Language 
From Hocus Pocus to The Shining: 9 Halloween movie filming locations you can actually visit
Visit real Halloween movie filming locations, from Hocus Pocus spots in Salem to The Shining’s Timberline Lodge, plus tips to dodge the October crowds.
October evenings are all about getting cozy on the sofa, lighting pumpkin-scented candles, and watching your favorite Halloween movies back to back.
Thanks to this yearly ritual, you can probably recite the Sanderson sisters’ spells in Hocus Pocus, know exactly when Jack Nicholson swings that infamous axe in The Shining, and quote Beetlejuice without missing a beat.
But did you know many of these iconic moments were filmed in real places? Some are public landmarks you can walk right into, while others are private homes you can only admire from the street.
| Movie | Filming location | Can you visit? |
|---|---|---|
| Hocus Pocus | Salem and Marblehead, Massachusetts | Yes, public sites |
| Halloween (1978) | South Pasadena, California | From the street |
| Halloweentown | St. Helens, Oregon | Yes, festival weekends |
| The Shining | Timberline Lodge, Oregon | Yes, it’s a working lodge |
| Beetlejuice | East Corinth, Vermont | Yes, a village drive-by |
| The Exorcist | Georgetown, Washington DC | Yes, the steps are public |
| Ghostbusters | Tribeca, New York City | From the street |
| The Rocky Horror Picture Show | Oakley Court, near Windsor, UK | Yes, it’s a hotel |
| Practical Magic | Coupeville, Washington | Yes, a walkable town |
1. Hocus Pocus: Salem and Marblehead, Massachusetts
As the site of the 1692 witch trials, Salem has long been a popular Halloween location. So it’s no surprise that several places here were used to film Hocus Pocus:
- The iconic Halloween dance took place at the Old Town Hall.
- The 1693 opening scenes were filmed in Pioneer Village.
- Nearby in Marblehead, the daytime cemetery scenes were filmed at Old Burial Hill.
- Allison’s house is the Ropes Mansion, whose gardens are open to the public.
Even Max and Dani’s house is in Salem, but as it’s a private home, you can only view it from the street.
Visiting the Hocus Pocus filming locations is one of the most popular things to do in Salem in fall. On Halloween 2025, Salem drew about 96,000 visitors. Because of this, the city advises against driving in and recommends taking the MBTA commuter rail instead.
2. Halloween (1978): South Pasadena, California
In John Carpenter’s Halloween, the quiet streets of South Pasadena become Haddonfield, the seemingly ordinary town where Michael Myers stalks Laurie Strode.
Interestingly, the film was shot in the spring, so the crew used fake autumn leaves to create that classic Halloween atmosphere. Look closely, though, and you can spot California’s green foliage and the occasional palm tree.
South Pasadena makes for a super easy day trip from Los Angeles, where you can create your own half-day self-guided walking route. Don’t miss the relocated Myers house, now home to local offices (so skip the porch photos), and the Strode house, a private residence you can admire from the street.
3. Halloweentown: St. Helens, Oregon
Every autumn, St. Helens, Oregon, transforms into a real-life Halloweentown for its Spirit of Halloweentown festival.
The 2026 event runs every weekend from late September through November 1, with the Great Pumpkin lighting up the plaza each evening. You can hop aboard the filming-location trolley tour and step inside the family-friendly haunted house.
The festival also features special appearances from original cast members. Fan favorite Judith Hoag, who played Gwen Cromwell Piper, is scheduled to appear on October 24–25.
Entry to the pumpkin plaza is free, but attractions require an Access Pass; children aged five and under get in free. Because St. Helens is only about a 30-minute drive from Portland, it’s an easy Halloween day trip.
4. The Shining: Timberline Lodge, Oregon
Ever wanted to spend a night at The Shining’s Overlook Hotel?
Colorado’s Stanley Hotel, a famous haunted hotel, inspired Stephen King’s original novel. However, Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood was the actual filming location for the exterior scenes. Meanwhile, the eerie corridors and interiors were recreated on studio sets in England.
In Stephen King’s novel, the haunted room was Room 217, but the film changed it to 237 after Timberline Lodge’s management worried guests would avoid that room. Ironically, Room 217 is now one of the lodge’s most requested rooms. You can book a stay, or simply stop by the lobby for a look around.
5. Beetlejuice: East Corinth, Vermont
The tiny village of East Corinth, Vermont, is the real-life location of the fictional Winter River in both Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice (1988) and its 2024 sequel.
The original Maitland house was a temporary facade built on a hillside, so the crew dismantled it after filming.
