The good news for Stranger Things fans is that most of the locations it’s shot at are in and around Atlanta, Georgia, and fans can actually visit many of them! Most of the iconic scenes from Stranger Things are filmed in Jackson and Douglasville towns in Atlanta. If you are in downtown Atlanta, they are probably an hour away or less from there.

For instance, wondering where the Hawkins National Laboratory really is, you can step inside the Starcourt Mall, this guide will take you through the most iconic Stranger Things filming locations.

1. Hawkins Town Square – Jackson, Georgia

When you picture the heart of Hawkins, what is it that comes to your mind? The Hawkins town that’s shown in Stranger Things is actually Jackson in Georgia, a similar sub-urban town given a fictional name here. This charming small town serves as the setting for many memorable scenes in the series.

Key Locations in Downtown Hawkins:

  • Hawkins Town Square – The central hub of the town where much of the action happens.
  • Hawk Theater – The movie theater seen throughout the show, including its marquee signs referencing classic ‘80s films.
  • Melvald’s General Store – The store where Joyce Byers works and where Will first experiences the Upside Down in Season 1.

This location captures the essence of small-town America in the ‘80s and gives Hawkins its authentic feel.

2. Hawkins National Laboratory – Atlanta, Georgia

One of the creepiest locations in Stranger Things is the Hawkins National Laboratory, where Eleven was raised and the portal to the Upside Down was discovered. The real-life location where these national laboratory scenes are shot in Stranger Things is the former Georgia Mental Health Institute in Atlanta.

Though it’s no longer in operation, the building’s eerie exterior remains intact. While fans can’t go inside (since it’s now part of Emory University), you could see it from the outside and its foreboding presence is enough to give you chills, bringing back every episode you watched.

3. Hawkins Police Department – Douglasville, Georgia

If you want to see where Chief Hopper kept the town safe (and sometimes broke the rules), head to Douglasville, Georgia. The real-life Douglasville City Hall doubled as the Hawkins Police Station in the series.

This location plays a crucial role throughout the show, from investigating Will’s disappearance to Hopper’s confrontations with the lab. Fans visiting Douglasville can snap photos of this now-iconic building.

4. Starcourt Mall – Duluth, Georgia

Possibly the most famous Stranger Things location, Starcourt Mall was at the heart of Season 3. In reality, this was filmed at Gwinnett Place Mall in Duluth, Georgia.

The mall was transformed into a 1980s time capsule, complete with neon lights, vintage storefronts, and the now-legendary Scoops Ahoy ice cream shop.

While most of the interior was torn down after filming, the location remains a pilgrimage site for fans.

What Was Filmed Here?

  • Steve and Robin working at Scoops Ahoy
  • The Mind Flayer’s attack in the Season 3 finale
  • Dustin and Erica’s spy mission into the secret Russian base

If you were lucky enough to visit while the set was still standing, you’d have stepped into a perfect recreation of a 1985 shopping mall!

Also read: The real mall that inspired Starcourt Mall in season 3

5. Palace Arcade – Douglasville, Georgia

Every ‘80s kid’s dream hangout, Palace Arcade made its debut in Season 2 when the gang discovered Max’s gaming skills. The real-life location? A former laundromat in Douglasville, Georgia!

While it’s no longer an arcade, fans can still visit the exterior and relive those nostalgic moments of Dig Dug battles and Eggo-eating celebrations.

6. Hawkins Middle & High School – Stockbridge, Georgia

The school where the kids faced bullies, science fairs, and Demogorgons is actually Patrick Henry High School in Stockbridge, Georgia.

This location was used for both Hawkins Middle School and Hawkins High School, featuring in countless scenes throughout the show. From Eleven’s dramatic confrontation with Mike in the gym to Steve and Billy’s intense showdown, this school is packed with Stranger Things history.

7. Sattler Quarry – Atlanta, Georgia

The eerie Sattler Quarry, seen in Season 1 when the authorities claim to find Will Byers’ “body,” is Bellwood Quarry in Atlanta.

This location adds to the show’s sense of danger and mystery, making it a must-visit spot for hardcore fans.

8. Hawkins Cemetery – Stone Mountain, Georgia

Some of Stranger Things’ most emotional moments happen at Hawkins Cemetery, such as Will’s fake funeral and Billy’s tragic death. These scenes were filmed at Stone Mountain Cemetery, a historic graveyard in Georgia.

The somber setting adds realism to the show’s more heartbreaking moments, making it a significant part of Hawkins’ landscape.

9. Bradley’s Big Buy – Palmetto, Georgia

Where does Eleven get her beloved Eggo waffles? At Bradley’s Big Buy, of course!

In real life, this is a Piggly Wiggly grocery store in Palmetto, Georgia. The store played a small but memorable role in the series, especially in the early episodes when Eleven was still learning about the real world.

10. Other Notable Filming Locations

  • Hopper’s Cabin (Sleepy Hollow Farm, Powder Springs, GA) – This remote cabin was where Hopper and Eleven lived in Seasons 2 and 3.
  • Merrill’s Pumpkin Patch (Douglasville, GA) – The eerie pumpkin patch from Season 2, where the vines from the Upside Down began spreading.
  • The Wheelers’ House (East Point, GA) – The home of Mike, Nancy, and Karen Wheeler, featured in almost every season.
  • The Byers’ house (Fayetteville, Georgia) – a private property located in Fayetteville, Georgia. While it’s recognizable from the road, visitors should respect the privacy of the occupants and view it from a distance.
  • The Hawkins pool – the Hawkins Community Pool from Season 3 is actually the South Bend Pool in Atlanta, Georgia. It’s a functioning public pool and people can visit it, but make sure you check visiting hours and public access.

Final thoughts

Stranger Things has a way of making its world feel so real, you almost forget Hawkins isn’t a real town. But thanks to the show’s amazing use of real-world locations—especially in and around Georgia—fans can experience a slice of Hawkins for themselves.

From the iconic Starcourt Mall to the eerie Hawkins Lab, the show’s filming spots are now as legendary as the characters. These places not only bring the ‘80s nostalgia to life, but also give fans a chance to literally step into the scenes they’ve loved. Whether you’re a die-hard fan planning a road trip or just curious about where all the Upside Down magic happened, the real-life sets of Stranger Things are a must-see. So grab your walkie-talkie, hop on your bike (or your best friend’s van), and start exploring. Hawkins is waiting.