Hocus Pocus House: Complete Guide to Filming Locations, Tours & Visiting Max’s Home in Salem
The cult classic Hocus Pocus has captivated audiences for over three decades, transforming Salem, Massachusetts into a pilgrimage destination for fans worldwide. At the heart of this beloved 1993 Disney film lies the iconic Hocus Pocus house where Max and Dani Dennison lived—a real-world location that continues to enchant visitors seeking to experience the magic of the Sanderson Sisters’ story.
Whether you’re planning a hocus pocus house tour, dreaming of hocus pocus house decor inspiration, searching for hocus pocus house Salem directions, or simply curious about the hocus pocus house inside, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about visiting these legendary filming locations.
Understanding the Hocus Pocus Houses: Fiction Meets Reality
When fans search for the “hocus pocus house,” they’re typically referring to several distinct locations featured throughout the film. Understanding the difference between these filming locations—both in Salem, Massachusetts and Los Angeles, California—helps set realistic expectations for your visit.
The movie’s production split filming between authentic Salem exteriors that provided Halloween atmosphere and Los Angeles soundstages where interior scenes were shot.
Key Hocus Pocus House Locations
| Property | Film Location | Real Address | Public Access | Notable Scenes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max & Dani’s House | Exterior | 4 Ocean Avenue, Salem, MA | ❌ Private Residence | Home scenes, Halloween prep |
| Allison’s House | Exterior | 318 Essex Street (Ropes Mansion), Salem, MA | ✅ Gardens Open | Halloween party arrival |
| Thackery Binx’s House | Exterior | 310 West Avenue (Pioneer Village), Salem, MA | ✅ Seasonal Tours | Opening 1693 scenes |
| Max’s High School | Exterior | 56-61 S Washington Square (Phillips Elementary), Salem, MA | ✅ Exterior Viewing | School scenes, witch burning |
| Town Hall Party | Exterior | 161 Essex Street (Old Town Hall), Salem, MA | ✅ Open to Public | “I Put a Spell on You” |
| Cemetery Scenes | Location | Orne Street, Old Burial Hill, Marblehead, MA | ✅ Public Cemetery | Billy Butcherson scenes |
Important Note: The Sanderson Sisters’ cottage was never a real location—it was built entirely on a Hollywood soundstage. Despite numerous rumors, no authentic “witches cottage” exists in Salem matching the film’s iconic structure.
Max and Dani’s House: The Iconic Hocus Pocus House Salem Max Location

The most sought-after hocus pocus house location is unquestionably Max and Dani Dennison’s family home, which represents the heart of the film’s Halloween night adventure.
This charming colonial residence at 4 Ocean Avenue in Salem, Massachusetts served as the exterior filming location where Max, played by Omri Katz, and his younger sister Dani, portrayed by Thora Birch, prepared for their fateful Halloween evening.
Hocus Pocus House Salem Directions
Address: 4 Ocean Avenue, Salem, Massachusetts 01970
Getting There:
- From Downtown Salem: Head east on Essex Street toward Congress Street. Continue onto Derby Street, then turn right onto Fort Avenue. Turn left onto Ocean Avenue. The house sits on the right side near the waterfront.
