Salem Maritime National Historic Site

Salem Maritime National Historic Site is located in Salem, Massachusetts, a coastal town that played a significant role in the maritime history of the United States. Established in 1938, Salem Maritime is a designated national historic site that preserves and interprets the maritime history of Salem and its vital contributions to American trade, exploration, and the development of the nation's early economy.

The historic site encompasses 12 acres and includes a number of historic structures, such as the Friendship, a replica of an 18th-century tall ship that serves as the park's centerpiece. Visitors can tour the Friendship to get a sense of what life was like on a merchant vessel during the colonial era.

The park also features the Salem Maritime Visitor Center, which provides visitors with information about the site's history and offers exhibits on navigation techniques, trade routes, and the maritime industries that once thrived in Salem.

In addition to the ship and visitor center, Salem Maritime offers several other attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. The park is home to the Derby House, the former residence of merchant Elias Haskett Derby, which showcases period furniture and artifacts. The Narbonne House, a Georgian-style mansion built in 1675, is the oldest surviving wooden residence in Salem. Visitors can explore the house and learn about the lives of the people who once lived there.

Nearby attractions include the Peabody Essex Museum, which houses an extensive collection of maritime art and artifacts, and the Salem Witch Museum, which focuses on the infamous 1692 witch trials that took place in the town. Additionally, visitors can explore the historic streets of Salem, known for their well-preserved architecture and charming atmosphere, with numerous shops, restaurants, and cafes to enjoy.

Overall, Salem Maritime National Historic Site offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich maritime history of Salem. With its historic structures, informative exhibits, and nearby attractions, it provides a comprehensive experience for visitors interested in learning about the town's significant role in America's early years.

Salem Maritime National Historic Site is an enchanting destination nestled in the heart of Massachusetts. Situated in the historic city of Salem, this national park is ideally located on the picturesque North Shore of Massachusetts Bay. The site spans across nine acres, showcasing the rich maritime heritage of the region. Surrounded by a charming waterfront, the location offers not only mesmerizing views of the bay but also easy access to other prominent attractions in Salem. The proximity to Boston, located just 15 miles away, makes it a convenient and sought-after destination for both locals and visitors alike. Embraced by the tranquil beauty of the region, this historical site serves as a gateway to exploring the colonial past and immersing oneself in the captivating beauty of New England.

Address & Contact

Salem Armory Visitor Center
2 New Liberty Street
Salem, MA 01970
Driving Directions
Phone: 978-740-1650
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Salem Maritime National Historic Site would be during the months of May, June, July, and August. These months offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities, with average maximum temperatures ranging from 65°F to 80°F. The average minimum temperatures range from 46°F to 62°F, providing comfortable conditions throughout the day. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation during these months is relatively low, ranging from 3.5 in to 4.8 in, allowing for enjoyable outdoor experiences.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Salem Maritime National Historic Site are: Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs Self-Guided Tours - Auto

Topics

Learn about these topics at Salem Maritime National Historic Site: Animals Architecture and Building Arts Transportation Military African American Heritage Climate Change American Revolution Social Movements Conservation Movement Enslavement Maritime Maritime - Military Oceans Piracy and Privateering Ships and Shipwrecks Armories Lighthouses Commerce Trade Ancient Seas Poetry and Literature Immigration

Visitor Centers

Waite & Peirce

Waite & Peirce offers a curated selection of quality products that will help extend your park experience with maritime themed goods that hearken back to Salem's place in the history of global trade. Explore the exclusive line of Waite & Peirce apparel, jewelry, home goods, historical reproductions, collectibles, toys and gifts.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Waite & Peirce.

Campsites within or near Salem Maritime National Historic Site

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Salem Maritime National Historic Site

Boston Marriott Peabody

With a stay at Boston Marriott Peabody in Peabody (South Peabody), you'll be within a 10-minute drive of MarketStreet Lynnfield and Phillips House. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Planning an event in Peabody? This hotel has facilities measuring 4244 square feet (394 square meters), including conference space. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 8A Centennial Drive, Peabody, Massachusetts 01960
Web: Link

Residence Inn by Marriott Boston North Shore/Danvers

Located in Danvers, Residence Inn by Marriott Boston North Shore/Danvers is in the business district, within a 10-minute drive of Glen Magna Farms and MarketStreet Lynnfield. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 51 Newbury St, Route 1, Danvers, Massachusetts 01923
Web: Link

Sonesta Select Boston Danvers

Located in Danvers, Sonesta Select Boston Danvers is in the business district, within a 10-minute drive of Glen Magna Farms and Northeast Hospital Corporation - Beverly Campus. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Danvers? This hotel has facilities measuring 912 square feet (85 square meters), including conference space. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 275 Independence Way, Danvers, Massachusetts 01923
Web: Link

Hampton Inn Boston/Peabody

A stay at Hampton Inn Boston/Peabody places you in the heart of Peabody, a 5-minute drive from Breakheart Reservation and 6 minutes from Rebecca Nurse Homestead. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 59 Newbury St, Peabody, Massachusetts 01960
Web: Link

Extended Stay America Suites Boston Peabody

With a stay at Extended Stay America Suites Boston Peabody in Peabody (South Peabody), you'll be within a 10-minute drive of MarketStreet Lynnfield and Breakheart Reservation. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, laundry facilities, and a safe deposit box at the front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 200 Jubilee Dr, Peabody, Massachusetts 01960
Web: Link

Harbor Gardens Inn

With a stay at Harbor Gardens Inn in Marblehead, you'll be on the waterfront, just a 4-minute walk from Massachusetts Bay and 9 minutes by foot from Marblehead Museum & Historical Society. Featured amenities include a computer station, luggage storage, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 10 Stacey Court, Marblehead, Massachusetts 01945
Web: Link

Motel 6 Danvers, MA - Boston North

Located in Danvers, Motel 6 Danvers, MA - Boston North is in the suburbs, a 4-minute drive from Glen Magna Farms and 9 minutes from MarketStreet Lynnfield. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, laundry facilities, and an elevator. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 65 Newbury Street/US Route 1 North, Danvers, Massachusetts 01923
Web: Link

Harbor Light Inn

With a stay at Harbor Light Inn in Marblehead, you'll be in the historical district, within a 10-minute walk of Marblehead Museum & Historical Society and Fort Sewall. Featured amenities include express check-in, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 58 Washington St, Marblehead, Massachusetts 01945
Web: Link

Apartments in Salem

With a stay at Apartments in Salem, you'll be centrally located in Salem, within a 10-minute walk of Salem Witch Trials Memorial and Peabody Essex Museum. Featured amenities include express check-in, express check-out, and luggage storage. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 40-42 Dow Street, Salem, Massachusetts 01970
Web: Link

Hampton Inn Salem Boston

A stay at Hampton Inn Salem Boston places you in the heart of Salem, steps from Salem Theatre Company and 3 minutes by foot from Massachusetts Bay. Featured amenities include a business center, a 24-hour front desk, and a safe deposit box at the front desk.
Address: 11 DODGE STREET, Salem, Massachusetts 01970
Web: Link