20 Things to Do under $20 in Salem, MA
April 28, 2023
Written By:
sperling
1. Myths & Misconceptions Walking Tour with Essex Heritage ($18 Adults – $15 Seniors – $13 Kids)
The Salem Witch Trials occurred over 300 years ago and have since been dramatized in books, movies and TV shows. Sometimes the real history gets lost in the storytelling. Join Essex Heritage to uncover the myths and misconceptions you may have about the Salem Witch Trials.
EssexHeritage.org
2. Witch Hunt Film with Essex Heritage ($5 Adults – $4 Seniors – $4 Kids)
Made in 2011 this film was created in partnership with Essex Heritage and the National Park Service. This documentary style film features authentic dialogue taken from court transcripts and commentary by renowned Salem Witch Trial scholars. Scenes depicted in the film were shot at actual locations associated with the Witch Trials of 1692.
Movie Times
Wednesday-Sunday at 11:00am, 1:00pm, & 3:00pm
3. Breakfast or Lunch at Red’s ($5-14)
Housed in the historic London Coffee House building Red’s offers classic breakfasts like omelets, pancakes, and more, and open-faced sandwiches, salads, and pasta dishes for lunch. Entrees range from $5-14, with many dishes being $10 or less.
RedsSandwichShop.com
4. Cry Innocent Student Tickets ($18), Rush Tickets ($15)
Cry Innocent is a critically acclaimed reenactment of the witchcraft examination of Bridget Bishop. Advance ticket purchase is recommended, but if you find yourself by Old Town Hall 10 minutes before show time rush tickets are offered at $15 when space is available. (Seasonal) Student Tickets are also available for $18 dollars for grades 3 through Grad School.
HistoryAliveSalem.com
5. Salem Wax Museum / Salem Witch Village ($10)
Salem’s original wax museum, celebrating its 30th anniversary! A self guided, open gallery depicting Salem’s history from seafarers to the witch trials including a 14ft tall Witch Trials Memorial statue. Gift shop with free gravestone rubbings. Hysteria Pass discount with the Salem Witch Village. AAA, military group discounts. Home to the Haunted Neighborhood in October. The Salem Witch Village takes you through a replica of a village from 1692 Salem, MA with a unique audio tour experience.
6. Better Than Fiction Walking Tours ($20 children – $24 adult)
Learn how and why Salem executed 20 innocent people for the crime of witchcraft in 1692! The trials have left a footprint on Salem, and the world, that still echo 331 years later. Join us on our 90 minute walking tour as we visit historic locations and lay the groundwork to explore and unpack what happened in Salem in 1692. Shed light on how a community driven by fear and led by religious ideology and zealotus extremism, executed 20 innocent people.
7. Half Price Burgers at the Counter, Thursday at The Hotel Salem ($8)
Set in the historic Newmark building in the heart of downtown Salem, Counter is a modern take on a lunch counter with a dining experience rooted in fresh, simple, modern food. The seasonal Salem restaurant features an open-concept kitchen and dining for 50 on the first floor of The Hotel Salem and seasonal outdoor patio seating for 30.
8. Wander Around the Salem Willows (Free)
In addition to the restaurants and arcades (which will lighten your quarter stash), Salem Willows Park has two free beaches, walking trails, and a free summer concert series. Good weather brings families from near and far with their picnics to savor the sun, sand, and salt water. And, for less than $2 you can feast on one of Salem Lowe’s famous chop suey sandwiches.
9. Gallows Hill Museum/Theatre Main Show ($15)
Open Weekends April through September, and daily in the month of October. Gallows Hill Museum/Theatre hosts a theatrical experience about the Salem Witch Trials, with history, entertainment, and excitement all in one place. Experience this performance live for $15 with tickets available in person or online in advance. (Seasonal)
GallowsHillSalem.com
10. Salem Kids Tour ( Adults $18 – Kids $13)
Come walk with us through the mysterious and magical streets of Salem and we’ll tell you stories that are not only well-researched and entirely true, but they are also fascinating, if we do say so ourselves. We offer two unique tours: Our Kids History Tour through the historic Downtown, and our Slightly Spooky Tour, which includes history and some mild ghost stories to spark your imagination. We are the only tour in Salem that offers kid-appropriate, kid-approved content. See why some parents have called us “The best thing we did in Salem”. Tours are best for ages 5+
11. Salem Witch Museum ($17.50)
Hear the history of the Salem Witch Trials in a presentation created using actual documents from Salem’s past. Then see the museum’s second exhibit, “Witches: Evolving Perceptions” to learn about the “Witch” as an ever changing figure in history and pop culture, and historical witch hunts and their connections to the present. ($17.50 for adults, $16 for seniors and $14.50 for children.)
