Rainy Day Itinerary for Salem, MA

Don’t let the gray skies get you down! There is so much to see and do in Salem, Massachusetts even when the weather isn’t quite sunny and dry.

If you forget your rain gear, or if the unpredictable New England weather decides to rain unexpectedly, you may want to purchase an umbrella or poncho. Pop into a local shop like The Peabody Essex Museum Store to pick up a last-minute umbrella or poncho. Should the rain come with chills, sweatshirts are available at District Trading Co. , Trolley Depot, and Witch Tees. You may also want to bring along an extra bag to store your wet umbrella, poncho, or jacket in, so if the rain lets up during your visit you’ll be able to comfortably carry your rain gear without wetting the rest of your belongings. Make sure you start your visit at the Destination Salem Visitor Information Center to get some information about Salem, MA, a map, as well as ponchos, umbrellas, winter hats, and dry socks!

Destination Salem Visitor Information Center

With any visit to Salem, starting at the Salem Regional Visitor Center will help you get your bearings, and learn a quick overview of what the community has to offer. While at the visitor center, you may opt to see a film screening of Salem Witch Hunt: Examine the Evidence, a 35-minute film on the history of the Salem Witch Trials. (Note: The visitor center’s hours change seasonally. Confirm hours at nps.gov/sama.)

The majority of Salem’s museums and attractions, including walking tours, are open for business rain or shine. If you are looking to minimize the time spent out in the rain, you’ll want to visit the Peabody Essex Museum. One of the nation’s fastest growing art museums, a visit here can easily last for a couple of hours or the entire day. Make sure you stop into their newest exhibit The Salem Witch Trials: Restoring Justice open until November 26th.

To learn about the Salem Witch Trials, the Salem Witch Museum, Witch Dungeon Museum, Witch History Museum, and Salem Wax Museum are all within walking distance, and all presentations and exhibits take place indoors. Also a short walk away from the visitor center is Witch Pix. Located in the Museum Place Mall, this costume studio allows you to take on the role of a witch or wizard for a memorable photo shoot experience.

You may feel like avoiding attractions that require a further walk in the rain, but luckily the Salem Trolley continues service, and can help you minimize your walk time while providing an overview of Salem’s history. Hope aboard the Trolley and take it down to The House of the Seven Gables and Salem Maritime National Historic Site.

The tour of The House of the Seven Gables takes place inside (and advance tickets are recommended from 7gables.org), though if you are up for some time outside, the Colonial Seaside Gardens are also a sight to see. Much of the Salem Maritime National Historic Site is outside however within the site’s shop, Waite and Peirce, you can learn more about site’s history while shopping for unique and authentic goods. Wear your warm winter gear and tag along on a Salem Food Tour to sample an abundance of hearty ingredients and treats.

Tis’ the chilly New England season and with cool weather comes the craving for comfort food! Relax with a cup of clam chowder at Finz Seafood and Grill or Sea Level Oyster Bar and Kitchen, or lobster bisque from Turner’s Seafood. If you really want to warm up on a rainy day, the Tavern in the Hawthorne Hotel offers cozy fireside dining, or you may choose to unwind with a cup of tea at Jolie Tea Company at their new location on Derby Street.

East Regiment Beer Co.

If you are over the age of 21 and you are looking to warm up with some libations stop by one of our local breweries for a cozy indoor pint. Both Notch Brewing and East Regiment Beer Company have a great selection of craft brews. Warm up your cold bones with a round of skee-ball over at Notch with friends on a chilly evening. If you can’t decide which beer to try, head over to East Regiment for their beer flights and sit in their enclosed and heated outdoor patio space.

Nathaniel’s at the Hawthorne Hotel

If you are looking to tuck in for a nice meal and a warm beverage try The Tavern at the Hawthorne Hotel, which has a cozy classic atmosphere. Treat yourself to breakfast or lunch with a warm cup of their great selection of teas. The warm atmosphere and hospitality is sure to put a smile on your face and fuel the rest of your Salem, MA visit. However you choose to spend a rainy day in Salem, don’t let the rain ruin your plans. Even outdoor attractions like walking tours usually run in the rain. By dressing for the weather and bringing along an umbrella you should be all set to enjoy a day touring downtown Salem.

Categorised in: Do, Eat, Learn, Plan, Uncategorized