12 Stranger Things Filming Locations You Can Visit in Georgia

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12 Stranger Things Filming Locations You Can Visit in Georgia

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Planning a Stranger Things road trip? Discover the real Stranger Things filming locations in Georgia—including Hawkins Lab, Starcourt Mall, downtown Hawkins, and key character homes—with practical tips for visiting safely and respectfully.

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Since its debut in 2016, Netflix’s Stranger Things has captivated fans with its blend of supernatural horror, heartfelt friendships, and pitch‑perfect 1980s nostalgia. Although the series is set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, much of the show’s eerie charm actually comes from real‑world filming locations scattered across Georgia. These small towns, malls, forests, and institutional buildings provide the authentic backdrop that brings Hawkins and the Upside Down to life.

Whether you’re a die‑hard fan, a casual viewer, or a road‑tripper searching for your next pop‑culture pilgrimage, this guide will walk you through the most iconic Stranger Things filming locations in Georgia—and how to visit them respectfully.

Why Stranger Things Was Filmed in Georgia

Georgia has quietly become one of the biggest filming hubs in the United States. Its success as a production destination comes down to a few key factors:

  • Generous film tax incentives that attract major studios and long‑running series.
  • Diverse landscapes, from dense forests and lakes to historic town squares and sprawling suburbs.
  • Authentic small‑town atmosphere, perfect for recreating 1980s Midwestern America.

For the Duffer Brothers, creators of Stranger Things, Georgia offered exactly what they needed: leafy neighborhoods, slightly weathered downtowns, abandoned institutional spaces, and access to studio facilities in and around Atlanta. The result is a fictional Hawkins that feels eerily real—and still very visitable.

Overview: Essential Stranger Things Locations in Georgia

Many of the show’s most memorable settings are clustered around a few key areas. When planning your trip, it helps to think in regional “clusters”:

  • Jackson – Downtown Hawkins town square and key storefronts.
  • Douglasville & East Point – Hawkins Police Department, Palace Arcade, character homes.
  • Atlanta – Hawkins National Laboratory and other institutional or urban sites.
  • Duluth – The mall that became Starcourt.
  • Griffin, Rome & Stone Mountain – Trailer parks, the Creel House, and the show’s haunting cemetery.

With a car and a bit of planning, you can see several locations in a single day, or stretch your journey into a multi‑day Stranger Things road trip across Georgia.

Downtown Hawkins: Jackson, Georgia

Jackson’s historic downtown serves as the beating heart of Hawkins. Its compact, picturesque square is instantly recognizable the moment you arrive.

Key locations in Jackson:

  • Melvald’s General Store – Joyce Byers’ workplace and the site of several pivotal scenes.
  • Radio Shack – Where Bob Newby works in Season 2.
  • Hawkins Library – Used for interior and exterior shots throughout the series.

Many of these buildings still retain familiar façades and signage, making Jackson a perfect place for photos and leisurely exploration. Some local businesses and tour operators even offer Stranger Things–themed walking tours that point out subtle details, filming angles, and behind‑the‑scenes stories.

Hawkins National Laboratory: Atlanta

  • Address: 1256 Briarcliff Rd NE, Atlanta, GA

One of the most iconic Stranger Things filming locations, Hawkins National Laboratory is a looming presence throughout the early seasons. In real life, the building is the former Georgia Mental Health Institute on the Emory University campus.

The imposing, concrete exterior is exactly what fans remember: stark, clinical, and a little unsettling. While the building is not open to the public, the façade is visible from the road, and many fans stop nearby to snap a photo. Be sure to obey any posted signs and respect campus rules—this is an institutional site, not a theme park.

Hawkins Police Department & Palace Arcade: Douglasville

Douglasville’s historic center stands in for parts of Hawkins and features two major fan favorites.

Hawkins Police Department

  • Address: 8485 Courthouse Sq W, Douglasville, GA

This brick building served as the Hawkins Police Department, home to Chief Hopper’s office and numerous scenes with the kids seeking help (or getting into trouble). Today, it still anchors the town square and makes for a great photo stop as you walk through Douglasville’s downtown streets.

Palace Arcade

  • Address: 8415 Campbellton St, Douglasville, GA

Introduced in Season 2, the Palace Arcade is where the kids battle high scores and their latest supernatural worries. The production transformed what was once a laundromat into the neon‑lit gaming haven seen on screen, complete with retro signage and colorful décor.

Although it no longer operates as an arcade, the building’s exterior remains instantly recognizable. Fans often recreate scenes or pose under the familiar façade.

Starcourt Mall: Duluth

  • Address: 2100 Pleasant Hill Rd, Duluth, GA

Season 3’s climactic battles and pastel‑tinted 1980s retail scenes unfold inside Starcourt Mall, which is actually Gwinnett Place Mall in Duluth. Once a bustling shopping center, its quieter state made it ideal for a complete retro makeover—production dressed it with period‑appropriate storefronts, signage, and a vibrant food court.

