Forest River Park
A beautiful riverfront park in Salem, MA, offering coastal walks, beaches, a playground, and a historic living village nearby.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Forest River Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautiful riverfront park in Salem, MA, offering coastal walks, beaches, a playground, and a historic living village nearby.
"Such a beautiful coastal park. Has plenty of walkways that are paved and easy to walk."
🚶♀️ Walkable from Downtown
Easily walkable from downtown Salem, or opt for blue bikes for a scenic ride!
🚲 Bike the City
Utilize Salem's blue bikes and bike lanes for an efficient and enjoyable journey.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pioneer Village
Adjacent to Forest River Park
Step back in time at this living history museum, showcasing 17th-century life in Salem.

Coastal Walkways
Along the river and coastline
Enjoy brisk walks with stunning views of beaches, coasts, and lush greenery.

Public Pool & Playground
Central park area
A popular spot for families, offering a refreshing dip and fun for kids.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Forest River Park
Navigating Forest River Park
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walkable from Downtown
Easily walkable from downtown Salem, or opt for blue bikes for a scenic ride!
🚲 Bike the City
Utilize Salem's blue bikes and bike lanes for an efficient and enjoyable journey.
🚌 Salem Skipper Option
Consider the Salem Skipper bus for a convenient and affordable way to reach the park.
☀️ Pack for the Sun
Bring sunscreen and hats, especially if visiting the beach or pool areas.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walkable from Downtown
Easily walkable from downtown Salem, or opt for blue bikes for a scenic ride!
🚲 Bike the City
Utilize Salem's blue bikes and bike lanes for an efficient and enjoyable journey.
🚌 Salem Skipper Option
Consider the Salem Skipper bus for a convenient and affordable way to reach the park.
☀️ Pack for the Sun
Bring sunscreen and hats, especially if visiting the beach or pool areas.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Paths
Enjoy a brisk walk with your furry friends on the park's scenic trails.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Forest River Park for its beautiful coastal scenery, well-maintained walking paths, and family-friendly amenities like the playground and pool. It's a beloved spot for locals and tourists alike, offering a peaceful escape with lovely views. However, some guests have expressed concerns about the condition of the restrooms and the strictness of pool lifeguards.
"We love the pool and the playground. Some of the lifeguards are a little too strict when it comes to the kids playing. I completely understand that there’s rules for a reason but let’s keep them the same across the board. Also if the parent is there with the child let the parents enforce the rules. Please don’t yell at my kid in front of me. Otherwise this place is great I’ve been going there for over 30 years. We love it here. Most of the staff is great! I do wish there were some picnic tables closer to the pool so you didn’t have to pack all your stuff up and walk across the park to have lunch."
Michael Kelly
"Such a beautiful coastal park. Has plenty of walkways that are paved and easy to walk. Right along plenty of beaches, coasts and filled with trees and endless beautiful views. Very nice and brisk walk, highly recommend if you are in the area."
Kyle
"Small park to walk around with dogs but it gives good energy. plenty of seating to sit all around, there is a playground and public pool with a snack bar and bathrooms. Seems to be a well maintained space."
Rose Pagan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Forest River Park is a pleasant walk from downtown Salem, estimated to take around 30-40 minutes. For a quicker and more scenic route, consider using Salem's blue bike-sharing program, which offers dedicated bike lanes along Lafayette Street. Alternatively, the Salem Skipper bus service provides a convenient public transportation option.
Yes, Forest River Park has a large car park. However, it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak summer months. Arriving early is recommended if you plan to drive.
Absolutely! The Salem Skipper bus is a great option for reaching Forest River Park from various points in the city, offering a cost-effective and straightforward way to get there.
Yes, Forest River Park is easily accessible by car, with a dedicated parking lot available for visitors.
For a day trip, combining walking or biking from downtown with the option of the Salem Skipper bus offers flexibility and a chance to experience the city. Driving is also an option, but be mindful of parking availability.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Forest River Park is a public park and generally does not have an entrance fee for general access. However, specific amenities like the public pool may have separate admission charges.
The park itself is typically open from dawn until dusk. However, specific facilities like the Pioneer Village may have different operating hours, so it's advisable to check their schedule in advance, especially around holidays.
