Seeing Salem: A Circular Walk from the Common to Pickering Wharf

Salem is one of America’s most storied cities. On this relaxing walking tour through the city’s historical heart, you’ll discover its enchanting past. You’ll weave past colonial architecture to see the city’s maritime heritage, and hear about its literary giants.

The tour starts at the Washington Arch in Salem Common, the birthplace of the National Guard. You'll explore the city’s charming streets and waterfront before circling back to where the beloved movie Hocus Pocus was filmed. Along the way, you’ll hear fascinating stories about the characters who shaped Salem’s history – from Englishman Roger Conant, who established the settlement in 1626, to novelist Nathaniel Hawthorne, whose legacy lives on in the city’s streets and buildings.

You’ll see Salem’s famous waterfront at Pickering Wharf Marina and visit our national park, the Salem Maritime National Historic Site. As you walk, I’ll tell you all about Samuel McIntire, our most famous architect who was active in the late 1700s and early 1800s. I’ll also point out several examples of his work along the route.

On this Salem tour, you’ll have a chance to:

• Take in Father Theobald Mathew’s statue which is today pretty much surrounded by bars, as you learn about the Irish priest who promoted abstinence from alcohol
• See the Custom House where Hawthorne worked after some college friends got him a job
• Stop by Notch Brewery, an award-winning brewery that continues Salem’s craft traditions
• Pass by Derby House, built for the country’s first millionaire, Elias Hasket Derby, and Narbonne House, which was occupied by one family for 200 years
• Discover waterfront restaurants perfect for post-tour dining
• Take in the peaceful ambiance of Salem Common, a green space that’s graced the city for nearly 400 years

This 30-minute tour is perfect for both history enthusiasts and casual visitors, offering easy walking distances and plenty of photo opportunities. This tour is especially enjoyable in the morning before the crowds arrive, and you’ll find plenty of cafés, restaurants, and ice cream shops along the way for a quick refreshment break.

Join me on this leisurely stroll through Salem’s historic streets and discover why this coastal gem continues to captivate visitors from around the world!