Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour of Salem’s Witch Trials

3.0 (one review) 2 hours – 2 h 30 min Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

one review

3.0

Step into the haunting past with the Salem Witch Trials Walk, a powerful and reflective walking tour that takes you through the real sites and stories behind the 1692 hysteria. — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

This immersive path through Salem’s historic streets invites you to witness the echoes of fear, injustice, and resilience that still linger today. — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Explore the haunting history of Salem with a self-guided walking tour that focuses on the notorious witch trials.

Visit significant sites like Howard Street Cemetery, the Old Salem Jail, and the Witch Trials Memorial, gaining insight into the events that shaped the community.

With GPS-triggered audio, you’ll learn about key figures such as Judge John Hathorne and reflect at Proctor’s Ledge, the site of executions.

This tour allows you to immerse yourself in Salem's past at your own pace, making stops at museums and gardens for a deeper understanding of this pivotal moment in history.

Self-guided audio tour exploring Salem's infamous witch trials
Visit key historical sites like the Witch Trials Memorial and Proctor’s Ledge
GPS-triggered audio provides context and stories behind the events
Enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace

Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Audio Guides Historical Tours Walking Tours Ghost Tours Low Supplier Cancellation Rate Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate

At a glance

Duration: 2 hours – 2 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–10
Audio guide: English, Spanish
Written guide: English, Spanish
Operated by: Drives & Detours

Ages: Adults (11–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Flexible Usage (unlimited access)
Included: Audio Guide
Included: App and Tour Download

Not included

Not included: Smartphone (bring your own)

Itinerary

Broad Street Cemetery

5 min

One of Salem’s oldest burial grounds, this quiet cemetery holds the graves of Jonathan and George Corwin—two figures closely tied to the witch trials. Its weathered stones offer a rare glimpse into the people and power structures that shaped 1692.
John Ward House

Passing by

Built in 1684, this First Period home reveals what everyday life looked like in early colonial Salem. Its simple lines and timber frame tell the story of a growing town navigating faith, fear, and survival.
Proctor's Ledge Memorial

5 min

This solemn memorial marks the confirmed site where 19 accused witches were executed in 1692. Its minimalist design encourages quiet reflection on the human cost of hysteria.
Salem Witch Museum

Passing by

Through immersive exhibits and dramatic presentations, the museum introduces visitors to the events and legacy of the trials. It provides an accessible foundation for understanding how fear and belief collided here.
Salem Witch Trials Memorial

5 min

Set beside one of the city’s oldest cemeteries, this memorial honors the victims with powerful simplicity. Its engraved benches and contemplative space give voice to those once silenced.
Salem Old Town Hall

5 min

Dating to 1816, this Federal-style landmark has long served as a hub of civic life and community gatherings. Today, it stands as a reminder of Salem’s evolution beyond its Puritan past.
Bewitched Statue of Elizabeth Montgomery

5 min

This whimsical statue of Samantha from Bewitched celebrates Salem’s surprising role in pop culture. It’s a lighthearted contrast to the city’s heavy history and a favorite photo stop for visitors.
The Witch House at Salem

Passing by

Once home to Judge Jonathan Corwin, this is the only standing structure in Salem with direct ties to the witch trials. Inside and out, it preserves the atmosphere of a world ruled by strict belief and uncertainty.
Ropes Mansion and Garden

Passing by

This elegant Georgian home—famous from Hocus Pocus—showcases the wealth and artistry of Salem’s later maritime era. Its lush gardens provide a peaceful break amid the city’s busy streets.
Charter Street Cemetery

5 min

Founded in 1637, this is one of the oldest cemeteries in the United States. Here rests Judge John Hathorne, a key figure in the trials and the ancestor of author Nathaniel Hawthorne.
Stop 11

5 min

The congregation traces its origins to 1629, making it one of America’s earliest. This spot highlights the deep religious roots that shaped daily life—and the judgments—of colonial Salem.
Howard Street Cemetery

5 min

This quiet cemetery stands near the site where Giles Corey met his brutal fate during the trials. Nearby, the old jail once held many accused, its walls echoing stories of fear and resilience.
Nathanial Hawthorne Statue

5 min

This bronze statue honors Salem’s most famous author, whose works grappled with guilt, memory, and the shadows of the past. It stands near the waterfront that inspired much of his writing.
John Ward House

5 min

Built atop the former home of Sheriff George Corwin, this 18th-century mansion blends elegant architecture with layered local legend. Its history bridges Salem’s maritime rise and its darker earlier chapters.
Gedney House

Passing by

This 1665 structure reveals centuries of architectural change through its exposed beams and evolving layout. Walking past it feels like tracing Salem’s transformation from a frontier settlement to a thriving port.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

28 Howard Street is opposite the entrance to Howard Street Cemetery. It is a narrow street, lined on one side with wooden houses. The entrance to the street from Brown Street is close to the Salem Witch Museum and opposite the John Ward House.

End point

7 Pope Street is part of a cluster of houses close to Proctor's Ledge Memorial. The entrance from Proctor Street is opposite Gallows Hill Park.

Using your ticket

IMPORTANT PLEASE READ: To access your tour, you will need to download the Drives & Detours app and enter your 6-character access code to unlock it. Your access code will be sent separately the day before your travel date. Access codes for same-day bookings will be sent within minutes after purchase.

HOW TO PREPARE: We recommend downloading the Drives & Detours app in advance so you are ready to go when you arrive.

DOWNLOAD THE APP:

iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drives-detours/id6443681888

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mytoursapp.android.app6506

WATCH FOR YOUR ACCESS CODE: Your access code will arrive as a message through the booking platform. They should notify you by email, but if you don’t see it, check your spam folder or directly in the platform’s message center.