- Walking Distance: Approximately 1.5 miles (30-minute walk) from Salem Common
- Driving Time: 5 minutes from downtown Salem
- Parking: Limited street parking available; arrive early during October
GPS Coordinates: 42.5195° N, 70.8833° W
Best Visiting Times:
- Early morning (7-9 AM) for fewer crowds and better photographs
- Weekdays in September or early October to avoid peak Halloween tourism
- Avoid weekends in late October when crowds are overwhelming
What Makes This Hocus Pocus House Special
The hocus pocus house Salem Max location perfectly embodies New England coastal charm with its:
✨ Architectural Features:
- Classic gray clapboard siding with white trim
- Traditional colonial two-story design
- Welcoming front porch with period-appropriate details
- Multiple-pane windows consistent with 18th-century New England style
- Stunning oceanfront positioning offering breathtaking water views
🎬 Film Significance:
- Max lights the Black Flame Candle and discovers its consequences here
- Dani trick-or-treats in her witch costume from this location
- The Dennison family prepares for Halloween evening in these scenes
- Exterior establishing shots throughout the film showcase this home
📸 Photography Tips:
- Stand across Ocean Avenue for the best full-house shots
- Morning light (8-10 AM) provides optimal photography conditions
- Fall foliage season (late September through October) offers stunning backdrops
- Sunset photographs capture beautiful oceanfront ambiance
Critical Visitor Information for the Hocus Pocus House
⚠️ PRIVATE RESIDENCE ALERT: The hocus pocus house at 4 Ocean Avenue remains a private residence where real families live year-round. Respectful visiting guidelines include:
DO:
- ✅ Take photographs from the public sidewalk across the street
- ✅ Keep noise levels reasonable and conversations quiet
- ✅ Visit briefly and move along promptly
- ✅ Respect “No Trespassing” signage
- ✅ Share the space with other visitors courteously
- ✅ Visit during reasonable daylight hours (8 AM – 6 PM)
DON’T:
- ❌ Walk onto the property or approach the front door
- ❌ Peer into windows or attempt to look inside
- ❌ Block the driveway or obstruct access
- ❌ Leave trash, decorations, or offerings
- ❌ Ring the doorbell or attempt contact with residents
- ❌ Visit late at night or create disturbances
The homeowners have been remarkably patient with decades of Halloween enthusiasts, but maintaining this privilege requires visitor respect and consideration.
Hocus Pocus House Inside: Interior Filming Locations
Fans searching for the hocus pocus house inside should understand that interior scenes were not filmed at the Salem location. The Dennison house interiors were shot on soundstages in Los Angeles, specifically:
Interior Filming Location: Various Hollywood soundstages with constructed sets designed to match the exterior aesthetic
What You Can’t See:
- Max’s bedroom where he reads the Sanderson history
- Dani’s room where she prepares her Halloween costume
- The Dennison family kitchen and living spaces
- Stairways and hallways shown in interior sequences
The Crank House at 2186 Crary Street in Altadena, California served as Allison’s house interior for the Halloween party scenes. This stunning 1882 Victorian mansion also appeared in Matilda, Scream 2, and Catch Me If You Can, though it remains a private residence unavailable for public tours.
Complete Hocus Pocus Filming Locations in Salem, Massachusetts

Beyond the main hocus pocus house, Salem offers five additional filming locations that brought the Sanderson Sisters’ story to life. This comprehensive guide helps you plan the perfect hocus pocus house tour experiencing every magical location.
Location 1: Allison’s House – Ropes Mansion (318 Essex Street)
The Scene: Max arrives at Allison’s elegant Halloween party, where Dani delivers the iconic quote: “Rich people… They’d probably make us drink cider and bob for apples.”
The Reality: The Ropes Mansion, one of Salem’s most prominent 18th-century homes, provided the perfect backdrop for Allison’s wealthy family residence. Built in the late 1720s, this Georgian-style mansion now belongs to the Peabody Essex Museum.
Visiting Information:
- Address: 318 Essex Street, Salem, MA 01970
- Access: Gardens open daily and free to public
- Interior Tours: Available seasonally on select weekends ($5 additional fee with museum admission)
- Best Features: Stunning period gardens, colonial architecture, historical significance
- Walking Time from Downtown: 5 minutes
- Insider Tip: Visit PEM.org for mansion tour reservations
Historical Significance: Judge Nathaniel Ropes acquired the property in 1768. Local legend claims his daughter Abigail’s ghost haunts the mansion after she tragically died from burning when her dress caught fire—adding authentic spooky atmosphere to this hocus pocus house location.
