Start Planning! 

You’re about to go on an epic adventure with the Historic Salem Walking Tour! Here’s what you need to know before you go. 

• The tour takes about one hour with 10 stops and 17 total audio tracks.
• The walking route is one-way and fully walkable—no need to backtrack.
• No car needed—Salem is compact, walkable, and transit-accessible from Boston.
• Salem ferry operates Memorial Day through October 31—advance reservations strongly recommended.
• Trains from Boston run year-round and are ideal during the Halloween season.
• Avoid driving—parking is expensive, and traffic from Boston can be heavy.
• Salem gets extremely crowded in October; hotels and trains book out weeks in advance.
• Wear supportive walking shoes—gravel paths and long walks are part of the tour.
• The best months to visit are May–September for good weather and smaller crowds.
• January–February are the coldest with snow and icy sidewalks—some sites may be closed.
• Bring sunscreen, layered clothing, a phone battery pack, and a charging cable.
• Reserve dining in advance for evenings, especially during peak tourist months.
• Book guided tour tickets early for the House of the Seven Gables in busy seasons.

Budgeting and Hours of Operation 

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Budget

How much you spend truly depends on what you do along the tour route, but here are some costs:

• The House of the Seven Gables: Prices vary. Check this site for the up-to-date prices.
• Salem Ferry Fares range from $20 - $40

Advanced Reservations

If you want to take the ferry to and from Salem from Boston, you’ll need a reservation. 

If you’re considering dining in Salem on a busy evening, you should consider making a reservation

And finally, if you’re going in the busy season, you may want to reserve in advance timed tickets to see inside the House of the Seven Gables (guided tour). 

Hours of Operation 

The tour stops have seasonal hours of operation. The site’s facilities and restaurants also have varying hours of operation.

• Salem Armory Visitor Center: Daily 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
• The House of the Seven Gables: Daily 10 am - 6 pm
• Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie: Daily 10 am - 5 pm
• The Custom House: 
  • Wednesday - Sunday 
  • 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
• Waite & Peirce Gift Shop: Hours vary, but mostly 10 am - 5 pm

Get Packing!

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​​Here’s our packing list for this tour. It may seem a little long, but remember, what you bring depends on the activities you choose to do for the day. 

• Sun protection (sunscreen, hat)
• Comfortable, supportive, broken-in walking shoes 
• A phone charging cable for outlets at cafes or hotel lobbies to boost your battery life
• A backup phone battery
• A jacket/layers for cooler or windy days

Best Time to Visit     

The best time to visit Salem is from May through September, when the weather is warm. Summer, unlike most tourist destinations, is not Salem’s busiest season. 

Peak Season

October is the most popular month to visit Salem, thanks to its month-long “Haunted Happenings” festival. 

Expect big crowds, packed trains, and sold-out ferries—so reserve tickets well in advance. 

Parking is tough, and hotels in Salem book quickly, though Boston’s many options are just a 30-minute train ride away.

If you love the spectacle of witches, ghouls, and zombies roaming the streets, October is the perfect time to experience Salem.

Slowest Season

From December through April, Salem enters its slowest season. You can still enjoy Shaka Guide walking tours year-round, but many attractions close or reduce hours in winter. 

January and February bring the coldest weather, with ocean winds, icy streets, and snow, making it slippery to get around.

Safety Information 

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Just be aware of your surroundings, since you’re in a sometimes crowded tourist destination. Dress appropriately to avoid sunburn in the summer and frostbite in the winter. 

The gravel path to the lighthouse can be hard on your ankles if you’re not wearing supportive shoes, and black ice in winter can be slippery and make it difficult to walk around.

Additional Need to Know Information

The best way to reach Salem from Boston is by train or ferry—both are affordable and convenient. Skip renting a car; traffic, gas, parking, and rental fees make it costly and slower.

Once in Salem, you won’t need a car. The city is small, walkable, and feels like a quaint town. To go beyond the main sights, hop-on/hop-off trolleys and the low-cost Salem Skipper rideshare are easy options.

With an early start, you can cover all the must-see spots in one day with both Shaka Guide tours, so an overnight stay isn’t necessary. 

If you want to explore museums and historic homes, plan for two days and book a hotel in Salem or Boston. The Salem ferry operates from Memorial Day through October 31.

Leave No Trace

While exploring Salem, we encourage you to follow leave-no-trace principles. Embrace the city responsibly with our commitment to preserving its historic charm.

Respect public spaces, minimize your footprint, and create memories, not waste. By following Leave No Trace principles, you help protect Salem’s streets, parks, and landmarks for generations to come.

Take the Historic Salem with Shaka Guide and explore at your own pace with stories, directions, and must-see stops along the way.

Still planning? Check out our Historic Salem Itinerary to prep for an epic day.

Need help? Email us anytime at aloha@shakaguide.com!

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