Salem Maritime National Historic Site

Things To Do Near Salem Maritime National Historic Site

You can visit the replica of the Friendship, a ship built between 1796-1797 that brought goods to New England. Get up close to the Derby Wharf Light Station that lit the way for sailors entering Salem Harbor. Visit the House of the Seven Gables that was made famous by Nathanial Hawthorne. Watch reenactments of the Salem Witch Trials. Get your fortune told by a psychic. Or experience the dark side of the town's history with a walking tour of notorious murders in Salem. 

Hiking Trails

• Forest River Conservation Area

  Enjoy views of the Forest River, Massabeguash Marsh, and Heron Pond along this hiking trail. This conservation area is a part of the Marblehead Conservancy, where you will find several tidal ponds tucked between woodlands and along the coastline. Have fun in this birdwatcher's paradise.

  Location

  408 Loring Ave, Salem, MA 01970

  Length

  1.5 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• Marblehead Rail-Trail

  The Y-shaped Marblehead Rail-Trail connects the historic towns of Marblehead and Salem. Along the trail, you will find ocean views, woodlands, marshes, and lots of history. Be sure to stop for a moment at Harbor Glade for a view of the shore.

  Location

  Bessom St and Heritage Way in Marblehead, Beach Bluff Ave and Manton Rd in Swampscott, and Canal Street in Salem

  Length

  4 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• Salem Woods

  Take a hike through scenic Salem Woods, 160 acres of wetlands, woods, and a meadow. The nature trail includes two bridges to cross over marshy water. Look to find several species of birds, and be sure to keep an eye out for raccoons, deer, and wild turkeys. 

  Location

  Wilson St., Salem, MA 01970

  Length

  2.3 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

Sightseeing

• Friendship of Salem

  Visit the 171-ft replica of Friendship, an East Indian merchant ship that was launched in 1797. The original Friendship carried staples like sugar, cheese, coffee, salt, pepper, and other spices back to the United States before it was captured by the British during the War of 1812. 

  Location

  160 Derby St., Salem, MA 01970

• Narbonne House

  Built in 1675, the Narbonne House is an excellent example of a middle-class home in the 17th and 18th centuries. Part of the building is the original house, including the chimney. 

  Location

  71 Essex St., Salem, MA 01970

• Statue of Samantha Stevens

  This Bewitched statue of Samantha Stevens is one of the most photographed landmarks in Salem. The statue was erected in 2005 in honor of the show that filmed several episodes in Salem after a fire broke out in their Hollywood Studios. 

  Location

  235 Essex St., Salem, MA 01970

Museums

• Gallows Hill Museum/Theatre

  Immerse yourself in an interactive experience that retells the hysteria of the Salem Witch Trials. There is also an interactive museum as well as both walking and trolley tours. 

  Location

  7 Lynde St., Salem, MA 01970

• House of the Seven Gables

  Here, you will find the house made famous by Nathanial Hawthorne. Known for its seven gables, the house was built in 1668 for Captain John Turner, whose family lived there for three generations. The house became a museum in 1910. 

  Location

  115 Derby St., Salem, MA 01970

• Peabody Essex Museum

  It is the oldest continuously operating museum in the United States. The museum was originally started as the East India Marine Society made up of sea captains from Salem who collected artifacts while circumnavigating ships beyond the Cape of Good Hope. The society later became the Peabody Museum that merged with the Essex Institute.

  Location

  161 Essex St., Salem, MA 01970

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Beverly Bees

  Beverly Beessells honey and beeswax products. You can watch them make candles from beeswax, learn about bees, beekeeping, and how they work to save honeybees. Their award-winning honey comes from the bees they care for. 

  Location

  24 New Derby St., Salem, MA 01970

• Modern Millie

  Modern Millie is a women's dress shop that specializes in vintage-inspired reproduction clothing and accessories. They have a full range of sizes that run from XXS – 4X. Accessories include everything from handbags to jewelry.

  Location

  3 Central St., Salem, MA 01970

• Flying Saucer Pizza

  Enjoy gourmet pizzas and New England draught beer inside this sci-fi pizzeria haven. These New York-style pizzas can be made any way you like. From vegan cheese and gluten-free to pizza with pickles and bacon, Flying Saucer Pizza has something to please everyone. 

  Location

  118 Washington St., Salem, MA 01970

• Turner's Seafood at Lyceum Hall

  Savor fresh fish and a bowl of New England Clam Chowder at Turner's Seafood Grill & Market. Here, you'll find Jonah Crab Cakes, Finnan Haddie, Lobster Risotto Cake, and Oysters Rockefella, along with a host of other seafood dishes at historic Lyceum Hall. 

  Location

  43 Church St., Salem, MA 01970

• Village Tavern

  Play some pool, drink some beer and have a burger with some avocado fries at Village Tavern, where they also serve "America's Best Steak Tips. Period!" Afterward, throw darts and play air hockey, skee ball, retro video games, or pool in the game room.

  Location

  Location: 168 Essex St., Salem, MA 01970

How To Get To Salem Maritime National Historic Site

From Boston, take MA-1A N. (a toll road) for roughly 9 miles. Go straight on Lynnway for 0.5 miles. Take the 3rd exit at the traffic circle to Lynn Shore Dr. After about 1.2 miles, veer right onto Humphrey Street. After a little more than 1 mile, veer left on Maple St. Keep going straight until you get onto Lafayette St. Make a right onto Derby St. 

Address

160 Derby St., Salem, MA 01970

Fee: Entry fee $0

With all of the historical sites and natural beauty, Salem Maritime has a lot to offer both the history buff and nature lover. However, it is all best enjoyed with your own RV. You can drive through town or camp out and explore. And RVs allow you to bring along the comforts of home.