Explore This Park

• Plan Your Visit
  • Things To Do

Things To Do

The maritime history of Salem, Massachusetts stretches back nearly four hundred years. Today, you can explore that history at Salem Maritime National Historic Site through guided tours, exhibits, wayside signs, junior ranger programs, and films. Need help getting around? Check out our Operating Hours & Seasons for our Visitor Center and store hours, look over Directions & Transportation for getting here, and view our Maps for some extra help.

Friendship of Salem is currently undergoing repairs and routine maintenance at dry dock in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Friendship will return to Derby Wharf in 2017.

 

If you have just an hour or two,

• take a stroll along the waterfront and explore Salem's Historic Wharves.
• become a Junior Ranger! Stop by the Visitor Center when your arrive to learn more or get ahead of the game by downloading Junior Ranger activities online.
• download our self-guided audio tour to learn more about the site.
• watch our free 27 minute film at the Visitor Center, a ten-minute walk from the waterfront.
• see some of the architectural highlights of Salem's Golden Age, including the Custom House.

If you have half a day,

• check out our current (seasonal) Tours, Programs, and Activities, to learn about our ranger-led programs at places like the historic Derby House and Narbonne House or the replica tall ship Friendship of Salem.
• check out one of our self-guided walking tours and dive into history.
• be an urban hiker and walk the 1/2 mile length of Derby Wharf to visit the Derby Wharf Light Station.
• watch the sun rise or set from Derby Wharf.
• pack your lunch and have a picnic underneath the centuries-old trees of our historic homes and structures.

If you have even more time...

• learn about other local events and attractions from Destination Salem, the non-profit cooperation that manages tourism in Salem.
• visit more National Park sites in Massachusetts or our nearest National Heritage Area, Essex National Heritage Area.
• learn about America's first iron works at our sister site, Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site, a 30-45-minute drive from Salem.