Salem: Hocus Pocus Movie Locations Walking Tour

Summary

Walk Salem’s streets from Hocus Pocus with trivia and real history

You’ll walk Salem’s streets at a brisk pace, stopping at five real Hocus Pocus filming locations with a local guide sharing trivia and stories along the way. Expect moments of laughter, quiet reflection in an old cemetery, and time to explore Pioneer Village if you choose — all while feeling part of both movie magic and real Salem history.

What’s the experience like?

We started moving right away, weaving through Salem’s old streets while our guide, Jamie, waved us on like we were late for class. I could hear sneakers scuffing brick and a couple of people already quoting lines from Hocus Pocus (someone really nailed Bette Midler’s voice). The air was damp — not quite rain but close — and the smell of leaves mixed with something sweet from a bakery we passed. Jamie pointed out Salem Common first, and I tried to picture those scenes from the movie, but honestly, it looked so much bigger on screen. There were kids playing soccer nearby who didn’t even glance at us.

Our group moved fast — faster than I expected for a “walking tour.” At one point, my friend laughed because I kept stopping to take pictures of random windows (I swear some houses here look straight out of another century). We hit Ropes Mansion pretty early; that’s Alison’s house in the film. The garden out front was wild and overgrown in a way that made it feel lived-in, not staged. Jamie threw in some Hocus Pocus trivia — I got one wrong about the cat’s real name and still feel slightly embarrassed about it. People in town seemed used to groups like ours; one older woman gave us a knowing smile as we passed her porch.

The cemetery stop was quieter. A few minutes where nobody talked much — just shoes crunching gravel and someone whispering about how cold the stones felt if you touched them. It wasn’t spooky exactly, but there was this weight to the place that made me think about all the layers of history here beyond just movie sets. Then suddenly we were off again toward Pioneer Village. That last stretch felt long (my legs definitely noticed), but when we finally reached those old wooden buildings, it was worth it. The air smelled like woodsmoke and wet earth. If you want to go inside Pioneer Village, there’s a small fee — Jamie explained it depends on weather and season, which honestly makes sense given how muddy it looked near the entrance.

I didn’t expect the tour to end so far from where we started (heads up: plan your ride back), but standing there at Pioneer Village with everyone catching their breath felt oddly satisfying. It’s funny how walking three miles chasing bits of movie magic can make you see Salem differently — or maybe just pay better attention to what’s around you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Hocus Pocus filming locations in Salem

• Start at Salem Common green space
• See top downtown Hocus Pocus site
• Visit Ropes Mansion, Alison's house
• Explore one of Salem's oldest cemeteries
• End tour at Pioneer Village museum

Top questions

How long is the Hocus Pocus movie locations tour?

The walking tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

How much walking is involved in this Salem tour?

The route covers about 3 miles at a fast pace; it's considered strenuous.

Does the tour include entry into Pioneer Village?

Pioneer Village entry is optional for a $5 fee; open weekends June–October and weather permitting.

Where does the Hocus Pocus tour start and end?

The tour starts near downtown Salem but ends at Pioneer Village, which is not close to the starting point.

Is transportation provided back to downtown Salem after the tour?

No transportation is provided; guests arrange their own return via Uber or Lyft if needed.

Are there public restrooms available during the tour?

No public restrooms are available along the route; plan accordingly before starting.

Is this Salem walking tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?

The tour is strenuous and not recommended for those with mobility issues or young children in strollers.

Will we enter any buildings during this Hocus Pocus locations tour?

No buildings are entered except optionally Pioneer Village if open; most stops are outdoor only.

What’s included

Your day includes visits to five original Hocus Pocus filming locations throughout Salem led by a knowledgeable local guide who shares behind-the-scenes trivia as you go. You’ll cover roughly three miles on foot at a brisk pace with stops including Salem Common, Ropes Mansion, an historic cemetery, and finally Pioneer Village (optional $5 entry). Transportation back isn’t included—so bring comfy shoes and plan your return trip ahead of time.