Salem October Travel Guide: Witch House, Ghost Tour, Hocus Pocus Locations & More in Massachusetts

Salem is a huge destination in October, with hundreds of thousands of people descending on the small city. My dad and I happened to be in the area and decided we would give the city a visit. During our one day there with went to the Salem Witch Memorial, Peabody Essex Museum, Witch House and the Salem Commons. We also toured the House of the Seven Gables and tried the US oldest candy among other things. Watch the full video to see how we spent our time in Salem and let me know what you think in the comments.
History video - • What really happened d...
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Chatpers
0:00 Intro
0:43 Salem Witch Memorial
1:40 Ugly Mug Diner
2:18 Hocus Pocus Locations
2:56 Witch House
3:34 Bewitched Statue
3:52 Downtown Salem
4:25 Peabody Essex Museum
5:08 John Ward House & Rodger Conant Statue
6:04 Salem Commons
6:24 Downtown Salem Again
6:54 Proctors Ledge
7:32 Pioneer Village
8:32 Salem Maritime National Historic Site
9:53 Oldest Candy Company in America
10:21 House of Seven Gables
11:00 Trying the Oldest Candy in the USA
11:53 Salem Ghost Walking Tour
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[@hectormarchand9462]

I was born and raised in Salem. The whole October celebration thing in Salem (originally called Haunted Happenings) didn't start until the 1980's. Before that, Salem was like any other town in October. No big crowds, just kids collecting candy on Halloween night. We natives know to avoid visiting Salem in October - it's crazy busy, especially on the weekends. But it certainly helps keep the locals employed!

[@Theo-oh3jk]

Were locals just afraid or embarrassed of their city's past?

[@EM-mw2qr]

I live in Connecticut where there were also witch trials.

[@kriscarv5708]

The locals of any tourist town always know when and where to avoid. I’m from Niagara Falls and I get lots of people say, “You must love seeing the falls all the time.” To be honest I haven’t seen the falls in two years, because I know to avoid that area because of tourists.

[@Mysticlees]

@@kriscarv5708 that’s how we feel locals feel in San Antonio. We avoid downtown or the Alamo area due to all the tourists. I’ve lived in San Antonio for more than 20 years and I avoid downtown as much as possible. Way too many tourists and cars

[@stephaniemccord6100]

My sister and brother grew up in Salem and I had my first date there while visiting them. Unfortunately my brother passed but he is buried in Salem. I'm out west but would love to return for another visit.

[@Sunsetsonthehorizon]

The Witch Museum is actually very well done and interesting. It made me emotional because it really conveyed how the women were victimized. Definitely recommend it!

[@Shotton1000]

Salem in October is on my bucket list. Sure there are crowds, but I could imagine the atmosphere being electric.

[@abercrombiejolie7522]

Visiting Salem right after Halloween is what I usually do. It's not so overwhelmingly crowded and there is still stuff going on

[@ThroughMyLens]

That's a great way to do it

[@jackanderson6100]

That’s smart! I enjoy the big crowds and parties, but when I start to not like that scene, I’m going to try this. I’m going Oct. 24-Nov.1 this year, I cannot wait! It’s my favorite vacation destination.

[@janetteellingham4982]

Witch museum is fantastic. Lots of history re the trials. Also the oldest candy factory was started by relatives of the late Princess Diana. A neat little piece of history. Love Salem and Boston ❤

[@DVu-ki7nn]

Father & son, traveling together, wow. It's rare, and it's beautiful, love it🥰.

[@yourstruly8898]

Me and my pod just left the strip club

[@lefantomer]

Thanks! I live in the next town over -- also a "Hocus Pocus" location -- and no one who isn't from here believes what Salem is like in October. The parade starts it off and from then on, "horrendous" traffic is an understatement on a Saturday -- we have to drive 5 miles out of our way to get home.

