Haunted Salem, minus the tour crowd. This self-guided audio walk turns Nathaniel Hawthorne into your guide through spooky corners and real Salem landmarks, with turn-by-turn directions that keep you moving. I like the low price for what you get, and I really like the freedom to pause, read, and linger on your own schedule. One drawback: there’s no live guide on this version, so you’ll be relying on your phone for pacing and navigation.

You start at Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Birthplace (27 Hardy St) and finish at the House of the Seven Gables (115 Derby St) in about 45 to 55 minutes, plus you can add optional time if you want to step inside nearby sites. The tour runs on the WalknTours app in English, and it’s designed so you can use your phone comfortably while you walk.

Key things I’d plan for before you start

• Self-paced audio walking tour: you control the stop-and-go tempo with turn-by-turn guidance
• Great value: $5 per person for a short, Salem-centered route
• Works on two smartphones: handy if you’re sharing narration or keeping one phone as a backup
• Hawthorne-focused stops: Hawthorne Hotel, Salem Common, churchyard legends, and Mercy Tavern lore
• Replay option: you also get a recap tour you can use after the main walk
• Starts and ends at major Hawthorne sites: easy to anchor your afternoon with a clean beginning and end

What makes Hawthorne’s Haunts different in Salem

Most Salem ghost tours lean hard into the broader witch-trial theme. Hawthorne’s Haunts stays more specific. It builds a route around Hawthorne’s family links, his Salem connections, and the haunted places that get folded into those stories.

That focus matters because it turns the walk into something you can actually connect the dots on. You’re not just moving from one random spooky stop to the next. You’re tracing how one writer and one family’s Salem ties ripple into everything from public locations like Salem Common to quieter corners like a churchyard.

And yes, the “haunted” side is front and center. But it’s delivered in a way that works well for a short time window. You’ll get little story capsules at each stop, roughly a few minutes at a time, so you stay oriented instead of getting stuck in one location too long.

Price and pace: $5 for a 45 to 55 minute haunted walk

At $5 per person, the value is mostly about time and flexibility. For the cost, you’re buying an easy plan for an afternoon stroll: turn on the audio, follow the route, and you’ll cover a cluster of Hawthorne-related sites without needing to coordinate a group.

The 45 to 55 minute duration is also a gift. Salem can eat hours fast—crowds, lines, detours, photos. This tour is short enough that you can fit it between museum visits, meals, or a longer walk later.

I’d treat it like a “guided route you carry in your pocket.” If you run slower than average, you might spend extra time at the places that catch your attention. If you’re in a hurry, you can keep it moving and still get the narrative arc.

Where you begin and how the walk naturally ends

You begin at Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Birthplace, 27 Hardy St. This is a strong starting point because it’s tied to Hawthorne’s formative years and to the Salem Witch Trials connection your tour keeps referencing. The birthplace stop includes darker family-history material—stories of atrocities committed by shared ancestors—and it connects that to how Hawthorne’s writing was shaped.

You end at the House of the Seven Gables, 115 Derby St. Ending at a major site like this is smart. Even if you don’t do a full deep dive inside right away, you’ve still wrapped the tour at a location people come to for Hawthorne-themed Salem time.

Tip: plan for the walk to end where you’d naturally want to linger. If you’re hungry, you’ll be close to the tourist dining area. If you want photos, you’ll be at one of Salem’s most recognizable Hawthorne landmarks.

Stop 1: Hawthorne’s Birthplace into Hawthorne Hotel ghost stories

After you start at the birthplace, the audio begins to connect Hawthorne’s early Salem life to the haunted reputation around his orbit.

Then you shift into the Hawthorne Hotel. This stop highlights a celebrity streak in Salem’s “witch city” mythology—George Bush, Liza Minelli, and Johnny Cash are mentioned as guests over the years. Along with that, you’ll hear that guests reported ghostly occurrences while staying there.

The takeaway here isn’t whether you believe every story. The tour uses this stop to show how Salem’s ghost legends attach to famous names and real places. It’s the kind of narrative that makes the rest of the walk feel more grounded, because the stories keep pointing back to actual stops you can locate on a map.

