Staying in Boston for 4 days, then renting a car for 10 days. Wanted opinions of the option of taking the ferry up to Salem and back for a day. Gives us 8 hours to explore Salem, see the coastline and would save us driving that way later in the trip, but is it enough time for the Peabody Essex and other attractions? Also, would we be missing some "must see" things in between Boston and Salem that we would see driving? We have already done the VT, NH, ME part of New England, this is our MA, CT, RI trip! thanks

The ride should be scenic if the weather cooperates, and you could see most of what you would want to in 8 hours and you would avoid the drive, so I'd go for it.

Commuter rail also goes out to Salem from Boston's North Station, so that's another option. Maybe not as scenic as a ferry ride, of course.

When is your trip? The Salem ferry stops running around the middle of October.

Yes, 8 hours in Salem should be enough. You can take a look at my Salem day trip report here:
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...omment-5926438

There are many scenic towns in the N Shore that are near Salem, but it'll be difficult to try to fit more in, as there's plenty to see & do in Salem.

"Also, would we be missing some "must see" things in between Boston and Salem that we would see driving?"

Only a bunch of strip malls! That's if you take Route 1 to I-95/Route 128, anyway. Taking I-93 to 95/128 is not a whole lot more scenic, though.

If you are really interested in American industrial history, the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site is off Route 1 between Boston and Salem (in Saugus, naturally). http://www.nps.gov/sair/index.htm

If you are interested in American popular culture, you can see the outside of the actual "Grand[parent's] house" of "Over the river and through the woods" fame at 114 South Street in Medford (near I-93). I say "Grand[parent's] house" because people disagree whether it is supposed to be Grandfather or Grandmother - but Tufts University,which now owns the house, goes with Grandfather on this one. So no arguments, please!

yk, thanks for the link to your trip report. we also like touring old house/mansions so your notes on Castle Hill has made it on our list now so it is sounding more like we will be driving north and spending more than 8 hours! We will be in Boston 10/3-10/8, so it also may be too cold for the ferry.