Salem, MA: Hocus Pocus Movie Guided Walking Tour

Take a walk through Salem, Massachusetts, with the Hocus Pocus Movie Guided Walking Tour offered by Witch City Walking Tours. For $52 per person, you get an engaging 2.5-hour outdoor experience that covers five iconic filming locations from Disney’s beloved 1993 movie, Hocus Pocus. The tour is designed to be both fun and informative, combining movie site visits with local history, but it does involve a strenuous 3.4-mile walk that does not end where it begins. This makes it best suited for those in good physical shape and prepared for some walking.

The tour starts at Salem Common, where you meet your guide, and continues across the city to places such as the high school, dance hall, Allison’s house, and the Dennison House. On weekends, an additional visit to Pioneer Village is included, where you can see where Binx and Emily lived in the film, for a separate $5 fee. With enthusiastic guides and a range of interactive elements like trivia and candy, this tour offers a lively way to connect with Salem’s movie history and local legends.

Key Points

• Price: $52 per person for a 2.5-hour outdoor walking experience
• Duration: 2.5 hours, with a strenuous walk covering 3.4 miles
• Stops: Five film locations from the Hocus Pocus movie, with Pioneer Village on weekends (additional fee)
• Highlights: Movie trivia, local history about Salem’s witch trials, maritime past, and transformation into the “Witch City”
• Guide: Licensed and praised for being knowledgeable, funny, and engaging
• Notes: Ends at a different location, requiring transportation back to the start or town

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Meeting in Salem Common Near South Washington Square

The tour begins at Salem Common, specifically at the basketball court near the playground, with the closest GPS address 98 South Washington Square. The group size can be quite large, and the walk is fast-paced, so comfortable shoes are highly recommended. The meeting point is outdoors; the tour runs rain or shine, and the walk involves uneven surfaces like brick and cobblestone.

It’s important to arrive on time, as the start is punctual, and the tour does not accommodate latecomers very well. The guide shares movie facts and Salem’s historical background during the walk, making each stop both entertaining and educational.

Visiting the Iconic Movie Locations in Salem

The tour visits five key filming sites from Hocus Pocus, including the high school, dance hall, Allison’s house, and the Dennison House. These locations are notable for their roles in the movie, and walking past them offers a tangible connection to the film’s magic.

Pioneer Village is a highlight for fans, as it’s the place where Binx and Emily are shown living. However, this stop is only open on weekends, with a $5 fee for entry, and is not available during weekdays or bad weather. The village adds a nostalgic touch, making the experience more immersive for those who visit.

The Route and Terrain

This outdoor tour covers 3.4 miles of Salem’s historic streets and neighborhoods. The pace is brisk, and the walk is strenuous, making it suitable for visitors with good mobility. The uneven surfaces and cobblestone streets add to the historic charm but require caution, especially for those with mobility issues or back problems.

Since the tour does not end at the start point, transportation back to the city center or your accommodation is your responsibility. Options like Uber or Lyft are recommended if you wish to return easily.

Guides and Their Personalities

Multiple guides have received high praise for their knowledge, humor, and enthusiasm. Names like Michael, Grace, Hillary, David, Rebecca, and Mike are frequently mentioned as exceptional, with reviewers appreciating their ability to blend movie trivia with Salem’s history.

Guides are known to keep the group engaged through interactive trivia games and candy, making the walk lively and fun. They also share insights about Salem’s witch trials and maritime history, enriching the experience beyond just the movie sites.

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The Tour’s Physical Demands and Accessibility

The tour is physically demanding due to the length and pace of the walk. It is not recommended for those with mobility impairments, heart conditions, or low fitness levels. The activity is stroller accessible but caution is advised because of uneven surfaces.

Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for outdoor weather. The tour does not include any interior visits and focuses solely on outdoor locations.

Themed Trivia, Candy, and Swag

A notable feature of this tour is the movie trivia game, which adds a fun competitive edge. Tour participants also receive candy and a swag bag as keepsakes, featuring Hocus Pocus-themed items like stickers, trinkets, and an ornament.

The swag bag and trivia are appreciated extras that help create a memorable experience for fans of the film.

Pioneering Salem’s History and Legends

Alongside the movie sites, the guides share Salem’s infamous witch trials history, maritime legacy, and how the town evolved into the “Witch City.” This context helps visitors understand Salem’s complex past, contrasting the fantasy of Hocus Pocus with real local stories.

This combination of film locations and history makes the tour appealing to those interested in both pop culture and Salem’s heritage.

Practical Information and Tips

The tour begins in the morning or afternoon, with a flexible schedule. Comfortable shoes are essential, given the length and pace. The weather does not impact the tour, as it runs rain or shine, but Pioneer Village might be closed during inclement weather or on weekdays.

Since the tour ends at a different location, plan transportation accordingly. The tour accepts no liability for mobility challenges, and participants must assume responsibility for their own safety and transportation.

Final Thoughts on the Salem Hocus Pocus Tour

This guided walk offers a lively combination of movie fandom and Salem history. The $52 price point includes expert guides, trivia, candy, and swag, making it good value for fans of the film and history buffs alike. The large group size and fast pace are important considerations, especially for those with mobility issues.

Guides consistently earn praise for their knowledge and friendliness, elevating the experience beyond just a sightseeing walk. Fans of Hocus Pocus can enjoy visiting film locations and hearing behind-the-scenes stories, while those interested in Salem’s past gain extra depth from the historical commentary.

In summary, this tour is ideal for active visitors who want a comprehensive and fun experience that blends pop culture with local legend. While it can be physically demanding, it rewards those willing to walk and explore Salem’s streets with great storytelling and memorable sights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is engaging for those who enjoy movie trivia and outdoor walking, but young children should be comfortable with a strenuous 3.4-mile walk.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are essential due to the outdoor and uneven terrain. Dress for the weather, as the tour runs rain or shine.

Can I join if I have mobility issues?
Since the tour involves long distances and uneven surfaces, it is not recommended for people with mobility impairments or heart problems.

Does the tour include interior visits?
No, this is an outdoor-only activity that visits exterior locations and does not include entry into any buildings.

What is included in the swag bag?
Participants receive a swag bag with Hocus Pocus-themed items, including stickers, trinkets, and an ornament.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, the Pioneer Village stop requires a $5 fee on weekends, and the tour does not include transportation back to the start point—use Uber or Lyft if needed.

When does the tour run?
The tour is generally available in morning or afternoon, with flexible scheduling to suit your plans.

What if it rains?
The tour goes ahead rain or shine, so bring appropriate rain gear if necessary. Pioneer Village may be closed in bad weather.

How big are the groups?
Group sizes can be large, which may affect the ability to ask questions or hear the guide, especially at the back of the group.

Is this tour good value?
Given the expert guides, movie trivia, candy, and swag, the $52 price offers a solid experience for fans eager to see Salem through a pop culture lens.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby