Old Burial Hill
A historic cemetery famous for 'Hocus Pocus' filming, offering stunning ocean views and ancient gravestones.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best weather for views & photos
Old Burial Hill
Best Time
Best weather for views & photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic cemetery famous for 'Hocus Pocus' filming, offering stunning ocean views and ancient gravestones.
"More impressed with the views than the movie resemblance, but a beautiful old cemetery with lots of history."
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
The terrain can be uneven; sturdy shoes are a must for exploring .
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for stunning ocean panoramas and unique gravestone details .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hocus Pocus Filming Spot
Various locations within the cemetery
Relive iconic scenes from the beloved movie 'Hocus Pocus' filmed right here .
Panoramic Ocean Views
Hilltop overlooking Marblehead Harbor
Breathtaking vistas of Marblehead Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean await .
Historic Gravestones
Throughout the cemetery
Discover unique 17th and 18th-century gravestones with intricate carvings .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Hocus Pocus Filming Site & Ocean Views
Navigating the Historic Grounds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
The terrain can be uneven; sturdy shoes are a must for exploring.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for stunning ocean panoramas and unique gravestone details.
🕰️ Allow Time for History
Take your time to read the weathered headstones and absorb the history.
🚗 Easy Day Trip from Salem
Just a short drive from Salem, making it a perfect addition to your witchy tour.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
The terrain can be uneven; sturdy shoes are a must for exploring.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for stunning ocean panoramas and unique gravestone details.
🕰️ Allow Time for History
Take your time to read the weathered headstones and absorb the history.
🚗 Easy Day Trip from Salem
Just a short drive from Salem, making it a perfect addition to your witchy tour.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Old Burial Hill for its historical significance, beautiful ocean views, and its connection to the movie 'Hocus Pocus.' Many appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the unique, ancient gravestones, though some note that headstones can be difficult to read.
"What a great view of the ocean. I came here to see the cemetery from Hocus Pocus. But doesn't even slightly resemble it. But was more impressed with the views. This is a very old beautiful cemetery with lots of history."
Keep Life Simple Allan
"Beautiful old cemetery. Hard to read most of the headstones but the ones we could read were really moving. Highly recommend."
Kelsey Cotter
"If you love history and cemeteries, this is a great one, peaceful and filled with old gravestones. It is right near the water, and so many people important to American history. It was wonderful to walk around and read about the folks buried here. Loved it!"
Theresa St. John
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Old Burial Hill is located in Marblehead, Massachusetts. It's easily accessible by car and is a short drive from Salem. Parking can be found on nearby streets. Public transportation options are limited, so driving is often the most convenient way to reach this historic site.
Yes, Old Burial Hill is a very short drive from Salem, Massachusetts, making it a popular stop for those visiting the area, especially for its 'Hocus Pocus' connections.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Old Burial Hill is a public cemetery and is free to enter and explore. You can wander through its historic grounds at your leisure.
As a cemetery, Old Burial Hill is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's a public space, so you can visit from sunrise to sunset.
Yes, Old Burial Hill is open year-round. However, visiting during the spring, summer, or fall will offer the most pleasant weather for exploring and enjoying the ocean views.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Old Burial Hill is famous for being a filming location for the iconic movie 'Hocus Pocus'.+2 It's also known for its historical significance, beautiful ocean views, and unique 17th and 18th-century gravestones.
+1
Yes, several scenes from 'Hocus Pocus' were filmed at Old Burial Hill. While some specific spots might be hard to pinpoint, the general atmosphere and many of the gravestones are recognizable from the movie.+2
You'll find a variety of historic gravestones, many dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Look for unique carvings like winged skulls and cherubs, which are characteristic of the period.+1
While Old Burial Hill is a historic cemetery with a spooky ambiance, especially for 'Hocus Pocus' fans,+1 there are no widespread reports of paranormal activity. It's more known for its history and scenic beauty.
Absolutely! Old Burial Hill is a popular spot for photography, whether you're capturing the historic gravestones, the scenic ocean views, or recreating 'Hocus Pocus' moments.
📸 📸 Photography
The hilltop offers stunning panoramic views of Marblehead Harbor and the ocean, perfect for landscape shots. For 'Hocus Pocus' fans, try to find areas that resemble the movie scenes.
+1 The detailed carvings on older gravestones also make for compelling close-up photography.
+1
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, provides beautiful, soft light for photography, enhancing the atmosphere of the historic cemetery and the ocean views.
As a public cemetery, general photography is permitted. However, always be respectful of the site and any ongoing services or visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to emphasize that this is a place of rest and respect. Encourage children to walk carefully, as the ground can be uneven.
👻 Hocus Pocus Fans
Spend time exploring the grounds, imagining the Sanderson sisters amidst the ancient gravestones.
🏛️ History Buffs & Cemetery Enthusiasts
Beyond the gravestones, the cemetery's strategic hilltop location provides a historical vantage point over Marblehead Harbor. It's a peaceful and contemplative space to reflect on the lives of those who shaped the region's past.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Colonial History
The gravestones themselves are historical artifacts, showcasing the artistry and symbolism of their eras. You'll find weathered slate stones with intricate carvings of winged skulls, cherubs, and other motifs that were popular in colonial New England funerary art.
Beyond its historical significance, the cemetery's location atop a hill provides spectacular panoramic views of Marblehead Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean. This scenic beauty adds another layer to the experience, making it a peaceful and contemplative place to visit, even for those not specifically interested in genealogy or funerary history.
The 'Hocus Pocus' Connection
Visitors often come to Old Burial Hill specifically to find the spots where the Sanderson sisters and Max Dennison roamed in the movie.
Even if you're not a die-hard 'Hocus Pocus' fan, the cemetery's picturesque setting and historical gravestones offer a unique and memorable experience. The blend of cinematic history with genuine colonial heritage makes Old Burial Hill a fascinating place to explore, offering something for movie buffs and history enthusiasts alike.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit