As autumn paints Essex County in brilliant hues of amber and crimson, Salem transforms into a captivating destination where history, mystery, and community converge. With over 500,000 visitors descending upon the “Witch City” each October, there’s no better time to discover Salem through the eyes of our remarkable Creative Collective tour company members, each bringing their unique perspective to this storied city’s rich tapestry.
What makes these tours truly special isn’t just their individual excellence—it’s how they collectively create an ecosystem of discovery that strengthens our entire region. From theatrical maritime adventures to dog-friendly explorations, from lantern-lit ghost walks to deeply researched historical journeys, these community builders offer experiences as diverse as the entrepreneurs who create them.
This list is not exhaustive; there are many tour groups in Salem. This list features all the local tour companies that are part of the Creative Collective business program!
A Collaborative Tapestry of Salem Storytelling
Our Creative Collective tour operators aren’t just guides—they’re passionate storytellers, historians, and community builders who see their work as contributing to something larger than individual success. Each company brings its own flavor to Salem’s narrative, creating a vibrant marketplace of experiences that elevates the entire region.
Teller of Tales Tours (@telleroftales.salemma)
Step into Salem’s swashbuckling past with Stephanie Clements, whose theatrical tours bring the city’s overlooked maritime history to vivid life. As both a storyteller and end-of-life doula, Stephanie uniquely blends entertainment with compassion, offering everything from pirate tales performed as the “Wicked Wench of the East” to meaningful legacy storytelling services. Her trauma-informed approach and multilingual capabilities (fluent in French, conversational in Italian) make history accessible and unforgettable for all visitors. 📞 (617) 356-7894
Tails of Salem (@tailsofsalemdogs)
Brand new for 2025, Julie Gordon’s innovative dog-friendly tourism experience celebrates the special bond between Salem’s history and our four-legged friends. With 15+ years as a dog writer, Julie crafts engaging tours that explore everything from colonial wolf bounties to Victorian pet cemeteries. Small group sizes and carefully curated routes make this the perfect adventure for visitors who refuse to leave their furry family members behind. 📞 (781) 710-7766
Salem Historical Tours & Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour (@SalemHistoricalTours)
As Salem’s oldest independent walking tour company (established 1997), this team of charismatic licensed guides operates from their historic 1805 Custom House location. Named #1 by New England With Love, they offer comprehensive explorations of Salem’s 400-year history—from the witch trials to maritime adventures, revolutionary tales to documented paranormal phenomena. Their commitment to historical accuracy and community engagement has made them a true Salem institution. 📞 (978) 745-0666
Witch City Walking Tours (@witchcitywalkingtours)
With 30+ licensed professional guides and recognition as TripAdvisor’s #1 Cultural & Historical Tour in the United States (2023-2024), this award-winning company expertly balances education with entertainment. From their signature History & Hauntings tour to adults-only true crime experiences and interactive ghost hunting with professional equipment, they showcase why Salem’s real history is often more spine-tingling than fiction. 📞 (781) 608-6986
Black Cat Tours & Curiosity Shoppe (@blackcattours)
Where tours meet museum experience! Since 2013, this unique establishment has earned USA Today’s “10 Best Ghost Tours in the US” recognition for four consecutive years. Beyond their unscripted walking tours featuring pirates, ghosts, and maritime history, visitors can explore their fascinating Curiosity Shoppe—a museum-style collection of historical artifacts, local artisanal crafts, and folk tradition items from diverse cultures. 📞 (978) 239-9145
Salem Night Tour (@salemnighttour)
For over 20 years, these licensed historian guides have been trusted names in Salem tourism, earning recognition from the Today Show as one of the world’s top 10 ghost tours. With over 2,200 five-star TripAdvisor reviews, they specialize in evening experiences that blend historical accuracy with Salem’s mysterious after-dark ambiance, creating spine-tingling journeys through the city’s most significant haunted locations. 📞 (978) 741-1170
Salem Uncovered Tours (@salemuncovered)
Founded in 2020 and rebranded in 2024, this team brings fresh energy to Salem’s tour scene through masterful storytelling and deep local knowledge. Led by founding storyteller Jeffrey Lilley, they transform history into compelling narratives with their intimate 90-minute walks. Their satisfaction guarantee and focus on the human stories behind historical events create an immersive experience that brings Salem’s past to vivid life. 📞 (978) 791-2131
Spellbound Tours (@spellboundtours)
Salem’s original paranormal tour (established 2001), Spellbound, takes a scientific approach to the supernatural. Led by professional paranormal investigator Dr. Vitka, these licensed guides don’t just tell ghost stories—they teach modern ghost hunting techniques while exploring the shocking role Voodoo played in the witch trials and revealing New England’s vampire folklore. Featured on Good Morning America and Penn & Teller’s BullSh*t, their “Voodoo, Vampires, and Ghosts Tour” visits only documented haunted locations where many guests report true supernatural experiences. 📞 (978) 740-1876
Why Fall is Pure Magic in Salem
While Salem welcomes visitors year-round, autumn transforms this coastal city into something truly extraordinary. The crisp New England air carries the scent of fallen leaves and ocean brine, while historic architecture provides the perfect backdrop for both daytime discoveries and evening adventures. September through November offers ideal weather for walking tours, with October bringing the added excitement of Haunted Happenings—though smart visitors know that late September and early November provide equally enchanting experiences with more breathing room.
Creating Community Through Shared Discovery
What sets our Creative Collective tour companies apart isn’t just their individual excellence—it’s how they collaborate to create a richer experience for everyone. You might start your day learning about maritime history with one guide, enjoy an afternoon stroll with your pup on a dog-friendly tour, and end with spine-tingling ghost stories from another operator. Each experience complements the others, creating a multi-dimensional understanding of Salem that no single tour could provide alone.
This collaborative spirit extends beyond the tours themselves. Our members regularly share insights, recommend each other’s services when appropriate, and work together to ensure every visitor leaves with unforgettable memories. It’s this commitment to collective success that makes Essex County’s tourism ecosystem so vibrant and sustainable.
Planning Your Salem Adventure
Timing is Everything: Book early for October visits (accommodations fill up a year in advance!), but consider late September or early November for a more intimate experience with equally beautiful fall foliage.
Mix and Match: Don’t limit yourself to one tour—each operator offers a unique lens through which to view Salem’s rich history.
Come Prepared: Wear comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets, bring layers for changing weather, and arrive with an open mind ready for discovery.
Support Local: By choosing Creative Collective members, you’re not just getting exceptional tours—you’re supporting businesses that reinvest in our community and contribute to regional vibrancy.
Join Our Community of Builders
These eight remarkable tour companies exemplify what Creative Collective is all about: diverse Essex County businesses working together to create experiences that strengthen our entire region. Whether you’re drawn to theatrical storytelling, historical deep-dives, paranormal investigations, or pet-friendly adventures, you’ll find tour operators who see their work as community building in action.
Ready to explore Salem through the eyes of our passionate local guides? Visit their websites, follow their social media, and book your fall adventure today. And suppose you’re a tour operator or any other type of business that believes in the power of collaborative success. In that case, we invite you to join the Creative Collective and become part of our thriving ecosystem of community builders.
Creative Collective serves Essex County businesses that see themselves as community builders—entrepreneurs, creators, consultants, and innovators who believe their work contributes to something larger than individual success. Our tour operator members perfectly embody this spirit, creating experiences that make our region more vibrant, inclusive, and unforgettable.