Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Salem Maritime National Historic Site adventure.
New England's maritime history comes to life at this 9-acre historic site. The preserved marina was among the most influential ports from America's early years. Today, it offers walking tours of wharves, historic buildings, and a replica ship.
Nestled on Salem Harbor, this port hosted merchant ships carrying goods between Asia and America. The site now tells a story of the colonial period and Revolutionary War. Explore the wharves to discover the role of sailors and privateers in Massachusetts' early history.
The replica tall ship The Friendship of Salem is docked at the port (when it's not getting a tune-up). Nearby, the Derby House looks much like it did when it was built in 1762. Both of these popular attractions require a ranger-guided tour. Itching to explore on your own? The 1675 Narbonne House is open for self-guided tours, hosting 150,000 artifacts. You can also walk through the 1819 U.S. Custom House where author Nathaniel Hawthorne once worked.
For all guided tours, you need a reservation. You can phone in ahead of time or make your reservation in-person at the visitor center. While you're there, take time to walk through the museum or watch one of the short history films. The exhibits of the port itself are open year-round. However, the visitor center cuts back its working days from November to May. Check the days ahead of time if you plan on visiting during the off-season.
Around the port, you can find picnic tables for a packed lunch. Just don't forget to pack out your trash. When planning your trip, we recommend at least a full day to explore this port. The rich history of this Salem Maritime site is too fascinating to pass up.