Salem Willows Park is named for the European white willow trees planted here in 1801 to form a shaded walk for patients convalescing at the old smallpox hospital. Later the area became a park. During the first half of the 20th Century Restaurant Row on the parks North Shore served fresh seafood favored by locals and visitors alike. A Carousel with carved flying horses was another special attraction at Salem Willows which then, as now, operated an amusement center. Now, almost 100 years later Salem Willows provides a seaside promenade still popular throughout Essex County, Boston, and beyond. Visitors still flock here in the summer to enjoy the seashore, the arcade, the flying horses and ample picnic grounds and recreational facilities. Although the last of the original restaurants closed in the 1960s there are still several take out stands to choose from. One often overlooked feature of the amusement park is that parking is still free and there is no admission charge.

Website: http://www.salemwillows.com/