Secrets of Salem Hidden Dark History Tour in Salem
Salem, United States

Secrets of Salem Hidden Dark History Tour

Outty Ranking 68 4.7 · 60 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $31

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September 2026

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Outty Ranking

68/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.7/5

Based on 60 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Secrets of Salem Hidden Dark History Tour worth booking?

Secrets of Salem Hidden Dark History Tour is a 2-hour experience in Salem, United States, from $31 per person. It scores 68 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 60 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
68 / 100
Rating
4.7/5 (60)
Duration
2 hours
From
$31 per person

Join us for our Secrets of Salem Dark History tour--right in the heart of Witch City! You might be surprised to learn that Salem has a name that contradicts its image. The colonists chose the name Salem, which is the He

What you get

    About this experience

    Join us for our Secrets of Salem Dark History tour--right in the heart of Witch City! You might be surprised to learn that Salem has a name that contradicts its image. The colonists chose the name Salem, which is the Hebrew word for peace, for the town in the seventeenth century. Salem, Massachusetts, was a significant American colonial town and a seaside hamlet with a maritime history. It exhibits many of the characteristics we identify with those early settlers, such as a Puritan work ethic, devotion to education, strong links to the community, and a hardiness to weather the rigors of a coastal winter. Of course, Salem is inextricably associated to witches and the 1692 witch trials. Join our Salem History Experience and discover everything there is to know about Salem, the witch trials, and beyond.

    What's included

    Included

    • Professional and courteous tour guide
    • Thoroughly researched and accurate history

    Not included

    • Transportation

    What you'll see and do

    1. Salem Old Town Hall

      Now available to rent out for functions, this is the oldest original municipal building in Salem, constructed in 1816. Discover the interesting and often complex history of Salem's earliest years here.

      Pass by without stopping

    2. Witch Dungeon Museum

      This museum offers a great overview of the Witch Trials of 1692. The trials serve as one of the best examples of mass hysteria in the United States. Learn the facts here.

      Pass by without stopping

    3. The Witch House at Salem

      Dating back to the time of the witch trials, this house is the only one still standing in Salem with direct ties to the witch trials. Judge Jonathan Corwin, who was a judge during the trials, lived here. Uncover some of the little-known miscarriages of justice that occurred during the witch trials here.

      Pass by without stopping

    4. Ropes Mansion and Garden

      Built a century after Salem's founding, and thus about 30 years after the witch trials, this house was sold to local judge Nathanial Ropes, after the death of its original owner. Ropes was a staunch British Loyalist who faced the backlash of his town towards the end of his life. Hear the tales of tragedy here.

      Pass by without stopping

    5. Salem Athenaeum

      The combination of the libraries of two separate societies, Nathaniel Hawthorne, author of "The Scarlet Letter", was once the head of the prestigious Salem Athenaeum for a time in the 1800s. Uncover the facts here.

      Pass by without stopping

    6. The plot of land where this home was constructed once belonged to George Corwin. If his name sounds familiar, that's because he was the nephew of Judge Jonathan Corwin. The younger Corwin was Sherriff of Salem during the witch trials, and was said to be overly cruel in his actions towards those accused and convicted of witchcraft.

      Pass by without stopping

    7. Charter Street Cemetery

      Established in 1637, this is one of the oldest cemeteries in the United States. The second wife of Giles Corey and Judge Jonathan Corey are both interred here. Uncover the stories of those who have reportedly seen the ghost of Judge Corwin wandering among the graves.

      Pass by without stopping

    8. Constructed over a century after the witch trials and not linked to them, this home has enough secrets of its own, and scandal to go around. Learn the facts here.

      Pass by without stopping

    9. Salem Witch Trials Memorial

      Discover the rivalry between "Salem Town" and "Salem Village" that may have provided the foundation of the hysteria that fueled the witch trials.

      Pass by without stopping

    10. Named for Salem's famous son, Nathaniel Hawthorne, an episode of the TV series "Bewitched" was filmed here in the 1970s.

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Salem

    Meet your guide outside the Salem Five Savings Bank. They will be wearing a U.S. Ghost Adventures t-shirt.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    End your tour at the historic Hawthorne Hotel.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Salem Ghosts By US Ghost Adventures

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

    Photos

    Secrets of Salem Hidden Dark History Tour in Salem, photo 2Secrets of Salem Hidden Dark History Tour in Salem, photo 3Secrets of Salem Hidden Dark History Tour in Salem, photo 4Secrets of Salem Hidden Dark History Tour in Salem, photo 5Secrets of Salem Hidden Dark History Tour in Salem, photo 6Secrets of Salem Hidden Dark History Tour in Salem, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 60 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    8 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    6 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Traveler reviews

    60 verified traveler reviews for Secrets of Salem Hidden Dark History Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    51
    4 star
    5
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    3
    Sort
    zachary_s · July 2026

    Fun lil adventure

    Was a fun experience. Guide was entertaining and very knowledgeable. Cool experience all around that took you around Salem and gave you some insights into some of the unique history of the town!

    via Viator

    Louise D · July 2026

    Great tour

    The guide was great, informative, fun.

    via Tripadvisor

    Jamie_B · June 2026

    Ground is uneven. Great...

    Ground is uneven. Great historical information. Entertaining host. Great way to see part of the city.

    via Viator

    PhyllisBotte · April 2026

    Great guide

    Our tour guide, Mason, was extremely knowledgeable and engaging. Gave a great overview of the area and lots of in depth history.

    Response from the operator: Thanks for the kind words! We’re so happy you enjoyed your time with Mason and appreciated the in-depth history he shared. He does a great job bringing the area to life, and we’re glad that stood out to you. Hope to welcome you back again soon!

    via Viator

    P6111AGmarcusr · March 2026

    Great tour unfortunately it was cold and raining but still a great tour and great tour guide

    Good tour, learned a lot of new information about Salem

    Response from the operator: Hi, Marcus! Thank you for the wonderful feedback! Even on a cold, rainy day, it’s fantastic to hear that you enjoyed the tour and learned so much about Salem. Our guides love sharing their passion for history and tales, and we hope to see you back soon for another fun and engaging adventure!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    2 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $31 to $42
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    21
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Why this scores 68

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)79
    Review evidence (18% weight)49
    Booking momentum (14% weight)42
    Value for money (12% weight)76
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)49
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Secrets of Salem Hidden Dark History Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Salem.

    How much does Secrets of Salem Hidden Dark History Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $31 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Salem usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Secrets of Salem Hidden Dark History Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Salem is not rushed.

    Is Secrets of Salem Hidden Dark History Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 68 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 60 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Salem, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Secrets of Salem Hidden Dark History Tour?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Secrets of Salem Hidden Dark History Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Secrets of Salem Hidden Dark History Tour?

    +

    Around 21 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Salem can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Salem and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Secrets of Salem Hidden Dark History Tour start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Salem within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Salem?

    +

    Salem runs witch trial history tours, ghost and cemetery walks, museum entries and harbour trips, with October turning the whole town into a month-long event. On Outty we rank every Salem experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour, Satanic Salem Walking Tour, Salem Voodoo, Vampires, and Ghosts Guided Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Salem?

    +

    September to October for atmosphere, May to June for smaller crowds. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Salem?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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