SalemWitchMuseum.com
12. The House of the Seven Gables Grounds Pass ($12)
This pass includes access to a 30-minute audio tour for your own electronic device about the historic grounds.Exploration time in the Nathaniel Hawthorne Birthplace, Counting House, and Museum Store. Links for virtual experiences, and a unique map of our historic site.
Grounds Pass does not include access to inside of house – inside only accessible through Mansion Tours ** Additional discounted tickets available on purchase page. All discounted tickets require valid ID upon arrival for verification.
7Gables.org
13. Phillips House ($15)
Tour the Phillips House and learn about the Phillips family and their domestic staff and how emerging technology in the early 20th century changed how the home functioned. The Phillips House also features a collection of antique carriages and cars. (Seasonal, $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, $5 for students)
HistoricNewEngland.org
14. Witch Dungeon Museum ($13)
See an award-winning reenactment of a 1692 Witch Trial then embark on a guided tour through a recreated dungeon. ($13 for adults, $10 for children ages 4-13, $12 for seniors 65+, ask about combination tickets to save $8.)
WitchDungeon.com
15. Ye Olde Pepper Candy Co.
Stop by Ye Olde Pepper Candy Company on Derby Street here in Salem, MA to sample some of their delicious treats. Purchase a bag of their historical Blackjack Molasses Sticks for $6.49, and a box of their assorted salt water taffy for an additional $6.49.
Oldepeppercandy.com
16. Appetizers at Tavern on the Green or Nathaniel’s at the Hawthorne Hotel (<$20)
Appetizers at the two restaurants at the Hawthorne Hotel are under $20! One of the most popular appetizers right now is their all-new lettuce wraps made with Bibb lettuce, coconut-curry noodles, crisp carrots, bean sprouts, sesame cucumber, sweet chili sauce, house-made peanut sauce, and choice of chicken or tofu (tofu makes this dish vegan!). Similarly you can purchase a delicious breakfast for under $20 dollars in their cozy restaurants on site.
HawthorneHotel.com
17. Salem Arts Association Exhibitions (free)
Visit Salem Arts Association to see one of their current exhibitions of work created by local artists. This non-profit, all volunteer organization features a gallery space that is open to the public on weekends from 12:00 pm-6:00 pm. Stop by the gallery shop or make a donation to support their mission.
SalemArts.org
18. Salem Heritage Trail (free)
The Salem Heritage Trail guides visitors from around the corner and around the world through over 400 years of Salem history. The themes of the trail bridge connections from the land’s earliest settlement to the Salem we see today with focuses on local Indigenous Peoples, Colonial Salem and the Witch Trials, the Age of Sail, Industrial Heritage, Abolitionism and African American Stories, Immigrant Experiences, Religious Diversity, and Contemporary Salem.
Click HERE to see the Salem Heritage Trail Mobile App
19. Visit the Charter Street Cemetery and Witch Trials Memorial (free)
Dedicated in 1992, by Nobel Laureate Eli Wiesel, to commemorate the tercentenary of the Salem Witch Trials, the Witch Trials Memorial was restored in 2012 and remains a solemn place to honor and remember the brave people who maintained their innocence in 1692.
20. Tour Punto Urban Art Museum (free)
Located in the Point Neighborhood, Punto Urban Art Museum is an open-air museum that features 85 large-scale murals and 40 world-renowned artists. It’s a five minute walk from downtown and free to explore. Share your favorite murals with us by tagging @destsalem in your posts!
Bonus Spot: Professor Spindlewink’s World of Wizardry $10 for Kids – $15 Adults
Explore the magical world of Professor Spindlewink! Journey to magic realms and discover an enchanted forest, a crystal cave, a room of fantastic beasts and even an Ice dragon. This amazing new attraction brings a fantastic fantasy world to life by allowing visitors to explore magical realms. Set up like an interactive museum, visitors can engage and interact with each realm. Highlights include: Entering The Wizards chamber and meeting Professor Spindlewink. Discovering secret places in the Enchanted Forest where visitors can find fairy homes and hidden grottos. Seeing a Unicorn, a Phoenix, a Griffin and more in the Room of Fantastic Beasts. Making sound and light in the Crystal Cave. Viewing the quirky characters in The Hallway of Magical Portraits. Exploring the Aquatic Realm and catching a glimpse of a real mermaid. Venturing into the fantastical Ice Realm where you can take photos with an Ice Dragon. There is even a Dark Magic realm for those brave enough to seek the darker powers. World of Wizardry is a fantastic place for families, Harry Potter fans, Cosplay visitors and lovers of fantasy magic.
Privacy Policy | © 2026, All Rights Reserved. Website designed and developed by Sperling.
