How to Spend a Hocus Pocus Day in Salem, MA

Do you love the movie Hocus Pocus and want to visit all the familiar spots? Here's a day long itinerary of all the famous haunts!

Morning

9:00 AM - Arrival and Breakfast

  • Red's Sandwich Shop: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at this local favorite. Try their famous omelets or pancakes to fuel up for a day of exploring.

10:00 AM - Salem Common

  • Salem Common: Begin your tour at Salem Common, the filming location for the opening scenes of "Hocus Pocus." Take a leisurely stroll and snap some photos in this iconic park.

10:30 AM - Phillips Elementary School

  • Phillips Elementary School (316 Essex St): Visit the exterior of this historic school, which served as the setting for the fictional Jacob Bailey High School in the movie.

Late Morning

11:00 AM - Ropes Mansion

  • Ropes Mansion (318 Essex St): Explore this beautiful historic house, which was used as Allison's house in the film. The gardens are particularly lovely and worth a visit. Entrance to the house and gardens are free of charge.

11:45 AM - Old Burial Hill

  • Old Burial Hill (Marblehead, MA): A short drive to Marblehead will bring you to Old Burial Hill, where Max and Dani encounter Jay and Ice. Enjoy the stunning views and historical gravestones.

Lunch

12:30 PM - Lunch at Sea Level Oyster Bar or Hotel Salem

  • Sea Level Oyster Bar (94 Wharf St): Head back to Salem for a delicious seafood lunch with a view of the harbor. Their clam chowder and lobster rolls come highly recommended.

  • Hotel Salem (209 Essex Street): Alternatively, enjoy loaded nachos or a burrito bowl at Hotel Salem's rooftop bar with spectacular views.

Early Afternoon

1:30 PM - Pioneer Village

  • Pioneer Village (310 West Ave): Visit America's first living history museum, which served as the setting for Thackery Binx's village in the 1600s. It's a fascinating place to learn about early colonial life.

2:30 PM - The House of the Seven Gables

  • The House of the Seven Gables (115 Derby St): While not a filming location, this historic site is worth a visit for its connection to Salem's rich literary and cultural history.

Late Afternoon

3:30 PM - Salem Witch Museum

  • Salem Witch Museum (19 1/2 Washington Square North): Delve into the history of the Salem Witch Trials, an essential part of Salem's story and atmosphere.

4:30 PM - Old Town Hall

  • Old Town Hall (32 Derby Square): Visit the location of the famous Halloween party scene. The building itself is historic and often hosts interesting exhibits.

Evening

5:30 PM - Dinner at Finz Seafood & Grill or 

  • Finz Seafood & Grill (76 Wharf St): Enjoy a relaxing dinner with options ranging from fresh seafood to steaks and pasta. The waterfront location provides a lovely ambiance.

Night

6:30 PM - Dessert at Whimsy's Sweet Life

Whimsy's Sweet Life (26 Front St): Enjoy a sweet treat from this charming candy and ice cream shop. Try their homemade fudge or a scoop of your favorite ice cream.

 

7:00 PM - Salem Haunted Happenings

  • Evening Ghost Tour: Wrap up your day with a spooky ghost tour through Salem’s historic and haunted sites. Various companies offer tours that delve into the eerie history and folklore of the city.