So, you’ve decided to visit Salem in October.
Excellent choice. 🎃
You’ve planned the outfit. You’ve checked the weather seventeen times. You have a list of witch shops, historic sites, coffee stops, and approximately 46 things you absolutely must see before leaving.
There’s just one tiny problem:
Where the hell are you going to park?
Welcome to Salem during Haunted Happenings, when our charming little New England city transforms into Halloween Mecca and finding a parking space downtown can feel like trying to summon one from the spirit realm.
Don’t panic. Here’s your guide to parking in Salem, Massachusetts in October, plus a few ways to avoid driving downtown altogether.
First: Should You Even Drive Into Downtown Salem?
On an October weekday? Maybe.
On an October weekend?
Friend.
The City of Salem itself recommends that visitors avoid driving into downtown Salem on busy October weekends because traffic is heavy and parking is extremely limited.
If you're coming on a Saturday or Sunday, especially later in October, your best bet is usually to park outside downtown and take a shuttle or the train in.
You’ll spend less time staring at brake lights and more time doing what you actually came here to do: wandering around Salem buying spooky things.
Option 1: Salem's Free October Weekend Shuttles
This is one of the best-kept-not-really-secret secrets for visiting Salem in October.
The City of Salem operates free weekend shuttles from satellite parking areas into downtown Salem during October. Exact 2026 satellite lots, dates, and hours are announced by Salem as Haunted Happenings gets closer, so check the official Salem Haunted Happenings parking information before you leave.
Park outside the madness.
Hop on the shuttle.
Get dropped downtown.
Feel smug while looking at the line of cars trying to find parking.
✨ Apothecary 51 Tip: If you're visiting on a busy October weekend, this would be our first choice if you absolutely have to drive.
Option 2: Park in Beverly and Take the Train
This one is particularly handy if you're coming from the north.
Instead of fighting your way into Salem, park near the Beverly MBTA station and take the Commuter Rail one stop into Salem.
The ride from Beverly to Salem is only a few minutes, and when you arrive at Salem Station you're already within walking distance of Essex Street, downtown attractions, restaurants, shops, and Salem Common.
Translation: you have successfully teleported past a large portion of Salem traffic.
Not technically magic, but close enough.
You can also look at other stations along the Newburyport/Rockport Line and ride the train into Salem.
Option 3: Take the Commuter Rail From Boston
Coming from Boston?
Skip the car entirely.
The MBTA Newburyport/Rockport Commuter Rail Line runs from North Station directly into Salem, with the trip taking roughly 30 minutes.
Once you arrive, Salem is extremely walkable.
And honestly, walking around Salem in October is part of the experience anyway.
Wear comfortable shoes.
Your cute platform boots can come too, but don't say we didn't warn you.
Option 4: Downtown Salem Parking Garages
If you are determined to drive downtown, there are two major city garages:
Museum Place Garage
1 New Liberty Street
This garage puts you right in the middle of downtown near the Peabody Essex Museum and Essex Street.
Very convenient.
Also very popular.
South Harbor Garage
245 Derby Street
Another excellent downtown location, especially if you're planning to explore Derby Street, Pickering Wharf, and the waterfront.
For October 2026 weekends, Indigenous Peoples' Day, and Halloween, Salem has approved special event rates at both garages:
$20 for 0–2 hours
$50 for more than 2 hours
Yes.
Fifty American dollars.
Salem said, you wanted Halloween. 👻
If you're going to attempt garage parking on an October weekend, ARRIVE EARLY. Downtown parking can fill quickly as crowds arrive.
Option 5: Downtown Lots & Metered Parking
There are also municipal lots and metered spaces scattered around Salem.
But October changes the game.
Parking rates can be different during Haunted Happenings, and some streets have temporary restrictions or become resident-only parking.
For 2026, Salem has also approved a rate of $7 per hour at the Front Street Lot during October.
Which brings us to our most important rule...
DO NOT Park in Resident-Only Parking
We cannot stress this enough.
Do not see an empty space on a quiet Salem side street and think:
"The universe has provided."
The universe has not provided.
The only thing that will be provided is a free tow to the local impound and a migraine.
Read. The. Signs.
Salem expands resident parking restrictions during October to protect neighborhoods from the massive influx of visitors.
Parking illegally in a resident area can result in a ticket or tow, which is a particularly terrible souvenir from your Salem vacation.
If a parking spot seems suspiciously easy to find on an October Saturday...
There's probably a sign.
The Apothecary 51 Salem October Parking Strategy
If we were planning your trip, here's what we'd do:
Weekday visit: Try downtown parking, arrive early, and check current parking restrictions.
Early October weekend: Satellite parking + shuttle or park outside Salem and take the train.
Late October weekend: Train. Train. Train.
Halloween: For the love of all things spooky, do not plan on casually driving into downtown Salem and finding parking.
Halloween brings major crowds and road closures. Public transportation or official satellite parking is the move.
A Few Salem October Survival Tips
Before heading into Witch City:
- Arrive earlier than you think you need to. Salem wakes up very early in October.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Once you're downtown, walking is usually the easiest way to get around.
- Check parking information the morning of your trip. Road closures and parking restrictions can change as crowds increase.
- Download the Passport Parking app if you plan to use applicable metered parking.
- Don't park in residential neighborhoods unless signage specifically allows it.
- Expect crowds. Especially during the final two weekends before Halloween.
- Have a backup plan. If downtown parking is full, don't spend two hours circling Salem hoping someone magically leaves.
And most importantly...
Come Find Apothecary 51 While You're Here 🖤
Once you've successfully conquered the parking situation, come find Apothecary 51 during Salem Haunted Happenings.
We'll be bringing the spooky goods: perfumes, candles, apparel, and plenty of things for people who understand that Halloween isn't a holiday. It's a lifestyle.
Because you didn't survive Route 114 traffic just to go home empty-handed.
🎃 Made with Magic on Cape Cod.
See you in Salem.