Private Day Tour of Salem MA, from Portland ME

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7 to 9 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

Unlike large group bus tours, this experience is designed to be personal, flexible, and immersive. You’ll walk the streets of Salem with a knowledgeable guide who doesn’t just point out landmarks but brings their stories vividly to life—from the haunting legacy of the Witch Trials to the maritime wealth that built the city, and the literary genius of Nathaniel Hawthorne.

What makes this tour unique is the balance of history and atmosphere: you’ll explore centuries-old cemeteries and mansions, admire harbor views and gardens, and even encounter touches of pop culture like the Bewitched statue. With small groups and a customizable pace, you’ll have the freedom to linger where your interests lie most—whether it’s taking photos, diving deeper into Salem’s legends, or enjoying a quiet moment in a hidden garden.

This isn’t just sightseeing—it’s a chance to experience Salem’s past and present through stories, scenery, and atmosphere in a way that big tours can’t match.

What's Included

Private transportation
Admission fee
Bottled water
Snacks
Air-conditioned vehicle
Gratuities are not included in the tour price and are never expected—but always appreciated. If you feel your guide provided an exceptional experience, tipping is a great way to show your appreciation
Guests will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of dining options for lunch. Please note that the cost of lunch is not included in the tour price.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Your guide will reach out to you by text message or phone call 1–2 days before your tour to confirm your pickup location and time. If you are driving in from outside our pickup radius, your guide will also assist you in selecting the most convenient meeting point so your tour starts smoothly and on time.

OR
Meeting point
Downtown

For listing purposes, our tours are set with a default meeting point in Downtown Portland, ME. However, your guide will contact you 1–2 days before your tour to confirm details and, if you are not staying near downtown, will help you choose the most convenient meeting location.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 7 to 9 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    The Witch House at Salem

    No visit to Salem is complete without stepping into The Witch House, the only surviving building with direct ties to the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Once the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, this striking 17th-century mansion lets you walk the same rooms where decisions that shaped history were made. Inside, you’ll encounter rare period furnishings, artifacts, and stories that bring Salem’s most chilling chapter to life. With its dark timber façade and mysterious past, The Witch House isn’t just a historic home—it’s a portal back to the days of Puritan Salem and the trials that made this city legendary.

    45 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 2
    Old Burying Point Cemetery

    Step into one of the oldest cemeteries in New England, dating back to 1637. The Old Burying Point holds the graves of notable Salem figures, including Judge John Hathorne of the Witch Trials and Revolutionary War heroes. As you wander past weathered headstones and centuries-old carvings, the quiet atmosphere tells its own story of the town’s past. This is where history feels tangible—each stone a window into the lives, struggles, and legends of early Salem.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 3
    Ropes Mansion and Garden

    Known for its elegant Colonial Revival architecture—and its cameo in Disney’s Hocus Pocus—the Ropes Mansion is one of Salem’s most iconic landmarks. While the interior is only open to the public on weekends, the focus of this stop is the stunning Colonial Revival garden and the mansion’s historic exterior, both of which can be enjoyed seven days a week. Wander through flower-filled pathways, admire seasonal plantings, and capture beautiful photos against the backdrop of this 18th-century estate. With its mix of history, Hollywood, and horticulture, it’s a highlight not to be missed.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Peabody Essex Museum

    One of the oldest continually operating museums in the country, the Peabody Essex Museum blends Salem’s storied past with world-class art and culture. Its collections span everything from maritime treasures and Chinese export art to contemporary exhibits and historic Salem homes. The striking architecture and rotating exhibitions make every visit unique. While your tour will highlight the museum’s significance and stunning exterior, you’ll also learn why it’s considered a crown jewel of Salem’s cultural scene. Guests who wish can return after the tour to explore the galleries in greater depth.

    45 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 5
    Bewitched Statue of Elizabeth Montgomery

    A whimsical tribute in the heart of downtown, the Bewitched Statue celebrates actress Elizabeth Montgomery, star of the beloved 1960s TV series Bewitched. Perched on a crescent moon, her iconic pose has become one of Salem’s most popular photo spots. While it may be a modern landmark, the statue reflects the city’s unique blend of history, pop culture, and a little bit of magic. It’s a lighthearted stop that always brings smiles and is the perfect place to snap a memorable photo during your Salem adventure.

    10 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Pickering Wharf

    Overlooking Salem Harbor, Pickering Wharf is a lively waterfront district where history meets charm. Once a bustling seaport during Salem’s maritime heyday, today it’s lined with boutique shops, seafood restaurants, and sweeping harbor views. Stroll along the boardwalk, browse local crafts, or simply take in the salt air as you imagine tall ships that once sailed to far-off ports. With its mix of coastal beauty and New England character, Pickering Wharf offers the perfect balance of relaxation, shopping, and seaside scenery.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 7

    Step back into the late 18th century at the Nathaniel Hawthorne Birthplace, the modest home where the famous American author of The Scarlet Letter and The House of the Seven Gables was born. Moved to its current site beside the House of the Seven Gables, the home offers an intimate glimpse into the early life of one of Salem’s most celebrated literary figures. Its simple architecture and period details stand in contrast to the grander homes of the era, making it a powerful reminder of the humble beginnings that shaped Hawthorne’s imagination.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 8

    One of Salem’s most iconic landmarks, the House of the Seven Gables is a 1668 mansion made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s classic novel of the same name. With its steep gables, secret staircases, and centuries-old charm, the house feels like stepping directly into a storybook. Guests can admire its striking exterior, stroll the waterfront gardens, and learn how this grand home inspired Hawthorne’s dark tale of family, fortune, and fate. Rich with atmosphere and history, it’s a stop that perfectly captures Salem’s blend of literature, architecture, and legend.

    45 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Travel By Vogue

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Day Trips
Full-day Tours
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Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
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Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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