Your Go-To Guide for Having Fun in the Salem Sun
Soak in the sunshine, saunter the streets as you shop, savor seafood, and swim during a summer trip to Salem! While still not peak season, the city welcomes you to explore its hallowed history and delicious seafood in the sunshine!
Why Visit Salem in The Spring or Summer
Summer in Salem, MA, blends history with New England coastal charm. Spanning from April to August, the seaside city’s streets begin to fill with blooming flowers and spellbinding salty breezes, making it the perfect getaway from Boston or other tourist-heavy beach towns. From experienced hunters to beach bums, Salem draws every kind of vacationer into its spell of summer magic!
While the city never truly hibernates, even in the chilliest of months, business hours can vary outside of peak season. Before setting sail for Salem, make the most of your visit by checking the websites of local businesses ahead of time to plan your trip accordingly. Grab your suitcase, sunblock, and sunglasses, and get ready to take in the magic of Salem with every corner turned and ocean breeze felt.
Visit During a City Event
Join the locals under the New England sunshine for city-hosted events that bring together crowds looking to trade the indoor chill for outdoor adventure! These fun-filled celebrations will give you a glimpse into what makes Salem so special, leaving you eager to swap your witch's hat for one to block out the sun’s rays. While these events shift the spotlight from the mystical lore of Salem, you will be left feeling the magic of the tight-knit community that makes up this seaside city.
Salem Art Festival
If you have an affinity for the arts, Salem puts creativity on display at the Salem Art Festival. Though not widely known, the city is full of creatives and artists who leave their unique creative mark across its cobblestone streets. Join in on the fun during this June festival, which celebrates creativity and local artisans while honoring the history of the hallowed city! Explore the beauty displayed around Salem’s every corner, taking in both its historic charm and the artistry of its local talent for a weekend of music, performance art, and exhibitions from local artists.
Salem Heritage Parade
Art aficionados and history buffs alike will embrace the revelry of the Salem Heritage Parade! While Salem is infamous for being the location of the Salem Witch Trials, the city is brewing with history, all of which is highlighted at this celebration. Soak up the sun and Salem’s history as beautifully crafted floats bring the city’s story to life, from its Indigenous heritage to its ties to the Industrial Revolution.
For more information about city-wide celebrations, be sure to check out local listings and city events pages!
Take a Tour Through Salem’s History
There is no better way to get acquainted with Salem’s secrets and ride the tides than through a guided tour! Salem offers a variety of themed tours sure to leave your senses sizzling with historic sites and knowledge. Take to the streets or the waves and immerse yourself in the sun and stories that make Salem unique.
Ride the Waves on the Schooner Fame
Set sail on the Schooner Fame of Salem for coastal views and maritime history that will have you hooked on the city’s charm! The Fame is an exciting addition to any trip and offers a touchpoint for many vacationers' interests. Mariners will love that the Fame is a replica of a historic warship, history buffs will delight in stories of Salem’s maritime and wartime past, and beachgoers can soak up the sun while enjoying a day on the water.
Explore Salem After Dark
For those seeking relief from the notorious New England heat and an experience that will thrill and chill, explore the city at night with Wicked Salem Tours. This touring group blends Salem’s many layers of history with theatrical storytelling that is popular with first-time visitors, history buffs, and thespians alike!
If you’re interested in exploring other tours that Salem has available, check out all that the city has to offer!
Dine on Fresh Seafood
Nothing pairs better with summer sunshine than fresh seafood! Being nestled on the coast, Salem offers the perfect taste of a New England summer with fresh-caught and local seafood. After a day of exploring all the coastal city has to offer, there is no better way to unwind than to sink your teeth into a local delicacy paired with scenic views.
Try The Local's Favorite Lobster Roll
Butter or mayo? The age-old debate that splits New Englanders continues, but either way, a fresh lobster roll is a must-try. Take a trip to The Clam Shack and pick which side of the debate you land on as you savor the local delicacy of a lobster roll. While a little off-the-beaten path, a trip to The Clam Shack is a must-do when visiting Salem. Located by Salem Willows, the Clam Shack offers more than just lobster rolls, so you can get your fill of fresh seafood and ocean views.
Taste New England Clam Chowder
While savoring a steamy bowl of clam chowder might seem like an unpopular choice after a day spent in Salem’s sunshine, it is a local favorite. Visit Turner’s Seafood in downtown Salem for a bowl of chowder and a meal of fresh-caught seafood in the historic Lyceum Hall.
Take in Ocean Views and Oysters
Oysters are another popular dish amongst New Englanders, so do as the locals do and visit Sea Level Oyster Bar and savor fresh-shucked or baked oysters. Take in Salem’s harbor and watch boats glide by on the sparkling bay for a quintessential summer afternoon of oysters, sunshine, and ocean views.
Want to discover even more of Salem’s restaurants and viral food spots? There’s plenty waiting to be explored!
Visit the Beaches in Salem
If you are in need of some r&r, wade in the waves of one of Salem’s many beaches. This shorelined city makes it easy to swap your walking shoes and brick-lined streets for flip-flops and sun-drenched sand. The world is your oyster as you bask in the sunshine with a beach read, and find sweet salvation from the heat with a swim in the sea!
Waikiki Beach
When the air conditioning isn’t doing the trick anymore, take to the salty air and cooling waves of Waikiki Beach! Located in Winter Island Park, the beach is a bustling hub in the summer for beachgoers and seagulls alike. Waikiki Beach is equipped with all the amenities you need for a successful beach day, including public restrooms and a playground if the kiddos want to swap riding the waves for swinging in the salty ocean breeze. As you lay, be lulled into relaxation with the noise of crashing waves and take in stunning views of this hidden gem!
Collins Cove
If you are looking for a spot where you can get your fill of summer fun, Collins Cove is the perfect corner of Salem to spend your day! With Collins Cove Park just steps away, you can enjoy basketball courts, playgrounds, and a pathway for biking or a summer stroll. Once you work up a sweat, take a dip in the cove or opt to kayak to cap off your fun-filled day.
Visit Salem Willows
It wouldn’t be a summer in Salem without a trip to the Willows! Located in the historic Salem Willows Park, a trip to the Willows is one that you will never forget. Fun for families or those who want to be filled with childlike wonder again, spend the afternoon playing ski ball, testing out your bumper car skills, and snacking on kettle corn. If you are lucky, you might get enough tickets to walk away with a memorable memento from the prize shop as a reminder of your trip!
Stay at the Salem Inn
After a day of dining and exploring the city’s streets, there is no better way to unwind from the heat than with a stay at the Salem Inn! We would love to be a part of your memorable visit to our iconic city and treat you to the amenities of one of our three downtown locations!