Photography Opportunities:
- Front facade from Essex Street sidewalk
- Beautiful gardens behind the mansion (freely accessible)
- Georgian architectural details and period features
- Seasonal decorations during October enhance Halloween atmosphere
Location 2: Old Town Hall – Halloween Party Venue (161 Essex Street)
The Scene: Max’s parents attend the adult Halloween party where Winifred Sanderson, portrayed brilliantly by Bette Midler, performs the unforgettable “I Put a Spell on You,” enchanting the entire town to dance until dawn.
The Reality: Old Town Hall in Derby Square served as the exterior for this memorable scene, though interior party sequences were filmed in Los Angeles.
Visiting Information:
- Address: 161 Essex Street (Derby Square), Salem, MA 01970
- Access: Building open to public; houses Salem Museum
- Activities: Museum exhibits, “Cry Innocent” performances
- Walking Time from Ropes Mansion: 3 minutes
- Free Entry: Museum access included
Why It’s Special:
- Historic significance in Salem’s architectural heritage
- Rumored to be haunted (like most Salem landmarks)
- Perfect photo opportunity in Derby Square
- Active venue for modern Halloween events
Location 3: Phillips Elementary School – Max’s High School (56-61 South Washington Square)
The Scene: Multiple sequences including Max meeting Allison, the famous “virgin” comment, Jay and Ice bullying, and the climactic scene where green smoke shoots from the school when the witches are seemingly destroyed in the ceramics kiln.
The Reality: Phillips Elementary School conveniently ceased operating as a functional school in 1992—perfect timing for the 1993 film production requiring exterior high school footage.
Visiting Information:
- Address: 56-61 South Washington Square, Salem, MA 01970
- Access: Exterior viewing from Salem Common
- Not Open: Building closed to public, no interior access
- Walking Time: Starting point for most tours
- Photo Spot: Across the street from Salem Common provides best angles
Key Features:
- Classic New England school architecture
- Featured prominently throughout the film
- Salem Common across the street (where the annual Haunted Movie Series screens Hocus Pocus)
- Easy accessibility as tour starting location
Nearby Attractions (Non-Hocus Pocus):
- Wicked Good Books bookstore for literary exploration
- Brew Box coffee shop for refreshments during your tour
- Salem Common for relaxation and people-watching
Location 4: Pioneer Village – Thackery Binx’s House (310 West Avenue)

The Scene: The heartbreaking opening sequence set in 1693 where young Thackery Binx attempts to save his sister Emily from the Sanderson Sisters, only to be cursed to live eternally as a black cat.
The Reality: Pioneer Village, built in 1930, represents America’s first living history museum. Designed to recreate Salem’s appearance in 1630—roughly 60 years before the actual Salem Witch Trials—it provided authentic period architecture perfect for the film’s historical sequences.
Visiting Information:
- Address: 310 West Avenue (Forest River Park), Salem, MA 01970
- Season: Open weekends June through September
- Hours: Weather-dependent; closes during inclement weather
- Admission: Ticket required for entry
- Walking from Max’s House: 5 minutes
- Driving from Downtown: 7 minutes
- Important: Only open WEEKENDS—plan accordingly
Tour Experience:
- Authentic 17th-century structures
- Living history demonstrations
- Period-costumed interpreters
- Educational exhibits about early Salem life
- Special Halloween programming during October
Planning Note: Many disappointed visitors arrive on weekdays expecting access. The hocus pocus house tour involving Pioneer Village MUST occur on weekends when the facility operates. Book guided tours ensuring weekend scheduling.
Location 5: Old Burial Hill Cemetery – Billy Butcherson’s Scenes (Orne Street, Marblehead)
The Scene: Cemetery sequences where Max encounters unfriendly classmates, and later where Billy Butcherson (Doug Jones) emerges from his grave after 300 years.
The Reality: Despite Salem’s reputation for historic cemeteries, these scenes were filmed in neighboring Marblehead at Old Burial Hill—one of New England’s oldest graveyards.
