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Photo: User:Magicpiano, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
In the past Great Misery Island played host to a golf club and manicured course with over two dozen permanent cottages. However; a fire in 1926 destroyed pretty much everything, and an 87-acre nature reserve was established here in 1935. Today the islands are uninhabited and managed by The Trustees. The peculiar name originates with shipbuilder Robert Moulton. After being stranded on the islands during a winter storm in the 1620s, he described his experience as "three miserable days". Nearby, Little Misery Island can be reached from Great Misery on foot by wading across at low tide. If you lack a private vessel, Essex Heritage Tours offers occasional day trips here in summer.
The Misery Islands are an 87-acre (350,000 m2) nature reserve established in 1935 in Salem Sound close to the Salem Harbor in Salem, Massachusetts. It is managed by the Trustees of Reservations. The islands are a part of the city of Salem, although they are much closer to the mainland of the city of Beverly, in whose aquatic territory they lie.
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Essex Heritage Tours
While this tour group offers several interesting walking tours, the real highlight is the excursions offered on their 32 foot vessel, Naumkeag. During the high season they offer trips to see Bakers Island Light and Misery Island. The trip is slightly adventurous, and visitors must be at least 4 years old and be able to withstand some light exposure to the elements. Most visit the island for 2.5 hours; but it is possible to camp overnight. Those with deep pockets may stay at the assistant keeper's house. Boat tours depart from the Salem Ferry dock.
An oceanfront neighborhood and amusement park with a bit of a carnival atmosphere. It's quite good fun, if you're looking for something slightly kitschy and definitely well loved. You'll find a merry-go-round and other rides for smaller children, and an arcade for the older ones. The arcade features video games, pinball, skiball, tickets & prizes, air-hockey tables, and so on. Unfortunately, the only real food options are low quality pizza and Chinese, which you may have to wait over 30 minutes for! The exception to this rule is E.W. Hobbs, well known for quality popcorn and ice cream. Feel free to bring your own eats, the grassy parks and beaches make perfect picnic spots. Parking is ample, and public restrooms are available. Historically, Salem Willows is named for the European white willow trees planted here in 1801. The trees created a shaded canopy for patients convalescing at a nearby smallpox hospital. The area became a public park in 1858, and in the 20th century it became a North Shore summer destination. The beaches here are a great spot to watch 4th of July fireworks; as you can see the shows put on by Salem, Beverly, and Marblehead.
Fort Pickering and Waikiki Beach
This park and historic district spans about 18 acres and is home to Fort Pickering and Waikiki beach. Used for defensive purposes since at least the 17th century, most of the remaining buildings date from World War II, when the U.S. Coast Guard monitored these waters for German U-boat activity. Pickering Light has been guiding sailors safely home since 1871, although the city of Salem has been responsible for keeping the beacon lit since 1983. Urban explorers may enjoy picking through the abandoned seaplane hangar. See the Sleep section for campsite information.
The views are significantly better than the name. Offers an escape from nearby crowds. You'll often have the place to yourself, as the beach has little sand to speak of. It's mostly rocks with a little harbor detritus mixed in. Open to the public, but not to dogs.
These 5 point irregular star fort is what remains of earthworks constructed in 1776, during the Revolutionary War. Some original bits remain, although it has been modified dozens of times over the years. Granted to the Federal Government in 1867, it was returned to Salem in 1922. Some trails and interpretive signs were added at the nation's bicentennial, but they were removed and the site is today overgrown. The paths are well trod today, and it's certainly worth a visit to any history buff.
Great combination park, sandy beach, and playground with encircling walking path. Provides excellent harbor views, and it's a perfect spot to let your kids get the wiggles out. Pretty, but check for broken glass in the sand before you decide to go for a dip.