Salem Maritime National Historic Site
| Address: | 160 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970, USA |
| Phone: | +1 978-740-1650 |
| Site: | nps.gov |
| Rating: | 4.6 |
| Working: | 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 56
MO
Morgan Larson
I should start by saying that I find ships boring. Not like, pirate ships or ghost ships or ships with a cool backstory and name. And not in an I Hate Boats way. Just kind of boring in general. Why, yes, that is a boat. Look at its stick things with the flappy flags and sails. My, I am impressed. Next? So I figured this stop on our journey was going to involve a quick google search for nearby ice cream (which there is VERY nearby) while my family looked at, oh, I dont know, old docks and probably rope or petrified wood or something. But this place was pretty cool. It was very casual- a gift store and some informational signs along a pier, and a neat old building where old timey people had to go pay taxes for all the fancy stuff they just shipped in. Now this building is the best part, even though it sounded dull. The staff inside were very knowledgeable and seemed to enjoy recounting chapters in Salems past such as The First Ever Elephant Shipped To Salem (also referred to as OMG When We Said Bring Us Something Exotic We Meant A Parrot Maybe) and Lets Hide The Eagle From The Dutch Or At Least Paint It Black So They Dont Want It So Much Anymore, among other classic historical tales. The old timey rooms are still set up with Cute Old Timey Things, and the guides were great at explaining different jobs needed around the place and ways to exhort sea captains and evade taxes. They also had a wonderful and horrible list of all the Stuff Shipped In, including lots and lots of wildlife that should NOT be stored in a basement together. Surprisingly fascinating!
TH
Thomas Vallor
This is a very well maintained historical park on Salem harbor including a long walk down to the end of Derby wharf. Its an amazing site because there are so many things here. Its where The Friendship docks which has seasonal guided tours, there are interactive learning sites for kids the whole walk down to the lighthouse, the orientation center is great, and the park rangers give free guided tours.
JE
Jerry Hollingsworth
If youre going to check out one spot in salem, then I recommend this place. Its a Great location to take pictures, especially with friends and family. Unfortunately, all the parking was taken in the area, I had to pay a meter and park 8 blocks away. Finding parking in Salem during the day is very difficult. I had better luck at night when its a ghost town and theres not a car or person to be seen.
EM
Emma Rudié
Such rich history to explore at this quaint seaside landmark (so much more than just witch hunts). Check in to the visitor center for free guided tours and educational films. Stroll the 9 acre grounds, visit historic buildings and ships, and take in the scenery.
JA
Jacob B
A lovely walk down a long peninsula brings you down a path of Salems history. The lost star is due to the poor kept condition of some of the historical posts along the way a few missing pieces and others with graffitti.
MI
Mike Upton
August 6th with a picture perfect day in Salem with an antique show down at Pickering Wharf it was great. Recommend this place any time with lots of attractions everywhere in walking distance
SE
Sean Corcoran
Salem has a great history and a lot to see, if youre going for the history skip Salem in October however because its a zoo around Halloween and hard to enjoy the sites with the crowds.
TY
Tyler Hains
We went during their annual Maritime Festival. It is a lot of fun for kids who are old enough for crafts and the like. Model remote control boats, kites and boat tours were highlights.
MA
Mariah
Its always lovely to see the Friendship, and if you are interested in history the buildings are fascinating. The ones with little tours can be extra fun if you get the right guide!
JE
Jeremy Valadez
I took my mom and brother to the FREE public tour. Very informative and actually pretty fun. FYI Theres not a lot of places to sit on the tour. Wear comfortable shoes.
AN
Andrea Karelitz
What a unexpected gem with a ton of history! Even though we didnt get to see the Friendship, it was still a beautiful place to learn about and walk down.
LA
Lance Eaton
A great place to see a classic tall ship, enjoy the harbor and be able to walk out to the lighthouse. Its one of the best parts of downtown Salem.
