Salem, Massachusetts is most known for being a spooky season destination, but summer is my favorite time to visit (actually followed very closely by winter, but that’s another post for a later time!) In general, though, looking forward to New England summers is a big part of what gets me through the winter and lets me want to continue to live here despite by disdain for cold weather and the fact that so many things to do are closed in the off season.
Most conversations on the quintessential New England summer tend to focus on places like Maine or the Cape, but there’s a lot to experience in between as well, and especially in Salem. The seasonal festivities during Salem’s summers, at least in my opinion, aren’t necessarily even outshined by October– They’re just different, and both are super fun!
Whether you’re going for Summerween vibe or actually looking for the total New England summer package, here’s how I think you’ll find it in Salem.
Get out on the water
To me, any New England summer bucket list needs to be packed with seasonal activities, and anything that lets me get out on the water is going to be at the top of the list. Salem has several different ways to spend time on the water and they’re all totally unique.
You can book a schooner sail with Schooner Fame (I’d especially recommend a sunset sail!), cruise the harbor with Mahi Cruises, or even see Salem from a floating tiki bar. Salem also has a few islands in the harbor you can explore, and Essex Heritage can take you to Bakers Island and Misery Island on their landing craft Naumkeag.
Explore Salem Willows
This might sound a little crazy because Salem Willows is by no means a theme park, but going to the Willows regularly is really the only thing that’s come close to the feeling I guess I’ll forever be chasing of being on my Disney College Program and spending my off days at the parks. It has a similar vibe where there’s plenty to do (for free or very little cost), or you can just go and hang out and enjoy the beach or walking path.
The Willows has beaches, an arcade packed with new and classic games, several restaurants, places to walk, mini golf, and even some kiddie rides. In the summer, the park hosts events like weekly concerts at the band stand (on Tuesday nights) and the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival in August, but even if there’s nothing going on, it’s one of my go-to places to sit outside and read or grab dinner. This year, we’ve also been picking up Hobbs popcorn to take home when we know we’re planning a movie night later.
Check out Salem’s garden scene
At first I wondered if my mentioning gardens in this post is a sign that I’m getting old, but on second thought, it’s just giving a New England take on what I love about EPCOT’s Flower & Garden Festival. I don’t think Salem’s gardens get the hype they deserve, and I love walking through them with my camera or sitting down with a good book in the summer.
The Ropes Mansion garden is probably the most well-known as it’s behind “Allison’s House” from Hocus Pocus (1993), but I’d also recommend checking out the gardens behind the Derby House and Salem Athenaeum (all free to visit and open to the public during daylight hours).
Dine outside during patio season
Another summer activity I look forward to all year is patio season! It takes a long time for the weather to warm up enough to sit outside so I need to make the most of this part of summer while we can. Salem is filled with outdoor decks and patios waiting for you whether you’re just looking for drinks and apps or a full dinner experience.
Downtown patios can be found at Rockafellas, Ledger, Turner’s, Adriatic, and Koto, just to name a few, the Lobster Shanty on Artists’ Row, plus there’s Bit Bar, Bambolina, and All Souls on Derby Street, and waterfront locations like Finz, Sea Level, and Notch. We recently had lunch at Finz on the 4th of July, and I cannot believe I’ve never had their crab nachos before- they were delicious!
Experience Salem’s seasonal events
Some of the best seasonal events in Salem do not take place in October. Summer’s events kick off in June with Salem Arts Festival and North Shore Pride. I -usually- love 4th of July, but it was a tough one this year for obvious reasons. Still, Salem’s 4th of July delivered and is a great alternative to going into the city where music starts a few hours before the fireworks and the spectacle is accompanied by a live orchestra.
In August, on top of the Jazz & Soul Festival there is the Salem Maritime Festival, which includes a cardboard regatta! (Fun fact: In college, I interned for a town’s Main Streets that organized a pumpkin regatta, and I am now always interested in watching any absurd boat races like these.)
Getting to and around Salem this summer
Part of what makes Salem a perfect summer destination is how easy it is to get into town and explore on foot. Salem is accessible via the Newburyport/Rockport line of the Commuter Rail making it an easy daytrip from Boston or points north. In the summer, you can also get to Salem from Boston with the Salem Ferry.
Most places you’ll want to see in Salem are within walking distance, but if something is a little further out you can always rent a Bluebike or take the Salem Skipper (basically a local rideshare service, think Uber pool except it only costs $2, just search Salem Skipper in the app store).
This post was really only a quick overview of things to do this summer in Salem, so stay tuned or more detailed guides soon!
As always, thanks for reading!
