Historic Salem 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 ...
Show MoreLocated 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.
Sample Tour Audio
Turner's Seafood, Lyceum Hall & Bell's Telephone
Two Special Candies Invented in Salem
The Custom House
Tour Stops
Salem Armory Visitor Center
Turner's Seafood Lyceum Hall
Salem Common
The Hawthorne Hotel
Nathaniel Hawthorne Statue
Nathaniel Hawthorne's Childhood Home
The House of the Seven Gables
Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie
The Derby House
The Custom House
Derby Wharf
Derby Lighthouse
Waite & Peirce Gift Shop
Customer Reviews
Tried the Grand Teton National Park tour instead of paying for a guided trip. I was hoping to get some ideas on where to go and a route for the day but I got so much more! The app is really well designed. Although it does not work with Android Auto, the audio was sufficient to guide us from one destination to the next. We really enjoyed the stories that went along with each of the stops. some were historical, some were scientific, all were entertaining.
L Scott | 1 day ago | Androidonly reason it isn't 5 stars is because it did not have android auto integration and the music quality was very low. It was otherwise perfect. extremely helpful. Great, relaxing tunes for the drive even if they were low quality. the guide was informative and interesting. directions were pretty good, though I would have loved seeing the app on the screen in the car. It was worth every penny though.
Brian Caples | 2 days ago | AndroidUsed Shaka tours to experience all of Maui. It was amazing! I highly recommend!
George Ronkette | 2 days ago | AndroidNew treasures found!
We’ve been to Kauai many times and thought we knew it well. The Shaka guided tours took us to new sites and gave us very interesting Hawaiian history along the way. We love the ability to go at our own pace, spending more or less time at locations vs the schedules of much higher priced guided bus tours. We have the Kauai bundle as well as tours covering all of Oahu and the Maui Road to Hanna. 5 stars for customer service as well. We had an issue with the download to a second, backup phone. I chatted from the app and had immediate contact with a real person. Solved in 2 minutes. Thank you Shaka!!
Pono Kai couple | 2 days ago | iOSGreat audio guide
Loved using it on my trip to maui
Roaring Warrior | 2 days ago | iOSSo great!
So informative and helpful to make the drive come alive!
liligal12 | 3 days ago | iOSGreat tool
Really enjoyed using the app. The developers truly care that your experience is perfect. A must have if driving these roads without a guide or personal driver.
On the road again27 | 3 days ago | iOSbest tour guide app by far
I have used shaka guide for 3 national parks and the road to hana in maui. Most of my favorite stops and attractions from the tours are places i would have never found without Shaka Guide. I recommend this to everybody i meet during the tours, and now i’m recommending it to you…. it’s so worth it.
Autumn730 | 3 days ago | iOSrecommend! super amazing ! literally felt the guide was with us the whole time! even when I thought I had turn the guide off , it popped up and started talking when we hit the spots lol 😆 totally worth the spend!
Yorleny Moreno | 4 days ago | AndroidGreat service
Very easy to follow and easy to understand. Learned a lot from it about the Island and more
Deecaf183 | 4 days ago | iOSWhat is Salem, Massachusetts, known for in maritime history?
Salem played a major role in early American sea trade, especially in the 1700s and 1800s. It became one of the richest ports, trading with Asia, the West Indies, and Europe. The Salem Maritime National Historic Site honors this legacy with histori...
Show MoreWhat is Salem, Massachusetts, known for in maritime history?
Salem played a major role in early American sea trade, especially in the 1700s and 1800s. It became one of the richest ports, trading with Asia, the West Indies, and Europe. The Salem Maritime National Historic Site honors this legacy with historic wharves, warehouses, and tall ships.
What is Salem’s connection to the National Guard?
Salem is recognized as the birthplace of the U.S. National Guard. In 1637, the first militia regiment was formed here to defend the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Today, Salem honors this history with the Salem Armory and related landmarks.
Show MoreWhat is Salem’s connection to the National Guard?
Salem is recognized as the birthplace of the U.S. National Guard. In 1637, the first militia regiment was formed here to defend the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Today, Salem honors this history with the Salem Armory and related landmarks.
What to expect when visiting Salem, Massachusetts, during Halloween in October?
October in Salem is busy, festive, and filled with Halloween-themed events. The city hosts "Haunted Happenings," a month-long celebration with parades, ghost tours, and costumes. Expect large crowds, early bookings, and themed attractions across t...
Show MoreWhat to expect when visiting Salem, Massachusetts, during Halloween in October?
October in Salem is busy, festive, and filled with Halloween-themed events. The city hosts "Haunted Happenings," a month-long celebration with parades, ghost tours, and costumes. Expect large crowds, early bookings, and themed attractions across town.
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.
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.
- 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.
Tour FAQs
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Can I join the Historic Salem Walking Tour along the route?
Other Questions? Contact us!
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