The "Salem, MA: History and Hauntings Guided Walking Tour" offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the captivating history and eerie tales of this legendary New England town. Led by knowledgeable guides, the 2-hour excursion takes guests on a journey through key landmarks, providing a blend of historical insights and spooky narratives. From the Witch House to the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, this wheelchair-accessible tour promises a captivating experience for both history enthusiasts and those intrigued by the supernatural. With a 4.9-out-of-5 rating from 87 reviews, the tour’s popularity suggests it’s a must-do for anyone seeking to unravel the mysteries and legends of Salem.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Walking Tours In Salem.

Key Points

Salem, MA: History and Hauntings Guided Walking Tour - Key Points

  • This guided walking tour in Salem, MA explores the town’s history, including the notorious Salem Witch Trials, and its haunted sites.
  • The tour covers key landmarks like the Witch House, McIntire Historic District, and the Salem Witch Trials Memorial over 2 hours.
  • Led by knowledgeable local guides, the tour offers informative and engaging insights into Salem’s past, with a focus on the true story of the witch trials.
  • The tour is wheelchair accessible and available in English, attracting history enthusiasts and ghost lovers alike.
  • With an exceptional rating of 4.9/5 from 87 reviews, the tour provides a memorable introduction to Salem’s rich history and haunted legacy.
You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

Salem, MA: History and Hauntings Guided Walking Tour - Tour Overview

This guided tour, titled "Salem, MA: History and Hauntings Guided Walking Tour," offers visitors an immersive experience exploring the rich history and haunting legacy of Salem, Massachusetts.

Priced at $74.2 per person, the 2-hour walking tour is led by local experts and covers key historical sites like the Witch House, McIntire Historic District, and the Salem Witch Trials Memorial.

Wheelchair accessible and available in English, the tour allows participants to discover Salem’s maritime history and architectural gems through guided exploration, photo stops, and engaging commentary.

With a 4.9/5 rating from 87 reviews, this tour provides an informative and entertaining way to uncover the captivating stories of this historic New England town.

Itinerary Highlights

Salem, MA: History and Hauntings Guided Walking Tour - Itinerary Highlights

The guided walking tour begins at the Old Town Hall in Derby Square, where you will explore the Witch House – the former home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, a key figure in the Salem Witch Trials.

From there, the tour moves to the McIntire Historic District, showcasing the city’s architectural heritage. The main stop is the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, a poignant reminder of the tragic events.

Along the way, visitors will encounter other notable sites like Essex Street, the Bewitched Sculpture, and the Ropes Mansion and Garden.

Throughout the 2-hour experience, the knowledgeable guides share the true story of the 1692-1693 witch trials and Salem’s rich maritime history.

Starting Location

Salem, MA: History and Hauntings Guided Walking Tour - Starting Location

The guided walking tour begins at the Old Town Hall in Derby Square, the starting point for exploring Salem’s storied history and haunting past.

This iconic 18th-century building sets the stage for the 2-hour journey through Salem’s most famous landmarks. From this central location, the tour winds its way through the surrounding McIntire Historic District, showcasing the city’s well-preserved colonial architecture.

The guide will lead participants on a storytelling adventure, delving into the chilling events of the Salem Witch Trials and the enduring legacy they’ve left on the town.

With the Old Town Hall as the starting point, the tour sets out to uncover the mysteries and fascinations that have made Salem a perennial destination for history and ghost enthusiasts alike.

Key Stops

Salem, MA: History and Hauntings Guided Walking Tour - Key Stops

The guided tour makes several key stops that provide an immersive experience into Salem’s rich history and eerie past.

The first stop is the Witch House at Salem, where visitors spend 15 minutes learning about the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, a central figure in the Salem Witch Trials.

Next, the tour explores the McIntire Historic District, a 30-minute stop showcasing the beautiful Federal-style architecture.

The main highlight is the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, where participants reflect on the tragic events.

Other notable sites include Essex Street, the Bewitched Sculpture, Ropes Mansion and Garden, and the Chestnut Street District, offering photo opportunities and deeper insights into Salem’s captivating past.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Activities

The guided walking tour offers an immersive experience, allowing participants to explore Salem’s historic sites and learn about its captivating past.

