I first visited Salem, Massachusetts, on a whim while traveling nearby one October. However, I didn’t realize the city is inundated with visitors throughout the entire month — not just on Halloween.
Infamous for the Salem Witch Trials, the city has become a tourist destination for lovers of everything spooky, especially as Halloween approaches.
Most of my visit was spent finding a parking spot, with the hoards of crowds limiting the appeal for me.
I’d love to visit outside October and recommend only spooky-season fanatics plan a trip during that time frame.
This story was originally published on September 26, 2024, and most recently updated on November 24, 2025.