Real Pirates Salem and Hidden Gems Next Door

Pirate fun finished? Here’s what to see, do, and taste steps away in Salem!

Published: March 27, 2026
Real Pirates Salem

So, you’ve just tangled with treasure maps and shipwreck legends at Real Pirates Salem, and you’re not ready to hang up your tricorn just yet? Good! Because this part of Salem brims with both nautical history and spellbinding stories. You’ll find everything from shadowy museums and waterfront strolls to decadent desserts and shops that would wow any pirate or witch. Whether you love history, quirky tales, or delicious pit stops, Salem has you covered. Ready to extend your adventure? Let’s uncover the best things to do just a cutlass throw from Real Pirates Salem! 

Our favorite things to do near Real Pirates Salem include: 

  • Peabody Essex Museum 
  • The House of the Seven Gables 
  • Salem Witch Museum 
  • Wandering Historic Derby Wharf 
  • Try Sweets at Ye Olde Pepper Companie 
  • Grab a Pint at the Olde Main Street Pub 
  • Stroll Through Salem’s Chestnut Street District 
  • Snap Pics at the Bewitched Statue 

Peabody Essex Museum: Where Sailors and Spells Collide 

Step just a few blocks from your pirate exploits and into the Peabody Essex Museum, one of America’s oldest (and most surprising) art museums. The building alone feels like an adventure—a sleek, sunlit atrium joining Salem’s ship captain past with world-class contemporary design.  

What sets the PEM apart, though, is how personal it feels. Many pieces come with stories of adventure—think sailor who traded a family heirloom for spices in Java, or perfumed chests brought back from China. And if you love pirates? The nautical wing showcases real New England ship history, with cannons, scrimshaw, and tales from the actual high seas. Not only do you get to see the art; you feel the era and personalities that made Salem famous, from merchants and witches to artists and adventurers. 

The House of the Seven Gables: A Literary Treasure 

Fans of epic tales and old architecture, this is where Salem gets juicy. The House of the Seven Gables offers far more than English class nostalgia. On a guided tour, wandering the creaky halls and secret staircases, you’ll soak up 350 years of stories—pirates, poison, and scandal all included. 

From the dark-paneled rooms overlooking Salem Harbor, you’ll hear about families who weathered storms (literally and metaphorically), plus see rare artifacts and antique furnishings. Here, imagination takes flight—you’ll leave with quotes rattling in your brain and images of Salem’s golden age imprinted forever.  

Bonus: it's just a leisurely walk from the pirate museum, along one of the prettiest waterfronts around. 

Salem Witch Museum: History with a Side of Hocus Pocus

Salem Witch Museum

No trip to Salem is complete without a dive into its witchy past. The Salem Witch Museum, just a quick walk up Washington Square, plunges you into the infamous trials of 1692. Step inside the dramatic, church-like building and take in a dark, immersive tableau—the life-sized figures and chilling lighting make the whole story pulse with urgency. 

Unlike your average museum, this one tells the tale in gripping, theatrical fashion. You’ll come away with a clearer sense of the paranoia, fear, and personal stories that shaped the Salem witch trials—a haunting reminder of how history echoes today. After the main presentation, check out the exhibit on the shifting meaning of “witch” through time—magic, myth, and real women all rolled into one fascinating journey. Great for history buffs, families, and those who want a side of chills with their adventure. 

Wander Derby Wharf: Harbor Views and Salty Stories 

When you step onto Derby Wharf, you can almost picture tall ships and pirates unloading their loot. Stretching into Salem Harbor, this historic pier offers breezy strolls with knockout views of the sea and sailboats. Along the way, you’ll spot the red-roofed Custom House (where Hawthorne worked), warehouses, and the Derby Wharf Light—a small, photo-perfect lighthouse anchoring the end of the walk. 

It’s the ideal place for an afternoon pause: watch boats bob on the water, spot seabirds darting past, or join in on impromptu festivals or live music that sometimes spring up at the wharf. Channel your inner sailor, breathe in the salty air, and let Salem’s maritime energy inspire your next adventure. 

Ye Olde Pepper Companie: Oldest Candy Shop in America 

Ready for a true sugar rush? Just around the corner from Real Pirates Salem, Ye Olde Pepper Companie claims the title of America’s oldest candy store. Step inside and you’re met with the irresistible scent of hand-pulled taffy, chocolatier-crafted turtles, and the famous “Salem Gibralters”—legendary peppermint or lemon candies once traded by local sailors and pirates alike. 

