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Secrets of Salem Hidden Dark History Tour

63 Reviews 4.83 out of 5 stars Based on 63 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 97% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Salem, USA
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 22 (0) days in advance.

2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Overview

Join us for our Secrets of Salem Dark History tour--right in the heart of Witch City!

You might be surprised to learn that Salem has a name that contradicts its image. The colonists chose the name Salem, which is the Hebrew word for peace, for the town in the seventeenth century.

Salem, Massachusetts, was a significant American colonial town and a seaside hamlet with a maritime history. It exhibits many of the characteristics we identify with those early settlers, such as a Puritan work ethic, devotion to education, strong links to the community, and a hardiness to weather the rigors of a coastal winter. Of course, Salem is inextricably associated to witches and the 1692 witch trials. Join our Salem History Experience and discover everything there is to know about Salem, the witch trials, and beyond.

What's Included

  • Thoroughly researched and accurate history
  • Professional and courteous tour guide
  • Transportation
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

210 Essex Street
Salem, MA 01970, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

18 Washington Square West
Salem, MA 01970, USA

End your tour at the historic Hawthorne Hotel.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Salem Old Town Hall (pass by)

Now available to rent out for functions, this is the oldest original municipal building in Salem, constructed in 1816. Discover the interesting and often complex history of Salem's earliest years here.
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Witch Dungeon Museum (pass by)

This museum offers a great overview of the Witch Trials of 1692. The trials serve as one of the best examples of mass hysteria in the United States. Learn the facts here.
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The Witch House at Salem (pass by)

Dating back to the time of the witch trials, this house is the only one still standing in Salem with direct ties to the witch trials. Judge Jonathan Corwin, who was a judge during the trials, lived here. Uncover some of the little-known miscarriages of justice that occurred during the witch trials here.
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Ropes Mansion and Garden (pass by)

Built a century after Salem's founding, and thus about 30 years after the witch trials, this house was sold to local judge Nathanial Ropes, after the death of its original owner. Ropes was a staunch British Loyalist who faced the backlash of his town towards the end of his life. Hear the tales of tragedy here.
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Salem Athenaeum (pass by)

The combination of the libraries of two separate societies, Nathaniel Hawthorne, author of "The Scarlet Letter", was once the head of the prestigious Salem Athenaeum for a time in the 1800s. Uncover the facts here.
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Joshua Ward House (pass by)

The plot of land where this home was constructed once belonged to George Corwin. If his name sounds familiar, that's because he was the nephew of Judge Jonathan Corwin. The younger Corwin was Sherriff of Salem during the witch trials, and was said to be overly cruel in his actions towards those accused and convicted of witchcraft.
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Old Burying Point Cemetery (pass by)

Established in 1637, this is one of the oldest cemeteries in the United States. The second wife of Giles Corey and Judge Jonathan Corey are both interred here. Uncover the stories of those who have reportedly seen the ghost of Judge Corwin wandering among the graves.
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Gardner-Pingree House (pass by)

Constructed over a century after the witch trials and not linked to them, this home has enough secrets of its own, and scandal to go around. Learn the facts here.
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Salem Witch Trials Memorial (pass by)

Discover the rivalry between "Salem Town" and "Salem Village" that may have provided the foundation of the hysteria that fueled the witch trials.
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Hawthorne Hotel (pass by)

Named for Salem's famous son, Nathaniel Hawthorne, an episode of the TV series "Bewitched" was filmed here in the 1970s.
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Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Secrets of Salem Hidden Dark History Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-75698P3

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.83
63 reviews

Average 4.83 out of 5 stars based on 63 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
56
4 stars
5
3 stars
1
2 stars
0
1 star
1
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 22 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Thoroughly researched and accurate history
  • Professional and courteous tour guide
  • Transportation

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

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