A practical day trip from Moxy Boston Downtown: Salem

From Moxy Boston Downtown at 240 Tremont Street, a practical day trip to Salem is an easy out-and-back: take a ~30–40 minute commuter train from a nearby downtown station for roughly a half-day exploring Witch Trial sites and the Peabody Essex Museum. Plan for museum hours and guided-walk schedules, then return to Moxy for dinner or drinks at Bar Moxy.
In this guide
Getting there from Moxy Boston Downtown
Moxy Boston Downtown sits in the Theater District near Boylston-area transit; the hotel’s address is 240 Tremont Street. The usual way to reach Salem from central Boston is by commuter rail, which takes about 30–40 minutes.
You can also drive to Salem in roughly 40 minutes depending on traffic. If you need help arranging transit or a parking pass back in Boston, contact the front desk — Moxy has a 24-hour front desk and can advise on options.
- Train: ~30–40 minutes (commuter rail from North Station area service to Salem).
- Drive: about 40 minutes, depending on traffic and route.
- Hotel support: 24-hour front desk can help with routing and local suggestions.
| Mode | Approx. travel time |
|---|---|
| Commuter train | 30–40 min |
| Car/taxi/rideshare | ~40 min (traffic-dependent) |
| Ferry/seasonal options | Not listed in hotel facts — check local operators |

What to see in Salem (half- to full-day highlights)
Salem’s most-referenced attractions tied to the 1692 witch trials include historic sites, memorials, and museums that interpret that history. The Witch House (the Jonathan Corwin house) and the Salem Witch Trials Memorial are common stops; the Peabody Essex Museum is the main large museum in town.
Plan your route so you can group outdoor sites and timed indoor visits. Museum exhibits and special tours may have their own ticketing and hours, so check each site’s website before you go.
- Witch House (historic home tied to the 1692 trials)
- Salem Witch Trials Memorial and related historic markers
- Peabody Essex Museum (major museum in Salem — check current exhibits and hours)
| Site | Type |
|---|---|
| Witch House | Historic house/museum |
| Salem Witch Trials Memorial | Outdoor memorial |
| Peabody Essex Museum | Art and history museum |
Sample half-day itinerary
Leave Moxy mid-morning to reach Salem by late morning. Start at the Peabody Essex Museum or pick a timed tour of the Witch House or walking tour focused on 1692 sites.
After a museum or walking tour, stroll Salem’s downtown for shops and casual lunch options, then visit the Witch Trials Memorial and nearby historic streets before returning to Boston in the late afternoon.
- 8:30–9:30 AM — Breakfast at Bar Moxy on-site (Bar Moxy serves breakfast for a fee; check current hours).
- 10:00–11:00 AM — Train from central Boston toward Salem (arrive ~30–40 minutes later).
- Midday — Peabody Essex Museum or Witch House visit, lunch downtown, short walking tour.
- Late afternoon — Return train to Boston and back to Moxy for evening plans.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | Breakfast at Bar Moxy; travel to Salem |
| Late morning–Afternoon | Museum/house visits and lunch |
| Late afternoon | Return to Boston; evening at Moxy |

Practical tips and logistics
Buy or reserve museum and tour tickets in advance where possible; hours can vary seasonally and some guided tours have limited space. The hotel front desk can help with local suggestions but cannot reserve Salem site tickets for you unless they offer that service directly.
Pack light for the day trip and keep valuables with you; Moxy offers luggage storage and a 24-hour front desk if you want to leave a small bag at the hotel before you head out.
- Check each attraction’s website for current hours and ticketing.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes — Salem’s downtown and historic areas are best explored on foot.
- Use the front desk at Moxy for local directions and to store luggage if needed.
| At Moxy Boston Downtown | Useful for the day trip |
|---|---|
| Bar Moxy | Breakfast before departure; returns for dinner/drinks |
| 24/7 Grab 'n Go Market | Snacks and supplies for the day |
| Luggage storage | Store bags before/after your trip |

Food and timing notes
Bar Moxy on the second floor serves breakfast for a fee and is open later for drinks and casual American fare; walk-ins are accepted. If you prefer to eat in Salem, downtown Salem has casual restaurants and cafés close to the main sites.
Allow additional time during peak tourist seasons (summer and October) for longer lines at major Salem attractions and for train or parking wait times.
- Bar Moxy hours: Mon–Thu & Sun 7:00 AM–11:00 PM; Fri–Sat 7:00 AM–12:00 AM (verify current hours before you go).
- Grab 'n Go Market is available 24/7 at the hotel for snacks and drinks.
- Expect higher visitor numbers in summer and especially in October; plan earlier departures to avoid the busiest times.
| When to go | Why |
|---|---|
| Late spring/early fall | Milder weather and fewer summer crowds |
| Summer | Longer days but more visitors |
| October | Peak tourist season in Salem — expect crowds |
Safety and accessibility
Moxy Boston Downtown provides a stair-free, wheelchair-accessible path to the entrance and elevators, along with accessible public washrooms and meeting spaces. If you need specific accessibility accommodations for touring Salem, check each Salem site for its accessibility information before visiting.
The hotel is smoke-free and offers a 24-hour front desk and in-room Wi‑Fi, so you can check attraction pages and transit options while you travel.
- Moxy has elevators and accessible public washrooms and meeting spaces.
- Confirm accessibility features (ramps, elevators, restroom access) directly with Salem sites if required.
- Use in-room Wi‑Fi or the front desk to check live transit schedules and attraction updates.
| Hotel feature | Guest use |
|---|---|
| 24-hour front desk | Help with local info, luggage storage |
| In-room Wi‑Fi | Check train times and museum hours |
| Fitness center | Complimentary access for guests (not related to the trip) |