The vibe here is all smiles and nostalgia, with barrels of sweets and walls lined with glass jars. Choose classic treats or one of their inventive seasonal specialties (the dark chocolate sea salt caramels are legendary). Every visit feels like a playful peek into Salem’s seafaring past—plus, you can totally justify a treat “for the walk.” This spot has been delighting locals and travelers since 1806, and somehow, each candy still tastes authentically magical. 

Olde Main Street Pub: Pints and Pirate Vibes 

Not all the treasures in Salem are buried—some are poured fresh! Just steps from the witch museum and the harbor, Olde Main Street Pub packs character in spades. Wooden beams, candlelit booths, and ship’s wheels behind the bar set a scene that’s part pirate den, part classic pub. 

Their signature clam chowder arrives creamy and peppery, and the steak tips are the go-to comfort food for Salem regulars. Try their house “Pirate’s Punch” cocktail for a local twist. It’s the kind of pub where you relax for a pint, trade travel stories, and soak up all that layered Salem history. Come hungry and ready to mingle. 

Chestnut Street District: Stroll the Most Beautiful Street in Salem

Chestnut Street Sign

Just a 10-minute walk from your pirate adventure, Chestnut Street invites you to step into a completely different era—one of Federal-style mansions, leafy canopies, and laid-back elegance. This historic residential district feels straight off a movie set, but it’s all gloriously real. Take your time wandering the brick-lined sidewalks, peeking at centuries-old doorways and picture-perfect gardens. 

While tours are available if you're keen to delve deeper, you can enjoy a self-guided stroll anytime. In autumn, Chestnut Street glows with fiery foliage, and in spring, blooms tumble over wrought-iron fences. It's a great spot to reset if you need a break from the crowds or simply want to live out your grand New England fantasy for an afternoon. Photographers, architecture lovers, and romantics—this one’s for you. 

The Bewitched Statue: Snap a Spellbinding Selfie 

One of Salem’s quirkiest (and most beloved) photo ops, the Bewitched Statue sits in the heart of downtown, just a short walk from the waterfront. Dedicated to Elizabeth Montgomery, star of the classic TV show "Bewitched," this sparkling bronze pays tribute to Salem’s playful side. You'll find fans and families flocking for selfies—sometimes even in witch hats and capes, especially in October! 

The statue anchors a lively little plaza surrounded by shops and sidewalk cafés—perfect for a rest and some people-watching. It’s a reminder that Salem embraces both its spooky and pop-culture roots, making every visitor feel part of the story. If you’re on a Salem scavenger hunt, this spot is a must for your checklist. 

Bonus: The Salem Trolley—See It All, Without Breaking a Sweat 

Need a break from all the walking but don’t want to miss a thing? The CityView Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley stops just outside many of Salem’s best sights—Real Pirates included! Friendly guides regale you with stories as you roll by mansions, museums, and hidden landmarks; you’re free to hop off at any spot that catches your eye and rejoin later. Clean, comfy, and full of character, this trolley tour is perfect for making the most of Salem in just a day or two, especially if you want the full story behind all those mysterious old buildings. 

 

Salem’s got a knack for blending its maritime roots, witchy legends, and small-town warmth into an adventure that’s surprising at every turn. So, wander far and wide, peek behind the next door, and see where your Salem story leads next! 

Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do Near Salem Witch Museum or Everything You Need to Know About Go City’s Boston Passes 

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The Museum of Fine Art in Boston
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Museum of Fine Arts Vs Institute of Contemporary Art Comparison

