Salem New JerseyATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Salem, New Jersey.
1. Royal Port Antiques
VINTAGE TREASURE TROVE
Royal Port Antiques is a popular destination for antiquing enthusiasts in Salem. The gorgeous building houses numerous amazing vintage items and collectibles to explore. The owners are known for being helpful, making it a favorite spot for both locals and visitors.
2. Salem County Historical Society
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Salem County Historical Society preserves and showcases the rich history of Salem County. Visitors can explore exhibits highlighting the area's colonial past and significant historical events. The society maintains several historic buildings and offers educational programs about Salem's heritage.
3. Tadmore Distilling Co.
CRAFT SPIRITS EXPERIENCE
Tadmore Distilling Co. offers visitors a taste of locally crafted spirits in Salem. The distillery provides tours where guests can learn about the distillation process and the history of spirit-making in the region. Visitors can sample various handcrafted spirits in the tasting room.
4. Quinton's Bridge At Alloways Creek
HISTORIC CROSSING POINT
Quinton's Bridge At Alloways Creek is a significant historical site in Salem County. The bridge was the location of a Revolutionary War skirmish in 1778 between American militia and British forces. Today, visitors can appreciate both its historical significance and the scenic views of Alloways Creek.
5. Market Street Treasures
DOWNTOWN SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Market Street Treasures offers a unique shopping experience in historic downtown Salem. The shop features a variety of antiques, vintage items, and locally made crafts. Shoppers can find everything from furniture to collectibles while enjoying the charm of Salem's downtown district.
6. Abel and Mary Nicolson House
NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK
The Abel and Mary Nicolson House is a National Historic Landmark featuring 18th century patterned brickwork. Built in 1722, the house displays a diamond-patterned date on its east gable and has maintained its historical integrity without modern modifications. The property, protected by the New Jersey Historic Trust, offers visitors a glimpse into authentic 18th century architecture and living.
7. Historic Downtown Salem
COLONIAL ARCHITECTURAL GEM
Historic Downtown Salem features splendid structures built centuries ago, showcasing the area's colonial heritage. Visitors can explore numerous boutiques, antique shops, and dining establishments housed in well-preserved historic buildings. The downtown district is especially vibrant during seasonal events like the annual Yuletide Tour of Historic Salem held in December.
8. Appel Farm Arts & Music Center
CREATIVE ARTS HUB
Appel Farm Arts & Music Center offers enriching arts experiences for both adults and children near Salem. The center hosts various events throughout the year, including the popular Music and Wine Festival and Family Earth Day celebrations. Visitors can participate in workshops, enjoy performances, and engage with various art forms in this creative community space.
9. Salem City Café
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN EATERY
Salem City Café serves as a popular gathering spot in downtown Salem for locals and visitors alike. The eatery offers a comfortable atmosphere in a historic building where guests can enjoy meals and refreshments. It's an ideal place to rest and recharge while exploring Salem's downtown attractions.
10. Fort Mott State Park
MILITARY HISTORY SITE
Fort Mott State Park preserves a coastal defense battery built in the late 1800s near Salem County. Visitors can explore military bunkers, gun emplacements, and learn about the fort's role in national defense through the Spanish-American War and World War I. The park also offers picnic areas, nature trails, and stunning views of the Delaware River.
11. Finn's Point National Cemetery
SOLEMN HISTORIC GROUND
Finn's Point National Cemetery is a historic burial ground near Salem County with connections to the Civil War. The cemetery contains the remains of both Confederate prisoners who died at Fort Delaware and Union soldiers who guarded them. Visitors can reflect on this solemn piece of American history while viewing the 85-foot granite obelisk monument erected in 1879.
12. Cowtown Rodeo
AMERICA'S OLDEST WEEKLY RODEO
Cowtown Rodeo is America's oldest weekly running rodeo, operating since 1929 in Salem County. Every Saturday night from late May through September, visitors can experience authentic rodeo events including bull riding, bronc riding, and barrel racing. The adjacent Cowtown Farmers Market operates year-round, offering local produce, crafts, and food to complement the rodeo experience.
13. Salem Oak
HISTORIC NATURAL MONUMENT
The Salem Oak stood as a living monument to the city's history for over 600 years until it fell in 2019. According to local tradition, the massive white oak was the site where John Fenwick, the founder of Salem, negotiated a treaty with the Lenni Lenape Native Americans in 1675. Though the original tree is gone, a sapling from the historic oak was planted in its place, continuing the legacy of this important symbol of Salem's heritage.
14. Richard Woodnutt House
YULETIDE TOUR HIGHLIGHT
The Richard Woodnutt House is a significant historic home featured in Salem's annual Yuletide Tour. This well-preserved structure showcases period architecture and offers visitors a glimpse into Salem's past. During the December holiday season, the house is specially decorated, making it a highlight of the 34th annual Yuletide Tour of Historic Salem.
15. Fort Elfsborg
COLONIAL SWEDISH SETTLEMENT
Fort Elfsborg was an early Swedish colonial fort established in 1643 along the eastern bank of the Delaware River near present-day Salem. Though the original fort no longer exists, the site represents an important piece of New Jersey's early European settlement history. The area now offers historical information about this Swedish outpost that was part of the New Sweden colony.