A small practical note: you’ll be outdoors and walking between spots. Wear comfy shoes and keep your phone brightness reasonable so you can read the directions without getting annoyed.

Stop 2: Salem Common and the bandstand legend

Next up is Salem Common, including the band stand and grounds you can actually see. The audio frames the area as haunted by the ghost of a band leader.

This is one of those stops that works well for a self-guided tour. Salem Common is a public space, and it’s easier to locate and orient than some quieter residential corners. If you want to stop for photos or just take a moment to scan your surroundings, this is a good place to do it.

The story angle also matters. The bandstand element gives you a “place with purpose” vibe, not just a random eerie spot. You’re imagining music, crowds, and gatherings—then swapping that mood for a ghost tale delivered by the audio.

Stop 3: St. Peter’s-San Pedro Episcopal Church and headstones-with-a-twist

At St. Peter’s-San Pedro Episcopal Church, the tour focuses on the corner headstones you can see. The audio explains that the headstones you notice are just headstones, and that there’s nothing beneath the dirt underneath.

Then it shifts to the church grounds and the idea of ghosts now haunting the area.

This is a strong stop if you like story details that challenge assumptions. Many people walk past headstones and assume they mean exactly what they look like. Here, the audio nudges you to look closer—and it adds a supernatural frame to what’s otherwise a straightforward-looking setting.

Drawback to consider: churchyards can be uneven underfoot, and sidewalks may be busy depending on the time of day. Keep an eye on the ground while you read your phone screen.

Stop 4: Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Salem Witch Trails link—and remorse

One of the middle stops centers on Hawthorne’s family connection to the Salem Witch Trials. The audio ties him to a network of accused witches and a judge connected to the trials. You’ll also hear about his remorse—how these family links fed into how he thought and wrote afterward.

Even if you’re not a full-on Hawthorne scholar, this is the emotional core of the tour. It’s where the “ghost” theme turns personal. Salem’s haunted stories can feel like folklore if you keep them detached. This stop connects the haunted theme to the author’s lived family history.

If you want a Salem experience that’s spooky but also anchored in human consequences, this is the point where the tour starts feeling more meaningful.

Stop 5: A wealthy merchant’s murder story that shook Salem

Another stop tells a specific event story: on April 6th, 1830, Captain White, described as a wealthy slave trade merchant, was found murdered in this house. The narrative says it became the biggest event since the Witch Trials.

This is the kind of moment that changes how you view the route. Hawthorne’s ghosts aren’t just about playful folklore. They sit next to the darker real history of the city—crime, wealth, and human suffering.

Practical tip: because the audio keeps you moving in short bursts, it’s easy to miss interpretive signage if you aren’t looking for it. Pause your audio for a few seconds when you arrive, scan what’s around you, then start again so you can match story beats to the environment.

Stop 6: Bung Hole Liquor Store and the funeral-home-to-speak-easy transformation

At the Bung Hole Liquor Store, the tour leans into transformation and layers. It describes this spot as once a funeral home, later turned speak easy, and now a liquor store. Then it frames the haunting as if it fits the place perfectly.

That line about it being as haunted as a lobster roll is full of mayo is pure Salem humor—an attempt to keep the experience from getting too grim or too solemn.

Story-wise, this stop works because it shows how the city’s buildings keep changing hands and identities. A place that was once one thing gets reused as something else—and the audio suggests that the past never fully leaves. Whether you take that literally or not, it makes walking around Salem feel like time travel with foot traffic.

Stop 7: Hawthorne’s surveyor appointment—and Scarlet Letter ghost echoes

Another major stop focuses on Hawthorne’s official role in Salem. On April 9th, 1846, the audio says Hawthorne was sworn in as a surveyor of Salem with a salary of $1,200 per year.

The story also points out that his appointment was reported in the New York Tribune, calling him the popular writer. Then it ties this moment to why The Scarlet Letter was a hit and to the ghosts you’ll hear about that walk the halls.

This is where your tour starts to feel like a “writer’s Salem.” Not just a haunted house hop, but a trail through career milestones. The ghost element becomes more of a mood—a way to make Hawthorne’s Salem presence feel alive in the places you can stand and look at.

