One of the most frequently asked questions when we do AMA's about fall in Salem, MA, is where to park, and it kind of makes sense. Salem is a small town, the part of the city with the most interest covers an even smaller area on the map. When I tell people they can walk across the main part of the downtown in about 15 minutes, they are floored. I often tell people that they don't even need a car because they likely won't be driving between their destinations within Salem. In fact, we encourage people to actually park at a train station and ride in or park elsewhere and take a rideshare. Seasonally, if you've traveled to Boston, you can even take the ferry (which is an amazing ride that even has bar service!). 

That being said, if you are driving to Salem with the intent to stay overnight or all day long, we do have some tips on where to park, all put together by locals who work downtown. We'll even share some local secrets you might not be aware of!

1. The MBTA Garage is the biggest and cheapest spot to park, and it is accessible! It has elevators, and is literally only 2 blocks from Die With Your Boots On, Hive & Forge, and the Witch City Mall, a 12 minute walk from the Salem Witch Museum, Salem Common, and The Hawthorne Hotel, an 8 minute walk from the Witch House and Witch City Wicks, a 10 minute walk from Old Town Hall, Front Street, and Jenni Stewart Fine Jewelry, Nocturne and Artist's Row.
2. The Museum Place Garage is located just above Die With Your Boots On and CinemaSalem at the Witch City Mall. It's centrally located so you can get to your favorites fast. The Peabody Essex Museum is right next door, and the mall exits on to Church Street and the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall (where some of the most-visited attractions and buskers are located).
3. Getting to Salem early? Like before 9am or 10am in October? Use the Church Street parking lots! These are conveniently located on ground level right across the street from Die With Your Boots On. It's an ideal location if you get to town in the earliest part of the day. They do fill up fast, so be conscious of timing. It's right next to the Museum Place Garage if you get there and find out it's full!
   1. Hot tip from the locals: There is also lots of street parking nearby on Federal Street, but be aware that if you park right in front of the Witch City Mall or its shops, those spaces are 15 minute parking until 6pm daily.
4. The South Harbor Garage is a great spot if you're planning to spend part of your day on the waterfront! Located conveniently right next to Notch Brewing (which also has its own parking if you're a customer there), it's also just across the street from the Waterfront Hotel and a block away from Pickering Wharf where you can find an assortment of famous shops and restaurants including The Ossuary, Finz Seafood, Enchanted.
   1. Hot tip from the locals: Pickering Wharf has FREE two hour parking for customers visiting the shops and restaurants!
5. If you're attending the Salem Night Faire (put on by our good friends at Black Veil Tattoo and Black Veil Shoppe, you can park right at Forest River Park which is home to Pioneer Village. Not only does Pioneer Village house the Salem Night Faire, it is also a filming location from Hocus Pocus and is the oldest living history museum in America!

Quick & Dirty Tips from the locals:

-Pickering Wharf has free 2 hour parking if you're in a bind and just need to stop at a couple of shops or grab some food downtown (mentioned above, but worth repeating).

-Many Salem downtown employees from outside of Salem choose to park at a stop on the MBTA route and take the train a 10 or 15 minute ride in. We recommend Lynn, Revere, or Beverly as good places to leave your car and ride into town.

-If you know someone who lives in Salem, ask if you can park in their driveway or if they have a guest pass for one of the apartment building parking lots!

-DO NOT park on a side street with a sticker only parking sign or in a lot that says it is private. The tow companies make a ton of money in the fall due to tourists choosing to park without thinking of the consequences. Towing fees are a lot more expensive than just paying for a proper spot. 

-Don't walk away without paying for parking! Parking Enforcement is on top of it, they will catch you and leave you a ticket!

-Download the local parking app, Passport, BEFORE you get to Salem to save time and trouble.

-Some of the churches and office buildings in downtown Salem offer parking for a fee on weekends in October, like St. Peter's Church or the offices at 10 Federal Street. These are PAID and you will be towed if you don't pay for your spot.

FAQ:

Q: How much does it cost to park in Salem?

A: Depending on when you're here, parking could cost $4 at the MBTA lot or $55 on a holiday weekend in October at the Museum Place Garage (which is typically a lot less expensive). We've seen everything from $25-$80 on weekends in October. This is why we highly recommend getting to town as early as possible and parking at the MBTA Garage or other city lots where the pricing is regulated. If you have the option to park and ride, you absolutely should! Sometimes taking a rideshare is cheaper than parking yourself.

Q: Is there free parking in Salem?

A: Mentioned above is that the Pickering Wharf shops and restaurants have free two-hour parking for visitors all year round, but don't expect to park for free and leave your car there all day, they have a guy walking around tracking license plates and you will be towed if you abuse this option. Sometimes you can find free parker farther away from the downtown if you are willing to walk.

Q: Should I drive to Salem in October?

A: Driving to Salem is discouraged as parking is limited and fills up fast, especially on weekends in October. Don't expect to be the exception to this rule. Plan ahead, take a rideshare or the train or ferry if you have that option. If you're driving in and staying in Salem, try to stay in a hotel or airbnb with a  place to put your car.

Want more parking info? Visit this page for an even bigger list of places to park in Salem!

Looking for more travel tips for Salem? Check out our other recent blog post on What to Wear in Salem!