Salem Maritime National Historical Park

Salem Maritime National Historical Park is a national historical park run by the National Park Service in Massachusetts.

In the park service’s words

Originally established in 1938 as the first National Historic Site in the United States, Salem Maritime National Historical Park consists of nine acres of land and twelve historic structures along the Salem waterfront, as well as a downtown visitor center. Located in the urban setting of Salem, the park preserves and interprets over 600 years of New England's maritime history and global stories.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

• Become a Salem Maritime B.A.R.K. Ranger (5 to 120 Minutes): Hello four-legged friends! Do you want to explore Salem Maritime with your leash-holding companions? Interested in getting your very own B.A.R.K. Ranger dog tag? We made it easy for your human to help you get one. Just follow the B.A.R.K. Ranger principles!
• Create a Dominican Faceless Doll (30 to 180 Minutes): Have you ever heard of Faceless Dolls (or Muñecas Sin Rostro)? Faceless Dolls were first created in the 1980’s by sculptor Liliana Mera Limé. Their lack of faces is what makes them a truly unique symbol of the Dominican Republic. Learn more about faceless dolls and show off your craft skills by making one of your own!
• Become a Salem Maritime Junior Ranger (30 to 120 Minutes): The Salem Maritime National Historic Site Junior Ranger program is an activity based program offering visitors the opportunity to join the National Park Service "family" as Junior Rangers.
• Shop Waite & Peirce Souvenirs (5 to 30 Minutes): Waite & Peirce: Authentic and Exotic Goods features gifts inspired by the bold spirit of Salem’s privateers and offers visitors a unique shopping experience.
• Watch the Sunrise from Derby Wharf (1 to 3 Hours): Enjoy an East Coast sunrise from Derby Wharf! The horizon is broad and flat, providing an expansive view of Salem Harbor.
• Drive the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway (3 to 6 Hours): Discover 90 miles of New England coastal life passing through Essex National Heritage Area and Salem Maritime National Historic Site.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Open 24 hours, every day. All outdoor spaces including the grounds, gardens, waterfront, and wharves are accessible 7 days a week. Please check the Visitor Center hours to learn more about which facilities are open.

Getting there

Salem Maritime National Historical Park is located in downtown Salem, Massachusetts and is accessible by vehicle, commuter rail, bus, ferry, and recreational boat.

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

• Salem Armory: Daily, 9:30AM - 4:30PM. The Salem Armory Visitor Center is open daily from 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM from the spring through the fall.
• Waite & Peirce: Daily, 9:30AM - 4:30PM. The Waite & Peirce Park Store is open daily, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM.

Weather

New England weather is unpredictable year-round. Monthly averages, in degrees Fahrenheit, are: January: 37 high, 20 low February: 40 high, 23 low March: 47 high, 30 low April: 57 high, 38 low May: 67 high, 48 low June: 76 high, 58 low July: 82 high, 63 low August: 80 high, 62 low September: 73 high, 55 low October: 62 high, 45 low November: 52 high, 37 low December: 42 high, 27 low

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Acadia, about 184 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

• National Park Service Data API: Salem Maritime National Historical Park (public domain)
• Official website

Last checked 1 November 2026.