If you’re a fan of literature, this section is likely to be your favorite. If you’re more casual, it’s still a good anchor because it explains why the stories keep circling back to Hawthorne.

Stop 8: Mercy Tavern and Salem’s underground tunnel legend

The walk ends with a stop at Mercy Tavern, including a basement story. The audio claims there’s an underground secret tunnel system under the city, built by local merchants to smuggle goods between the wharf and the city.

Then the haunting stories arrive. The audio includes reports of other worldly residents, including a spirit of a young teenage girl in turn-of-the-century clothing walking the halls. It also mentions spirits of children who frequent the rooms.

This stop feels like the tour’s big spooky set piece. Even for people who aren’t chasing paranormal thrills, tunnel legends and basement lore create a strong sense of Salem’s hidden underworld—literal and storytelling-wise.

Practical note: if it’s crowded around the tavern area, keep your pace steady and don’t linger in a bottleneck while your phone audio plays.

The House of the Seven Gables finish: plan for optional time

You finish at the House of the Seven Gables, and the tour also includes access to Hawthorne’s historical haunts and the Salem Witch Museum as part of what’s covered.

That means you can use the audio walk as the spine of your afternoon, then choose where to add extra time. One nice way to do it: finish the audio walk, then immediately step into the Salem Witch Museum (if it’s your speed). The tour’s structure supports that because you’re already in Hawthorne mode, and you’ve already heard the connections to witch-trial history.

If you want the tour to stay under an hour, you can do the museum later. If you want the full Salem story arc, squeeze in the museum near the end.

Using the WalknTours app: easy navigation without a tour crowd

The whole setup is built around the WalknTours app and a smartphone-guided route. You’ll get a mobile ticket in English, with turn-by-turn directions that make it hard to get lost.

What I like about this approach: it keeps you from being stuck in a pack. You can pause to read plaques, step into an area you want to photograph, then pick up the story where you left off.

There’s also mention that it works on two smartphones. That’s helpful if:

• you’re traveling with someone who wants their own audio timing, or
• you want a backup phone if your battery runs low.

My practical advice: bring a small battery pack if you know you’ll use maps too. Salem is full of “open one more thing on your phone” moments.

What I think is the best match for this tour

This is a great fit if you:

• want a budget-friendly Salem activity that doesn’t require a group meeting time
• like Hawthorne and want the “why” behind the places, not just jump-scares
• want to control your pace—pause for photos, skip ahead if you’re rushing, and slow down where you care
• are comfortable reading your phone while walking through a historic downtown

It’s less ideal if you want a traditional guided experience with constant human answers. This tour is self-guided, so you won’t get real-time explanations or adapt the story based on your questions.

Quick FAQ for Hawthorne’s Haunts

FAQ

How long is the self-guided Hawthorne’s Haunts walking tour?

It’s listed as about 45 to 55 minutes.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $5.00 per person.

Is the tour self-guided or does it include an in-person guide?

It’s a smartphone navigated self-guided audio tour in the WalknTours app, with no in-person guide.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Birthplace, 27 Hardy St, Salem, MA 01970, and ends at the House of the Seven Gables, 115 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970.

What language is the audio tour offered in?

It’s offered in English.

What sites are included as part of the experience?

You’ll see the House of the Seven Gables, Hawthorne’s historical haunts, and the Salem Witch Museum.

Can I use more than one phone during the tour?

The highlights say the download works on two smartphones.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. Canceling less than 24 hours before the start time is not refunded.

Final verdict: should you book it?

If you’re looking for a short, low-cost way to connect Salem’s most famous Hawthorne landmarks with ghost stories, I’d book it. The turn-by-turn audio makes it easy to keep moving, and the Hawthorne focus gives you more than generic spook stops.

Skip it only if you want a live guide, or if you know you get frustrated relying on your phone for directions. Otherwise, this is the kind of Salem experience that fits an afternoon well: you walk, you listen, you stop when something grabs you, and you finish at the House of the Seven Gables with momentum instead of exhaustion.