Winter Island is a 27-acre coastal park in Salem, Massachusetts, offering a mix of history, nature, and outdoor activities. While Salem is famous for its witch trials, Winter Island highlights the city’s maritime and military past. Over centuries, the island has served many purposes, from housing Fort Pickering, a key coastal defense since the 1600s, to hosting a Coast Guard air station during World War 2.
Today, Winter Island is a public park with attractions like Waikiki Beach for swimming, campgrounds for overnight stays, and Fort Pickering Lighthouse, which still guides ships through Salem Harbor. Visitors can explore these historical areas and enjoy boating, birdwatching, picnicking, and scenic ocean views. Just a mile from downtown, it is an easy day trip or a peaceful overnight escape with something for everyone.
Where Is Winter Island, and Why Is It Special?
Winter Island Park is a 27-acre peninsula located about 1.5 miles from the center of Salem, along Salem Sound. It is not technically an island, as it is connected by land to the mainland. Winter Island overlooks Salem Harbor and offers a scenic mix of beach areas, campgrounds, boating, and historical attractions.
One of the things that makes Winter Island appealing to people is that it offers something for everyone.
- History enthusiasts can explore the remains of Fort Pickering.
- Beach lovers can relax at Waikiki Beach.
- Campers and boaters can use the campground or boat launch.
- Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting native and migrating birds.
The park’s location near Salem’s other attractions makes it a great choice for a day trip or an overnight stay.
History of Winter Island
Winter Island has a deep historical background. Originally, it was used by the Indigenous Naumkeag people for fishing and seasonal living. In the 1600s, European settlers colonized the area, and Salem became an important seaport.
Fort Pickering, located on Winter Island, was built in 1643 to defend Salem Harbor. The fort has seen action in several battles, including the American Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. Over time, the fort was expanded and modified, and the remains you can see today date back all the way to the 19th century.
In the 1940s, Winter Island became the home of a Coast Guard air station. It was used to look out for enemy submarines along the coast during World War 2. After the war, the Coast Guard closed the station, and the land was eventually turned into the public park you see today. Visitors can still explore Fort Pickering and other historical areas on the island.
Things to Do on Winter Island
- Fort Pickering Lighthouse
The Fort Pickering Lighthouse, built in 1871, is a small but beautiful structure that still helps boaters navigate Salem Harbor. Located on a breakwater, the lighthouse offers panoramic views of the harbor and Atlantic Ocean.
Visitors can walk along the rocky breakwater to get a close look at the lighthouse. Be careful, especially during high tide, as the rocks can become real slippery. This spot is popular for photographers and anyone looking for a quiet place to enjoy the water views.
- Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach is a small, sandy beach within Winter Island Park. it offers shallow waters that are great for families with young children. The beach is perfect for walking through the water, sunbathing, and having a picknick.
In the summer, lifeguards are on duty, adding a layer of safety for people swimming. While the beach is not as large as other New England beaches, it provides a quiet get-away for visitors looking to relax by the water.
- Camping at Winter Island
The Winter Island Campground is open from May to November and has spaces for both RVs and tents. some campsites overlook Salem Harbor, making them ideal for early risers who want to catch the sunrise over the water.
The campground offers modern amenities, including restrooms, showers, and fire pits. if you’re planning to stay during the busy summer season, it is recommended to reserve a spot early, as the campground can fill up quickly.
- Boating and Kayaking
Winter Island Park has a public boat ramp that provides access to the Salem Sound and nearby harbors. It’s often used by boats, kayakers, and fishermen. Several local companies also offer kayak rentals and guided boat tours
Kayaking is a great way to explore the coastline and nearby areas. Many paddlers prefer early morning or sunset tours when the water is calm and the views are stunning.
- Picnicking and Birdwatching
Winter Island offers many picnic tables and grassy areas where visitors can enjoy outdoor meals. Whether you bring a picnic lunch or just want to sit and enjoy the breeze, the Island provides beautiful spots with ocean views.
For birdwatchers, the island attracts various seabirds and shorebirds. During migration seasons in spring and fall, you might spot species such as ospreys, cormorants, and seagulls. The open fields and shoreline make for ideal birdwatching locations.
Practical Travel Tips
How to Get to Winter Island
Winter Island Park is about 1.5 miles from the heart of Salem. Visitors can get there by:
- Car: On-site parking is available for a small fee.
- Bike: The route from downtown is scenic and bike-friendly.
- Walking: It takes about 25-30 minutes on foot from downtown Salem.
