10 Filming Locations You Can Visit From Your Favorite Halloween Movies

Filming location enthusiasts have made a hobby of visiting so many places across the globe. From coming-of-age dramas and romantic comedies to movie musicals, seeing these locations in person helps make our favorite movies feel more real and tangible.

During the Autumn season, movie fans have ample choices of films to watch. In turn, that can mean adding numerous places to your filming locations travel lists.

Of course, it can be daunting deciding which films to choose, how much is available to the general public, and so forth.

From horror classics to family-friendly comfort films, we’ve got the guide for the film aficionados- the ones that live and breathe the movies. Each destination awakens your spooky sense and, no doubt, defines your love for each frightening or fun flick.

John Carpenter’s original Halloween film launched the horror slasher genre into a new era and the career of star Jamie Lee Curtis. It also spawned numerous sequels and legions of fans. Fans make the film an annual watch and embrace their fandom by visiting the movie’s filming locations.

Although set in Illinois, filming took place in various locations throughout Pasadena and Hollywood, California. The film’s most iconic spots took place in South Pasadena. At Laurie Strode’s house, located at 1103 Fairview Avenue at Oxley Street, you can see where Laurie (Curtis) exited her house on the way to school, and where she sat holding a pumpkin. The latter makes for a great photo op; just please be respectful, as it’s a private residence.

Speaking of fun photo opportunities, the famous hedge that Laurie sees Michael standing behind is located at 1027 Montrose Avenue, while the Myers home (moved from another location) stands at 1000 Mission Street. Currently, it’s an insurance business. Fans are welcome to take photos but are asked to stay off the porch. For more locations, check out Grim Life Collective and Lindsey Land on YouTube.

Every fall, thousands flock to Salem to enjoy the witchy vibes and autumn atmosphere of this historic town. Hocus Pocus fans visit to see the numerous filming locations of one of their favorite Halloween flicks. Indeed, so much of the film was shot in the quaint Salem neighborhoods.

The die-hard fans must check out Max and Dani’s house, as well as Alison’s stately home. The Denison house is located at 4 Ocean Ave, and it no doubt is the number one place fans want to see. However, because it’s a private residence, you may not be able to get too close. On the other hand, Alison’s home was filmed at the Rope’s Mansion, one of Salem’s historic landmarks. Visitors can take photos outside in the same spot Max and Dani stood, and book a self-guided tour of the mansion.

Other filming locations include: the Pioneer Village, used for the movie’s opening scenes with Thackeray Binx; Old Town Hall, where the Halloween party exterior shots were done; and Old Burial Hill in nearby Marblehead, the cemetery where Max met Jay and Ice.

Fans should note that in the heart of the Autumn season, especially on weekends, these locations will likely be quite crowded. So, be patient when visiting and taking photos. Despite crowds, fans will love the vibes of Salem and feel as if they’ve stepped into the film. Check out Paging Mr. Morrow and Inked Beardsman for detailed looks.

Fans of Stanley Kubrick’s utterly creepy film, The Shining, have two destinations to put on their travel destination bucket lists. Many will be disappointed to learn that the majority of the movie was shot at Elstree Studios in the UK, specifically the hotel’s ominous interiors. However, you can visit the actual hotel used for the film’s exterior, as well as the famous dwelling that inspired Stephen King to write the book.

Kubrick filmed the fictional Overlook Hotel exterior at the Timberline Lodge in Government Camp, Oregon. Although it offers more cozy than creepy vibes, it remains forever tied to the chilling film. Those looking for something spookier should head to King’s inspiration, the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado. Though beautiful and pristine, this resort is also known for being haunted. They even embraced their Shining connection by constructing an elaborate hedge maze like the one from the end of the movie.

Considered one of the scariest films of the 1980s, Poltergeist follows the Freeling family who live in a quiet suburban neighborhood. However, things turn sinister when their home becomes a hotbed of supernatural activity and evil. For years, fans of this horror classic would visit the house used for exterior shots and take photos to their hearts’ content.

Today, Poltergeist fans have an even cooler opportunity to stay overnight at the house, located in Simi Valley, California. The owners of the house have renovated the home’s interior with 1980s decor and other retro touches like a TV broadcasting static. The house also features a large pool, hot tub, and fire pit; these are more modern and updated.

Those looking to stay at the house and live out their horror movie dreams should check out this site for information. They only ask that you not perform any rituals like seances or ghost hunting in the house. It doesn’t come cheap, but for the ultimate fan, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This video from the late, great Adam the Woo shows what a night at the Poltergeist house will be like.

The original Conjuring Movie, starring Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, spawned multiple sequels and millions of fans. In the film, the Perron Family seek help from the Warrens after a slew of disturbing hauntings in their home. Today, the house used for filming remains very much the same and a primo destination for horror fans.

