Points of Interest between Cambridge, Massachusetts to Salem, Massachusetts

picture of Cambridge, Massachusetts

Top Five Places to Visit on a Trip Between Cambridge and Salem

If you're looking for a road trip that has a mix of history and entertainment, then you can't go wrong with the journey from Cambridge to Salem, Massachusetts. Along the way, you'll experience some of the state's most scenic areas that offer mouth-watering delicacies, and you'll have the opportunity to visit places that played an important role in the culture and history of Massachusetts.

The Route

Starting in Cambridge, the route is relatively straightforward. You'll head along Route 93 north before taking a southbound turn to Route 128 towards Salem. Halfway through the journey, you'll reach Reading where you can stop for a quick break and some fantastic eateries.

Top Five Places to Visit

  1. Harvard Square: An Iconic Destination

Harvard Square is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll and an overdose of culture. There's something for everyone, from a diverse culinary scene to gorgeous Victorian buildings and monuments that make Harvard Square a unique destination. You can take a guided tour of the Harvard University campus, check out the many museums around the square, or catch a show at the American Repertory Theater, one of the most renowned theaters in America.

  1. Woburn Safari Park: A World of Wonder

The Woburn Safari Park takes you on an immersive wild adventure with its roaming animals from across the world. The park offers a four-mile road safari tour with a drive-through Lion and Tiger Park. You can also visit the Foot Safari zone to see a range of exotic creatures, including monkeys, bears, and birds.

  1. Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House: A Glimpse of Literature's Golden Era

Fans of Louisa May Alcott's classic novel Little Women will love Orchard House. The house is the former residence of the author and her family and offers insight into a vital historical period. Your ticket includes a guided tour of the house and its surrounding areas, and you'll come across antique furniture, some of Alcott's personal belongings, and the desk where she wrote her famous novel.

  1. Salem's Witch Museum: The Darker Side of History

Salem is synonymous with witches, and the Salem Witch Museum brings that history to life. The museum offers an exposition of the Salem witch trials, where you'll learn about the timeline, the events that shaped the trial, and the significant characters who were involved. The museum's highlight is the use of advanced lighting and stagecraft to depict the story more vividly.

  1. The House of the Seven Gables: A Literary and Architectural Marvel

Built in 1668, the House of the Seven Gables stands as a reflection of New England's colonial architecture and famed American author Nathaniel Hawthorne's literary genius. Your tour includes a glimpse into the interior of this historic landmark and the surrounding garden. You'll also learn about the house's history, restoration, and the fascinating backstory that inspired one of Hawthorne's most acclaimed novels.

In Conclusion

The trip from Cambridge to Salem offers an ample dose of culture and entertainment for visitors and residents alike. From Harvard Square to Orchard House, the Woburn Safari Park to the Salem Witch Museum, the House of the Seven Gables to the delicious restaurants at Reading, this road trip is not one you'll want to miss. Each destination offers something unique, and there's never a dull moment on the journey.