Salem: 1692 Witch Trials Walking Tour with Local Historian

Summary

Walk Salem’s haunted streets & hear real witch trial stories

You’ll walk Salem’s historic streets with a local historian and real witch as your guide. Hear raw stories from the 1692 Witch Trials, see over a dozen sites—including the Witch House—and meet locals along the way. Expect moments of laughter, shivers, and maybe even reflection as you experience Salem’s layered past up close.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I booked the 1692 Salem day tour half out of curiosity and half because my friend wouldn’t stop talking about it. Didn’t expect to feel that weird mix of goosebumps and laughter, but that’s exactly what happened. We met our guide—she called herself both a historian and a witch, which made me grin—and right away she had us picturing what Essex Street must’ve sounded like back in the late 1600s. There was this moment where a gust of wind rattled some old shop signs and I swear it felt like the town was listening in.

Walking down those uneven sidewalks (watch your step if you’re clumsy like me), we stopped at the Witch House. The guide pointed out tiny details—like how the wood still smells faintly smoky if you lean close, or how people used to whisper behind gloved hands when someone walked by. She told stories about the judges and accusers, but also paused to talk about regular folks who just tried to keep their heads down. I remember her saying something like, “It wasn’t all drama—sometimes it was just fear.” That stuck with me more than any ghost story ever could.

Kids on our tour kept asking questions (“Did witches have pets?”) and nobody seemed bored—even my partner who usually hates history tours. Our group was pretty mixed: families with strollers, a couple with their dog (who got lots of attention), older folks leaning in close to catch every word. The guide never rushed us, even when someone wanted to double-check a fact or ask about modern Salem witches (she laughed and said she’d answer over coffee later). The whole thing lasted two hours but honestly felt shorter—I still think about that one quiet alley where everything just…stopped for a second.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Salem Witch Trial history

• Meet at Hermetic Arts Center
• Check in with guide
• Start tour at Essex and Sewell St
• Walk down Essex St to Witch House
• Visit historical sites in Salem
• Hear stories of Salem's witch trials

Top questions

How long is the 1692 Salem day tour?

The walking tour lasts approximately two hours.

Is the Salem Witch Trials tour family-friendly?

Yes, children are welcome and there were families with strollers on my tour.

Are dogs allowed on this Salem walking tour?

Yes, dogs are allowed; I saw guests bring their pets along.

Where does the 1692 Salem Historical Day Tour start?

The tour meets at Hermetic Arts Center at 272 Essex St., starting at Essex and Sewell St.

Is this tour accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?

The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, but some sidewalks are uneven due to age.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

Tours run rain or shine; plan accordingly for New England weather.

Who leads the Salem Witch Trials walking tour?

A local historian who is also described as a real witch leads the group.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting at Hermetic Arts Center before setting off down Essex Street with a local historian (and real witch) guiding you through more than a dozen historical sites tied to the 1692 Salem Witch Trials. The two-hour walking experience is family- and dog-friendly, runs rain or shine, and welcomes guests of all ages and abilities—just keep an eye out for those old brick sidewalks!