Sign up for Scenic Six
Navigate the endless possibilities of New England travel with Boston.com.
4 things you should know before visiting Salem this fall
Public transport plans, respect for locals, and quality costumes are all must-haves.
From September to November, tourists from all around of the country flock to Salem to experience the coastal city’s attractions, including the city’s signature, month-long Haunted Happenings, Hocus Pocus filming locations, the sites of the Salem Witch Trials, and much more.
We asked Boston.com readers to give us their best advice to incoming Salem tourists, and they didn’t disappoint. From transit recommendations to suggestions about Halloween costumes, residents and seasoned travelers gave us their very best advice.
Take public transit
The T, ferry, or even carpools are better options to travel into Salem than driving alone; the infrastructure of the nearly 400-year-old city can’t support the amount of people who want to travel in, while still supporting the locals. “Consider taking the ferry from Boston. It brings you close to all the best places. There are bike rental stations at the ferry and all around town. There is also a trolley,” Louise, a resident, told us.
Respect the residents
Liz, a local Salem resident, told Boston.com, “It’s a small city with only a few main roads in and out. People still need to get home from work, get groceries, hit the gym, serve jury duty, go to the doctor and this becomes very difficult when the population temporarily triples.” Locals have felt so disrespected by tourists that the Salem City Council even passed legislation this year increasing tour guide license fees by 3,400% to try and minimize disruption.
Dress to impress
If you plan on going to Salem this fall, you should be prepared for plenty of costume parties around the city; the locals insist on tourists going above and beyond in the costume department. “And if you visit on Halloween, I better be impressed by your costume. I didn’t put up with traffic, get crowded out of my favorite bars and restaurants, and take the day off work for you to show up in something lame from Target. I want to see some CREATIVITY, people,” Liz from Salem also said.
Don’t come
When planning your autumnal festivities, take into consideration the needs of the community you are visiting. Salemites find that the amount of festive tourists, last year exceeding one million, are a net-negative and they find themselves ignored by the city in favor of the tourism industry. “Don’t come to Salem. Go somewhere else. Despite the local politicians and business owners telling residents how great the tourism is, the majority of the residents do not make a cent off of the tourism and all we get in return is inconvenience, traffic, noise, rudeness/indifference, trash, higher taxes, utility rates, and a City Hall and police department that care more about visitors than the year round taxpaying residents,” Adam B., a local resident, said.
Advertisement:
“Save yourself the time, money, aggravation, and children whining and crying, and just come in the off season, have some candy, walk near the waterfront and parks, and enjoy Salem the way locals do.”
Tell us: Is Salem worth a visit this fall?
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com