day trip to Salem

Question

Staying in Cambridge, Mass at the beginning of November at an airbandb for four days and the teenagers in group would like to visit Salem.

Best way to get from Cambridge to Salem? I've seen recommendations to take a ferry there..is that advisable if I'm going from Cambridge to Salem?

We would like to see typical Salem tourist stuff and possibly a night time ghost tour. Whole day or half day needed? Any good seafood restaurants in area?

Many thanks!

Answer

For a day trip from Cambridge to Salem, the most practical option is generally by commuter rail or car rather than ferry. Ferries to Salem typically operate from Boston’s Long Wharf, which adds extra travel time and logistics, especially if starting from Cambridge. Driving or taking the MBTA commuter rail is more straightforward and efficient for a full-day visit.

Here are the main transportation options:

By Car: The drive from Cambridge to Salem takes about 35–45 minutes without traffic. This offers the most flexibility, especially if your group wants to explore different attractions or have lunch/dinner locally.
By MBTA Commuter Rail: Take the Newburyport/Rockport Line from North Station in Boston to Salem Station. It’s roughly a 35–40 minute ride. From Cambridge, you can take the T (Red Line) to North Station, then transfer to the commuter rail. This option avoids parking hassles in Salem.
Ferry: The ferry runs seasonally and usually from Long Wharf in Boston to Salem. It’s scenic but slower and can be less convenient in early November, especially with teens and limited daylight hours.

For a first-time visit with teenagers, a whole day is ideal. You can comfortably see the main tourist attractions, walk the historic streets, and still have time for a ghost tour in the evening. Key attractions typically include:

Salem Witch Museum
House of the Seven Gables
Salem Maritime National Historic Site
Peabody Essex Museum (if interested in art and history)
Walking tours of historic sites and cemeteries

For evening entertainment, a ghost tour is highly recommended. These usually start around dusk and last 60–90 minutes. Many tours focus on Salem’s haunted history and witch trial lore, which is engaging for teenagers.

Seafood restaurants in Salem worth considering for lunch or dinner include:

Finz Seafood & Grill – casual with good variety and waterfront views
Turner’s Seafood – historic building with classic New England seafood
The Lobster Shanty – more casual, traditional lobster rolls and fried seafood

In summary, taking the commuter rail or driving is more convenient than the ferry for a day trip from Cambridge to Salem. Allocate a full day to enjoy the main attractions, and plan for an evening ghost tour. You’ll also find solid local seafood options for lunch or dinner.