Boston , United States

Salem Full Day Private Tour from Boston

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About this experience

Enjoy a private pickup and ride to historic Salem with your guide. Walk the streets where hysteria once ruled, and learn about the Puritan past that shaped daily life in early New England. Uncover the tragic history of the witch trials during a visit to the moving Witch Trials Memorial.

Discover Salem's prosperity during the "Old China Trade," when ships sailed to Asia and returned with exotic goods like silk and porcelain, making it one of the wealthiest towns in the early United States and home to the country's first millionaire. See how this era shaped the city beyond the witch trials with a visit to the Salem Maritime National Historic Site.

You'll have 1.5 hours of free time to grab lunch and browse for souvenirs, from classic mementos to mystical finds like tarot decks and potion ingredients. Afterward, we'll continue exploring Salem's landmarks before your private ride returns you to Boston.

Available options

Private Tour w/Standard Pickup

Private Tour w/Standard Pickup: Pickup in Boston within 3 miles of the North End, EXCEPT at Boston Logan International Airport<br/>Pickup included

Private Tour w/Airport Pickup

Airport Pickup: Pickup at Boston Logan International Airport<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Bottled water

WiFi on board

Witch House Entry Tickets

Air-conditioned vehicle

Fuel surcharge

Parking Fees

Detailed itinerary

Drive to Salem from Boston

Get situated, use the restroom, and get your first glimpse of Salem!

At the Salem Common, stop by the Roger Conant Statue and learn about early settlers.

Stop 4 Pass by

Across the street, view the Salem Witch Museum as the Salem Witch Trials are introduced.

Stop 5

Hear the true story of the Salem Witch Trials. Learn about who the victims were, why and how they ended up there, and more.

Stop 6

See the oldest cemetery in Salem, where some of its earliest settlers are buried.

See Peabody House, now owned by the Salem Inn. This historic Colonial Revival was built in the 1800s by one of Salem's merchants.

Learn about Harry Houdini's famous escape from the town jail.

Stop 9

Learn how a fire at a television studio helped put Salem on the map!

Break for lunch and souvenir shopping.

Go inside the Witch House, built in 1642. Judge Corwin of the Witch Trials once lived in this very home. Learn all about the Corwin Curse!

See the historic, 1700s-era mansion used in the filming of Hocus Pocus. Learn about the famous ghosts who haunt the building.

Stop by "America's First Red Carpet," at this dance hall named for the founding father.

Walk one of Salem's most prestigious and historic streets. Learn stories of the wealthy mansions lining the street, built from the prosperous "Old China" trade.

See the most haunted building in Salem, standing on the original foundation from when the infamous George Corwin owned the property.

Drive by Salem's harbor while looking at the historic Derby Wharf. Learn how Salem became the richest town in the country through trade.

See where the hangings during the Witch Trials actually took place.

Ride in comfort back to Boston and get dropped off at your hotel!

What's not included

Gratuities

Lunch

Souvenirs

Available languages

Guide guide

Written guide

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Luggage - note that luggage will decrease vehicle capacity. If you have luggage, please let us know in your booking comments so we can confirm we will be able to safely handle it.

Note that per Massachusetts state law: "All children riding in passenger motor vehicles must be in a federally approved child passenger restraint that is properly fastened and secured according to the manufacturer's instructions until they are 8 years old OR over 57 inches tall." We do not provide child seats, please bring age appropriate car seats for kids who do not meet these criteria. We will not be able to do the tour if you do not have child seats for everyone that needs one. A refund will not be issued the day of the tour due to lack of proper car seats. All children must be registered as separate tour guests.

Pets are not allowed. Service animals trained to assist with specific tasks are allowed.

About Boston

Boston, one of the oldest cities in the United States, is rich in history, culture, and education. Known for its significant role in the American Revolution and its prestigious universities, Boston offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy.

Top Attractions

Freedom Trail

A 2.5-mile (4 km) walking route that passes 16 locations significant to the history of the United States, including churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, museums, and historic markers.

Historical 3-4 hours Free to walk the trail; individual attractions may have admission fees

Fenway Park

Home to the Boston Red Sox, Fenway Park is the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball and a must-visit for sports fans and history buffs alike.

Sports/Historical 1-3 hours (tour or game) Tour: $20-$25; Game tickets: $30-$200+

Boston Common

America's oldest public park, Boston Common is a central gathering place for both locals and visitors, offering green spaces, walking paths, and seasonal activities.

