Day Trips from Salem: Hidden Gems on the North Shore

SPONSORED BLOG | Written by Addison Choate

Salem’s history, harbor, and haunted lore make it an autumnal rite of passage for casual conjurers, but one of its best-kept secrets is how close it is to other North Shore treasures. With just a short drive, train ride, or Uber, you can find scenic rocky coastlines, world-class seafood, and quintessential New England charm. Here are three easy day trips that pair perfectly with your Salem adventure.

Rockport: A Coastal Postcard Come to Life

Only 30 minutes from Salem, Rockport is a place where ocean views, fresh seafood and artistic heritage collide.

This fishing village turned art colony is home to Motif No. 1, the most painted fishing shack in the world, and a bustling harbor lined with galleries and shops. Be sure to check out local favorite Denim Blanket Company which crafts premium, cozy blankets, as well as clothing and lifestyle goods all made in the USA.

A stroll down Bearskin Neck feels like stepping into a movie set- rustic shingled shacks, salty breezes, and shop windows filled with handcrafted goods. Stop for a lobster roll at Roy Moore Lobster, browse local art studios, or walk out to the breakwater for a sweeping view of Sandy Bay. For nature lovers, Halibut Point State Park offers granite quarries, tide pools, and dramatic coastal trails. There are so many fun things to do in Rockport, MA in just about every season.

Insider tip: Many visitors choose to stay in Rockport for a quieter base after a busy day in Salem. Cozy inns like Addison Choate make it easy to relax, unwind and extend your trip. You can hop right on the Rockport commuter line and be down in the heart of Salem in no time.

Gloucester: America’s Oldest Seaport

Just a few minutes down the road from Rockport, Gloucester blends working waterfront grit with seaside charm. Start at the iconic Fishermen’s Memorial, a bronze statue honoring those lost at sea, then wander the docks where the day’s catch still comes in.

For art lovers, Rocky Neck Art Colony is one of the oldest in the country and offers galleries, cafes, and live music. Adventure seekers can join a whale watch — Gloucester is one of the best departure points on the East Coast for spotting whales.

And of course, there’s the seafood. From raw bar classics at Tonno to the heaping fisherman’s platters at The Causeway, Gloucester is where New England’s fishing tradition comes alive on your plate.

Essex: Antiques and Oysters

A tiny town with outsized charm, Essex is an easy add-on when exploring Gloucester or Rockport. Known as the “Antique Capital of America,” its main street is lined with shops where you can uncover everything from maritime memorabilia to mid-century furniture.

But Essex isn’t just for treasure hunters, it’s also for food lovers. The Essex River estuary provides some of the best clams in New England, and you’ll find them on menus at casual dockside shacks and cozy taverns. For a dash of history, visit Cogswell’s Grant, a riverside farmhouse that houses one of the country’s premier collections of American folk art.

Extend Your Salem Adventure

Whether you’re savoring Rockport’s rocky coastline, Gloucester’s seafaring spirit, or Essex’s antique shops and oysters, the North Shore offers a perfect complement to your Salem getaway. Each town is close enough for a day trip, but rich enough to make you wish you had more time.

So, while Salem’s haunted history may draw you in, the surrounding coastlines and communities will make you fall in love with New England all over again.