Explore All The Best Things To Do In Salem
1692 Before and After is a family-owned and operated historical walking tour company in Salem, Ma. We created Discover Salem Ma to share all our favorite must-see places to visit in Salem. We love Witch City and want to help you plan your trip. All the locations listed in this guide are locally owned and operated. We encourage all visitors to support locally owned businesses to help preserve the Salem we have today.
HISTORY OF SALEM
Salem, Massachusetts, was established in 1626 by Roger Conant and became one of the most notable seaports for trade in early American history. The city is best known for the infamous Salem Witch Trials that occurred in 1692, when 20 innocent lives were taken. Over the course of a year, between 150-200 people were accused of bewitching residents. Of those accused, 20 were killed. During court proceedings, the afflicted claimed to have seen the apparition of the accused, who would come torture them and get them to sign the devil’s book. This was known as Spectral evidence and would be the only evidence given against the accused. By the end of 1692, 19 people were hanged, and one man was pressed to death. Governor Phips stepped in and ended the use of Spectral evidence. The remaining cases would end in acquittals. You can read more about the Salem Witch Trials and those involved here.
Salem today is a bustling tourist city and home to the House of Seven Gables, the Pioneer Village, Salem Maritime National Historic Site, Salem Willows Park, the Peabody Essex Museum, and so much more. You will see architecture from as early as the 17th century in the Federal Street District and the Charter Street Historic District neighborhoods.
Take a stroll down Salem’s narrow streets and discover all that witch city has to offer. From its shops to its award-winning restaurants, historical sites, and museums. We can guarantee you will have a fun trip packed full of history, arts, and culture in one of the oldest cities in America.
Now let’s take a dive into the must-see sights and activities that will make your trip fun and memorable.