Pioneer Village, located within the vicinity of Forest River Park, is a living history museum and may have its own admission fees and operating hours. It's best to check their official website or local listings for the most current information.
Forest River Park occasionally hosts events, and the adjacent Pioneer Village is known for events like the Salem Night Faire. Keep an eye on local event listings for any upcoming activities.
General access to Forest River Park is free. You can enjoy the walking paths, beaches, and playground without any admission cost.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Families will love the playground and the public pool, perfect for a fun-filled day. The park also offers picnic areas and beach access for a relaxing outdoor experience.
Yes, Forest River Park boasts plenty of paved walkways that are easy to navigate, offering beautiful views of the coast and surrounding nature. It's a great spot for a brisk walk.
Forest River Park is a dog-friendly park, making it a great place to take your furry companions for a walk and enjoy the outdoor space.
The park offers public restrooms, a playground, a public pool with a snack bar, and picnic areas. However, some visitors have noted that restroom conditions can be an issue.
With its coastal views, lush greenery, and the historic Pioneer Village nearby, Forest River Park offers numerous picturesque spots for photography.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a snack bar located at the public pool area, offering refreshments. For more extensive dining options, you'll find numerous restaurants and cafes in downtown Salem, a short distance away.
Yes, Forest River Park has designated picnic areas, making it a perfect spot for a family outing or a relaxed meal outdoors. Some visitors suggest picnic tables closer to the pool would be convenient.
The snack bar at the pool typically offers typical poolside fare like snacks, drinks, and light meals.
While the park has a snack bar, the vibrant downtown Salem area, just a short walk or drive away, offers a wide array of dining options from casual to upscale.
Absolutely! Bringing your own food for a picnic is a great way to enjoy the park's amenities and save money.
📸 📸 Photography
The coastal areas offer beautiful ocean views, while the park's greenery provides a natural backdrop. The adjacent Pioneer Village also presents unique historical photo opportunities.
The park's coastal location makes it a potential spot for capturing sunrise or sunset views over the water, depending on the specific vantage point.
Forest River Park is ideal for landscape photography, nature shots, family portraits, and capturing casual outdoor activities.
Generally, casual photography for personal use is permitted. However, for commercial photography or large-scale shoots, it's always best to check with park authorities for any specific guidelines or permits required.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset often provide the most flattering light for photography. However, the park's natural beauty can be appreciated at any time of day.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing a picnic to enjoy at one of the park's designated areas. While the park is generally family-friendly, be aware that some visitors have noted strictness from lifeguards regarding children's play. Overall, it's a great spot for a relaxed family day out with plenty of space to run around.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Bringing your own food for a picnic is a smart way to save money on dining. For transportation, walking or utilizing the city's bike-sharing program are cost-effective options to reach the park from downtown Salem.
🐶 Pet Owners
Remember to keep your dog on a leash and clean up after them to ensure a pleasant experience for all park visitors. The open areas provide ample space for your pets to enjoy the outdoors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Pioneer Village
While the park itself is great for a stroll, the village provides a more structured historical immersion. It's worth checking their operating hours in advance, as they can vary, particularly around seasonal events like the Salem Night Faire.
Pro-tip: Combine your visit to Forest River Park with a tour of Pioneer Village for a comprehensive historical and recreational experience in Salem.
Family Fun at Forest River Park
Parents often appreciate the availability of picnic areas, allowing for easy meal breaks. However, some reviews mention that lifeguards can be a bit strict, and suggest that parents should be the primary enforcers of rules for their children.
Despite minor concerns, the park is widely regarded as a well-maintained space for family outings, offering a good balance of active play and relaxation.
Navigating Salem: Getting to Forest River Park
For those seeking a quicker or more active approach, biking is highly recommended. Salem has a bike-sharing program with 'blue bikes' readily available, and dedicated bike lanes along Lafayette Street make the journey safe and enjoyable.
Public transportation is also a viable choice. The Salem Skipper bus service offers a convenient and affordable way to get to the park, connecting various points within the city. While parking is available, it can become limited during peak times, making these alternative transportation methods particularly appealing.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit