Now that I'm registered, I have so many questions! I hope someone answers! We are thinking of doing a day trip to Salem? We don't have a car. Bus or train? And, more importantly, is it worth it? Any other alternative suggestions? We will have 5 days in Boston. So we will be seeing the Freedom Trail, North End, Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Downtown Crossing, Harvard, etc. A friend that is going with us would love to go to the Cape (as would I... I was there a few years ago, and it's wonderful), but I don't think it's a very logical choice without a car, and only for a day trip. Am I correct? HELP!

Thanks! Jaime

You will have lots to see and do in Boston in 5 days. Salem without a car would be a LONG trip so I would find interesting things to do in Boston.

The Aquarium
Museum of Art
Freedom Trail
USS Constitution
Harbour Tour
Duck Tour
Museum of Science

I would suggest a tour book of Boston so you can find out all the things and tours available that would be of interest to you so you don't miss anything.

Have a great time.

Salem is definately do-able without a car. It's a 1/2 hour or so train ride from North Station. You can check out the schedules and rate at www.mbta.com

As the previous poster said, Salem is eminently doable without a car. Sure, you'll have to do some walking once there, but it is NOT a long trip. Where did you get that idea, wantsomesun?

Salem is totally worth it for a day trip. It is a very nice town and there will be plenty to see in a day. The House of the Seven Gables is there, and of course there are a lot of historical sites related to the witch trials. Some of it is cheesy, but it was all fun and interesting. Salem also used to be a big whaling port and you can go down to the waterfront where the whaling ships used to dock. You're better off without a car anyway because the traffic was awful, at least when I went there in October!

Jaime, your trip sounds just like our forthcoming 5 day Nov trip. We won't have a car either and I wanted to do a Salem day trip too. Sounds like the train is the way to go. I can't wait! Judy

Thank You! Salem sounds kind of neat to us, so I'm glad it's doable. I will check out the train schedules. I think I read you can also take a bus? Which one would you recommend? I read about an 8 pm "ghost tour" in Salem? Has anyone been on anything like that?
Thanks for your input!
Jaime

I think you are the same person who inquired about Cape Cod as a non-car day trip. So, if you have 5 days and really want to see Salem, pick that over the Cape. Check commuter rail schedule carefully, especially if you are doing an 8 PM ghost tour - don't know what times train stop running back to Boston. If you are lucky, you will see some Cape Cod style houses on the train trip to Salem (am not sure, since I live in the area and have not taken that train).

I'd choose Essex over Salem, The peabody Museum is very special.

I think the previous poster is confused. It's the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem. And, it's a good museum, worth your time.