If you’re coming from Boston, the MBTA commuter rail takes about 30 minutes to reach Salem. From the train station, you can take a local taxi, Uber, Lyft, or walk to Winter Island.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Winter Island is from late spring to early fall, when the weather is warm and most of the park’s amenities are available to you. The campground, beach, and boating areas are open from May through October.
Fall is also a great time to visit, as the crowds thin out and the cool weather makes it perfect for exploring the island’s historical sites. Winter visits are rare, as many facilities close, but the island still offers peaceful views and coastal scenery during the off-season.
What to bring
For a day visit, be sure to pack:
- Comfortable shoes for walking along the shore and trails
- Sunscreen and sunglasses, especially for beach activities
- Water and snacks for picknicking
- A swimsuit and towel for swimming at Waikiki Beach
For camping, bring warm clothes for the evening, even in summer, as temperatures near the water can drop. Bug spray and firewood are also recommended for an enjoyable stay.
Nearby Attractions in Salem
Winter Island is just a short distance from some of Salem’s most popular attractions. Consider adding these stops to your list of things to do:
Salem Maritime National Historic Site: Learn about Salem’s role as an early American seaport.
Peabody Essex Museum: Explore one of the oldest museums in the country, featuring maritime exhibits and global art.
The House of the Seven Gables: Tour the historic home that inspired author Nathaniel Hawthorne’s famous book.
Salem Witch Museum: Here you will learn about the history of the 1692 Salem Witch Trials that made Salem infamous.
These attractions are all within walking distance from downtown Salem, making them easy to visit before or after exploring Winter Island.
Final Thoughts
Winter Island in Salem, Massachusetts, offers a perfect mix of history, nature, and outdoor activities. Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore a historic fort, or camp under the stars, this park has something for everyone. Its proximity to downtown Salem makes it a great addition to anyone visiting the area.
Plan your visit between May and October for the best experience, and don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the lighthouse and scenic views. Whether you’re spending a few hours or staying overnight at the campground, Winter Island is a beautiful place to enjoy the New England coast.
Reviews of Winter Island
“Perfect location to downtown Salem. The campground was located at a lovely park setting next to the water. The campground had a great playground for three kids and a nice paved trail around the park. The campground was quiet at night. The campground ground was within walking distance to Salem Willows.”
“This was just an overnight stop on our extended camping trip but it proved to be a gem! We booked one of the waterfront sites and my kids were thrilled to be able to hunt for horseshoe crab right at our camper. We were able to easily bike the mile into town for dinner along the wide bike lane and sidewalks. Everything was clean and quiet and we left wishing we had booked two nights so that we would have had a full day to explore the area.”
“This was one of the campgrounds we decided to stay in Salem and was very happy just wish we would of stay longer the view was amazing if you can get a spot by the water its beautiful its to bad it doesn’t have full hookup other then that great place to camp”
“This place loves Dogs and People It’s not a typical camping group, there are perks to this place. Exquisiteness and Serenity here. Very Fine Campers here Fascinating history If you enjoy camping this is first class”
Frequently Asked Questions about Winter Island
Is Winter Island actually an Island?
- No, Winter Island isn’t a true island. It is connected to the mainland by a small causeway, which means you can drive, bike, or walk there from downtown Salem. Although it has the word “island” in its name, it’s more like a peninsula.
Are Pets allowed on Winter Island?
- Yes, dogs are allowed in the park, but they must be on a leash at all times. Make sure to clean up after your pet to keep the park nice for everyone. However, dogs are not allowed on Waikiki Beach during the summer months when lifeguards are on duty.
Do you have to pay to visit Winter Island?
- There is no fee to enter the park for walking or exploring, but there is a parking fee if you bring a car. If you plan to camp or launch a boat, you’ll need to pay a separate fee for those activities.
Is there food available on Winter Island?
- No, there aren’t any restaurants or food stands on Winter Island, so it’s a good idea to bring your own snacks or picnic lunch. There are several picnic tables throughout the park where you can eat. If you need more food, downtown Salem is just a short drive away.
Can you see whales or seals from Winter Island?
- It’s unlikely to see whales from Winter Island, but you may spot seals swimming near the harbor, especially during cooler months. For whale watching, you would need to take a whale-watching boat tour from the Salem waterfront or nearby harbors.
Photos of Winter Island
References
- Salem Parks and Recreation Department. (2024). Winter Island Park Guide. Retrieved from https://www.salemma.gov
- National Park Service. (2023). Salem Harbor Defenses: Fort Pickering History. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov
- Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. (2023). Visitor Guide to Salem Sound Parks.
- Salem Chamber of Commerce. (2024). Top Things to Do in Salem. Retrieved from https://www.salem.org