Five things for horror fans to do in Salem, MA

Updated 6/9/2020. Please note this blog post may contain affiliate links. To read more about that, click here.

Not everyone comes into Salem for the history or for the local events! If you’re looking for a thrill, today on the blog I’ve got some options for you with my list of five things for horror fans to do in Salem, MA. Feel free to comment below with your own thoughts, I’d love to read what your favorite spooky activities in Salem are.

Salem Horror Fest

Salem Horror Fest is a yearly celebration of horror and discussion of all things fear. It’s “an exploration of cultural fears through the lens of horror”. Per their website:

“A lot of people are saying this is a scary time to be alive. No matter whose side you’re on (and let’s face it… Sides are scary, too), there’s a lot of anxiety, a lot of tension, and a lot of uncertainty in our world. We turn to creature comforts as much, if not more, than we turn to one another – and this is all well and good, as long as we’re able to grow from it. Are we growing?

For some, horror movies are the ultimate escape, and for others, horror movies are trashy scare-traps, at best; But fear can be seen as an evolutionary learning tool. We fear the unknown, and when we’re confronted by it, we have an opportunity to stay, learn, and fight, or to turn away, run, and hide. The Salem Horror Festival invites you to stay, and to examine the themes of Fear and the American Experience within the horror genre.”

Visit some “haunted” locations in Salem, MA

Now, this one comes with a disclaimer. No locations in Salem are guaranteed or proven to be haunted. However, when you ask the general population, a few places do repeatedly make the list. The places I see and hear commonly referenced are the Hawthorne Hotel, the Merchant Inn, Turner’s Seafood at Lyceum Hall, Wicked Good Books and Bunghole Liquors (yes, you read that last one right). If you do visit, be sure to let me know how it went and if you saw any ghosts!

Check out the Old Burying Point and Witch Trials Memorial

This one is more somber than horror, but you get the idea. The Old Burying Point and Witch Trials Memorial is located just past the witch village off of Derby Street. Buried there you will find the graves of a Mayflower pilgrim and witchcraft trial judge John Hathorne. There is no fee to get into the cemetery and it’s open from dawn to dusk. The markers date way back and some are in better shape than others so step carefully.

Related:

Go on a haunted walk or tour

Salem offers many walks, tours and everything in between. Click here for a list of some of the options available to you. If you’re into the creepy factor, pick one that operates at night and focuses on ghosts and spookiness.

Visit Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery

Described as “Salem’s ONLY Monster Museum”, this attraction is a tribute to horror, sci-fi and fantasy films. Actors, directors and special effects artists are also recognized and honored in their collection. Count Orlok’s goes from a creepy monster museum to a haunted house in the fall and is a must see for horror and sci-fi fans. The Nightmare Gallery also often works with Salem Horror Fest in the fall to host meet and greets with noted figures, panels and more.

Need a little help planning?

I’d love to help. Be sure to check out Countdown to Salem – The Workbook. It’s a 20+ paged PDF that helps you sort all of the logistics of your visit in one place. Alternatively, if this is your first visit and you’re looking for a place to simply begin, check out my first timer’s guide.

I hope this list helped give you some spooky inspo for your visit to Salem, MA. Enjoy!! <3