Salem Historical Audio Guided Private Experience

2–4 hours Free cancellation Private tour

Salem Historical Audio Guided Private Experience, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Walk through Salem’s storied streets and discover its tales of witches, early settlers, and maritime history. A friendly guide voice shares stories at each stop, making the past come alive as you walk.

You can start when you want. Pause to peek into old homes, museums, and hidden alleys. Visit The House of the Seven Gables, Salem Witch Trials Memorial, Old Burying Point Cemetery, Salem Harbor, and historic merchant houses. The guide also points out lesser-known buildings and local legends that people often miss.

This tour works without internet. It gives you directions, fun facts, and helpful tips you can use again and again. It stays on your phone forever.

Download the tour, put on your walking shoes, and let the stories guide you through Salem’s haunted past and rich history—on your path, at your own pace.

*Download the Shaka Guide app to access the purchased tours*

Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Audio Guides Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Nature Walks Short term availability

At a glance

Duration: 2–4 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Audio guide: English
Operated by: Shaka Guide Apps

What is included

Included

Included: Tours NEVER expire
Included: Freedom to explore at your own pace
Included: Offline map (no wifi or data needed)
Included: Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
Included: Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music

Not included

Not included: Private Transportation
Not included: Meals & Refreshments
Not included: Parking Fees

Itinerary

Stop 1

15 min

Tour starting point. Outside are benches and a park with granite benches. Inside are National Park Service maritime displays and park rangers for info, a gift shop, water for purchase, free restrooms, and benches for sitting.
Stop 2

5 min

This historic building was once a prominent lecture space called Lyceum Hall. Today, it's the home of the well-regarded Turner's Seafood.
Salem Common

15 min

Salem Common is the oldest public park in Salem, dating back to 1803. It was a community space before that, and is known as the birthplace of the National Guard.
Stop 4

5 min

The Hawthorne Hotel was established in 1925 and is named after Nathaniel Hawthorne, Salem's most prominent author. The show Bewitched and the film Joy filmed here. The lobby is elegant, and there's a restaurant and gift shop.
Nathanial Hawthorne Statue

5 min

This statue of author Nathaniel Hawthorne stands in a small pocket park in front of the Hawthorne Hotel. Nathaniel was born down the street and is one of Salem's most prominent figures.
Nathaniel Hawthorne Birthplace

Passing by

Nathaniel Hawthorne's home was originally located near the Hawthorne Hotel, but it was relocated to the grounds of the House of the Seven Gables for preservation and is part of a historical complex. Entry into the home requires admission to the House of the Seven Gables.
The House Of The Seven Gables

15 min Admission not included

The House of the Seven Gables is one of the largest timber-framed colonial mansions in North America that still sits on its original foundation. It was built in 1668 for a sea merchant and ship owner named John Turner, and later ended up in the hands of relatives of Nathaniel Hawthorne's. There are a few additional buildings on the grounds, and a garden. You can just go in the gift shop free of charge or pay various options to tour inside the house, or just the grounds and garden.
Ye Olde Pepper Companie

15 min

Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie claims to be the oldest candy company in the United States. It's known for two local candy specialties: the gibralter and the black jack.
The Derby House

15 min

The Derby House was once the home of one of Salem's wealthiest sea merchants, Elias Derby. The home is now part of Salem Maritime National Historic Site. You can just look at the front of the house, or walk around the backyard garden.
The Custom House

30 min

The Custom House dates back to 1819, when Salem was a maritime powerhouse. Ship captains came to this building to pay duties on the goods they imported. Today, it's part of the Salem Maritime National Historic Site. You can just look at the outside of the building or spend a while exploring both floors inside.
Stop 11

30 min

Derby Wharf was constructed in 1762 by sea merchant Elias Derby. It's 2,000 feet long and once held around 20 buildings. Today, there's the Pedrick Store House, the three-masted Friendship of Salem ship, and the Derby Wharf Lightstation at the very end. You can just take a look out on the water or spend time sitting by the water or walking to the lighthouse. The wharf is part of Salem Maritime National Historic Site.
Derby Wharf Light Station

30 min

The light station is the only original structure remaining on the wharf. It's a small lighthouse, only 20 feet tall. It dates back to 1871 and has aided navigation in Salem Harbor ever since. To walk all the way to the lighthouse and back takes a minimum of 20 minutes roundtrip
Stop 13

15 min

This building holds a national park gift shop now, but it was once a warehouse for the wharf. You can just look at it from the outside, or enter and shop for souvenirs or park info

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Start your tour at the Salem Armory Regional Visitor Center, located in the heart of downtown Salem. Armory Park is just outside with plenty of seating, and inside you’ll find maritime exhibits, rangers, a gift shop, water, and restrooms. For exact details, please check the app.

End point

Waite & Peirce Gift Shop. This is a historic building and also an information center run by the National Park Service.

Using your ticket

HOW TO REDEEM YOUR TOUR:

Thank you for purchasing the Historic Salem Walking Tour.

Before you start your adventure, you'll need to redeem and download the tour in the Shaka Guide app. Follow the instructions below:

*Please Note: The redeem code is the 10-digit booking reference number on your ticket (located under the barcode).

1. Download the Shaka Guide App in the App Store or Google Play Store (or use the link at the bottom of this email)

2. Open the app and sign in/create your account

3. Go to Support → Retrieve Purchases

4. Tap on Redeem Purchases

5. Enter your Redeem Code (10-digit booking reference number on your ticket located under the barcode)

6. Tap on Redeem Purchases

7. Download your tour(s)

Once you've redeemed your tour, you'll find it under "My Stuff" in the app.

For a smooth ride, download the tour with wifi before you go.

Should you need further assistance or have other questions, email us at [email protected] or call (808) 201-8138

DOWNLOAD THE APP HERE: www.shakaguide.com/download

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Travelers must have a smartphone compatible with the Shaka Guide app.
The app must be downloaded and the tour redeemed before arrival.
Strong Wi-Fi or cellular data is required to download the tour in advance.
Location services (GPS) must be enabled on the device
Travelers are responsible for securing any required entrance passes, reservations, or permits before starting
No car needed—Salem is compact, walkable, and transit-accessible from Boston.
Salem ferry operates Memorial Day through October 31—advance reservations strongly recommended.
Avoid driving—parking is expensive, and traffic from Boston can be heavy.
Reserve dining in advance for evenings, especially during peak tourist months.
Book guided tour tickets early for the House of the Seven Gables in busy seasons.