Why visit Salem, you ask? Well, aside from being a very charming small town in Massachusetts, it’s also a major destination for Halloween, thanks to its rich history related to all things spooky. After all, it’s where the namesake witch trials took place between 1692 and 1693 in which 20 of 200 accused witches were executed. The Salem witch trials are decidedly the town's greatest claim to fame, and a (festive?) illustration of what mass hysteria and paranoia can do to a community. That said, there’s a lot to see in Salem at any time of year and its colonial history as a major seaport goes beyond just the Hocus Pocus appeal. In fact, it’s a pretty cool coastal town to visit year round, as Massachusetts natives can attest to.:

“Salem is full of cobbled hills and alleyways lined with gorgeous homes dating back a couple of centuries,” says former PureWow assistant editor Delia Curtis. “You’ll find everything from quaint coffee shops like Gulu Gulu Cafe or the Ugly Mug Cafe to shops that cater to filling a witch’s arsenal with crystals and herbs like Haus Witch or The Coven’s Cottage. Get your tarot cards or astrological chart read, stomp through any of the many graveyards, saunter through The Witch House, or post up for a brew in one of their many local watering holes. My pro-tip as a Bostonian is to visit in the off-season if you’re not specifically looking to go around Halloween. Try for August or September to enjoy the fall activities without the massive crowds, or do and envelop yourself in the Jack-O-Lantern-filled joy of spooky season. You might even see a hearse at the local Dunkin Donuts like I did as a kid.”

Yep, from hearses and witch lore to quaint cafes and gorgeous colonial architecture, Salem has a lot to offer travelers during any season. (In fact, if you’re looking to book a budget-friendly stay, I would be remiss not to mention that October is the most expensive time to visit, for obvious reasons.) With that in mind, check out this list of the best Airbnbs in Salem so you can experience the historical intrigue for yourself.

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