Historic Salem Walking Tour

Salem History Self-Guided Walking Tour (Waterfront & Maritime Route). This tour introduces you to some of the most surprising firsts that took place in Salem, along with the city’s deep maritime roots and historic wharfside buildings. You’ll discover a beautiful public park, a famous author’s childhood home, a historic waterfront district, a seaside mansion, and a walk out to a classic New England lighthouse.

Located right next to our Haunted Salem tour, this experience offers a more traditional Salem history walking tour or the perfect second route if you want to see a different side of the city. Instead of focusing on the witch trial era downtown, this tour takes you through the scenic Derby Waterfront District and all the way out to the pier and lighthouse.

With the Shaka Guide app, you’ll follow a guided walking route on your phone, making it easy to navigate from stop to stop—no need for a separate map. Along the way, you'll listen to stories, directions, and local insights so you can explore at your own pace.

Here are just a few of the highlights on the tour:

• Visit the historic House of the Seven Gables, including connections to Nathaniel Hawthorne
• Relax along the waterfront at Salem Maritime National Historic Site
• Walk the long pier to Derby Wharf Light Station and see a replica tall ship
• Explore the Custom House, where Hawthorne once worked
• Stroll through Salem Common with its shaded paths and open green space

Whether you’re searching for a Salem self-guided walking tour, looking for an easy-to-follow Salem walking tour map, or planning a deeper dive into Salem’s maritime history, this route is the perfect complement—or alternative—to the Haunted Salem experience.