Today, parts of the mall are undergoing redevelopment or remain closed to regular foot traffic. Occasionally, special tours or events may grant limited access to former filming zones. If visiting Starcourt is high on your list, check ahead for current access and any privately run Stranger Things tours that include the location.

Forest Hills Trailer Park: Griffin

  • Location: A & B Trailer Park, 1478 Kilgore Rd, Griffin, GA

In Season 4, the Forest Hills Trailer Park becomes a central emotional location, serving as home to Max Mayfield and featuring in some of the show’s darkest moments. The real‑world trailer park in Griffin offers a glimpse into the more vulnerable side of Hawkins’ families.

Because this is a residential community, it’s important to visit with extra respect:

  • Stay on public roads or clearly public areas.
  • Avoid photographing residents or private property up close.
  • Keep any visits quiet and brief.

The Creel House: Rome

  • Address: 906 E 2nd Ave, Rome, GA

The Creel House is one of Stranger Things’ most striking locations, introduced in Season 4 as a grand, ominous mansion with deep ties to Vecna’s past. The real house in Rome, Georgia, is a historic Victorian residence whose architecture provides the perfect gothic backdrop for the show’s horror elements.

The property is privately owned, so fans should admire it from the sidewalk or across the street, avoiding trespassing or intrusive photography. Even from a distance, the house’s ornate details and looming presence make it a highlight of any Stranger Things tour.

Hawkins Cemetery: Stone Mountain

  • Location: Stone Mountain Cemetery, Stone Mountain, GA

Several emotional scenes—funerals, quiet conversations, and unnerving encounters—take place at Hawkins Cemetery, filmed in Stone Mountain Cemetery. With moss‑draped trees, aged headstones, and a serene yet eerie atmosphere, it perfectly matches the show’s blend of tenderness and dread.

When visiting:

  • Be respectful of real graves and mourners.
  • Keep voices low and avoid staging elaborate photoshoots near active burial sites.
  • Treat it as both a filming location and a place of genuine remembrance.

Character Homes: East Point and Riverdale

Several key character houses are located in neighborhoods southwest of Atlanta, particularly around East Point and Riverdale.

Notable residences include:

  • Sinclair House – 2550 Piney Wood Ln, East Point
  • Henderson House – 2886 Piney Wood Dr, East Point
  • Holland House – 2980 Piney Wood Dr, East Point
  • Harrington House – 8253 Carlton Rd, Riverdale

Driving through these areas, you may recognize familiar driveways, front yards, and street corners from the show. However, these are all private homes occupied by real families, not sets. That means:

  • View only from the street or sidewalk.
  • Do not knock on doors, enter yards, or block driveways.
  • Limit your time to a quick, polite look and a discreet photo if appropriate.

Bonus Stranger Things Filming Spots and Easter Eggs

Beyond the main Hawkins stand‑ins, a handful of additional Georgia locations make memorable appearances:

  • Georgia Renaissance Festival Grounds: Turned into the lively local fair in Season 3, complete with rides, games, and a distinctly 80s carnival vibe.
  • Boat Rock Bouldering Area (Skull Rock): A rugged outdoor area used for scenes where the kids explore rocky terrain and uncover supernatural secrets.
  • Hawkins General Hospital (East Point): A building on East Point St serves as the backdrop for tense hospital sequences and chase scenes.

Fans with time to spare can track down these bonus sites for an even deeper dive into the show’s geography.

Planning Your Stranger Things Road Trip

With so many filming locations spread across Georgia, a little planning goes a long way. Here are some tips for organizing your own “Hawkins in Georgia” road adventure:

  • Group locations by region:
    • Start in Atlanta for Hawkins Lab and urban sites.
    • Head to Douglasville and East Point for the police station, Palace Arcade, and neighborhood homes.
    • Drive down to Jackson for downtown Hawkins.
    • Loop to Duluth for Starcourt Mall, then out to Griffin, Rome, and Stone Mountain for more remote settings.
  • Respect private and restricted areas:
    • Many locations are homes, schools, or institutional properties.
    • Observe from public vantage points and follow any posted rules.
  • Check for guided tours:
    • Some operators in Jackson, Duluth, and Atlanta offer curated Stranger Things excursions, occasionally with access to spots not open to casual visitors.
  • Bring your fandom:
    • Fans often bring simple props—Eggo waffles, Christmas light garlands, Hawkins High T‑shirts—for fun, low‑impact photo opportunities.

Where to Stay Near Stranger Things Locations

You can easily combine your Stranger Things pilgrimage with a broader Georgia getaway:

  • Rome & Jackson: Quaint B&Bs and small inns capture the feel of the show’s small‑town settings and often feature historic architecture.
  • Downtown Atlanta: Ideal if you want quick access to Hawkins Lab, urban sites, museums, and nightlife.
  • Near Stone Mountain or area lakes: Vacation rentals and cabins make great bases if you want to mix filming locations with hiking, boating, or park visits.

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.