Visiting Information:
- Location: Orne Street, Marblehead, MA 01945 (NOT in Salem proper)
- Access: Public cemetery, free entry
- Driving Time: 11 minutes from downtown Salem
- Parking: Very limited; arrival challenges during October
- Walking: 8 miles round trip (not recommended)
Cemetery Details:
- Established in 1638
- Contains graves dating back nearly 400 years
- Historic significance beyond film connection
- Stunning hilltop ocean views
- Active burial ground; respectful behavior required
Visiting Tips:
- Arrive early morning for parking availability
- Weekday visits encounter fewer crowds
- Respectful cemetery etiquette mandatory
- No filming on graves or disturbing the site
- Consider drive-by viewing if parking unavailable
Location 6: Salem Common – Multiple Outdoor Scenes
The Scene: Various outdoor sequences throughout the film utilized Salem Common’s open spaces and surrounding areas.
The Reality: Salem Common serves as the city’s central park and gathering space, hosting modern Halloween celebrations including annual outdoor Hocus Pocus screenings during the Haunted Happenings festival.
Visiting Information:
- Location: Central Salem, bordered by Washington Square
- Access: Always open, public park
- Events: Check HauntedHappenings.org for seasonal movie screenings
- Perfect For: Resting between filming location visits
Planning Your Hocus Pocus House Tour: Essential Information

Experiencing the hocus pocus house locations requires thoughtful planning, especially during Salem’s incredibly busy October season when Halloween tourism peaks dramatically.
Guided Hocus Pocus Tours vs. Self-Guided Exploration
Professional Guided Tours
Recommended Tour: Hocus Pocus Walking Tour (Book via GetYourGuide)
What’s Included:
- Expert guide with film and Salem history knowledge
- 5 main filming locations
- Movie trivia and behind-the-scenes facts
- Candy and swag bags
- Additional historic Salem sites along the route
- 3-mile comprehensive walking experience
Tour Logistics:
- Duration: 2.5-3 hours
- Distance: Approximately 3 miles total
- Meeting Point: 98 S Washington Square (basketball court)
- End Point: Pioneer Village (2 miles from start)
- Schedule: Weekends only (Pioneer Village access requirement)
- Difficulty: Moderate; some brick and cobblestone sections
- Stroller: Mostly accessible except historic cobblestone areas
- Bathrooms: Not available until Pioneer Village
Pricing:
- Adults: $35-45 per person (seasonal pricing)
- Children: Discounted rates typically available
- Advance booking strongly recommended (tours sell out weeks ahead)
Return Transportation:
- Salem Skipper shuttle: $2 (longer wait times; requires app download)
- Uber/Lyft: $12-15 (faster, more convenient)
- Walking back: 2 miles, 35-40 minutes
Self-Guided Tour Advantages
When to Choose Self-Guided:
- Flexible scheduling outside weekend constraints
- Preferred personal pace control
- Budget consciousness
- Photography time without group pressure
- Ability to revisit favorite locations
Self-Guided Tour Map:
Route 1 (Downtown Walking Loop – 2.5 miles):
- Start: Phillips Elementary School (56 S Washington Square)
- Walk 10 min → Old Town Hall (161 Essex St)
- Walk 3 min → Ropes Mansion/Allison’s House (318 Essex St)
- Walk 5 min → Broad Street Cemetery (optional, non-film location)
- Walk 30 min → Max & Dani’s House (4 Ocean Ave)
- Walk 5 min → Pioneer Village (310 West Ave) – WEEKENDS ONLY
Route 2 (Driving Recommended):
- Morning: Downtown locations (Phillips Elementary, Old Town Hall, Ropes Mansion)
- Midday: Drive to Max & Dani’s House + Pioneer Village
- Afternoon: Drive to Old Burial Hill Cemetery in Marblehead
When to Visit: Timing Your Hocus Pocus House Tour
🎃 Peak Season: October
Pros:
- Maximum Halloween atmosphere
- Seasonal decorations throughout Salem
- Special events and festivals
- Hocus Pocus spirit everywhere
- Fellow fans create community experience
Cons:
- Overwhelming crowds (40,000+ daily visitors)
- 2-3 hour waits for popular attractions
- Premium pricing on everything
- Parking nearly impossible
- Accommodation costs triple
