4 Reasons to Visit Salem in 2022

2021 was a great year in Salem, Massachusetts but we are looking forward to an even better 2022. There is more to see and do in Salem than ever before! Find inspiration for your next trip to Salem this year below and discover everything that’s new for 2022. For more trip-planning inspiration, request a free Salem City Guide & Map here.

(1) Festivals & events all year long

Plan a spring visit and attend Salem Ancestry Days in April or the Salem Arts Festival in June, or wait until the biggest Halloween celebration around in October for Salem Haunted Happenings.

Salem’s annual festival’s include:

• Salem Comedy & Spirits Festival (January 13-15)
• Salem’s So Sweet (February 11-13)
• Salem Film Fest (March 24- April 3)
• Salem Women’s History Day (March 27)
• Salem Restaurant Week (March dates to be announced)
• Salem Ancestry Days (April 29th – May 2)
• Salem Arts Festival (June 3-5)
• Salem Farmers Market (June 11-October 15)
• North Shore Pride Parade & Festival (June 27)
• Salem Celebrates the 4th (July 4)
• Salem Heritage Days (August dates to be announced)
• Salem Spice Festival (September 12)
• Salem Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival (September 24-25)
• Salem Haunted Happenings (October 1-31)
• Salem Holiday Happenings (November 29-January 1)

(2) New shops, Restaurants, and Attractions

• Curly Girl Candy Shop has over 120 candy options to choose from, you can fill a bag to fulfill every craving including a wide variety of bulk candy including gummy, sour, chocolate, and everything in between.
• Timeless Life Treasures on Pickering Wharf specializes in conflict-free fine and fashion jewelry, custom design, jewelry repair, coins, and handmade giftware.
• Ginger Seafood features menus encompassing amazing flavors of chinese and japanese style cajun cooking
• Salem’s Retreat serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner at reasonable prices with a full bar
• Professor Spindlewink’s World of Wizardry invites you to explore magical realms and enchanted rooms as a part of their amazing interactive attraction.
• International Monster Museum is an interactive adventure featuring monsters, ghosts, and ghouls from around the globe

(3) Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Salem Witch Museum

Opened in 1972, The Salem Witch Museum has told the true story behind the Salem witch trials of 1692 and provided context for understanding the phenomenon of witch-hunts and witchcraft from the fifteenth century into the modern day. It was founded during Salem’s push to market itself as a place of historical importance while at the same time there was a surge of witch-related culture due to the sitcom Bewitched. In 1999, a special exhibit titled “Witches: Evolving Perceptions” was created to provide visitors with context to enhance their understanding of the Salem trials. In 2010 the museum began a series of updates that will finish their anniversary year, taking place in 2022, this includes restoration of the front of the building and updating the “Witches: Evolving Perceptions” exhibit.

(4) In 2022 getting to Salem is easier than ever!

Just 16 miles north of Boston on the Massachusetts coast, Salem is easily accessible by car, train, bus, and seasonal ferry.

The MBTA has continued $10 weekend fares for the Commuter Rail! Tickets are valid all weekend long for travel on all lines between all zones. You can take the Commuter Rail to Salem via the Newburyport/Rockport lines from Boston’s North Station or from cities to the north like Gloucester, Rockport, and more. Weekend tickets may be purchased in person or on the mTicket mobile app. Learn more here.

From Memorial Day to Halloween, you can also reach Salem aboard the Salem Ferry operated by Boston Harbor Cruises which departs from Long Wharf in Boston. Complete schedules and ticket details are available at SalemFerry.com.

Once you are in Salem, The Salem Skipper is Salem’s own rideshare service that you can call via app to meet you wherever you are.

Click here for more information about getting to Salem, including parking maps and fees.