Salem is known around the world for its Witch Trials History, annual Haunted Happenings events in October, maritime history, and of course, Hocus Pocus, along with museums, restaurants, and shops in a walkable downtown. With so much to do downtown, and with its prime location North of Boston, Salem is a great homebase to explore more of the North Shore during your next trip.
And, with breathtaking beaches, whale watches, and the working waterfront to explore, a daytrip to Gloucester offers the New England destination just 16 miles up the coast.
Book Your Stay in Salem
One of the biggest advantages of making Salem your home base is the wide variety of places to stay. Whether you’re looking for a historic inn, a boutique hotel in the heart of downtown, a room on the waterfront, or a nationally recognized hotel brand, you’ll find accommodations to fit every taste.
Stay steps from Salem’s museums, shops, and restaurants at boutique hotels like The Hotel Salem, The Courier Hotel, The Coach House, or The Merchant. Closer to the waterfront, the Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites is a modern full-service hotel just steps from Pickering Wharf. Nearby Salem Common, the historic Hawthorne Hotel offers a centrally located homebase for everything to see and do downtown.
Looking for a cozy stay immersed in local history? Historic inns and bed and breakfasts, including The Salem Inn, Daniels House Inn, Stepping Stone Inn, Morning Glory Bed & Breakfast, Amelia Payson House, and Northey Street House Bed & Breakfast offer plenty of New England charm, all in walking distance to downtown shops and restaurants, and the waterfront.
You can also book a stay accommodations like The Cove at Salem or The Warlock House, which offer stays that are uniquely Salem with themed room designs.
Skip the Car with the MBTA Commuter Rail
One of the easiest ways to travel between Salem and Gloucester is aboard the MBTA Commuter Rail’s Rockport Line.
Even better, the MBTA is offering free Commuter Rail rides on Fridays through the end of August, making it easier than ever to explore the North Shore without worrying about parking. Traveling over the weekend? Weekend passes are just $10, allowing unlimited rides across the entire Commuter Rail system on Saturdays and Sundays.
Taking the train for a beach day and returning to Salem for dinner is a breeze with the Commuter Rail, but if you do opt to drive, you can find parking information for downtown Gloucester and the beaches here.
Experience Gloucester’s Working Waterfront
As America’s Oldest Seaport, Gloucester is home to one of the nation’s longest-running commercial fishing ports. You can still watch fishing boats unload their catch, stroll along the harbor, and experience a waterfront that remains deeply connected to its maritime roots.
For an even closer look at Gloucester’s rich sailing traditions, step aboard a sail with Maritime Heritage Charters. Built in the spirit of the historic Gloucester fishing schooners, the Ardelle offers memorable sailing experiences that showcase the city’s harbor, coastline, and centuries of maritime history from the water.
Spend a Day at the Beach
While Salem offers beautiful waterfront views at spots like Salem Maritime National Historical Park and Pickering Wharf, Gloucester is home to some of Massachusetts’ most beloved beaches. Spend the day relaxing at Good Harbor Beach or Wingaersheek Beach before exploring nearby shops and restaurants.
A beach day is the best way to add time to swim and scenic walks along the shore to your summer trip to Salem! (Note: If you are driving to Gloucester, parking reservations are required for non-residents at Good Harbor Beach, Wingaersheek Beach, and Stage Fort Park. Use the Blinkay app to make your reservation.)
Go Whale Watching
Summer is prime whale watching season, and Gloucester is one of the best places in New England to experience it.
7 Seas Whale Watch offers excursions to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, where visitors frequently spot humpback, finback, and minke whales, along with dolphins, seabirds, and other marine wildlife. It’s an unforgettable experience and one of the most unique adventures available anywhere on the North Shore.
Explore Hammond Castle Museum
Perched on the rocky coastline overlooking the Atlantic, Hammond Castle Museum combines history, architecture, and spectacular ocean views in one unforgettable destination.
Originally built as the home of inventor John Hays Hammond Jr., the medieval-inspired castle welcomes visitors to tour its fascinating rooms, beautiful grounds, and seasonal exhibitions. Throughout the summer, guests can also enjoy special events including yoga on the lawn, evening programs, and popular candlelight tours.
Waterfront Dining with a View
Stop by Turner’s Seafood for takeout versions of locally inspired New England favorites, like the best fish ‘n’ chips in town, lobster rolls, chowder, and more. Grab your lunch to go and dine with beautiful views of the harbor along Stacy Boulevard or at Stage Fort Park.
For full-service waterfront dining with spectacular marina views, visit Mile Marker One at The Hotel at Cape Ann Marina. The restaurant’s expansive outdoor seating, newly opened sun deck, refreshing cocktails, live music, and marina views make it one of Gloucester’s favorite places to unwind after a day of exploring.
Finish your day with a scoop from Holy Cow Ice Cream, a local favorite serving homemade ice cream in the most creative flavors.
Planning for Gloucester Schooner Festival?
One of Gloucester’s signature events, Gloucester Schooner Festival returns every year over Labor Day Weekend, drawing visitors from across New England to celebrate the city’s rich maritime heritage. Because it’s one of the busiest weekends of the year, Gloucester accommodations often book well in advance.
If you’re still looking for a place to stay, Salem makes an excellent home base, offering plenty of options just a short ride away on the MBTA Commuter Rail’s Rockport Line. You’ll be able to spend the day enjoying the Parade of Sail, waterfront festivities, races, and historic schooners before returning to Salem in the evening, making it easy to experience one of Gloucester’s most beloved traditions while exploring two incredible North Shore destinations.