Historic Sites and Attractions in Salem

This classic Georgian-style home is steeped in maritime and scholarly history, making it a unique place to explore. As you walk through, you’ll see that the house has been carefully restored and furnished with period-appropriate pieces. Tours, hosted by the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM), offer valuable insights into the property’s rich history and life in colonial Salem.

Best for: historical architecture, history buffs, smaller crowds, 1700s and 1800s history, preserved history, sea captain John Crowninshield, William Bentley connection, PEM house tour context.

Built in 1784, the Joshua Ward House was one of the first brick homes in Salem and features Samuel McIntire's oldest surviving interior work. However, beneath its elegant façade lies a darker history tied to the Salem Witch Trials. The site of the home sites on land that was owned by Sheriff George Corwin, infamously known as the “Strangler,” who executed accused witches. After his death, Corwin’s remains were buried on the property that later became the Joshua Ward House. Today, while the house operates as a boutique hotel, many claim the halls are haunted by both Corwin and some of the victims he condemned.

Best for: architecture buffs, historians, paranormal enthusiasts, ghost stories, Joshua Ward, George Crowin, witch trial intrigue

The Witch House is the only remaining property in Salem with direct ties to the 1692 witch trials. Built in 1642 for Jonathan Corwin, an influential Salem merchant who later became one of the trial’s judges, the house preserves 17th-century architecture and offers a rare glimpse to the witch trial era. While the house is not considered haunted, its age and history give it an eerie atmosphere that lingers throughout the space.

 Best For: Only surviving building with direct ties to the Witch Trials, guided tours, 17th-century historic home, historians, and architectural buffs

Step into 20th-century New England and admire Federal architecture at the Phillips House. The house marks the historic legacy of Stephen Clarendon Phillips, a famous merchant and civic leader. For over a century, the Phillips family resided in the home, and the home reflects design and innovation elements through the years. During your tour, you’ll encounter original furnishings and artifacts, offering a rare glimpse into the life of a wealthy New England family.

Best For: 20th-century historic home, federal-style architecture, original historic items, antique cars

The House of the Seven Gables is more than just an Instagram-worthy photo op, it opens the door and invites you to walk through Salem’s past. The beautifully preserved home is a well-renowned landmark and serves as a portal to history. It showcases period charm, historic architecture, and literary significance, making it one of the most sought-after stops on a Salem tour.

Best For: Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel, architecture, gardens, guided house & grounds tours, special events, colonial history, maritime history, photo opportunities.

The Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) invites you to explore one of New England's most historic and well-documented homes. The Ropes Family Mansion reflects their wealth through maritime trade, offering a glimpse into Salem’s evolution into the historic city we know and love today. For fans of Hocus Pocus, the home may look familiar as Allison Watt’s residence, adding a touch of pop-culture charm to its rich historical significance.

Best For: Beautiful public garden, outdoor photography, heritage walks, maritime history, civic history, Georgian architecture, Colonial Architecture, 18th century history, post-colonial era.

Recognized as one of the most significant Federal-style buildings in the United States, Hamilton Hall continues to serve its original purpose: a gathering place for the people of Salem. Originally built for local merchant captains to host elegant soirées, it now opens its doors to everyone who appreciates the city for its years of history. From weddings to public events and lectures, Hamilton Hall remains a vibrant center for community gatherings.

Best For: Historic Federal-style building, cultural venue

Home to over 50,000 volumes, the Salem Athenæum is a must-visit for any literary enthusiast. Its warm and inviting atmosphere makes it an ideal place to curl up with a book, reflect, or even write. Honoring its legacy as a philosophical and social library, the Athenæum hosts cultural events such as salons and lectures. Rich in history and exuding a serene aura, it offers the perfect refuge for those seeking a quiet, contemplative escape from the crowds.

Best For: Historic library, architecture, role in Salem’s intellectual/literary history, small crowds, seasonal events, book lovers, history buffs.