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
Must have travel app
Must have app for travel! Such priceless interesting necessary information! Loved hearing both scientific and historical and cultural info! This app literally saved our lives on the very narrow roads on the west coast of Maui!
EMDRTherapist | 9 hours ago | iOSFantastic app would recommend to everyone going to Arches National Park. Kept us informed along our adventure. 👍👍
Rick Kaminski | 3 days ago | AndroidSuper fun, could be better
We loved using this for our drives around the big island! Tons of good factoids and stories to fill the time while you drive for hours while exploring this amazing place. The only reason we did not give 5 stars are: 1. We really needed the speed limits posted in the app like google maps does. There are so many changes that happen quickly if you are trying to switch between the 2 it gets overwhelming and conflicting directions got us mixed up a few times. 2. The music is much louder than the narration so we had to adjust our volume back and forth a lot. If it was a bit quieter setting that the talking that would have been perfect. 3. Sometimes the directions would be exactly at the point where you were supposed to turn so we missed at least 5 where we had to do a turn around and go back. And then sometimes the directions would be very far out so we would slow down way too early. The map was very helpful but if we lost service it wouldn’t always put us in the right location for the narrator to be correct. Other than those things we greatly enjoyed our Shaka guide and are excited to try it on another island!!
Tishket | 3 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
Where does the Historic Salem Walking Tour go?
What should I pack for the Historic Salem Walking Tour?
What should I budget for the Historic Salem Walking Tour?
What are the park hours for the Historic Salem Walking Tour?
Can I take the Historic Salem Walking Tour in the opposite direction?
Can I join the Historic Salem Walking Tour along the route?
Other Questions? Contact us!
You Might Also Like
3 Steps to Buy & Redeem:
Add to Cart & Checkout
Create Account during checkout
Download App & Login
Gifting Options Available