Must See Parks In Salem Ma
Salem, MA, has beautiful parks that offer a variety of outdoor experiences. Salem Willows Park is a beloved waterfront destination featuring scenic picnic spots, classic arcade games, and stunning views. Winter Island Park provides opportunities for camping, boating, and exploring historic Fort Pickering. For a more secluded adventure, take a ferry to Bakers Island, where you can enjoy hiking trails and breathtaking ocean vistas. Each park in Salem offers a unique way to enjoy the natural beauty and recreational activities of this historic coastal town.
Salem Willows
This seaside public park is one of Salem’s treasures. A great location to spend the day with great food, a video arcade, the best popcorn in New England, a picnic area, a seaside Promenade, and a beach. Your family is guaranteed to have a blast!
Winter Island Park
Located at 50 Winter Island Road
This Island is about 45 acres in size and is connected by a causeway. It features a campground, the former Coast Guard Air Station site, Fort Pickering, Fort Pickering lighthouse, and an amazing view of Salem Harbor.
It was first used in the early settlement of Salem as a fish-drying and shipbuilding area. Fort Pickering was first built in 1643 and the lighthouse was built in 1871.
Salem Common
This 8-acre Park is a great spot to have a picnic, walk and take photos.
There are public events held at the commons throughout the year. Check with Salem.org for the schedule of events.
Forest River Park
This park is a great spot to take in the view of Salem Harbor. The park has plenty of trees, bike paths, picnic areas, beaches, playgrounds, swimming pools, and baseball fields.
The Pioneer Village is also located at the park. The village is a 17th-century fishing village built in 1930 and is one of America’s first living history museums.
Bakers Island
One of Massachusetts’s largest residential islands north of Boston, the island dates back to the 18th century. In 1796 an appropriation by President George Washington funded the building of two light stations. Twenty years later, a single lighthouse replaced the original two. Today the lighthouse is owned by Essex National Heritage Area. You can visit the island and this beautiful lighthouse aboard the Naumkeag.