If you’re looking for something different from downtown Salem, a great spot to explore is the 35-acre Salem Willows Park. This public park offers ocean views, shady picnic areas, and beaches. This is a fantastic article to read.
The park opened in 1858 and quickly became popular with visitors from Salem and surrounding towns. It was even a regular feature in the Salem Evening News.
Amusement Park
The 35-acre Salem Willows Park is a historic oceanfront destination with an arcade, outdoor theater, oceanfront views, top-notch snacks, and more. It has been a local favorite since it opened in 1858 and still remains a great family day out.
The amusement section of the park contains a carousel and two arcades with skeeball, air hockey, and more. There are also vintage pinball machines and classic video games like Pac-Man, Tournament Arkanoid, and Galaga.
Another attraction is the old-fashioned Hobbs Popcorn store. This shop has been in business since 1897 and is known for its saltwater taffy, popcorn, and ice cream cones.
The carousel was hand-carved by a Bavarian woodcarver named Joseph Brown in 1866. The original wooden horses were sold to Macy’s for Christmas displays in 1945, but the carousel still offers a fun ride today. There are several other rides, too, including a small mini-golf course. There are also picnic pavilions, water-view walking paths, and a fishing pier.
Beach
The beach at Salem Willows Park is a family-friendly place to spend a day. It features two small sandy beaches and offers a beautiful view of the ocean, making it a popular destination for families with children.
The 35-acre park is named for the European white willow trees planted there in 1801 to provide shade for patients at a nearby smallpox hospital. It offers a seaside promenade and is also home to Winter Island, an area of historical significance.
It’s a great place to take a break from all the sights and museums of Salem. It also has three swimming beaches, a band shell for performances, tennis courts, basketball courts, and gazebos.
The park also has a small amusement park called Kiddieland, which features rides for kids and is open in the summer. It also has an arcade, as well as a number of take-out restaurants. Visit another area in town here.
Restaurants
Salem Willows Park is a great place to have a picnic, walk the rocky shore, ride amusement rides, or enjoy the arcade. It’s a popular location for families, couples, older people, and even dogs.
The area was named for European white willow trees that were planted to form a shaded walking path for patients at a contagious disease hospital in 1801. It became a public park in 1858 and has been a Salem favorite ever since.
To this day, visitors enjoy strolling under the willows while watching the water. They can also fish from the pier or enjoy small water cruises.
The area is home to a number of restaurants, from saltwater taffy to pizza, chop suey sandwiches, and fried clams. You can also take your children to the arcade for a fun game of bumper cars or Wiffle ball.
Parking
If you’re visiting Salem Willows Park for a day trip, there are plenty of parking options available. You can choose to park on-street or in one of three parking garages, all provided by downtown businesses through the Downtown Parking Tax.
While you’re here, you can also enjoy the many activities and attractions that Salem Willows has to offer. Among the popular attractions are swimming beaches, restaurants, an arcade, bumper cars, and more.
There are also a number of shaded gazebos for visitors to sit and relax in the sun. The park is located at the tip of Salem Neck and offers views of the ocean and Salem Harbor.
The City is currently working on a signature park improvement project at Salem Willows. Work will include a new rainwater drainage system with groundwater recharge under the tennis courts and a restoration of “The Hill” green space. Find out more!
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