[@kimcunningham2107]

I live in Salem. October here is amazing but overwhelming. Visit any other month of the year and it's still amazing and you can freely visit all the historical spots. ❤️

[@idammage]

My friend and I went to Salem the first week in December (2019) and it was practically empty! It was awesome! The snow was so beautiful covering the buildings and brick sidewalks. We seen all of the main attractions plus more with no crowds or hassle. I would definitely go back another time that’s not around Halloween 😁.

[@ThroughMyLens]

Wow, that sounds like the perfect time to visit!

[@onesabez]

Same I visited in February and it was a ghost town.

[@adbthreetwenty]

We went in the summer and it was lovely as well! There were people but very easy to navigate ! LOVED it so much. @@onesabez

[@jackanderson6100]

I love seeing your dads smile throughout the video. Nothing better than spending time with your pops! Awesome video!

[@galemccurdy6493]

Just found your channel today, and I love it!! This post is personal to me because my ancestor, Mary Ayres Parker, was hanged as a witch on Sept.22, 1692!! As sad as that was, the significance of her death was that she, and the others that were hanged with her, were the last of the people who were accused of witchcraft!! Also noteworthy was that her body was stolen after the hanging(probably by family members who wanted to protect it from vandals) and no one knows where she was buried! Thanks for some great videos and say hi to pops!!! He's great!!!

[@A2D4]

My 11th gr. grandmother is Susannah North Martin who was also condemned and hanged as a witch. She was in her early 70’s, a widow, but feisty in her own way. She laughed at the accusations when before the judge which didn’t go over well. I am related thru her son Jonathan. Was in Salem in October a few yrs ago- it wasnt too badly crowded. I loved the extensive autumn decor and beautiful fall colors. My heart is in New England - unfortunately tho, been living in L.A. last 30+ years…..

[@jmobucksfan34]

A friend and I decided last minute one year to check out Salem and it happened to be the last weekend of September. It was actually perfect because no one was there yet but yet they still had some Halloween things out as it was so close to October. Would love to experience the real thing but we lucked out going that weekend!

[@DovieRuthAuthor]

Great video. I loved the benches memorializing the women who died during the trials. I would definitely leave each of them a flower.

[@ThroughMyLens]

Yea, it was a well done memorial for sure.

[@wendygreulach4768]

We are from California and watch your episodes all the time. I think you missed out by not going to the Salem With Museum. We are in our 70s, and didn’t find it “hokey” at all. We learned so much through vignettes with sound and voices which made us feel like we were there at a witch trial. If you get another chance, you should try to go….just maybe not during Halloween week!

[@Roxysparkle1]

Josh & Pops- I found your channel a couple months ago. You completely changed my perspective and idea of the country we live in and have educated me on so many new places I’d like to visit. I think you both have a beautiful energy about you- warm, curious, charming, and so amazingly observant of everything around you. Your knowledge of history also educates and inspires me. I see many people travel alone or with their partner But I think it’s even better that you guys are traveling together. I would love to continue to see you traveling the east coast. I’m based in ocean city maryland!

[@aequitasvox2488]

Salem is worth checking out in summer too;almost prefer it. The trolley I can't stress enough is worth it. It's a tour about salems history up to the present and locations worth checking out. The trolley goes around the whole parameter of salem and for that days ticket you can get off/on the whole day. Too bad you missed many historical sites like proctor's ledge(witch hanging site) in Danvers (original salem). Yes there were 2 originally salem town and salem village. There's tons of great places to eat and visit. If you ever go back do some research where to go you won't regret it😊. The ferry to Boston is great too and cheapest way besides driving to get back to Boston. It's worth a second or longer trip. Safe future travels

[@DJDhiphop]

Being from here, I will say this year has been way busier than usual, I think a lot of it has to do with the release of Hocus Pocus 2. But your pretty much on point with planning out exactly what you wanna do early. And pro-tip; don’t go to the bars at night during Halloween. Some places charge 100$ at the door just to get in, and it’s always super crowded and not worth it.

[@AQUPAS]

Wow, so much beauty within this town, thanks you for documenting one of the most beautiful and coziest time of year! Spectacular fall and autumn colors too.

