SALEM – Salem is laying out plans to welcome the influx of visitors that will hit the city between now and Halloween. Salem’s mayor and police chief are predicting record numbers of visitors this year.
They say Halloween may still be six weeks away, but it’s wise to start planning your trip now. On an average weekend day last year, the Witch City attracted between 65,000 and 100,000 tourists.
Visitors are encouraged to take public transportation
There are only about 4,000 public parking spaces and authorities recommend everyone take the train, bus or ferry to visit them.
During weekends in October, the 150-passenger ferry that runs between Salem and Long Wharf in Boston is replaced by 600-passenger ferries. For those sailing on the South Shore, there is a second ferry from Hingham to Salem.
Keolis will also run additional commuter trains between North Station and Salem.
New parking enforcement in the city
If you arrive by car, the city warns that parking controls will take place.
“New this year, we’re implementing parking enforcement with automatic license plate readers,” Mayor Dominick Pangallo said. “So if you park illegally, including parking on a residential street, you’re almost certainly going to get a ticket and possibly a tow truck. So don’t take any chances and don’t ruin your visit.”
According to police, you can also expect extra drunk driving patrols in the city.
The Destination Salem app gives you real-time information on when attractions are sold out, garages are full, and roads are closed.
