Salem: Witch Trials Walking Tour & Haunted History Sites

Summary

Witch trials, haunted tales & Salem’s quirky side streets

You’ll walk Salem’s storied streets with a local guide, pausing at the Witch Trials Memorial and centuries-old cemeteries where real history lingers. Expect moments of laughter by the Bewitched Statue and quiet chills inside haunted inns—all woven together by tales you won’t soon forget.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the air in Salem to feel so heavy—maybe it was just the drizzle, or maybe that weird hush you get when everyone’s listening for something old. We started at the Witch Trials Memorial, and our guide (Sam, who grew up here—he pointed out his middle school) just let us stand there a minute. The stones had names I recognized from high school history class, but seeing them lined up like that hit different. Some folks left flowers or little notes wedged in the cracks. I caught a whiff of wet leaves and something sweet—someone burning incense nearby? Couldn’t tell.

We wandered through the old cemetery next. Sam told stories about people buried there—one woman accused of witchcraft, another who was an accuser. It’s wild how close everything is; you can almost see the whole story playing out if you squint hard enough. There was this moment where he asked us to listen for crows (they actually cawed right on cue), and then he laughed about how even locals get spooked walking home after dark. I tried to snap a photo of some crooked headstones but my lens fogged up—classic me.

The Bewitched Statue stop felt lighter somehow—tourists posing, kids giggling at the pose. Sam explained how they filmed an episode right here in Salem, which I never knew (and honestly, now I want to rewatch it). We ducked into the Merchant Inn too; smelled like old wood and maybe a hint of whiskey from the bar next door. He told us about pirates and war heroes who once stayed there—so much packed into these streets. By then my feet were cold but I didn’t mind; I kept thinking about those first names on the stones and how this city just keeps layering stories on top of each other.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Salem Witch Trials and Haunts

• Visit Salem Witch Trials Memorial
• Explore second oldest cemetery
• Take photo at Bewitched Statue
• Learn about Merchant Inn hauntings
• Discover Nathanial Hawthorne's history

Top questions

How long does the Salem Witch Trials walking tour last?

The tour is 1 hour in length.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Are strollers or prams allowed on this Salem walking tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.

What sites are included in this Salem witch trial tour?

The tour includes stops at the Witch Trials Memorial, Bewitched Statue, historic cemeteries, Merchant Inn, and Hocus Pocus filming locations.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

Yes, the tour goes regardless of weather conditions.

Are service animals permitted on this walking tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

Is public transportation available near the meeting point?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby.

Who leads the tours in Salem?

The tours are led by professional experienced licensed guides who are passionate storytellers.

What’s included

Your walk through Salem includes a licensed local guide leading you past historic sites like McIntire and Washington Square, entry to outdoor memorials such as the Witch Trials Memorial and Bewitched Statue area, plus stories from centuries of war, piracy, business—and even some Hocus Pocus movie trivia along the way.