Historical Walking Tour of Salem by The Adventure Collective
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels, requires only walking and light movement
Overview
Step into Salem’s storied past with a self-guided historical tour that combines engaging stories and scenic streets. Discover the city's most iconic sites at your own pace and learn about its rich, complex history.
The Essence of Salem
Highlights of Salem’s Yesteryear
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About This Adventure
Experience Salem like never before with "The Essence of Salem," a self-guided tour that immerses you in the city's rich history. Explore 16 narrated stops, including the Witch Trials Memorial and iconic film locations, all while enjoying professional audio and historical photos. Discover Salem at your own pace, rain or shine!
Tour Overview
The Essence of Salem is Salem on Your Own’s newest self-guided tour! Designed for history fans seeking the highlights of Salem’s yesteryear, you will hear true stories all in Salem’s downtown core. Learn about Salem’s colonial witchcraft trials, architecture, and Salem’s present-day. Enjoy 16 carefully chosen narrated stops complete with historical photos to bring Salem’s essence to life, right before your eyes. The tour route is approximately one mile. Please allow a minimum of 90 minutes to complete the tour, but may take longer depending on the time of your visit, vehicle, foot traffic, and your walking pace.
Stops Include
• The Salem Jail's Great Escape • Hollywood in Salem • One of the Hocus Pocus movie locations • Salem's oldest cemetery • The Witch Trials Memorial
App Experience
Included in this tour is a GPS-enabled map and professional-quality audio narration. Simply follow the app’s exclusive tour route. It's like having a private tour guide, so stop whenever you'd like, and the tour will be ready to resume when you are. Come rain or shine, on foot or by car, The Essence of Salem tour will be ready for you.
Other Details
• To purchase the app, select the date on the calendar you plan to tour Salem. After your purchase, you’ll receive a confirmation email containing your passcode and app download instructions. • Begin at Stop 1 - The Gardner-Pingree House, then follow the app’s tour route. • The app is downloadable to just one GPS-enabled, internet-capable device. • Your tour starts when you enter the passcode and will automatically end 24 hours later. • Admission fees to attractions, museums, or sites are not included in the price of your self-guided tour.
Now let's get started!
©2021 Salem On Your Own, LLC
Adventure Tips
Wear comfortable shoes
Salem’s historic streets can be uneven; comfortable footwear is essential for a smooth walk.
Use a fully charged GPS device
Ensure your app device stays charged so you don’t miss any narrated stops.
Bring water and weather gear
Weather varies; stay hydrated and prepared for rain or shine.
Plan for extra time at key stops
Some sites offer additional exhibits or photos worth spending extra time on.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- American robin
- Common sparrow
History
Salem’s witch trials of 1692 remain one of the most infamous episodes in American colonial history, with lasting cultural implications.
Conservation
Salem actively promotes preservation of its historic landmarks and sustainable tourism practices to protect its unique architectural heritage.
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Adventure Hotspots in Boston
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Smartphone or GPS device
Needed to run the self-guided tour app and navigate Salem’s historic sites.
Comfortable walking shoes
Allows for easy walking over uneven surfaces throughout Salem.
Weather-appropriate clothing
Prepare for variable weather to stay comfortable during your walk.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated as you explore the city on foot.