What to do in Salem, MA while house and pet sitting

Coastal city Salem is a fantastic destination for a house or pet sitting assignment, especially if you’re interested in history. The port city is famous for its 17th-century witchcraft trials and there sure are a lot of witch-themed attractions in today’s Salem.

It’s also an attractive seaside town, with some beautiful old buildings and a wealth of things to do. The Massachusetts city is also a great place to hang out with your four-footed companion, as it’s a really dog-friendly place. Let’s take a closer look at what to do in Salem, MA.

Salem, MA attractions

Many of the top Salem, MA attractions are connected with the city’s witchy past. Although this was a grim period in its history, Salem tells its story in a variety of frank and fascinating ways; and you can choose whether you prefer the spooky side or the more history-based approach. Here are a few of our favorite witchcraft and non-witchcraft attractions in Salem. 

1. The Witch House: also known as the Jonathan Corwin House, this is the only remaining Salem building with direct links to the 1692 trials. Take a tour of the atmospheric old building, before moving onto other historic witch-themed attractions (more later).

2. Salem Maritime National Historic Site: discover Salem’s maritime story at this nine-acre site. It stretches along the waterfront and includes historic buildings, a replica ship and a must-see visitor center.

3. Peabody Essex Museum: this is an astonishing place, because as well as the witchcraft and maritime galleries you’d expect to find here, there’s also one of the largest Asian art collections in the US, plus an excellent program of exhibitions.

4. House of the Seven Gables: this fascinating old house is the setting for Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1851 novel. You can take a tour of the house and garden.

Free things to do in Salem, MA

You don’t have to splash out lots of dollars to enjoy a trip to Salem. As a smallish city, there’s plenty of opportunity to explore on foot. Try these free attractions when you visit Salem, MA.

1. The McIntire District: take a stroll around Salem’s beautiful old district, which has around 300 historic structures dating from four centuries.

2. Salem Witch Trials Memorial: there are a few memorials scattered around the city. The Liberty Street memorial is the most famous. It features 20 stone benches built into the wall, each one representing a victim of the 1692 trials.

3. Charter Street Cemetery: Salem’s oldest cemetery is a short walk from the memorial. Its oldest grave dates to 1673. There are several other old cemeteries in the town.

4. Salem Willows Park: bring a picnic to this lovely, 35-acre park. As well as green and wooded spaces, the park is also home to three beaches.

Fun things to do in Salem, MA

If you’re looking for truly original things to do in Salem, MA, take a look at these attractions. You really couldn’t find them anywhere else…

1. Salem Witch Museum: if you want to find out as much as possible about the Salem Witch Trials, this is the best place to visit.

2. The Witch Dungeon Museum: follow this up with a trip to the Witch Dungeon Museum, which features live re-enactments of a witch trial, presented by actors.

3. New England Pirate Museum: let’s step away from witches for a moment and pay a visit to the pirate museum. Find out more about the pirates that once terrorized these shores, including the notorious Blackbeard and Captain Kidd.

4. Winter Island Park: take a boat across from Salem to Winter Island. There’s a public beach and a pier, as well as a popular campsite.

What to do in Salem, MA with pets?

Wondering what to do in Salem with your furry companion? Well, you’re in luck, as Salem is one of those cities that treats pups as part of the family. Take a look at these fun things to do in Salem with a dog.

1. Salem Common: your dog will need to stay on the leash for a walk in this pretty, city-center park. Enjoy a stroll together and meet plenty of other local pet parents.

2. Go on a walking tour: Salem has a great choice of walking tours and many of them are happy if your furry companion joins in. Just ask when you book.

3. Mahi Cruises: pet sitting for a water-loving pup? Take to the water on a dog-friendly trip. Pick up a boat from Salem’s Pickering Wharf. Cruises are daily during the main season.

4. The New England Dog Biscuit Company: call into this fabulous Salem dog emporium for home-baked, natural dog biscuits and a host of other canine and feline treats.

5. The Village Tavern: many restaurants are dog friendly, but this friendly place is a clear winner: it has a (drumroll) doggie menu. There’s even a special peanut butter dessert.  

If in doubt, you can never go wrong with a good old dog park. Some of the best dog parks in Boston are only a short drive away from Salem, so they're definitely worth checking out and adding to your itinerary!

Best restaurants in Salem, MA: Food and drink

What are the best restaurants in Salem, MA? As you’d expect, it’s a great place for seafood; however, there’s all sorts of fare on offer in this lively Massachusetts city. 

Best restaurants in Salem, MA for lunch 

Take a break in the middle of your busy day and enjoy some great New England cooking. Here are some of the top spots for lunch in Salem.

1. Bambolina: they serve proper Italian pizzas at this popular Derby Street restaurant. The wood-fired oven produces mouthwatering results.

2. Gulu-Gulu Cafe: this bohemian place is the perfect lunchtime hangout and they’re super dog-friendly too. Go for a sandwich, coffee or craft beer.

3. Sea Level Oyster Bar: fabulous views and gorgeous, fresh fish dishes at this waterfront restaurant. A great place for classic New England seafood.

4. Turner’s Seafood: located in the historic Lyceum Hall, you can either buy Turner’s fresh seafood to take away or enjoy it in its welcoming restaurant. Hours vary.

5. Kokeshi: come here for authentic and flavor-filled Asian street food. Kokeshi is famous for its great selection of ramen.

Best restaurants in Salem, MA for dinner

One of the best things to do in Salem, MA is to enjoy the hearty New England cuisine. Combine a spooky walking tour of the city with a meal out in one of its inviting venues. Here are a few favorite Salem restaurants for dinner.

1. Howling Wolf Taqueria: feeling hungry? Come to this friendly Mexican for a big (and we mean big) burrito. The chicken wings are fabulous, too.

2. Ledger Restaurant and Bar: enjoy upscale American food at this elegant, top-rated restaurant. It’s located in the former Salem Savings Bank building, which dates back to 1818. 

3. Bit Bar: how do we even begin to describe Bit Bar? This unique venue combines classic American food with a retro games arcade. The perfect geeks’ night out.

4. Bella Verona: Italian food, cooked to perfection. The restaurant is cozy and the food is hearty and comforting, just like Nonna’s kitchen…

5. The Tavern at the Hawthorne Hotel: comfort food (try the chowder) served in an Old World dining room, at Salem’s most famous (and most haunted) hotel.

Has this given you an insight into life in Salem, MA? The coastal New England city may be best-known for the witch trials of 1692, but there’s more to Salem’s history than this, as you’ll soon discover. With a proud maritime heritage and wonderfully preserved old buildings, Salem is a must-visit for anyone interested in American history.

With its beautiful coastline and pretty parks, there’s plenty here for people who like the great outdoors, too. There’s also a fantastic choice of restaurants, serving every cuisine you can think of. And of course, we love the city’s inclusive attitude towards our fluffy companions.

House and pet sitting in Salem, MA

If Salem, MA sounds like your kind of city, how about looking for a house or pet sitting assignment here? Take a look at our latest sitting assignments to see what’s coming up in Salem and Massachusetts. It’s also worth logging into our Community Forum to find out what our sitters have been enjoying recently.

Who knows - you may even get to pet sit for a glossy black cat, just like the famous Salem, Sabrina’s talking feline!