[@ThroughMyLens]

It was epic to see some of the fall colors here

[@tunieboo80]

We’re visiting this October from the UK. Thanks for making a great video guide 🫶

[@moname7017]

The original Salem was renamed Danvers. The Salem you're talking about is the second location named Salem. So if you want to visit the actual location of the witch trials, go visit Danvers!!

[@bryand.hopkins4946]

I'm sitting with my daughter in a park in Taipei watching this because we are moving to Boston and she loves Halloween. Thank you for the effort.

[@AmbientWalking]

Your channel is a part of my life's routine. Every time you drop a video, I would watch it from start to end. It's always a great pleasure to travel with you. Thanks! : )

[@ThroughMyLens]

Wow, thank you! Really awesome to hear you like the channel so much!

[@AprilMay]

The house with the bright orange witch flag out front (at 5:13) was our INCREDIBLE AirBnB when we went visited in August (which I highly suggest going before Halloween season).

[@myrtlebeachsara]

Ooh, thanks for the tip 😊

[@danboutell9363]

Fun video! We went to Salem several years ago and had a great day! The Witch Museum is a little hokey but, that's part of it's charm. We loved it. We even ate at the Ugly Mug Diner in almost the exact seats that you guys did! Don't think I would ever go to Salem in October though.

[@user-te1il3zz2v]

Thank you so much for this video. I showed it to 3 of my classes that are studying the Salem Witch Trials. I really enjoyed the honesty about confusing websites and parking fees.

[@TheOldCowboy1952]

I love your dad. Those answers to your questions to him are great. I watch all your videos. Thanks

[@ThroughMyLens]

He made me laugh with the Hocus Pocus end being his favorite part answer haha

[@TheOldCowboy1952]

Yea, what was the best part of the movie Pops? The End of it! Love it! Lol

[@thedogzoo]

Thank you both for sharing your adventures. I'm handicapped and I appreciate seeing these places through your eyes.

[@ThroughMyLens]

No problem, I am so glad you enjoy the videos!

[@chrisperry9002]

The best time to visit Salem is Halloween weekend to be sure. $30.for all day parking is cheap. Always a good time. I try to go every year.

[@bestescapes]

Very well laid out content. I appreciate all the effort you put into taking some smooth footage.

[@dmax64]

I visited Salem in September and had a great time. There's a lot less people and we were able to see everything we wanted. We even took in a ghost walk and thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@user-zg4rd5wg1r]

How’s the weather in September? Also are the pumpkins out at that time lol

[@violetbf3773]

That’s a nice little town! I think you guys walked more there, than in some of your hikes 😁 Great video Josh! Hellooooo Pops! 🙌🏼

[@ThroughMyLens]

haha I think we did like 8 miles of walking this day haha

[@cindyroy1317]

Thank you so much for sharing this video. It was fun and informative. I liked it a lot. I hope you continue to put out wonderful content like this. And I love that you and your dad were on a trip together. What good memories!

[@lloydrich522]

So Very Very Cool!

[@itsnotme07]

Enjoyed seeing my old stomping grounds a lot! Lived in Salem for a year back in 1986/87. You literally walked by my old apartment, which was 2 blocks from the House of Seven Gables on Derby St. So cool to see all the Halloween happenings there. Grew up 11 miles south of there in Winthrop. So lots of school field trips were to the Salem Witch Museum, Peabody Essex Museum and Salem Willows, which you didn't appear to show (keep going on Derby St...east and you come to it.). Funny you mention parking...I never had an issue while living on Derby St. Course the Halloween crowd has more than doubled since 1986...and I didn't even get to enjoy it back then, as I was working nights, 40+ miles away in Framingham. Also didn't know you had this channel...just subbed!

