'Do Not Show Up On A Whim' to Salem: Spooky Massachusetts Town Inundated With Tourists

Salem, Mass., is famous for its wicked wonders. From the home where the Salem Witch Trials began to the set location of the beloved Halloween movie Hocus Pocus, Salem has become a ghostly pilgrimage for many New Englanders. Unfortunately, the town of just over 43,300 an hour north of Boston is reaching its limit of supernatural-seeking visitors.

City council member Ty Hapworth posted on Facebook Friday that the number of visitors to the seaside town has been "massive" this Halloween season "but not at all surprising to those of us living, working and spending time downtown."

Hapworth shared a video on his TikTok account Saturday showing packed streets and long lines.

Hapworth recommended that visitors to Salem this month not to "show up on a whim" but rather to plan their trips in advance and use mass transportation. Local parking garages and parking spaces fill up quickly, especially on weekends.

In preparation for large Halloween crowds, multiple city streets were closed on Oct. 6.

Salem officials reported that 276,000 people visited Salem over the first nine days of October, compared to 164,000 over the same period last year. Some 80,000 tourists visited on Oct. 8 alone, nearly double the city's population.

Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll retweeted a post from Mass.gov Fake Tweets account claiming visitors who don't plan their trips will have a curse put on them. Driscoll joked it would be more of a hex.

CNN Travel recently listed Salem as one of the spookiest cities in the U.S. The article highlighted the Witch House, former home to Judge Jonathan Corwin, who presided over the Salem Witch Trials in the 1690s.

Salem is also home to the 1993 Halloween classic Hocus Pocus, which stars Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy. The story follows three sisters brought back to life centuries after dying during the Salem Witch Trials and wreaking havoc on the now-modern town. Many buildings featured in the film are still standing and popular tourist attractions. Hocus Pocus 2 was released on Disney + on Sept. 30.

The city is marking the 40th anniversary of its Haunted Happenings celebration with a parade, farmers' markets and weekend street vendors among other festivities.