CH
Choirboy Best
Great starting place for Salem History. Old Custom House, original wharves, Friendship sailing vessel. Friendly & helpful park rangers.
JE
Jen Ratliff
A gorgeous spot in the heart of downtown Salem. Beautiful views, and a ton of maritime, industrial, and Polish history.
LA
Landon Pendleton
As of July 2017, there is basically nothing of interest here! The Friendship tall ship is somewhere else for repairs.
JU
Judy Stewart-Jones
Loved visiting, but really had to work hard to see Narbonne House due to limited hours. The best rangers work here!
GR
Gregory Shaffer
Great place to walk around and see the historic sites, check out my pics for just a few of the great things to see.
PA
Pat Kaufman
Well worth a days visit with beautiful views and a lot of well-preserved homes. Nice balance to the witch theme.
JO
Joe Peregrin
Great National Park to explore Salems other history, that of maritime trade in colonial America.
DA
Daniel Marazan
Worth the trip if you are in Boston for a weekend. The drive up is beautiful along the shore.
SA
Sandeep Jain
Got good pictures. Sunny day. Has postings of what trade use to happen with which countries.
IV
Ivan Alba
Nice historical site, you can enter inside the boat and see how they used it long time ago.
BA
bacon pope
Impressive example of 18th century architecture with a link to lerary giant Hawthorne.
DI
Diego Soto
Sitio agradable buena brisa
JA
Jacob Warren
Historical site, the employees were very knowledgeable and enjoyable to talk with
DA
dave dawna Noslen
Learn a great deal of history here .Salem was the biggest port in days of old
LI
liz mosher
Lonely walk along the water collecting shells and shiny rocks learned a lot
MA
Maria M. Benitez
Beautiful n peace full, plenty of vendors lots of fun things to see n do
JO
Jonathan DiBenedetto
Beautiful park. We watched them repair the mast of a ship. Pretty sweet!
MA
Marcelo Perazolo
Nothing special but if youre already in town and have time to kill...
PH
Photon DIRECTOROFFITNESSMANGEMENT
No longer a tourist attraction!! Its only for Legal Action!!!
ME
Melissa Northrop
Very nice. Would have loved to have been allowed upstairs.
MO
Morgan Lemoine
A must see if youre in the area. A beautiful part of Salem.
CA
Cameron Dean
Beautiful town and was luck to catch the maritime festival.
VI
Victor Klimowsky
Stop here Everytime we are in Salem to visit the tall ship
DR
Dragon Deeden
Imperdible
JE
Jenifer Meagher
love the history spot. great walking tour through salem.
AL
Alex McKeighan
Great views and opportunities to learn some history.
AN
Anthony Rinaldi
A cool place to visit. Dont forget to board the ship.
SA
Sabrina Randall
This was a very cool place with a ton of pokestops!!!
LU
Luis M. Olivera
Times available to see the merchant vessel are limit
JO
Joe Maletz
Great place to visit and learn more about the world
LU
Lucas Watson
Good place to walk around, though not a lot to see.
KI
Kimberly Badia
Great place to take a nice walk and enjoy the view.
BR
Bruce
Very old and historical place with beautiful homes
ST
stephanie mccusker
Great sights to see love the history of the city.
RO
Rodney V
Great historical place to walk and take pictures.
TA
Tanya Bourque
Fun museum to see in Boston. Love the gift shop.
RO
Robbie Hughes
Very cool city definitely take the walking tour
GR
Greg Wilder
Unbelievably friendly and knowledgeable guides!
AN
Andrew Cutler
Less gimmicky alternative to the witches museum
ER
Erin T
The wharf is a nice little walk on a warm day!
CH
christopher purdy
cant get enough of this place, love the water
HE
Heather S
Great place for history, views, & a nice walk
JE
Jeneen Ellis
I havent had it yet I am hoping next year!
RE
Rebekah Murphy
The garden is one of my favorite places.
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