- Reservations essential months in advance
Best October Strategy: Visit Sunday-Thursday, arrive before 9 AM, book tours and dining 8-12 weeks ahead
🍂 Shoulder Season: September & November
Advantages:
- Manageable crowds (75% fewer than October)
- Lower accommodation prices
- Easier parking availability
- Relaxed dining without reservations
- Better photography without crowds
- Authentic local experience
Considerations:
- Fewer Halloween decorations
- Some seasonal attractions closed
- Less festive atmosphere
- Weather can be unpredictable
Ideal For: Serious Hocus Pocus fans prioritizing filming locations over Halloween festivities
❄️ Off-Season: December-August
Benefits:
- Minimal crowds
- Lowest prices
- Easy tour booking
- No wait times
- Locals-only atmosphere
Drawbacks:
- Pioneer Village closed (except June-September weekends)
- Zero Halloween atmosphere
- Limited seasonal tours
- Some businesses reduced hours
Essential Packing List for Your Hocus Pocus House Tour
Clothing:
- ☑️ Comfortable walking shoes (3+ miles on varied terrain)
- ☑️ Layers (New England weather changes rapidly)
- ☑️ Rain jacket (October averages 10 rainy days)
- ☑️ Halloween costume (optional but popular during October)
Equipment:
- ☑️ Smartphone with full charge + portable battery
- ☑️ Camera for quality hocus pocus house photography
- ☑️ Printed location map (internet can be spotty)
- ☑️ Reusable water bottle
- ☑️ Small backpack for purchases
Documentation:
- ☑️ Tour confirmation (if booked)
- ☑️ Location addresses saved offline
- ☑️ Emergency contacts
- ☑️ Parking information
Comfort Items:
- ☑️ Snacks (limited food availability at some locations)
- ☑️ Hand sanitizer
- ☑️ Small first aid kit
- ☑️ Sunscreen (even in fall)
Hocus Pocus House Decor: Bringing Salem Magic Home

The enchanting aesthetic of the hocus pocus house locations inspires countless fans to recreate that magical Halloween atmosphere in their own homes. From Max and Dani’s cozy colonial to Allison’s elegant mansion, these iconic settings offer abundant hocus pocus house decor inspiration.
Authentic Hocus Pocus House Decor Elements
Colonial Salem Style (Max & Dani’s House Aesthetic):
- 🏠 Gray clapboard siding exterior (or paint color inspiration)
- 🪟 Traditional white trim and shutters
- 🚪 Welcoming front porch with seasonal decorations
- 🍂 Fall foliage arrangements in autumnal colors
- 🎃 Classic jack-o’-lanterns on steps and porch
- 🕯️ Lantern-style lighting fixtures
Interior Warmth (Inspired by Film Interiors):
- 🔥 Rich wood tones and traditional furniture
- 📚 Vintage book collections and antique accents
- 🕯️ Candlelight ambiance (LED for safety)
- 🧙♀️ Subtle witch-themed decorative accents
- 🎨 Autumnal color palette (deep oranges, purples, blacks)
Sanderson Sisters-Inspired Decor
Black Flame Candle Displays:
- Oversized black candle replicas as centerpieces
- Purple flame LED candles for safety
- Spell book pedestals and display stands
- Mystical candelabras with cobweb accents
Witch Theme Elements:
- Broomstick collections near entrances
- Cauldron planters with fall flowers
- Witch hat garlands and wall decorations
- Potion bottle displays with colored liquids
- Spell ingredient jars with creative labels
Color Scheme:
- Primary: Deep purple, vibrant orange, midnight black
- Accents: Emerald green, blood red, moonlight silver
- Metallic: Aged bronze, antique gold
Where to Find Hocus Pocus House Decor
Official Licensed Products:
- Disney Store: Sanderson Sisters merchandise
- Target: Annual Hocus Pocus home collection
- Spirit Halloween: Extensive movie-themed decor
- Etsy: Handmade custom items from artisans
DIY Projects:
- Spell book replicas using old hardcover books
- Custom potion bottles with printable labels
- Hand-painted pumpkins with Sanderson Sisters artwork
- Homemade wreaths featuring mini broomsticks and witch hats
Hocus Pocus House for Sale & Hocus Pocus House Airbnb: Reality Check
Fans frequently search for “hocus pocus house for sale” or “hocus pocus house airbnb” hoping to own or stay in these iconic locations. Here’s the reality:
Can You Buy the Hocus Pocus House?
