Ever finish watching Stranger Things and immediately wonder where they shot those iconic scenes? You're not alone. As a huge fan who's actually road-tripped through Georgia to track down these spots, I get why people obsess over this. The show's creators made a genius choice filming almost entirely in Georgia, transforming ordinary Southern towns into the fictional Hawkins, Indiana. Let me break down exactly where they filmed every major location – and more importantly, how you can visit them today.
Quick Reality Check: That "Indiana" setting? Almost entirely Georgia. The state's tax incentives made it financially feasible, but honestly the landscape just nailed that Midwest vibe. I was skeptical until I saw those oak trees and historic downtowns myself.
The Real Hawkins Downtown: Jackson, Georgia
Turns out downtown Hawkins is really downtown Jackson, Georgia (population 5,000). Walking through the square feels like stepping into the show – except with more pickup trucks than bikes. The crew transformed this place with 80s storefronts and vintage cars. Remember Benny's Burgers? That's actually Jackson Drug Company at 21 Second Street.
Jackson Filming Spots You Can Visit Today:
- Police Station: Actual City Hall building (155 McDonough Road). Funny enough, the real police work next door.
- Melvald's General Store: 3 Oak Street (now a flower shop). They kept the awning for months after filming.
- Arcade and Theater: Empty storefronts at 119 Oak Street and 127 Oak Street. Still look exactly like in Season 3.
Personal Tip: Park at the Square Cafe (great peach cobbler) and walk the whole downtown in 20 minutes. Best light for photos? Late afternoon when the shadows hit those brick buildings just right.
Iconic Houses and Neighborhoods
Finding the Byers house was my holy grail. Turns out it's in Fayetteville, about an hour from Atlanta. The current owners are surprisingly cool about fans – just don't step on their lawn like some idiots do.
| House | Real Address | Visiting Rules | Fun Fact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Byers Residence | 2895 Pace Road, Fayetteville | View from road only | The shed was temporary – current owners use that space for gardening |
| Wheeler Home | 2530 Piney Wood Lane, East Point | Private neighborhood | Basement scenes shot elsewhere |
| Hopper's Cabin | Private land near Blood Mountain | Not accessible | Destroyed during filming – fake cabin for finale |
That Creepy Lab Location
Hawkins Lab gives me chills every time. The exterior is Emory University's Briarcliff Campus (1256 Briarcliff Road NE, Atlanta). Built as a tuberculosis hospital in the 1940s, it's seriously creepy in person. Security will shoo you away if you linger too long – I got "the talk" after 10 minutes of photos. Interior scenes? Shot at Screen Gem Studios in Atlanta.
Shopping at Starcourt Mall (or What's Left of It)
Remember my disappointment when I saw Gwinnett Place Mall? That glorious Starcourt Mall is actually a near-abandoned shopping center in Duluth (2100 Pleasant Hill Road). The food court where Steve worked? Completely gutted now. Only the exterior and parking lot remain recognizable.
- Current Status: Closed indefinitely since 2020
- Can You Visit? Exterior only - interior access prohibited
- Weird Detail: The iconic clock still stands inside the sealed building
Schools, Forests and Hidden Gems
Where was Stranger Things filmed for school scenes? Patrick Henry High School in Stockbridge (30+ miles from Atlanta). The basketball court where Lucas shoots hoops? Same spot. The woods surrounding Hawkins? Mostly around Blood Mountain and Tallulah Gorge. My favorite hidden spot is the "Castle Byers" creek behind Sleepy Hollow Farm in Palmetto – though the actual structure was just a prop.
| Location Type | Real World Spot | Visiting Difficulty | My Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawkins Middle School | Patrick Henry HS, Stockbridge | Easy (exterior only) | ★★★★☆ |
| Lover's Lake | Old Mill Park, Roswell | Very Easy | ★★★★★ |
| Forest Scenes | Tallulah Gorge State Park | Moderate hiking required | ★★★☆☆ |
Your Stranger Things Road Trip Checklist
After three visits, here's my optimized Georgia filming location route:
- Start in Atlanta: Visit Screen Gem Studios (only open during special events)
- Drive to Fayetteville: Byers house (45 mins south)
- Jackson, GA: Downtown Hawkins (1 hr south)
- Palmetto: Forest locations (30 mins west)
- End at Gwinnett Place Mall: Starcourt exterior (45 mins northeast)
Pro Tip: Avoid summer – Georgia heat and humidity make walking unbearable. March-April is perfect. Total drive time? About 5 hours without stops. Budget two days if you want decent photo time.
Annoying Reality: Many locations are on private property. I've seen fans trespassing for selfies – please don't be that person. Respect "No Trespassing" signs or we'll lose access completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was the Stranger Things movie filmed exactly?
Mainly around Atlanta and smaller Georgia towns like Jackson, Fayetteville, and Palmetto. Over 85% was shot across 40+ locations within 60 miles of Atlanta. Only rare establishing shots used Indiana footage.
Can you visit the Byers house in real life?
Yes, but view from the road only. It's a private home at 2895 Pace Road, Fayetteville. Current owners are friendly but overwhelmed by visitors – please don't knock unless invited!
Why did they film in Georgia instead of Indiana?
Two big reasons: Georgia's 30% tax credit saves millions, and the landscape doubles surprisingly well for Indiana. Pine forests, rolling hills, and historic towns matched the vision without Midwest winters shutting down production.
Where is the Starcourt Mall located now?
Gwinnett Place Mall in Duluth, GA (2100 Pleasant Hill Road). It's permanently closed and partly demolished – only the exterior remains recognizable. Security patrols constantly, so exterior photos only.
Behind the Scenes Secrets
Funny story – I met a crew member at a comic con who revealed how they hid modern Georgia details. Those Indiana license plates on every car? All digital replacements. The crew would spray-paint autumn leaves onto trees during summer shoots. And that famous quarry scene? Actually a rock quarry in Durham Town, Georgia with added CGI water.
Location Changes Over Seasons
- Season 1: Mostly Jackson and Fayetteville
- Season 2: Expanded to Douglasville and Stockbridge
- Season 3: Gwinnett Place Mall became centerpiece
- Season 4: Added New Mexico locations (for desert scenes)
Is the Stranger Things Tour Worth It?
Honestly? If you're a casual fan, maybe not. Professional tours run $65-$120 per person. But superfans will geek out over details like finding the exact tree Nancy hid behind. I skipped the tour and created my own route using Google Maps pins – saved money but missed insider stories. Your call.
Visiting these locations taught me something unexpected: Hawkins feels smaller in person. Those wide establishing shots use clever angles. The Byers house sits closer to the road than it appears. Downtown Jackson fits in a single camera pan. Yet somehow standing where Millie Bobby Brown stood gave me actual goosebumps – worth every mile of that Georgia backroad driving.
Someday when the show ends, I hope they preserve some locations officially. Until then, bring good walking shoes, respect private property, and chase your own Hawkins adventure.
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