12 Stranger Things Filming Locations You Can Visit in Georgia
12 Stranger Things Filming Locations You Can Visit in Georgia
Stranger Things has made the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, a must-visit for fans, even though most filming took place in Georgia. From spooky labs to classic small-town squares, these 12 locations let you experience the show’s ’80s supernatural vibe. This guide shares up-to-date travel tips for 2026, including how to visit each spot and explore respectfully.
Why Georgia Rules Stranger Things Filming
Thanks to tax breaks, Georgia has become Hollywood’s Southern hotspot, attracting Stranger Things for its mix of Atlanta city scenes and rural areas that look like the Midwest. Season 4 alone brought over $190 million to local towns like Jackson. Winters are mild, and summers get hot, so plan your trip for spring or fall when temperatures are a comfortable 65-80°F.
Atlanta-Area Iconic Sites
Begin your trip at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), where most visitors arrive. Renting a car ($40-70 per day) is your best bet since the filming locations are spread out and public transit doesn’t reach the rural areas.
1. Hawkins National Laboratory
The Emory University Briarcliff Campus at 1256 Briarcliff Road NE was used as the creepy lab where Eleven was experimented on. You can see the dramatic exterior from the street, but the inside scenes were filmed on a soundstage. The building was once a mental health institute, which adds to its spooky feel. Visitors aren’t allowed inside.
2. Hawkins Police Department
Located at 8485 Courthouse Square W. in Douglasville, about 75 minutes from Jackson, this old town hall was used as Hopper’s headquarters. You can take photos of the outside, but the building isn’t open to visitors. For extra atmosphere, drive through the nearby woods to get that Upside Down vibe.
3. South Bend Pool (Hawkins Community Pool)
Billy’s lifeguard spot from Season 3 is at 2000 Lakewood Avenue SE in Atlanta. This public pool is open from May to September and costs $5 for anyone age 6 and up. You can swim where the show’s drama happened, just half a mile from Screen Gems Studios. Be sure to check the Atlanta Parks website for current hours.
4. Gwinnett Place Mall (Starcourt Mall)
Duluth’s former mall, now demolished, was the setting for Season 3’s Russian base and Scoops Ahoy. The mall’s exterior is still recognizable, but the site is being redeveloped into a mixed-use area. You can drive by for a nostalgic look, but you can’t go inside.
Jackson: Heart of Hawkins Downtown
Jackson’s Square, about 45 minutes south of Atlanta on I-75, is a great example of small-town America. You can pick up free maps from the Butts County Chamber that highlight seven filming locations, all within a 30-minute walk.
5. Downtown Jackson Square
This lively area was used as Hawkins’ streets for chases, gatherings, and everyday scenes throughout the show. Look for four Stranger Things murals and stop by the Hawkins Headquarters gift shop, which used to be a Radio Shack. You can also enjoy a “Stranger Drink” at Lucy Lu’s Coffee Cafe.
6. Melvald’s General Store
Joyce’s workplace, seen at 4 Second Street, is where Will’s missing posters appeared in the show. You can view the outside, and local businesses welcome the attention from fans.
7. Hawkins Public Library
The Butts County Courthouse in the square was where Nancy and Jonathan did their research in the show. You can admire the building from outside, or join a $35 Stranger Tours walk that includes trivia and pizza.
Residential Gems in East Point and Fayetteville
About twenty minutes southwest of Atlanta, Piney Wood Lane is where you’ll find the homes of the main kids. These are all private residences, so please stick to taking photos from the street.
8. Wheeler, Sinclair, and Henderson Houses
The houses at 2530 (the Wheelers, where Mike’s basement HQ is), 2550 (the Sinclairs), and 2886 Piney Wood Drive (the Hendersons) were used for memorable family scenes. Please do not trespass, and keep your visit to five minutes or less to respect the people who live there.
9. Byers House
Joyce’s famously chaotic home is at 149 Coastline Rd in Fayetteville, about 30 minutes south of Atlanta. You can rent it on Airbnb for $150-250 per night, and it even has a replica of the light wall. Be sure to book several months in advance, especially around November 6, which is Stranger Things Day.
Northern and Outdoor Escapes
Drive an hour north for spooky, gothic locations, or head east if you want to explore the woods.
10. Creel House
Rome’s 906 E 2nd Ave SW Victorian (Claremont House) is Vecna’s lair—private, view from sidewalk only. Stunning mansard roof; combine with Rome’s downtown eats.
11. Stone Mountain Park and Cemetery
DeKalb County’s 3,200-acre park was the setting for the forest-demon-hunt scenes, and its cemetery overlooks Civil War graves (not the same as Will’s funeral site). You can ride the cable car for $20 or more and catch laser shows. The park is open all year.
Fading Fast: Hawkins High School
Patrick Henry High School in Stockbridge (109 South Lee Street, about 30 minutes southeast of Atlanta) was used for school hall and gym scenes. Demolition began in 2024 to make way for a new STEM building, so check if any of the exterior is still standing before you visit. Most of it will be gone by 2026.
Planning Your Hawkins Road Trip
Fly into ATL, rent a car, and start your trip in Jackson, where you can take a 1.5-hour Stranger Tour starting at $35. Plan to spend $250-400 per person for a 2-3 day trip, including gas, tours, and meals. Always respect ‘no trespassing’ signs—fans have helped revive Jackson, so please be courteous. Now that Season 5 has premiered (in 2025), these sites are popular, so try to avoid the summer heat.
| Site | Drive from ATL | Access | Cost | Best Season Scene |
| Hawkins Lab | 15 min | Exterior only | Free | Eleven’s escape |
| Jackson Square | 45 min | Walking | Free-$35 tour | Town gatherings |
| Character Homes | 20 min | Street view | Free | Basement HQs |
| Creel House | 1 hr | Sidewalk | Free | Vecna flashbacks |
| Stone Mountain | 30 min | Park entry | $20+ | Demodog hunts |
FAQs
Can I visit all 12 Stranger Things locations in one day?
No, sites span 2 hours; plan 2-3 days with a rental car.
Is the Creel House open to fans?
View from the street only; it’s private property.
What’s the Byers House like to stay in?
Airbnb with light wall; $150-250/night, book early.
Are guided tours worth it in Jackson?
Yes, $35 includes trivia, pizza, and exclusive spots.
Is Hawkins High School still standing?
Demolished since 2024; exteriors gone.