Planning a fall getaway to Salem? You’re certainly not alone. Autumn is one of the most exciting times to experience the Witch City, when Salem comes alive with seasonal events, historic attractions, waterfront scenery, museums, shopping, dining and, of course, its famous Halloween celebrations.
And 2026 is an especially exciting year to visit as Salem celebrates its 400th anniversary! This once-in-a-generation milestone adds even more energy to the city, with special events, celebrations and opportunities to experience four centuries of Salem’s fascinating history—all while making a little history of your own.
If you can find a room in Salem, staying right in the city puts you in the heart of the action, with many of its museums, attractions, restaurants, shops and historic sites just steps away.
Among Salem’s most iconic places to stay is the historic Hawthorne Hotel, which has welcomed visitors from around the world since opening in 1925. Known for its elegant accommodations, prime downtown location and fascinating history, the Hawthorne also comes with something perfectly suited to the Witch City: a little supernatural lore.
Stories of mysterious happenings and ghostly guests have followed the hotel over the years—including Alice, the Hawthorne’s famous “Doll in the Hall,” who has a curious habit of turning up in different places around the hotel. Who’s moving Alice? We’ll leave that mystery for you to ponder during your stay.
Whether you believe the tales or simply appreciate a good Salem ghost story, the Hawthorne’s history and character make it a memorable home base for exploring the Witch City.
Of course, fall is Salem’s busiest season—and in this milestone anniversary year, accommodations may be especially hard to come by. But that doesn’t mean you’ve missed your chance for an incredible Salem getaway.
In fact, staying in one of the surrounding North of Boston communities can turn a visit to Salem into an even bigger New England fall adventure. You’ll find fantastic lodging, dining, sightseeing and attractions nearby, along with convenient ways to get into the heart of Salem.
Consider making your Salem getaway a coastal escape by staying on Cape Ann. Communities including Gloucester and Rockport offer an inviting mix of ocean views, historic streets, galleries, shops, restaurants and classic New England scenery.
Best of all, you can leave the car behind when it’s time to visit Salem. MBTA Commuter Rail service provides a convenient and affordable connection between Cape Ann and downtown Salem, making it easy to enjoy the Witch City without worrying about driving and parking during the busy fall season.
Spend a day exploring Salem’s museums, historic sites, shops and seasonal attractions, then hop back on the train for an evening by the coast. And don’t treat Cape Ann as simply a place to sleep. With its renowned cultural attractions, working waterfronts, dining and spectacular coastal scenery, it deserves some exploring of its own.
Head in the other direction and you’ll find Newburyport, a picturesque waterfront city that makes another wonderful home base for a Salem getaway.
Its lively downtown is filled with independent shops and restaurants, historic architecture and a beautiful waterfront. Newburyport is very much a destination in its own right, while also offering convenient MBTA Commuter Rail access to Salem.
That means you can experience two distinctive New England destinations in one trip: soak up the history, energy and excitement of Salem, then return to Newburyport for waterfront strolls, shopping, dining and a completely different side of fall North of Boston.
If you prefer the flexibility of driving, you’ll find even more lodging choices close to Salem.
Neighboring communities such as Peabody and Danvers offer a variety of accommodations just a short drive from Salem, making them convenient home bases for exploring the area. Staying outside downtown Salem can also make it easier to venture farther afield and discover more of the North of Boston region during your trip.
From historic sites and local restaurants to shopping and family-friendly attractions, these communities offer plenty of reasons to linger before or after your day in Salem.
Salem may be the centerpiece of your fall trip, but it doesn’t have to be the whole story.
Stay in the heart of the Witch City, escape to the coast on Cape Ann, discover the waterfront charm of Newburyport, or find a convenient home base in Peabody or Danvers. With so many places to stay, easy transportation options and communities worth exploring in their own right, searching beyond Salem may lead you to a part of North of Boston you hadn’t planned to discover.
Come for Salem. Stay for everything surrounding it. Because North of Boston, there’s always more to the story.
Photo Credits: Doll in the Hall courtesy of The Hawthorne Hotel; Salem Witch Museum and Haunted Happenings Parade by John Andrews/Creative Collective; Samantha Statue by NBCVB
The Merchant
148 Washington St., Salem, MA 01970
The Salem Inn
7 Summer Street, Salem, MA 01970
The Daniels House Inn
1 Daniels Street, Salem, MA 01970
Hawthorne Hotel
18 Washington Square West, Salem, MA 01970
-Edgar Alan Poe’s “The Tell Tale Heart” was inspired by a real murder that took place in Salem in the mid-19th century.
-A bronze statue of Samantha from the famous sitcom “Bewitched” stands in downtown Salem to pay tribute of the show filming its 7th season there.
-Founded in 1799, the Peabody Essex Museum is the oldest continuously operating museum in the nation.
-Famous board games Monopoly and Clue were released by Parker Brothers in Salem. The company was later headquartered in Beverly before merging with Hasbro.
Now that you’ve read the prologue, it’s time to write your North of Boston story. From lighthouses and pirate lore to cider donuts and vibrant sunsets worth capturing, download the free guide and start planning your visit to North of Boston today.