Revolutionary spirit and great art are in Boston’s DNA, meaning you’re rarely far from a picture-perfect historical landmark, fascinating cultural artifact or priceless Old Master. You can feel it on the Freedom Trail – the city’s comprehensive walk-through of the birth of America, in the family-run restaurants of the authentic Italian district, and in the bleeding-edge contemporary art galleries of Boston’s hip South End neighborhood. And that’s just for starters. Beantown’s art museums are second-to-none, offering deep dives into the history and cultural heritage of Boston, the Americas and beyond. Two absolute titans of the scene, the Museum of Fine Arts and Institute of Contemporary Art feature highly on the hit-lists of many art-loving visitors to the city. 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Within its hallowed walls, the MFA houses thousands of rare treasures, from paintings and sculptures to musical instruments, pottery and textiles. In other words, pretty much everything from ancient Egyptian mummies to paintings by Monet, Van Gogh and Kahlo. Ogle Nubian pottery, Chinese ceramics and masterpieces of the Dutch Golden Age, and experience the largest collection of Japanese art outside of Japan, including paintings, ceramics and 17th-19th-century ukiyo-e woodblock prints.  Getting in: Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts is open daily except Tuesdays. Hours are 10AM-5PM, with late opening until 10PM on Thursday and Friday. Tickets are included with a Boston pass from Go City. The pass includes access to dozens more activities, tours and attractions, including Paul Revere House, the Museum of Science, a Freedom Trail walking tour, a sunset harbor cruise, and more. Find out how you could save up to 50% with the Boston pass and get yours here.  MFA Highlights Give your neck a workout in the museum’s epic rotunda, where frescoes by John Singer Sargent adorn the domed ceiling.  Don’t miss John Singleton Copley’s portrait of local hero Paul Revere, maker of the historic Sons of Liberty Bowl, which is also – natch – on display here at the museum. We’re in the Monet! We’re in the Monet! The MFA boasts one of the best collections of French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art outside of France, including landmark pieces by Monet, Manet, Renoir, Degas and others. Fans of Japanese art will be in clover, with over 100,000 pieces including woodblock prints, fine ceramics and Buddhist statues. Ancient Egypt is never less than utterly fascinating, and the MFA’s collection does not disappoint, with pieces that include Rameses III prisoner tiles, ancient idols, exquisite Nubian jewelry, and decorative sarcophagi. 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These include the likes of Cornelia Parker, Taylor Davis, Nan Goldin, Thomas Hirschhorn, Marlene Dumas and Laylah Ali, to name just a few. Check out the ICA website for information on all current and upcoming exhibitions. Getting in: The ICA is open Tuesday-Sunday, 10AM-5PM, with late opening until 9PM on Thursday and Friday. General admission costs $20, but Thursday evening admission is free after 5PM – tickets are available from Thursday morning and advance booking is highly recommended. ICA Highlights Jutting out over the harbor, the ICA’s Seaport District home is every bit the contemporary art space, all bright, intimate galleries; its glass corridors and elevators seem to float above the water below. Don’t miss Cornelia Parker’s signature ‘Hanging Fire’ sculpture, Kara Walker’s thought-provoking meditation on racism and gender discrimination, based on characters from Mark Twain's ‘Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’, and the fine collection of photographs by Boston’s Nan Goldin. A ferry takes passengers over to the ICA Watershed outpost, where a single artist exhibits work from spring to fall each year. Past exhibitions have included large-scale installations and sculptures by the likes of Diana Thater, John Akomfrah, Firelei Báez and Guadalupe Maravilla. Museum of Fine Arts Vs Institute of Contemporary Art Comparison: Which is Best? Art aficionados will find much to enjoy in both the MFA and ICA. The Museum of Fine Arts takes the prize for the sheer variety and scope of its collection, and is likely to be the better choice for lovers of art history and antiquity. The Institute of Contemporary Art is by its very nature a far more niche experience, but with futuristic sculptures, paintings and installations that are no less eye-popping than those at the MFA. Don’t forget: you can visit the MFA with a Boston attraction pass from Go City, and Thursday evenings at the ICA are free so, heck, why not spoil yourself and do both? Save on Attractions, Tours and Activities in Boston Save money on Boston attractions, tours and activities with a pass from Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
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New Year's Eve in Boston - Things to do