Along the way, visitors will stop at key destinations, including the Witch House, the McIntire Historic District, and the Salem Witch Trials Memorial. These stops provide opportunities for guided sightseeing, photo opportunities, and insightful commentary from the knowledgeable guides.

The tour focuses on the true story of the Salem Witch Trials, as well as the city’s maritime history and architectural highlights.

Participants can expect an outdoor activity with no building entries, so comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.

Experience and Guides

Salem, MA: History and Hauntings Guided Walking Tour - Experience and Guides

Knowledgeable local historians, teachers, and artists passionate about Salem’s captivating history lead the guided walking tours.

These experts focus on the true story of the notorious Salem Witch Trials of 1692-1693, as well as the city’s rich maritime heritage and architectural highlights.

The tours feature:

  • An engaging, storytelling approach that brings the past to life
  • Entertaining and humorous guides who enhance the overall experience
  • An outdoor-only format with no building entries, perfect for sightseeing
  • Informative insights beyond just the witch trials, covering broader historical themes
  • Opportunities for photo stops at notable sites like the Bewitched Sculpture and Chestnut Street District.

Participant Information

Salem, MA: History and Hauntings Guided Walking Tour - Participant Information

Up to 39 people can participate in each Salem, MA: History and Hauntings Guided Walking Tour.

Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather, as the tour is an outdoor activity only, with no building entries.

Bringing rain gear is recommended in case of inclement weather. No alcohol or drugs are allowed during the tour.

The tour focuses on the true story of the Salem Witch Trials, maritime history, and architectural highlights of the city, led by local historians, teachers, and artists passionate about Salem’s past.

Customer Feedback

Salem, MA: History and Hauntings Guided Walking Tour - Customer Feedback

Customers have overwhelmingly praised the Salem, MA: History and Hauntings Guided Walking Tour, with an exceptional overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on 87 reviews.

Reviewers highlighted several key aspects of the experience:

  • The tours are led by engaging and humorous guides who enhance the overall experience beyond just the history of the Salem Witch Trials.

  • The tour provides an informative and well-rounded look at Salem’s maritime history and architectural highlights, not just the witch-related sites.

  • Participants appreciate the focus on the true story of the 1692-1693 witch trials, rather than sensationalized accounts.

  • The outdoor, walking-only format allows for an immersive experience of the city’s charming streets and landmarks.

  • Several reviewers noted the tour exceeded their expectations and provided a memorable introduction to Salem’s rich history and culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem, MA: History and Hauntings Guided Walking Tour - Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour does not appear to have any age restrictions. The information provided indicates the tour is suitable for all ages, as long as participants can comfortably complete the 2-hour walking tour.

Can We Take Photos During the Tour?

Participants are generally allowed to take photos during the tour. The guides encourage taking photos at the designated photo stop locations to capture the historic sights and scenery. However, photography may be restricted in certain areas for preservation purposes.

Do the Guides Provide Historical Re-Enactments?

The guides do not provide historical re-enactments during the tour. Instead, they focus on sharing the true stories and historical facts about the Salem Witch Trials and other notable sites in an engaging, informative manner through their guided commentary.

Is There a Set Route That the Tour Follows?

Yes, the tour follows a set route through Salem’s historic district. It visits key sites like the Witch House, McIntire Historic District, and the Salem Witch Trials Memorial while providing commentary from knowledgeable guides along the way.

Can We Purchase Souvenirs at the End of the Tour?

The tour does not include the opportunity to purchase souvenirs. The focus is on the guided walking experience and historical exploration of Salem. Visitors can explore shops and sites on their own after the tour concludes.

Recap

The "Salem, MA: History and Hauntings Guided Walking Tour" offers a captivating 2-hour exploration of Salem’s rich history and eerie past. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour visits key sites, blending storytelling, architecture, and historical insights for both history buffs and supernatural enthusiasts. With high ratings and a wheelchair-accessible route, it’s a must-do experience for those seeking to uncover Salem’s haunting past.

You can check if your dates are available here: