Salem, Massachusetts, is known worldwide for its historic witch trials and deep-rooted connection to Halloween. Every year, the city comes alive in October with Salem Haunted Happenings, drawing thousands of visitors eager to experience the spooky, fun, and educational activities the city has to offer. 

This year’s festival is expected to be even bigger and better, making it the perfect destination for an unforgettable fall road trip. If you’re looking to explore New England’s rich autumn beauty and celebrate Halloween in style, taking an RV road trip to Salem is a fantastic way to do it.

In this blog, we’ll cover the details of the 2024 Salem Halloween Festival, the best things to do while you’re there, and why an RV road trip through New England is the perfect way to experience the event.

When is the Festival?

The Salem Halloween Festival runs throughout the month of October, with special events scheduled on weekends and the week leading up to Halloween night on October 31st. It’s wise to plan ahead, as the festival can get busy, especially closer to Halloween. Booking your RV rental early ensures you’ll have accommodations, and you can even plan your trip to coincide with some of the festival’s main events.

The Best Things to Do at the Festival

Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with family, there are plenty of activities to enjoy at the Salem Halloween Festival. Here are some highlights:

1. Haunted Happenings: One of the most popular events during the festival, Haunted Happenings includes parades, the Salem psychic fair, and haunted houses. This event runs throughout October and gives visitors a chance to experience the magical atmosphere Salem is famous for.

2. Ghost Tours: Salem offers a variety of ghost tours, where you can explore the iconic homes and haunted sites of the city. These guided tours blend history with the supernatural, taking you to the sites of the infamous witch trials and other haunted locations.

3. Salem Witch Museum: No trip to Salem would be complete without a visit to the Salem Witch Museum, which provides a historical overview of the witch trials and explores the legacy of witchcraft throughout the centuries. Don’t forget to check out the Salem Witch House, home of Judge Jonathan Corwin in 1692.

4. The Salem Common: Located in the heart of the city, Salem Common is often filled with food vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities during the festival. It's a great place to relax and soak up Salem’s Halloween atmosphere.

5. Costume Parades and Contests: Dressing up is a huge part of the Salem Halloween Festival. There are costume contests for both children and adults, and many visitors come decked out in their spookiest attire. Whether a good witch or a bad witch, bring your best spooky outfits to the festival.

6. Witch’s Cottage: For those who love immersive theater, the Witch’s Cottage offers live performances that reenact scenes from the witch trials in a dramatic and engaging way.

Why Take an RV Road Trip in New England?

New England is known for its stunning fall foliage, making it one of the most picturesque places to visit in October. What better way to experience this than by taking an RV road trip? Here’s why an RV adventure is ideal for your journey to the Salem Halloween Festival:

1. Comfort and Convenience: Traveling by RV gives you the freedom to stop wherever you’d like along the way, without worrying about finding accommodations each night. You can park at campgrounds near Salem and enjoy the convenience of having your own kitchen, bathroom, and living space on board.

2. Explore Scenic Routes: Driving through New England in the fall is a visual treat. The foliage is at its peak, with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows lining the highways and back roads. Some popular scenic routes on your way to Salem include the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire and the Mohawk Trail in Massachusetts.

3. Family-Friendly Fun: An RV road trip is perfect for families, allowing you to bond, enjoy the open road, and stop for sightseeing or activities whenever you want. Plus, kids will love the excitement of staying in an RV!

4. Cost Savings: With an RV, you can save on expensive hotel costs, especially during the busy Halloween season when accommodations in Salem can be hard to come by. Staying at nearby campgrounds is often more affordable, and you’ll have the comfort of your own space.

5. Flexibility: You’re not tied to a strict schedule when traveling by RV. If you want to spend an extra day exploring Salem or visit other destinations in New England, you have the freedom to do so without needing to change hotel reservations or worry about check-in times.

Nearby Attractions

While Salem is undoubtedly the star of your road trip, there are plenty of other attractions in the surrounding area that are worth visiting during your RV adventure. Consider adding these stops to your itinerary:

1. Rockport, MA: A charming coastal town just 40 minutes from Salem, Rockport is known for its beautiful harbor, art galleries, and seafood restaurants. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing day trip.

2. Boston, MA: Only a 30-minute drive from Salem, Boston is rich in history and culture. Visit the Freedom Trail, explore the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, or enjoy shopping and dining at Faneuil Hall Marketplace.

3. Newburyport, MA: This historic seaport town is a great spot for those who love architecture, history, and quaint downtowns. Stroll along the boardwalk, visit the Custom House Maritime Museum, or simply enjoy the scenic views of the Merrimack River.

4. Plimoth Patuxet Museums: Located in Plymouth, Massachusetts, about an hour from Salem, these living history museums recreate the lives of the Pilgrims and the Indigenous Wampanoag people in the 17th century.

5. Concord, MA: Known for its role in the American Revolutionary War and as the home of famous authors like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, Concord is a must-visit for history buffs. Take a stroll around Walden Pond or visit the Old North Bridge.

Have a Spooktacular Fall Road Trip to Salem with Cruise America

Ready to make your Halloween trip to Salem unforgettable? Cruise America offers a range of RV rental options that are perfect for your New England road trip. Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or solo, our RVs provide all the comforts of home on the road, from cozy beds to fully equipped kitchens. By choosing an RV, you’ll not only have a unique travel experience but also save on expensive accommodations in Salem.

Cruise America is offering fall discounts of up to 20% off RV rentals! Booking your RV with Cruise America is easy, and with locations across the country, you can pick up your RV near home or along your route. Don’t miss out on the chance to explore the Salem Halloween Festival and the beauty of New England this fall. Reserve your RV today and start planning the ultimate Halloween road trip adventure!