Parks/Historical 1-2 hours Free (Swan Boats: $4-$5 per ride)

Museum of Fine Arts (MFA)

One of the most comprehensive art museums in the world, the MFA houses nearly 450,000 works of art, ranging from ancient Egyptian to contemporary.

Museum 2-4 hours $27 (adults), free for children under 17

Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

A group of islands in Boston Harbor offering outdoor recreation, historic sites, and stunning views of the city skyline.

Nature/Historical Half-day to full-day trip $5-$15 per person, depending on the island and activities

Must-Try Local Dishes

Clam Chowder

A creamy, hearty soup made with clams, potatoes, onions, and sometimes bacon or salt pork. Boston-style clam chowder is typically made with milk or cream and is served with oyster crackers.

Soup Contains dairy and sometimes pork; vegetarian and vegan versions are available at some restaurants.

Lobster Roll

A buttered, toasted split-top roll filled with lobster meat, usually dressed with mayo or butter. Some versions include celery or other vegetables for added crunch.

Sandwich Contains shellfish and may contain dairy or eggs; gluten-free buns may be available at some restaurants.

Boston Cream Pie

A layered dessert consisting of sponge cake filled with custard or cream and topped with chocolate glaze. It's the official dessert of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Dessert Contains dairy, eggs, and gluten; vegan and gluten-free versions may be available at some restaurants.

Oysters

Boston is known for its fresh oysters, which can be found at many seafood restaurants and raw bars. They are typically served on the half-shell with various toppings or sauces.

Appetizer Contains shellfish; vegan and vegetarian options may be available at some restaurants.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Blue Hills Reservation Kayaking or paddleboarding in the Charles River Biking along the Charles River Esplanade Rock climbing at Brooklyn Boulders Picnicking in the Boston Common or Public Garden Strolling along the Charles River Esplanade Enjoying a spa day at one of Boston's many luxury spas Reading a book at the Boston Public Library

Best Time to Visit

Late spring to early fall (May to October)

This is the best time to visit Boston for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city is vibrant with festivals and outdoor events.

10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, French, Italian
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Eastern Standard Time (EST) (UTC-5) or Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (UTC-4) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Boston is generally a safe city for travelers, with a low crime rate and a strong police presence. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit. Some areas of the city, such as certain neighborhoods in Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan, have higher crime rates and should be avoided, especially at night.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure, especially in crowded tourist areas and on public transportation
• Use licensed taxis or rideshare services, and always check the fare before starting your journey
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or surveys, and avoid sharing personal information

Getting there

By air

Logan International Airport • 3 miles (5 km) from city center

By train

South Station, North Station

By bus

South Station, Logan Airport

Getting around

Public transport

The MBTA subway system is efficient and affordable, with four main lines (Red, Blue, Green, and Orange) connecting major attractions and neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown/Financial District Back Bay North End South End Fenway-Kenmore Beacon Hill

Day trips

Salem

16 miles (26 km) from Boston • Half-day to full-day trip

A historic coastal city known for its connection to the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Salem offers a mix of historic sites, museums, and waterfront activities.

Lexington and Concord

10-15 miles (16-24 km) from Boston • Full-day trip

Two historic towns that played significant roles in the American Revolution. Lexington and Concord offer a mix of historic sites, museums, and scenic walking trails.

Cape Cod

60-80 miles (97-129 km) from Boston, depending on the destination • Full-day trip or overnight stay

A popular summer destination known for its beautiful beaches, charming coastal towns, and outdoor recreation. Cape Cod offers a mix of relaxation and adventure.

Festivals

Boston Harbor Hotel Chowder Festival • October (annual) Boston Pride • June (annual) Boston Film Festival • September (annual)

Pro tips

Visit the Freedom Trail early in the morning or on a weekday to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience
Take advantage of free or discounted admission days at museums and other attractions, such as the Museum of Fine Arts' free Wednesday evenings or the Boston Public Library's free exhibits and events
Explore Boston's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character, history, and attractions
Try local specialties, such as clam chowder, lobster rolls, and Boston cream pie, at historic and iconic eateries like Union Oyster House, Neptune Oyster, and Mike's Pastry
Attend a Red Sox game at Fenway Park, one of the most iconic and historic baseball stadiums in the world