[@ecurewitz]

I live in Massachusetts and often go to Salem. Here are a couple pro tips: don’t go in October. Go any other time of year. Salem is mobbed in October. Any other time of year, see in the sights is no problem at all, and probably less price gouging as well. Pro tip #2 if you’re staying in Boston, don’t drive to Salem. Instead take the commuter rail to the city. You will be dropped off just one block from the touristy part of town. And during in the Boston area is maddening. You will get to save money in a rental and parking too - you don’t need a car to get around Boston either, in fact, I recommend against it Otherwise, your video is an accurate description of Salem

[@wildzenventures]

Really cool to see. Your dad was a trooper! Thanks for sharing

[@ThroughMyLens]

Thanks for watching! Neither one of us love crowds but we figured we had to experience it

[@wildzenventures]

@@ThroughMyLens I agree with you both on the crowds. :) Sometimes it’s the only way to experience things.

[@audreybryk-lee163]

Love your videos! Thank you for showing reality and being honest and helpful instead of just the "Instagram" idealized version!

[@maryturner2182]

Another great vid! Thank you …I’ve been debating a trip to visit there for many years 👍🎃🧡

[@galeocean4182]

you guys are wicked cute. hope you enjoyed Salem. Thanks for posting.

[@debbirbodner5358]

Each time you have a video I enjoyed watching and learning more of our country.

[@ThroughMyLens]

Happy to hear that! I love sharing them so I am glad you enjoy watching them!

[@debbirbodner5358]

Do you ever do any videos from my state of Montana?

[@VicRodMolCO]

I really enjoy your videos, and your pop’s sense of humor… I’m still laughing about his fav part of Hocus Pocus.

[@johanna7254]

I've always wanted to visit Salem, but I definitely plan to do it on the off-season 😅 Thanks for the great video!

[@dennismeissner9830]

Thanks for the video... we are visiting New England from Oreegon in about 2 weeks. Plan on visiting this area the first weekend of October... thanks for the insight!

[@wendylogan5878]

I enjoyed watching this video.Im interested in the Salem witch trials and hope to visit there some day.I found your channel awhile back and really enjoyed the one of you and your pops on the blue ridge parkway as I live near it in NC.I couldn't do all the ppl on the streets of Salem though.and once again a fantastic video.

[@MrVectrexUK]

Thanks for sharing this adventure - boy did that look busy though! I can imagine it's a much different experience outside of the spooky month...

[@ThroughMyLens]

Yea, I would love to go back on a different month and see how it is.

[@phxgidget]

I've been waiting for this, thank you! One of these days I'll venture out of Arizona to see the other side of the USA, but until then I'll happily follow along with you! 😀

[@ThroughMyLens]

So glad you enjoyed the video and I hope you can explore more of the country in the future!

[@andreajohnson1796]

Wow nice , thanks for taking us along it was great

[@ThroughMyLens]

No problem, glad you enjoyed it!

[@MLM111]

I really enjoyed this video. 😊

[@jacoblawson4865]

Great video.

[@rhondaz356]

That was excellent. Having been there, I'd say you hit all the highlights. You ALWAYS do.🍂🍁👏👏 How right you are about October. 🎃

[@ThroughMyLens]

Thats kind of you to say! We tried to make the most of our time there

[@mickiegardner3468]

Wow...Crowds just aren't my thing, just give me the wide open spaces. 😊 But it's Interesting, thanks for the tour.

[@ThroughMyLens]

Yea, I know what you mean!

[@TravelswithNick]

Oh man I must’ve just missed you maybe by a week or so! I just filmed a ton in Salem! Glad to see you made it there as well. Best time of year to go 😎🤘

[@ThroughMyLens]

Glad you got to experience it as well! I enjoyed your walking tour!

[@UAPReportingCenter]

I’ll be working near there next week and am going to spend a day there. Hopefully it’s not too crazy this week and on a weekday.

[@anniefinch6843]

I remember this Disney movie and it's on Disney plus. But this place was mentioned on the History channel.

[@ritaspeers1259]

Another great tour.....one I prefer taking through YOUR lens! LOL!

[@ThroughMyLens]

haha fair enough! Glad you liked it 😂

[@stephene.barbin8036]

Nicely done: Roger Conant was my 10 times great-grandfather. Another ancestor, Mary Perkins-Bradbury, was tried and convicted (but not executed) near the end of the witch trial hysteria.

