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: History with a Side of Hocus Pocus
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 District: Stroll the Most Beautiful Street in Salem
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
Step up your sightseeing with Go City®
We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.
See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® – just choose a pass to get started!
