Historic Salem Walking Tour

Massachusetts
4.9 95879 ratings
Trusted by 7,000+ Users
13 Must-See Stops
1+ hour of Audio
1 Starting Point
One-Way Route
Half-Day Walking Tour

About The Tour

Salem History Self-Guided Walking Tour (Waterfront & Maritime Route). This tour introduces you to some of the most surprising firsts that took place in Salem, along with the city’s deep maritime roots and historic wharfside buildings. You’ll discover a beautiful public park, a famous author’s childhood home, a historic waterfront district, a seaside mansion, and a walk out to a classic New England lighthouse.

Located right next to our Haunted Salem tour, this experience offers a more traditional Salem history walking tour or the perfect second route if you want to see a different side of the city. Instead of focusing on the witch trial era downtown, this tour takes you through the scenic Derby Waterfront District and all the way out to the pier and lighthouse.

With the Shaka Guide app, you’ll follow a guided walking route on your phone, making it easy to navigate from stop to stop—no need for a separate map. Along the way, you'll listen to stories, directions, and local insights so you can explore at your own pace.

Here are just a few of the highlights on the tour:

• Visit the historic House of the Seven Gables, including connections to Nathaniel Hawthorne
• Relax along the waterfront at Salem Maritime National Historic Site
• Walk the long pier to Derby Wharf Light Station and see a replica tall ship
• Explore the Custom House, where Hawthorne once worked
• Stroll through Salem Common with its shaded paths and open green space

Whether you’re searching for a Salem self-guided walking tour, looking for an easy-to-follow Salem walking tour map, or planning a deeper dive into Salem’s maritime history, this route is the perfect complement—or alternative—to the Haunted Salem experience.
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Historic Salem Walking Tour Map

Explore Tour Map

Meet the Creators

Lizzie Gerecitano

Narrator

I’ll be your guide on this tour. Press play to hear a sneak peek of the stories waiting for you as you browse.

Historic Salem Walking Tour FAQS

Inclusions/Exclusions

Inclusions:

  • GPS-triggered audio with automatic playback
  • Built-in turn-by-turn route guidance
  • Offline access after download
  • Self-paced experience with no fixed start time
  • Pause, rewind, or replay anytime
  • Storytelling based on firsthand travel and research
  • Lifetime access after purchase

Exclusions:

  • Private transportation (use your own or rental vehicle)
  • Attraction admission or park entrance fees
  • Parking fees
Know Before You Go

Tour FAQs

1. Where does the Historic Salem Walking Tour go?

This tour has 13 stops. Check out the itinerary here for a complete list of stops, and if you’re looking for more information to help plan your trip, Here’s What You Need To Know Before You Go! 

2. What should I pack for the Historic Salem Walking Tour?

Sun protection (sunscreen, hat)
Comfortable, supportive, broken-in walking shoes 
A phone charging cable for outlets at cafes or hotel lobbies to boost your battery life
A backup phone battery
A jacket/layers for cooler or windy days

3. What should I budget for the Historic Salem Walking Tour?

The House of the Seven Gables: Prices vary. Check this site for the up-to-date prices.

Salem Ferry Fares range from $20 - $40

4. What are the park hours for the Historic Salem Walking Tour?

The tour stops have seasonal hours of operation. The site’s facilities and restaurants also have varying hours of operation.
Salem Armory Visitor Center Daily 9:30 am - 4:30 pm

The House of the Seven GablesDaily 10 am - 6 pm

Ye Olde Pepper Candy CompanieDaily 10 am - 5 pm

The Custom HouseWednesday - Sunday  9:30 am - 4:30 pm

Waite & Peirce Gift ShopHours vary, but mostly 10 am - 5 pm

5. Can I take the Historic Salem Walking Tour in the opposite direction?

The Historic Salem Walking Tour runs along a set path in one direction only, so it can’t be taken in reverse. To get the complete experience, we recommend joining the tour at the official starting point and following it as intended.

6. Can I join the Historic Salem Walking Tour along the route?

The Historic Salem Walking Tour follows a set route and moves in one direction only, so guests aren’t able to join midway along the path. To enjoy the full experience and all the stories shared along the way, we recommend you or your group begin the tour at our recommend starting point.

7. Other Questions? Contact us!

Still have questions? Send us an email at aloha@shakaguide.com or give us a call at (808) 201-8138.

What is an Audio Tour Guide?

Think of us as your personal tour guide in an app. Our tours provide everything a guided tour does, but with the freedom to explore on your terms. Here’s how it works:

GPS triggers audio narration to play automatically as you drive or walk. Listen to stories, get local insights, visit must-see stops and get turn-by-turn navigation.
The app works offline so even with spotty service we’ll get you where you need to go.
Pretty cool huh? We think so! Check out our tours and let’s explore together.

Reviews

4.9 95879 Ratings

Nana Karen 88

Easy to use, informative,

KellsBells15

Shaka Guide is the best guided tour app out there. I have been to several National Parks and battlefields using Shaka Guide, and I’ll never use a different one. The narration is amazing, fil...

Chriskg32

Today my wife and I did the San Francisco to Monterey trip and loved it.

Paul R Maynard

Wonderful adjunct to any planning (or lack of planning) you may have done for a trip to Moab. We saw the Arches and Canyonland and used Shaka for both. Great listening. Program did stop a co...

JenZig3344

We absolutely loved using Shaka Guide during our Hawaii adventure! It was like having a personal tour guide with us wherever we went. The GPS-guided tours made it easy to discover beautiful...

Chris A and Erica D

We never could have conquered Olympic National Park without this self guided tour - many areas did t have service but this download truly helped us every moment with everything from where to...

Justadrone

We’ve used 2 audio tours (Hawaii and Yellowstone) and found them to be great values. The Yellowstone tour was funny and informative. Gave us some good ideas to visit spots we would not have...

sdarch

Always a good tour. Good description of items to see and do as your head to your final destination. Background music and area stories are truly entertaining. Uncle Shaka is a great narrator.

Mitz93

First time traveling to Maui and I knew The Road to Hana was something to check off my bucket list. After doing some research I decided to download the Shaka Guide ($24) and my husband and I...

Greg and Melissa

It was so cool and each turn was talked about, every part of the road was a story behind it and to know where each restaurant or restroom stop was was also so helpful! Even though my husband...

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Historic Salem Walking Tour $ 9.99  ·  4.9 (95879)