The House of the Seven Gables and then mix it up as you wish. You’ll find 50 fascinating destinations in and around Salem, along with walking or drive times, and links for more. Enjoy!
Salem & Beyond
Family Fun on Salem’s Waterfront
Play, discover and learn as you explore Salem’s waterfront treasures and delve into the city’s maritime past. Adventure seekers of all ages will delight in our list of fun things to do at The House of the Seven Gables and nearby on Salem’s waterfront. From hands-on activities and maritime treasure, to tasty treats and great places to relax and play, you’ll find much your entire family will enjoy!
Maritime Adventures by Land and Sea
From the Great Age of Sail and the indelible legacy it left behind, to the charming seaport cities and towns dotting the shoreline today, you can experience the North Shore’s maritime past and present, from both land and sea. On your travels, learn about brave sea captains, sailors, fishermen and entrepreneurs who sought their fortunes across the seas. Or, embark on your own seafaring adventure aboard a schooner or fishing boat. Begin your visit with an exploration of The House of the Seven Gables, then use this list to continue your journey throughout the region.
Discover Open Spaces for All
Sometimes the simple pleasures are the best ones. Salem’s parks, gardens and nature preserves are colorful gems set alongside glittering blue seas. Choose from museum gardens, an historic cemetery, a town common where the National Guard got its start and even an island. Begin your journey with a stroll around The Gables historic oceanside lawns and gardens. Enjoy — alone or with loved ones.
Meet Hawthorne and Friends
See Salem and New England as Nathaniel Hawthorne did. Go where Hawthorne went as he absorbed the feel of a city and a region that flavored his iconic novels and short stories, and established him as one of America’s great writers. Along the way, meet a few of his friends and contemporaries — the Peabody sisters including his talented wife Sophia Peabody, Henry David Thoreau, Louisa May Alcott and Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Legend, Lore & Legacy
Yes, we all know Salem has a darker side. But let us separate fact from lore as we walk through the city’s beautiful tree-lined streets and historic neighborhoods. Salem’s history is filled with enterprising people who brought riches and opportunity to its citizens. Let’s bypass those good folks for now and peek at the rest of the story….