Destination Spotlight: Salem in October—What to Do Beyond Just the Witch Tours

Just mentioning Salem, Massachusetts, evokes images of witches. Of course, it’s famous (or infamous) for the Salem Witch Trials, but now it has become a haven for modern witches and, of course, a center for Halloween festivities. There are always things to see and do, but October is when things get really interesting…

Salem Museums & Attractions

The museums of Salem are always worth visiting, but during October, you’ll find special happenings just for the season. The Haunted Happenings website lists 41 museums and attractions, so you’ll either need to spend the whole month there or plan your visit carefully! Here are some of the attractions that caught my eye. (I think I’ll need to plan to stay for a month next year.)

1. Salem Witch Museum

To accommodate the many visitors, the museum has extended hours in October. The museum has two exhibits. The first immerses visitors in the history of Salem in 1692. There are 13 life-size sets that take you through the events of that time. The displays include lighting and narration. The second exhibit goes deeper into the meaning of the word “witch.” It presents history from the European witch trials and how that led to what happened in the U.S.

They suggest planning at least an hour for your visit and stress that some depictions are distressing and may not be suitable for everyone. If you plan to take children, be prepared to explain what they’re seeing. This is an important stop during your visit to be reminded of the real reason Salem is famous. After all, lives were lost. We must not forget the tragedy so that the mistakes of the past can be avoided.

After the museum, perhaps a visit to the Memorial is appropriate.

2. Hallowed Harvest

The Jack-O’-Lantern festival is having its 5th year in 2025, and the attractions look like so much spooky fun! You’ll see so many expertly carved pumpkins glowing, explore their “Wicked Labyrinth,” and see “Madam Flim-Flam’s Psychic Emporium” for a seance that sounds pretty chaotic! You can also take part in a walking tour led by the Gravekeeper and two talking skulls! This sounds like something you shouldn’t miss. And you can even carve your own pumpkin.

3. Halloween Museum

For an all-ages attraction, have a look at the Halloween Museum. They have interactive exhibits and artifacts from Halloween, movies, costumes, and more.

Haunted Houses

We can’t leave these out. October festivities require them! And there are five haunted houses to get your dose of fear.

Gallows Hill’s Lost Museum doesn’t look like your typical haunted house, but that’s OK with me. You’ll go through the abandoned museum in a group with your guide while solving mysteries so that you can all escape. I love the idea of it being interactive. That’s so different from walking through narrow corridors just waiting for the next jump scare to make you scream. It’s important to note that this isn’t wheelchair accessible because of the stairs going in and out. Also, because of special effects like flashing lights and loud noises, they don’t allow any animals, including service animals. It’s for everyone’s safety. I’d also avoid it if you have photosensitive seizures.

Getting Spiritual

When you visit Salem, you’ll have the remarkable opportunity to visit any of a number of psychics, have a tarot reading, or even participate in a seance. At the Psychic Fair and Witches’ Market, you’ll find specialists in tarot, mediums, palm readers, and more. And, while you’re there, you can visit the vendors to bring home some truly special items of magick and enchantment. You never know what item might call out to you.

Who hasn’t wanted to receive a message from a loved one who has crossed the veil? I can say, with honesty, that I have. The Salem Seance should be on your list, if that’s the case. They have many opportunities throughout the month of October. And, as we all know, Samhain is when the veil is thinnest.

Finally, I’d be wrapping things up with the Witches’ Halloween Ball! This isn’t a party for the kiddos. You have to be 21 or older to attend. The photos of attendees in costume is enough to draw my witchy heart in. Go in costume and be ready to dance, eat, and experience the many spiritual happenings of the night. There’s even a costume contest for folks who dress as a well-known witch from movies, TV, books, or real life.

Hey Wait! What About Tours?

Don’t you worry. There are plenty of tours to choose from while you’re in Salem. You can go on a tour in a trolley, in a boat, or on foot. And it isn’t all about witches and hauntings either. There’s a walking food tour and a lighthouse and foliage cruise, along with all of the expected witchy and magick tours, of course.

So, why visit Salem, MA in October? Because you love Halloween. Because you’re a witch. Because it’s a beautiful place to be in the autumn. Whatever your reason, bring comfortable walking shoes, plenty of spending money, and an open mind. Because you never know what you might experience while you’re among such magickal folk.