Peabody is a picturesque city set between Massachusetts Bay and the New England countryside. Admire the handsome red-brick buildings in the downtown district and browse the independent cafes, boutiques and brewpubs along Main Street. Peabody is a stone’s throw from Salem, where you can visit world-class museums and learn about the notorious witch trials.
Things to do in Peabody
See treasures from across the globe at the Peabody Essex Museum. The museum was founded in the 18th century and showcases an incredible collection of art, antiques and curiosities. See everything from hand-painted Japanese ceramics and carved Polynesian masks to New England maritime paintings. Yin Yu Tang, a centuries-old Chinese house built in the Qing Dynasty and meticulously dismantled, shipped to Peabody and reassembled in the museum, is a showpiece.
Discover centuries of New England history at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site. Set on the waterfront, the urban park is one of the first National Historic Sites in the United States. Stop by the visitor centre housed in the former Salem Armory and join a guided tour of the Friendship, a full-size replica of the merchant ship that sailed the East Indies in the 18th century.
Learn about the notorious witch trials on a guided walking tour of Salem. You’ll walk past important historic sites like the Witch House and learn about the hysteria that swept Salem in the 17th century. The Witch Trials Memorial pays tribute to the victims who lost their lives during the trials.
Pick your own fruit and enjoy the New England countryside at Brooksby Farm. Open year-round, the family-friendly farm features picturesque orchards and a store packed with local produce. Stroll through the flower-filled greenhouse, feed friendly barnyard animals and take a ride on the hay truck.
Getting around Peabody
Peabody is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. The city is in Essex County in the North Shore region, a 10-minute drive from Salem and 40 minutes from Boston. Trains run between Boston and Salem in 30 minutes. Boston Logan International Airport is a 40-minute drive away.