Max and Dani’s House (4 Ocean Avenue):
- ❌ Not for sale (private residence)
- 💰 Estimated value: $800,000-1,000,000 (Salem waterfront premium)
- 🏡 If it were listed, expect competitive bidding from fans worldwide
- 📍 Prime Salem location makes it highly desirable regardless of film connection
Ropes Mansion (Allison’s House):
- ❌ Not for sale (owned by Peabody Essex Museum)
- 🏛️ Historic preservation status
- 🎭 Functions as museum property, not private residence
Other Filming Locations:
- All remain either private residences or institutional properties unavailable for purchase
Hocus Pocus House Airbnb Experiences
The 2022 Special Event: In October 2022, Airbnb created a one-time experience where they recreated the Sanderson Sisters’ cottage as a special promotional property. Two lucky winners spent Halloween night in this custom-built replica. However, this was NOT the original film location and was a temporary promotional installation that no longer exists.
Current Airbnb Options:
- ❌ No authentic filming locations available as Airbnb rentals
- ✅ Salem area offers numerous “Hocus Pocus-themed” accommodations
- ✅ Properties decorated with movie-inspired decor during October
- ✅ Historic Salem homes providing authentic colonial atmosphere
Recommended Alternatives:
- Search “Salem MA Halloween rentals” for themed properties
- Book historic colonial homes in Salem’s downtown
- Consider properties within walking distance of filming locations
- Reserve 6-12 months in advance for October stays
Behind the Scenes: Hocus Pocus Fun Facts

Understanding the hocus pocus house locations becomes richer when you know the fascinating stories behind the film’s creation:
Movie Production Facts
🎬 Origin Story: Producer David Kirschner developed the concept from bedtime stories he told his children, gradually expanding the tale until recognizing its film potential.
📅 Release Disaster: Hocus Pocus premiered July 16, 1993 and initially flopped at the box office. Releasing a Halloween movie in summer proved disastrous. The film only gained cult status through annual TV airings beginning in the 2000s.
🎭 Cast Connections: Sarah Jessica Parker, who portrays Sarah Sanderson, descends from three people accused of witchcraft during the actual Salem Witch Trials. Historians confirmed that had her ancestors been convicted and executed, she would not exist.
🎥 Split Production: Exterior scenes filmed in authentic Salem locations while interior sets were constructed on Hollywood soundstages, explaining why you can’t tour the hocus pocus house inside at Salem locations.
📍 Los Angeles Filming: The majority of interior scenes and some exterior shots were filmed in Whittier and Altadena, California, including:
- Trick-or-treating scenes: Friends Avenue, Whittier, CA
- Max’s school interiors: East Whittier Middle School
- Allison’s party interior: Crank House, Altadena, CA
- Additional exteriors: Warner Bros Ranch, Burbank, CA
Salem Location Selection
The production team specifically chose Salem for its:
- ✨ Authentic witch trial history adding legitimacy
- 🏛️ Preserved colonial architecture matching 1693 flashbacks
- 🎃 Halloween atmosphere embedded in city identity
- 📸 Picturesque New England aesthetic
- 🏘️ Variety of historic locations within compact area
The Sanderson Cottage Mystery
Despite endless searches for the “real” Sanderson Sisters’ cottage, the truth is straightforward: the cottage never existed as a physical location. Entirely constructed on a Hollywood soundstage, it was designed specifically for the film and dismantled after production.