Located at 405 Canetuck Road in Currie, North Carolina, this house sits on a large parcel of land along the Black River. The house and land still have an eerie atmosphere, looking very much the same as it did on screen. Although the tall tree in the front yard is gone (it was constructed for the movie), the docks by the river remain.

As a private residence, you must contact the owner if you wish to visit. Check out Mary the Girly Girl and Grim Life Collective for a detailed look at the property.

One of the seminal horror films of the 90s, I Know What You Did Last Summer continued a long-standing tradition in the genre: a beautiful and peaceful locale used as the backdrop to a terrifying story. This slasher movie was filmed mainly in Southport, North Carolina, while the film’s plot took place in California.

However, North Carolina features the coastal vibes that dominate the film as well as the other iconic moments from the movie. Fans can visit Harrell’s Department Store. Now closed, it doubled as Shivers’, Helen’s family’s store. The Amuzu Theater served as the beauty pageant location, where Barry was killed in the balcony.

You can also visit Julie, Helen, and Missy’s houses, and arguably the film’s most iconic moment, Julie’s “What are you waiting for?” scene. Going to the Movies has an excellent guide to each of these locations and more.

Kid-friendly Halloween movies don’t get much better than the Disney Channel Original Movie, Halloweentown. And its filming location, St. Helens, Oregon, has embraced the fan favorite’s legacy.

Visitors will see so many familiar sites around the town plaza and surrounding area any time of year, such as the courthouse and dentist office. During the Fall, St. Ogden completely transforms into Halloweentown for its annual festival. Take your photo in front of the film’s giant pumpkin and Benny in his Taxi cab, and enjoy the various activities such as the costume contest and parades.

For more information, visit the Spirit of Halloween website, and check out these videos from Just Ramblin’ Around and Justin Scarred.

Much like I Know What You Did Last Summer, and other slasher films, Scream features idyllic and beautiful settings to contrast the movie’s disturbing story, creating a fascinating juxtaposition. To capture that contrast for the fictional town of Woodsboro, director Wes Craven chose several towns throughout California, including Sonoma, Santa Rosa, Tomales, and Glen Ellen.

Unfortunately, Sidney Prescott’s home (Neve Campbell) is behind a gate, so not accessible to the general public. Thankfully, you can visit other notable homes from the film. Tatum’s (Rose McGowan) house is located in a beautiful Santa Rosa neighborhood at 824 McDonald Avenue. You’ll find Casey Becker’s (Drew Barrymore) large home on the remote Sonoma Mountain Road in Glen Allen. However, access will depend on luck, as Tampa Jay explains in this video.

The most significant home in the film, the Stu Macher (Matthew Lillard) mansion, sits at 3871 Tomales-Petaluma Road in Tomales, California. This lovely estate is featured heavily in the film’s climax and remains strikingly similar all these years later, with nods to the film in a few rooms, when it’s open for events and tours. For more information, visit Spring Hill Estate Tours.

Fans can also visit the fountain where the teens commiserate, as well as the Sonoma Community Center, which doubled as Woodsboro High School. Check out this video from Nick Massacre for an up-close look at these locations.

For another film that spawned numerous sequels, the original Friday the 13th still holds a special allure for horror fans. A big part of that comes from its creepy, atmospheric setting of Camp Crystal Lake. Indeed, there’s something about the genre that makes innocuous or innocent settings feel terrifying.

Those who enjoy visiting filming locations and are big Friday the 13th fans have excellent luck. The location for the camp in Hope, New Jersey, has recreated each set piece for Camp Crystal Tours. Though this remains the only way to access the location, that should not deter potential guests. These tours are incredibly detailed, offer special activities like canoeing, include meals, and often feature celebrity appearances.

Visit the official tour site for information and dates. Also, check out Johnny Chronicles for a look at what the tour has to offer.

Cozy, autumnal vibes abound in Practical Magic, helping it become a cult classic since its release in 1998. Indeed, the Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman starring vehicle remains a comfort film for those who enjoy their Halloween viewing to be more sweet than scary. The setting contributes greatly to those feelings.

Many will be disappointed to learn the Victorian home was constructed for the movie and torn down afterward. However, fans can visit the coastal town, which looks very much the same almost 30 years later.

Filming took place in Coupeville, a village on Whidbey Island in Washington. Multiple scenes and locations were filmed throughout, especially Front Street and the Wharf. Sally’s (Bullock) store, Verbena Botanicals, is now the Molka Xete Mexican Kitchen, Toby’s Tavern is now The Catch and Fry, and the hardware store is Kingsfisher Books.

Coupeville embraces its Practical Magic roots with movie nights, events, and walking tours. For information, visit the official Coupeville website. Also check out Adventure in Reel for a look at the filming locations.