[@TravelSmallLiveBig]

Very cool! We are in our RV on the East Coast - we were outside of Boston a week or so ago and saw signs about taking public transportation in to Salem. And we have our big Lab 🐕‍🦺with us so that was out. I’ll just pretend we went with you & your dad!

[@ThroughMyLens]

We must have passed right by you! We flew out of Boston last week.

[@outbackwack368]

We lived near there in Topsfield for 28 years (home of the Topsfield Fair, the oldest agricultural fair in the country), but only went to Salem at Halloween once or twice because it was just way too crowded and with obscene prices for parking. One of my wife's ancestor's was actually executed for witchcraft. And it's not "Pea Body", it's "Peabiddy" LOL Thanks!

[@maryholloway5487]

You are so talented and your voice is perfect tempo. 🤩🎃🤩🎃

[@ThroughMyLens]

Very kind of you to say that!

[@chubbrock659]

My feet hurt just watching this! 😂

[@BillHaynal]

I wonder how are the crowds are on a October weekday. I'll be there on the 25th for my first time. Enjoyed your video!

[@purpletopazcat]

Hi, firstly love your vlogs. Just wanted to ask which parking garage you used? Thankyou

[@tracyfitch4873]

I’m considering going to New England during my fall break next school year, which is the last week in September, I wonder if it’s less busy then. I’ll definitely plan to go to Salem on a weekday and not a Saturday.

[@nicolegreene5515]

Hi! I'm looking into visiting on a Sunday in October and would love to go to the Pioneer Village. I'm having trouble finding anything about tickets online... can you purchase them in advance or did you buy them at the door?

[@bandred1]

My wife and I went there on Halloween in 2019…sooooo many people there but it was a blast!🎃

[@ThroughMyLens]

Yea, great people watching for sure!

[@deannabanana477]

Those that were murdered during that time. Not simply “died.” Feels cavalier to what actually went down.

[@hannashanahan6545]

Is it this busy like the first week of October? When was this video taken? :)

[@kryskaczynski3043]

Witch museum is awesome

[@darakristi]

Could you tell me about when your visit to Salem was? I’ll be there on the first Sunday and Monday of October, hoping to prepare myself for what size of a crowd I should expect.

[@vishuddhathakkar]

Would love to see you travel nyc and Boston someday. !

[@ThroughMyLens]

That would be cool! I did the Freedom Trail in Boston on this trip but that was about it

[@lyndseyhorn2398]

How soon did you get your tickets in advance for the House of the Seven Gables? I am going toward the end of October and that's top spot on my bucket list there but I have a small group so I'm a little worried about the tickets.

[@dawnbowers3828]

We went to the house of seven gables this summer and it was amazing. Our tour guide was an older man probably in his late 60’s and was absolutely the best tour guide I have ever had! Because it was summer we just walked up to buy our tickets. Several groups going through the house even though it was summer. The house is great and secret passage VERY cool. You will love this wonderful piece of history!!

[@anita7793]

how long did it take to see all you saw. loved your video?

[@laurap1641]

Your dad is a hoot

[@passingthroughtime3033]

You guys eat well. Good for you

[@kryskaczynski3043]

Love the movie

[@zeldak718]

I went in October back in 2010, I got there on a Thursday and left on a a Sunday. Saturday and Sunday were insane! I want to go with my husband and toddler next year, but I’m thinking about going 2 days after Halloween, to avoid the crowds. Has anyone else done this before?

[@jaaronfletcher]

So it’s basically Disney World: too crowded to enjoy. Thanks for the heads-up.

[@BackroadExploits]

Smart move skipping the Witch Museum, not worth it. Sadly the Pioneer Village is only open on the weekends, thus causing such long lines. Yeah I put on the miles walking the city, I feel you. $30 for 1.5 miles, wow! Mid week there are far less people and parking is cheaper. I paid $13 for parking all day at the mall on a Thursday. You did well to hit quite a few spots/places of interest. Always enjoyable segment and nice to see your perspective after having just went there too.