Rich history and a fine party scene means there’s plenty to keep you occupied in Boston on New Year’s Eve. From heritage trails to winter wonderlands, magnificent museums to the city’s beloved sport team stadiums, Boston has it all. New Year is a great time to visit, with plenty going on to keep kids and grown-ups entertained all day long, not to mention the buzzy bar scene and epic firework displays that define this great city’s end-of-year celebrations. Read on for our guide to New Year’s Eve in Boston and the best things to do while you’re in town! Morning: Boston Highlights Crisp winter mornings are made for sightseeing and, as you happen to be in Boston for New Year, well, why the heck not? There’s a glut of activities here – from the historical to the futuristic – that will take up just one or two hours of your New Year’s Eve in Boston. And boy, are some of Beantown’s attractions worth checking out. Take a whistle stop guided tour of the Freedom Trail led by actors in period costume for a deep dive into Boston’s most historic sites, including the golden-domed Massachusetts State House, the site of the Boston Massacre, 17th-century King’s Chapel cemetery and Boston Common, the oldest public park in the United States. Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts is where it's at for culture vultures. Here’s where you can explore 100 galleries of eye-popping art from across the centuries, including ancient Egyptian sculptures, early musical instruments and paintings by the likes of Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir and Kahlo. Don’t miss John Singleton Copley’s portrait of local hero Paul Revere, and the elaborate mural by John Singer Sargent that adorns the rotunda ceiling. Alternatively, get your sports fix on a guided tour of the Sports Museum at the TD Garden arena, legendary home of the Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins; say hey to the seals, snakes, sea turtles and funky rockhopper penguins at the New England Aquarium; or nip just out of town to unleash your inner Jo, Meg, Amy or Beth at the 17th-century former home of Louisa May Alcott, where her novel Little Women was set. Sticking around beyond New Year? Consider an attraction pass from Go City to save $$$ on things to do in Boston, including top attractions, tours, activities and more. Afternoon: Seasonal Events in Boston If you’re looking for things to do in Boston on New Year’s Eve, rejoice! Many of Beantown’s Christmas fairs and festivals continue through New Year and there are even a few brand-new dedicated NYE events to check out. Better yet, many of the afternoon and early evening activities are family friendly, meaning kids can join in the fun too. Zoolights at the Stone Zoo is a magical festive extravaganza, where tree-lined walkways are festooned with thousands of twinkling lights and Yukon Creek – home to black bears, bald eagles, arctic foxes, Canada lynx, reindeer and more – has been given a fairytale festive makeover. Sponsored (perhaps unsurprisingly) by the National Grid, this electrifying experience is sure to give kids (and adults) of all ages a real buzz. Mosey on down to Boston’s Waterfront winter wonderland, where dozens of frozen masterpieces line the Ice Sculpture Stroll, spanning North End, Downtown Waterfront, Charlestown End, and South Boston Waterfront. Follow the trail to the Seaport neighborhood to find a veritable fiesta of fun at Snowport. There are soaring, twinking Christmas trees, an iceless curling rink, après ski lodges, fire pits, a beer tent, street-food stalls, local crafts and more. Eyes peeled for the Snowport mascot, a huge fluffy pink yeti that’s your kids with love. Or be absolutely terrified by, depending on their disposition. As the light begins to fade, make for Copley Square, where the annual First Night Boston Celebrations includes eminently danceable holiday-themed tunes and illuminated ice sculptures. Once you’ve shimmied yourself warm, join the procession to Boston Common for the spectacular early evening firework displays, which kick off around 7PM. Evening: The Best of Boston’s Party Scene The fireworks at Boston Common are repeated periodically throughout the evening, right up to the main event at midnight, but there are plenty more ways to spend  the final hours of New Year’s Eve in Boston. Party your little heart out at suave Rochambeau in the Hynes Convention Center. This one is strictly for over-21s only. And rightly so. After all, sophisticated hors d'oeuvres, speciality seasonal cocktails and dessert bars that groan with sweet treats galore are wasted on the young. There’s a live DJ spinning floorfillers throughout the evening, and a glass of fizz to toast the New Year at midnight. You’ll want to book tickets in advance for this popular annual party. Wrap up extra warm for Boston’s legendary Bow Market Ball Drop. This one is held partly indoors and – shiver – partly al fresco, although patio heaters should help to stave off the worst of the winter chill. A bit of fancy footwork to the live tunes being played by the DJ should also help stop hypothermia setting in. Again, book well in advance if you want to join the party. The price of admission includes a couple of free drinks, some nibbles and other surprises throughout the evening, ahead of the hotly (or should that be coldly) anticipated ball drop at midnight. If it’s heart-swelling romantic firework views that top your New Year’s Eve wish list, the Boston Harbor show is unlikely to disappoint. Get yourself over to Christopher Columbus Park for this awesome midnight extravaganza of colorful pyrotechnics and booming, spirit-lifting music. Entry to the park is free. It commands some of the best views in town, so we’d recommend getting there early to ensure your Boston New Year’s Eve goes off with a bang! Save on activities and attractions in Boston Save on admission to Boston attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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