Salem Night Tour
Meeting point
127 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970
Duration
75 – 90 minutes
Start time
Nightly (Times vary; typically 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM); check seasonal calendar for exact times
Ticket Price
Adults from $30; Children (6-12) from $30
*Please check the official site for current prices, seasonal rates, and add-ons.
Tour Operator
Overview
Step into the shadows of the "Witch City" on the Salem Night Tour, a premier experience designed for those seeking the truth behind the legends. As the sun dips below the horizon, the lamp-lit streets of downtown Salem transform into a stage for the macabre.
This haunted history tour isn't just a collection of jump-scares; it is a meticulously researched journey led by local historians and paranormal investigators who bring centuries of tragedy and mystery to life. Whether you are a dedicated ghost hunter or a family looking for Salem ghost tours, this walk offers a perfect blend of verified historical events and chilling supernatural encounters.
Navigate the winding paths where the 1692 hysteria began and explore why this seaside city remains one of the most active paranormal hotspots in the country. This haunted Salem walk takes you past iconic landmarks such as the Old Town Hall and the Joshua Ward House, weaving together stories of the Boston Strangler, the infamous Witch Trials, and the restless spirits that still linger in the historic McIntire District.
If you are searching for paranormal tours near the Witch Trials Memorial, the Salem Night Tour provides an authentic, unscripted experience that captures the true haunted essence of America’s most storied settlement.
What to Expect
Prepare for a 75-to-90-minute immersion into the darker side of New England. The tour departs from 127 Essex Street, conveniently located near the Peabody Essex Museum, and covers roughly one mile of walking at a casual, "easy stroll" pace. While the atmosphere is eerie, the storytelling is engaging and accessible for all ages.
- The Witch Trials Memorial & Old Burying Point: Stand at the gates of Salem's oldest cemetery. You will hear the harrowing details of the 1692 hysteria and the specific victims who still allegedly manifest near their memorial stones.
- The Gardner-Pingree House: Discover the site of the most famous murder in Salem’s history—the slaying of Captain Joseph White—which inspired the works of Edgar Allan Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne.
- Joshua Ward House: Learn the legend of "Sheriff Corwin," the "Witch-Hanging Sheriff," whose spirit is said to still haunt the foundations of this federal-style mansion.
- Old Town Hall & St. Peter's Church: Visit the locations where the physical and spiritual worlds collide, including filming sites for the cult classic Hocus Pocus and the unmarked graves beneath the church floorboards.
This haunted walk operates rain or shine, so guests are encouraged to dress in layers for the unpredictable New England coastal weather. Ghost tours near you rarely offer this level of historical depth; remember to bring a camera, as many guests have captured unexplained anomalies during the stop at Howard Street Cemetery.
Because of its popularity, especially in October, booking in advance is essential. Note that this is an outdoor experience; while the route is wheelchair accessible, expect to navigate historic brick sidewalks and some uneven surfaces.
Multiple garages (Essex St, Museum Place) and MBTA station nearby. Visit Parkopedia for the best parking information
No restrooms at shop or on route; use Museum Place facilities prior. Visit Toilet Finder for restroom information
Wheelchair accessible with caution for historic uneven brick/cobblestones.. (for more info contact tour operator)
Service animals only; no pets allowed on this walking route.
No entry into buildings; stories are told from outside at public vantage points. (for more info contact tour operator)
Family-friendly storytelling; great for kids and history buffs alike. (for more info, contact tour operator)
Get directions
Things to take on a ghost walk
Been on this ghost tour? Tell others what you think.
More Ghost Tours in Massachusetts
Ghosts & Gravestones Nightwalk
Read our Haunted Blogs
5 Best Ghost Tours in Minnesota
Uncovering the Spirits of the North Star State: From Lake Superior’s Misty Shores to the Gilded Age Secrets of St.
8 Best Ghost Tours in Maine
Walk Among the Restless Spirits of the Pine Tree State’s Most Historic Seaports and Haunted Coastal Districts Maine is a
Best Ghost Tours in Connecticut
Uncover Chilling Legends and Haunted History Across the Constitution State’s Most Spectral Cities Connecticut is a land of legends, where
FaQ's
what is a ghost tour
A ghost tour is a guided experience that explores haunted locations and shares stories of paranormal activity, local legends, and historical events. These tours often take place at night in historic towns, cemeteries, or old buildings, blending history with spine-tingling storytelling. Ghost tours offer a fun and immersive way to learn about a location’s past while enjoying a spooky adventure.
Why do people go on ghost tours?
People go on ghost tours to explore local history, hear chilling stories, and experience the thrill of the unknown. Ghost tours blend entertainment, folklore, and real historical events, making them popular with travelers, paranormal enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a unique nighttime adventure. They’re a fun way to discover hidden stories, learn about haunted locations, and enjoy a memorable, spine-tingling experience.
Is a ghost tour scary?
A ghost tour can be spooky, but it’s usually not overwhelmingly scary. Most ghost tours focus on storytelling, history, and exploring haunted locations rather than jump scares or intense horror. The level of fear often depends on the setting, the guide, and your own comfort with eerie tales. They’re designed to be enjoyable for most people, including beginners who want a fun, slightly spooky experience.
What is ghost tourism
Ghost tourism, also known as spooky tourism, is a type of travel focused on visiting haunted locations, paranormal sites, and historic places with spooky stories. It combines history, folklore, and supernatural experiences, attracting travelers who enjoy ghost tours, haunted attractions, and eerie adventures. Ghost tourism offers a unique way to explore a destination’s culture while experiencing thrilling, memorable moments.
What to Expect on a Ghost Tour?
A ghost tour typically combines history, storytelling, and paranormal legends as you explore haunted locations, old towns, and places known for unexplained activity. Expect your guide to share true local stories, including tragic events, mysterious sightings, and eerie folklore tied to the area’s past. Many tours visit historic buildings, cemeteries, alleyways, and landmark sites after dark to heighten the atmosphere.
Most ghost tours are walking tours, so prepare for 60–90 minutes of light to moderate walking, sometimes on uneven ground or dimly lit streets. Some guides may use ghost-hunting tools—like EMF meters or spirit boxes—to demonstrate paranormal investigation techniques, giving you an interactive experience.
You can expect a mix of education, entertainment, and spooky fun, but not guaranteed scares or staged jump moments. The goal is to immerse you in the history, mystery, and unexplained stories that shape each location. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, a ghost tour offers a unique way to discover a city’s hidden past and explore its most haunted corners.
What to Bring on a Ghost Tour?
Preparing properly can make your ghost tour safer, more comfortable, and far more enjoyable. Here are the key items guests are recommended to bring to any ghost walk, haunted history tour, or paranormal investigation.
Essentials:
Comfortable walking shoes for uneven or historic streets
Weather-appropriate clothing: jacket, hoodie, or raincoat
Fully charged phone for photos, notes, or emergencies
Small torch/flashlight for dark areas
Helpful Extras:
Portable power bank for devices or ghost-hunting apps
Bottle of water to stay hydrated
Bug spray for outdoor or older locations
Small backpack or crossbody bag to keep hands free
Optional Paranormal Gear:
EMF detector for interactive ghost-hunting
Thermometer for detecting “cold spots”
Notebook & pen for logging encounters
Red-filtered flashlight to maintain night vision
Safety & Comfort:
Small snacks for longer or late-night tours
Personal medication if needed
Hand sanitizer or wipes for older buildings and high-touch areas