Rumors suggesting the Rebecca Nurse Homestead in Danvers, Massachusetts served as the cottage location have been thoroughly debunked—the structures don’t match whatsoever.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Hocus Pocus House
Q: Can you go inside Max and Dani’s house in Salem?
A: No. The hocus pocus house at 4 Ocean Avenue is a private residence. Visitors may photograph from the public street only. Interior scenes were filmed on Hollywood soundstages, not at this location.
Q: Is the Hocus Pocus house still standing?
A: Yes! All Salem filming locations remain standing and accessible (exteriors only for private residences). Max and Dani’s house, Ropes Mansion, Old Town Hall, Phillips Elementary, and Pioneer Village all exist in excellent condition.
Q: How long does it take to see all Hocus Pocus locations?
A: A comprehensive hocus pocus house tour requires 3-4 hours. Downtown locations (Phillips Elementary, Old Town Hall, Ropes Mansion) cluster within 15 minutes walking. Max’s house and Pioneer Village add 45-60 minutes. Old Burial Hill Cemetery in Marblehead requires separate transportation and 45+ minutes.
Q: Where is the Sanderson Sisters’ house located?
A: The Sanderson cottage doesn’t exist as a real location. It was entirely constructed on a Hollywood soundstage specifically for the film. No authentic cottage exists in Salem or anywhere else matching the movie design.
Q: Can you visit during the Halloween season?
A: Yes, but October brings overwhelming crowds (40,000+ daily visitors), 2-3 hour waits for attractions, and premium pricing. Book tours and accommodations 8-12 weeks in advance. Consider visiting September or early November for manageable crowds with autumn atmosphere.
Q: Are there Hocus Pocus tours in Salem?
A: Yes! Multiple companies offer hocus pocus house tour experiences. The most comprehensive walking tour (bookable through GetYourGuide) covers 5 main locations over 3 miles and 2.5-3 hours. Tours operate weekends only due to Pioneer Village access restrictions.
Q: Where was Hocus Pocus actually filmed?
A: Split between Salem, Massachusetts (exterior shots) and Los Angeles, California (interior scenes and some additional exteriors). Salem locations include Phillips Elementary School, Old Town Hall, Ropes Mansion, 4 Ocean Avenue, and Pioneer Village. LA locations include Whittier residential areas, East Whittier Middle School, and the Crank House in Altadena.
Q: How far is Max’s house from downtown Salem?
A: The hocus pocus house at 4 Ocean Avenue sits 1.5 miles (30-minute walk or 5-minute drive) from Salem Common. The scenic walk follows Essex Street east to Derby Street, then Fort Avenue to Ocean Avenue.
Q: Can you stay in the Hocus Pocus house?
A: No. All filming locations are either private residences or institutional properties unavailable for overnight stays. The 2022 Airbnb Sanderson cottage experience was a temporary promotional recreation, not an original filming location. Search Salem vacation rentals for Halloween-themed accommodations near filming locations.
Conclusion: Planning Your Magical Hocus Pocus House Experience
The enduring magic of Hocus Pocus transforms Salem into a living museum where movie fantasy meets New England reality. Whether you’re specifically seeking the iconic hocus pocus house where Max and Dani lived, hoping to explore Allison’s elegant mansion, or planning a comprehensive hocus pocus house tour experiencing every filming location, Salem delivers unforgettable experiences for fans of all ages.
Remember these essential points for your visit:
✅ Respect private property: Max’s house remains a private residence requiring courteous, brief visits
✅ Plan strategically: October offers maximum atmosphere but overwhelming crowds; September and November provide better access
✅ Book ahead: Tours, accommodations, and dining reservations should be made 8-12 weeks before October visits






