Hocus Pocus: A Witchy Guide to Real-Life Salem filming locations!
Hocus Pocus' Magical Massachusetts: Visit the Real Salem!
Hocus Pocus (1993) is a Halloween classic. Those three witches (Sarah Jessica Parker, Bette Midler, and Kathy Najimy) and their spooky Salem adventures are unforgettable! The cozy atmosphere is also what helps make it perfect and so rewatchable; which means we might all really want to pay this atmospheric town a visit. Much of the movie was actually shot in real Salem, Massachusetts – that creates that authentic, spooky feel! Many fans may never actually realize this was more than just special effects work. We are about to go on a little magical tour highlighting some major filming locations! A new generation of Hocus Pocus fans might really find a lot of nostalgia with these visits; but long time fans of Hocus Pocus, those long-time watchers and everyone involved, might also rediscover something old – the same thing they found and remembered back then! And get this; even after that epic and much-anticipated sequel there's already another one planned. That creates an enormous amount of continued hype that might really push future fans even closer toward those very specific elements that truly define Hocus Pocus’ legacy.
We also mention some additional aspects relating to these specific locations: several places feature in this list which allow visitors that unique feel that can only exist when interacting with an actual, real-world location rather than mere set dressing alone. And as this list shows – you have a range of accessibility available – including both freely accessible locations, and those other private properties requiring consideration and awareness!
10 Hocus Pocus Locations You Can Actually Visit in Massachusetts!
10. Thackery Binx's House: A Step Back in Time
Remember Thackery Binx’s (Sean Murray) creepy-cute house? This awesome looking home from that very first scene showing him emerge from this aged, yet picturesque house in 17th-century New England. This house is real, you guys. It's the Governor's Faire House in Pioneer Village in Salem, MA. This totally adorable building makes for an excellent opportunity to enter the same period depicted in Hocus Pocus! Admission’s only $5! This sounds like something that truly brings an intense immersive opportunity!
9. Jacob Bailey High School: Philips Elementary School’s Unexpected Role!
Most interior scenes were shot elsewhere (Burbank, California). But that awesome-looking Jacob Bailey High School exterior? It's actually Philips Elementary School in Salem’s Washington Square. That eerie-looking place is totally closed to the public after being shut down after 1992. You can't go inside but this massive and rather formidable school makes a great memorable shot from those initial scenes from that original 1993 release, showcasing why such specific architectural design choices greatly define the nostalgic feel! A lot of people visiting the area remember this because the exterior of Philips Elementary is still visible – this makes a fun photo-op!
8. Allison's House: A Grand Mansion Steeped in History
That big white mansion where Max and Dani (Omri Katz and Thora Birch) visit Allison (Vinessa Shaw)? This stunning residence makes an important impact visually throughout the film; this is 318 Essex Street in Salem. The awesome-looking Ropes Mansion, run by Salem’s Peabody Essex Museum, is a late 1720s-era home in the McIntire Historic District – you can even tour or even rent it for an event! How amazing would that wedding reception be?! It truly helps maintain that overall atmosphere; so this is highly recommended.
7. Old Town Hall: Where the Spell Was Cast
That wild Halloween party scene with Winifred Sanderson (Midler) singing "I Put a Spell on You"? The interior was shot elsewhere (Burbank) but that exterior shot uses the actual Old Town Hall on 32 Derby Square in Salem! This has served many functions throughout its incredibly long history, even before its depiction in Hocus Pocus: this incredible old and historic townhall made this pivotal and incredibly iconic scene and serves to highlight even further its deep-seated historical context, showing how long and storied this entire setting is, for both real-life fans, but importantly those who never might get to discover what might've inspired that famous setting and its inherent feel.
6. Salem Common: Max’s Bike Ride and a Spot for Modern Celebrations
That spot where Max bikes to see Allison ? Across from Philips Elementary, is Salem Common! This is actually where the outdoor scenes are primarily shot throughout the movie and showcases several major scenes! Even now this beautiful green space features all kinds of autumn events! Pumpkin displays; crafts; and beer fests! You can even attend those famous Halloween events; that famous Witches' Magic Circle; all those awesome elements which only happen because of this very particular place! That's some real-life magical atmosphere.
5. Old Burial Hill Cemetery: Spooky Scenery in Marblehead
The graveyard scenes (where they unleash Billy Butcherson)? It's not even in Salem! That spooky scene was shot in Old Burial Hill in Marblehead, MA (a quick drive from Salem). This is a really impressive area featuring extremely impressive history! Even a fun history fact is that many revolutionary war soldiers are apparently buried there!
4. 17th-Century Salem: Aerial Shots in Plymouth!
That opening aerial shot; soaring above a 17th-century village? Not Salem. This amazingly historic village was filmed in Plymouth, MA, Plimoth Plantation another historic spot for tourists; a fantastic colonial village experience! Many additional scenes use this location for filming, showing off an additional, entirely different period from that initial village depiction! It really does demonstrate how incredibly broad and diverse New England’s incredibly impressive historic towns and museums are, for everyone visiting this area and these scenes provide incredibly atmospheric opportunities!
3. Pioneer Village: Bringing 17th-Century Salem to Life
The Pioneer Village (same place as Binx's house!) used extensive areas including lots of woodland that brought 17th-century Salem to life. Those original sets created by the team for filming perfectly displays that incredibly strong level of production effort and creativity that goes well beyond its filming alone! All the various details; including dugouts and wigwams; those medicinal gardens, and blacksmith shops helped bring additional context, adding far greater details to those initial scenes shown, something that's largely underappreciated. Even simple visiting the area creates the kind of atmosphere and intensity that could otherwise not be created; only through interaction with real, historic locations!
2. Max and Dani's House: A Private Residence with a Stunning View
That classic horror movie house from the film? It’s located on Ocean Avenue in Salem; this private residence should be approached with caution, this private property doesn’t offer public visitation. The surrounding views—that same location from the dark hills makes a great shot from that first film— totally worth a respectful look.
1. Lighthouse Point: Sarah Sanderson's Aerial Flight
Sarah Sanderson's iconic flight singing “Come Little Children” features the Lighthouse Point in Chandler Hovey Park in Marblehead ! Not Salem! That beautiful lighthouse offers an amazing view, also including the iconic Ocean Avenue (location of Max and Dani's home)! The park also provides more! There are pavilions; restrooms; benches, adding some relaxing yet memorable scenes which can't be discovered without actual interaction.
Conclusion: Hocus Pocus Brings Magical Reality into Salem!
Visiting Salem to experience the magic behind Hocus Pocus locations is more than just tourism; that becomes this unique journey that really recreates the unique experience, combining this fantastic nostalgia with incredibly detailed recreations. Every place creates an even stronger sense of the original film; something really easily noticed even when merely observing those very particular places. And all the different historical aspects make every one of these locales truly worthwhile. There are those accessible options; including that beautiful town square with that equally beautiful park – or you could visit others through different options.
