Pickering Wharf Marina

The wharf is bigger than I expected and you may find one end before you find the other! I noticed it when I visited the Sea Level Oyster 🦪 Bar. There is a Pickering Wharf Marina there and one at another location along the Smith River. It looks like there is a walkway along the wharf and river as well. It is scenic at night 🌃 with all of the lights and especially during the Halloween 🎃🍦 season , where you might see 🙈 Micheal Myers. The walk was chilly but enjoyable.

Not a bad place to take a walk to in the morning and peek at the boats and look over the water. A near by donut place is a good stop before for a coffee and donut because after the walk down just sit and relax for a few minutes. Good space away from the crowds and pup friendly to walk about.

Soooo beautiful! So 💘 romantic! My happy place is any body of water. This place is such a vibe. So many things to do, places to eat!

I just returned from my biannual trip to Salem, and as usual, I loved it; however, I was disappointed to see the continuing decay of Pickering Wharf. A spot that should be vibrant and inviting has become shabby and depressing. On Memorial Day, I would have expected flowers, plantings and flags. Instead, paint was peeling off buildings, shops were empty, mattresses were still stored against the window of a vacant shop (the third time that I saw this).Where bushes had once been, there was now clumps of dirt, It surprises me that the city of Salem has not pressured the owners of the Wharf to do better. After all, it overlooks The Friendship and The National Historic District. What a shame!

The only place in Salem without a rainbow flag so I chose here to park. Easy short walk to everything.

Over Rated,shops all around are junk and over priced. Cool boats docked is about it.

I went on the sat before Halloween. People say your crazy but, what keeps people away is what I go to see ! Thousands of people walking around, laughing , talking, eating, taking in the sites ! The atmosphere is joyous. All kinds of costumes. An alien might pass by followed by 2 ducks ! Make it a whole day and check out neighboring Gloucester and Hammond Castle.

There was alot of people there, we got to see the ocean.

We somehow stumbled upon this place and thank god we did. The first thing that captivated us is the picturesque setting. The marina is surrounded by historic buildings, charming shops, and vibrant seafood restaurants, creating a quintessentially New England atmosphere. The sight of boats in the harbor, framed by the scenic backdrop of Salem's coastline, is a visual treat that embodies the essence of coastal living. For those without a seafaring vessel, the marina's boardwalk offers a delightful stroll along the waterfront. Loved the salty sea breeze, watch boats come and go, and appreciate the beauty of the harbor. The variety of shops and eateries lining the boardwalk add to the overall experience, offering a mix of maritime-themed souvenirs, boutique finds, and delectable seafood. I wished that we had more time to spend and have dinner at one of these locations along the wharf. They all looked amazing but long walks and we were not dressed applicable for some of these locations. Well maybe me more than others.

Pickering Wharf encompases an area filled with seafood restaurants and knickknacks, kitsch, and Halloween inspired gift shops, as well as some adirondack chairs placed on an expanse of green (across from the Customs House, which is beautiful architecturally speaking) for anyone to sit out and look over the ocean and boats, and a pier that - at least when we visited - houses the Friendship of Salem which you can explore for free. For me, I'm a big fan of this area because it's away from the mayhem of the Halloween seeking crowd, and I'd always rather be outside with fresh air and a sea breeze anyway. It also highlights a different part of Salem: their history as a trading port. The Friendship of Salem is a 170+ foot long replica of the original Friendship from 1797 (which made 15 voyages to places like China, England, Russia, the Mediterranean, South America, and more all to carry goods [like, but not limited to, spices, coffee, sugar, etc.]). There were a couple National Park Services folks aboard to talk about the history, fun facts, and explain the sleeping quarters which you can visit below deck (note: the ship is closed from just before noon to just after 1pm for their lunch break).

The perfect New England Wharf. Busy with tourists, however not over crowded with non-boaters. There are plenty of shops and restaurants, you can get almost anything at this wharf. Breezy but not home chilling, you get plenty of sun here. Great Views!!!

For years this has been one of my favorite places on the North Shore to explore, get a bite to eat, or meet with friends for a drink. Located centrally in downtown Salem, within walking distance of a couple of parking lots, this outdoor pedestrian mall has a wide variety of shops and restaurants. It has great views of the harbor, and is an outstanding place to take the family for an outing, or a friend out for a date. I'm giving this place four stars, not five, because shamefully, during most of the year many shops close by 5pm, which diminishes the value of the area. If these shops could stay open until 8pm, this would be the Quincy Market of the North!