But if you wander through the village, you’ll recognize other iconic spots like the old Masonic lodge that played Miss Shannon’s School for Girls. The bridge where Adam and Barbara crash is still there too, minus its red-covered roof. The crew built that cover over the existing bridge, and the original now sits at the nearby Northeast Slopes ski area.
6. The Exorcist: Georgetown, Washington DC
The iconic Exorcist Steps, featured in the film’s climax when Father Karras meets his tragic end, stand between Prospect Street NW and M Street NW in Georgetown. In 2015, the city officially recognized the steps as a D.C. landmark and tourist attraction, unveiling a commemorative plaque at the base.
Nearby, you’ll find the MacNeil house, where Regan’s terrifying possession unfolds. It’s a private residence, though, so admire the exterior respectfully from the street.
For the full atmospheric effect, visit these filming locations at dusk, as the light fades. Wear comfortable footwear and be prepared, as the steps are pretty steep.
7. Ghostbusters: Tribeca, New York City
If you’re looking for spooky things to do in New York this Halloween, follow this free self-guided Ghostbusters walking route.
- Start at Hook & Ladder 8 at 14 North Moore Street, a real firehouse used as the Ghostbusters headquarters. It still operates as an active fire station, so admire it from the pavement to avoid disturbing the crew.
- Continue uptown to the New York Public Library on Fifth Avenue, where the film’s opening scene unfolds.
- Finish at 55 Central Park West, the apartment building known as “Spook Central.”
8. The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Oakley Court, England
For a European Halloween trip, Oakley Court makes for an easy seasonal day trip from London.
Set in the Berkshire countryside near Windsor, Oakley Court is the real-life location of Frank-N-Furter’s Gothic castle. With Hammer’s Bray Studios right next door, the mansion also became a go-to set for several Hammer horror films.
Since the 1975 cult classic, Oakley Court has been renovated and converted into a luxury hotel. So if you’re passing by, why not stop in for afternoon tea, dinner, or even an overnight stay?
9. Practical Magic: Coupeville, Washington
If you’ve ever dreamed of wandering into the world of Practical Magic, head to Coupeville on Whidbey Island. This charming waterfront village served as the Owens sisters’ fictional hometown, and its historic shops and picturesque Front Street are instantly recognizable.
There’s just one catch: the iconic Owens family house was a temporary shell built on nearby San Juan Island for filming, then dismantled once production wrapped.
Still, thanks to its cozy cafés and peaceful coastal atmosphere, Coupeville offers a quieter alternative to busier Halloween destinations. To get there, drive about 40 minutes north of Seattle to Mukilteo, take the 20-minute ferry to Clinton, then head up the island.
Planning a last-minute movie location trip before Halloween
Halloween 2026 falls on Saturday, October 31. That makes Halloween weekend itself (October 31 to November 1) the busiest time at these filming locations. To avoid the crowds:
- Go this weekend, October 24–25, especially if Salem is on your list.
- Choose quieter spots, like Coupeville, East Corinth, and the Exorcist Steps.
Because many of these filming locations are private homes, always be respectful and view them only from the street. Avoid knocking or entering the front yard for a closer look, as this is trespassing.
Finally, if you’re traveling from overseas, compare travel eSIM options to ensure you get the strongest phone signal. In Halloween hotspots like downtown Salem, cell networks can struggle on Halloween evening due to the influx of visitors, so download maps and tickets beforehand.
Stay connected from Salem to Mount Hood with Holafly
Chasing movie locations means a lot of maps, train times and photos to share, often in small towns or crowded streets where your signal is the first thing to give up.
A Holafly eSIM for the USA keeps you online from the first scene to the last, with unlimited data, 5G speeds, and 24/7 customer support. No hunting for a local SIM, no roaming surprises on your bill.
What’s more, every Holafly eSIM includes Always On: 1 GB of monthly backup data at no additional cost. It activates automatically as long as your eSIM stays installed, renews every month, and works in 150+ destinations. So even if your main plan runs out in the middle of Salem’s Halloween crowds, you can still find your train home or pull up your festival pass. Pick your movie, plan your route, and let the nostalgia do the rest.
Unlimited data. Peace of mind.
Make sure you have travel data that's there when you need it most.
Plans that may interest you
Hi, I'm Mika, a South Korean writer living in the US. I cover travel and live events, focusing on the practical stuff that makes your trip smoother, whether you're navigating a new city or heading to a major international event.I'm also the founder of Search SEOul, South Korea's leading SEO conference, bringing together search marketing experts and speakers from around the world.