[@ThroughMyLens]

Yea, I wish I could have visited on a weekday as it would have been more enjoyable but this is where it fell in the trip we were doing

[@ZethSat]

Did you go on a weekend? Do you think during the week would be a little less busy?

[@paulbrungardt9823]

Y'all can criticize the Salem Witch Trails as much as you like; however, after the trials were concluded, there was a 100% reduction in witches .

[@kryskaczynski3043]

Wow

[@MillionMileDrive]

I've been there around Halloween and they really play up their history with witches. Get there early or there's no parking... lol

[@ThroughMyLens]

haha yea, no parking after about 9 AM on a weekend I bet.

[@ser_ryon_vine6392]

Recommendations on where to stay?

[@billyc6678]

I’ll be there all weekend until Tuesday night. Have friends who live and own businesses there. Very big plans for Samhain.

[@ThroughMyLens]

Oh wow, I bet it will be bonkers there this weekend

[@EdynOnEarth]

Me: Wait ✋️ it isn't Sunday, is it? Husband: Nope! Me: oh my an upload *excited* clapping along with a Yay Yay! Josh, I hope you will do a meet up one day. It would be amazing!!!

[@ThroughMyLens]

haha I am so glad you like the videos so much and you appreciated a second upload in the week! I figured that this one needed to come out before halloween haha

[@marshmallows5641]

You can take the commuter rail from Boston!! No traffic, no parking!!!!

[@InevitableSecrets]

I went to Salem in October 4 years ago and honestly it was really off putting. It was such a celebratory atmosphere without any real thought to the fact that many innocent people lost their lives in the Salem Panic. It was nice you started the video with the memorial and the sobering aspects. I’d love to go back a different part of year so I could enjoy the history without the town wide carnival. My whole family is planning on going in 2034 to celebrate our 400th anniversary. Our ancestor landed at Salem harbor in 1634.

[@ThroughMyLens]

I totally know what you mean. Interesting that the town has become such a tourist spot for halloween with its history being so sad

[@peep3616]

Please come back a different time of year! I used to live in Salem and it’s definitely different outside of October. The carnival-y atmosphere is odd, and definitely exasperated by the University kids going wild in October. Salem has a lot of Pagans, so the history definitely isn’t forgotten by the locals!

[@markyuen2312]

Crowds are not my thing. So, thanks for visiting Salem, MA for me and showing me the highlights,

[@ThroughMyLens]

Agree 100% it was a one time thing for me to visit in October. Would like to go back at a different time of year though

[@Roadtosomethingnew1]

that's a whole lot of people

[@leahbrundige6856]

People come from all around the world, not just the state

[@DianeQuelch-le3yl]

I came to salam one year had a weard thing happening to me I'm from Britain

[@airamuniem.6805]

Pops 🙌🏼👴🏻

[@prowrestlingisart6742]

I’m definitely with Pops on Hocus Pocus. What’s the likelihood you convince him to see part 2?

[@ThroughMyLens]

haha I can't even convince him to watch the first one

[@prowrestlingisart6742]

@@ThroughMyLens it took my wife years until I relented…because I love her

[@Gratefulformusic]

People come from all over the world in October, not just the east coast

[@rupman27isback]

Jeez.. Sooo many people. What were the dates you went?

[@ThroughMyLens]

We went on Oct 15th

[@rupman27isback]

@@ThroughMyLens Thanks. That was too many people for me to enjoy.

[@kevting4512]

There is definitely a witch AMONGUS in Salem.

[@ThroughMyLens]

haha I thought the Among Us character was a funny addition to the video

[@kryskaczynski3043]

Small light house

[@Ranger_Omar]

That yellow house at 6:53 is on TikTok. The people who live there are posting stuff about Salem

[@2011woodlands]

Might be easier to get around in September or November, miss the crowds.

[@wanyatelborn]

You can thank Ask a mortician for the 2016 memorial