salem day tour from boston

[samandpam]

We are taking the RCCL cruise  Oct 10, 2019  and the first port is Boston.  We would like to travel and spend the day in Salem.  The RCCL  excursion seems to only go to 2 places.  Has anyone traveled there on their own?  

[1025cruise]

Just so you are aware, Salem is about an hour north of Boston, without traffic. 

[WatchHill]

https://www.rome2rio.com/map/1-Black-Falcon-Ave-Boston-MA-02210-USA/Pickering-Wharf

 

Here are some options, Flynn Terminal to Pickering Wharf, Salem.   Somewhere I seem to recall a water taxi/boat option from Boston to Pickering.  A little research might provide that info. If you are planning to head to Salem around Halloween,  don't.

 

Darcy

[princeton123211]

Used to live in Boston-- very easy high speed catamaran ferry to get back and forth to Salem. Leaves from Long Wharf and you're there in an hour. Very doable day trip. 

[Pepper0074]

If the ferry schedules work for you it is probably your best option. The traffic on 128 into Salem in October is awful.

[jebbs]

Another option to consider is the train.  Please look at MBTA train schedule for the Newburyport/Rockport Line.  The trip is less expensive than the ferry, more frequent and faster.  However, you must get yourself to North Station, Boston.

take a look and see if that’s the adventure you want!

Be sure to buy a few packable witches hats from Target and put them in your suitcase!!!!

BOOOOOO!

 

[samandpam]

Thank yall very much for the info.

[samandpam]

thanks to everyone that replied.

[gnegron22]

@samandpam I live in MA, on the Western side but go to Boston area a lot. As others have said Salem is 40min away without traffic. You can get a round trip from about $14 on the T which will take about 30min. It can be done without a problem, you just need to pay attention to Ship time really close. I would recommend the ferry but not sure the schedule in October. Good luck and enjoy Boston, their a lot to do where ever you go.

[samandpam]

Thank you

[aml3679]

Unless it will break your heart, do not waste your hard earned money on the witch museum.  A waste of time and money in my opinion 

[DragonOfTheSeas]

I will likely get zinged for saying this--but, I would spend my time in Boston.  JMHO  There is so much to do there and it is better use of time. 

 

I have not found the tours of the "witch situation" worth taking. [I have to say as a former educator I wanted more detail and less sensation. ] YMMV

 

The first time we just stopped in without doing research on tours.  But, the second time we were really thoughtful about the tour we selected.  It was just Ok. Sorry, I can not remember the name of the company.

 

There is a very nice National Park Service area along the waterfront.[The Maritime Museum]  There are several buildings and a visitor center.  It has 2 films.  One is about the seafaring life of the area [free] and the other is about the Salem witches [costs something--but I can't remember how much].  Both a very well done. 

 

If you are interested in the park you will enjoy it.  If you are going to see places associated with the witch trial there is just not that much to see. 

 

. . . OK now everyone can zing me. I can take it. 🤣

[princeton123211]

3 hours ago, DragonOfTheSeas said:

I have to say as a former educator I wanted more detail and less sensation.

I'm sure a bunch of the accused in 1692 would have wholeheartedly agreed with you!

[DragonOfTheSeas]

16 minutes ago, princeton123211 said:

I'm sure a bunch of the accused in 1692 would have wholeheartedly agreed with you!

 

LOL--I am sure that is true. 😀

[Nitemare]

Agree with all of the above, but the Peabody Essex Museum makes a trip to Salem totally worth it, even if you see/do nothing else.

[WELDON]

Have you ever been to Boston?  If not, why would you bypass everything the city has to offer to spend the day in Salem?  There is nothing wrong with going but there are more interesting things to see elsewhere.  For a port stop, it really isn't worth the time and trouble to go there.