Film Tourism In Georgia: Walking Through Stranger Things History

Georgia has become one of the hottest destinations for fans of “Stranger Things”, the wildly popular Netflix series that has captured hearts worldwide.

Many of the show’s most iconic scenes were filmed across charming towns and atmospheric locations throughout the state.

For travelers who want to step into the Upside Down (or at least the real-world version), Georgia offers an unforgettable journey through the show’s history.

1. Hawkins Square is Actually Downtown Jackson

Walking through downtown Jackson feels like stepping directly into Hawkins, Indiana. The charming town square, with its vintage storefronts and nostalgic atmosphere, served as the heart of the fictional town throughout multiple seasons. Fans instantly recognize the courthouse square where so many memorable scenes unfolded.

Local businesses have embraced their Hollywood fame with open arms. Many shops display photos from filming days and welcome visitors eager to snap pictures in front of recognizable facades. The community takes pride in its connection to the show, making tourists feel genuinely welcome.

Strolling these sidewalks on a quiet afternoon brings the magic to life. You can almost imagine the characters riding their bikes past the storefronts or gathering for important conversations. The town maintains its authentic small-town charm while celebrating its role in pop culture history.

Plan to spend at least an hour exploring the square and surrounding streets. Bring your camera because every corner offers a perfect photo opportunity. Local guides sometimes offer walking tours that point out specific filming spots and share behind-the-scenes stories from production days.

2. The Byers House Stands in East Point

Tucked away in a quiet East Point neighborhood sits one of the most recognizable homes from the entire series. The Byers family house, where Joyce hung Christmas lights to communicate with Will, draws devoted fans from around the globe. The modest home looks remarkably similar to how it appears on screen, though it remains a private residence.

Respectful fans can view the house from the street and take photos from the sidewalk. Please remember that real people live here and deserve their privacy. The neighborhood itself captures that authentic 1980s suburban feeling that makes the show so relatable and nostalgic.

Visiting during daylight hours works best for photography and shows consideration for residents. The surrounding streets also feature other homes used for exterior shots throughout the series. Many fans create self-guided tours that include multiple stops in this area.

East Point welcomes film tourists but asks visitors to be courteous and quiet. The experience of seeing this iconic location in person creates powerful connections to beloved characters and unforgettable storylines. Pack your excitement but leave loud celebrations for after you’ve moved on from residential areas.

3. Hawkins Middle School is Patrick Henry High School

Patrick Henry High School in Stockbridge transformed into Hawkins Middle School for the show’s pivotal school scenes. The exterior shots captured the building’s classic school architecture perfectly. Fans recognize the parking lot where characters arrived on bikes and the entrance where so many dramatic moments occurred.

Since this remains an active school, visiting requires extra sensitivity and planning. Tours are not available during school hours, and trespassing on school property is prohibited. The best approach involves driving by to see the exterior from public roads or visiting during non-school hours when appropriate.

The gymnasium scenes, science fair moments, and hallway confrontations all happened within these walls. Seeing the building in person helps fans appreciate the production design that made Hawkins feel so authentic. The surrounding area also features other locations used for various outdoor scenes.

Photography from public areas is acceptable, but always respect school property boundaries. Weekend visits often work better for getting good views without disrupting educational activities. The school’s role in creating the show’s nostalgic atmosphere cannot be overstated, making it a must-see for serious fans.

4. Hawkins National Laboratory at Emory University

Emory University’s campus provided the exterior shots for the mysterious and menacing Hawkins National Laboratory. The building’s imposing concrete architecture created the perfect ominous atmosphere for the secretive government facility. Fans of Eleven and her backstory feel chills when seeing this location in person.

The university campus is accessible to visitors, though specific buildings may have restricted access. Walking around the exterior allows you to capture the same angles seen in the show. The surrounding campus is beautiful and worth exploring beyond just the filming location.

Campus security is present, so visitors should follow all posted rules and guidelines. Taking photos is generally permitted in public outdoor areas. The experience of standing where Eleven’s story began adds depth to understanding her character’s journey.

Emory sits in the Druid Hills neighborhood of Atlanta, making it easy to combine with other city attractions. The campus features lovely green spaces and impressive architecture throughout. Visiting during weekdays when students are present captures the lively atmosphere, while weekends offer quieter exploration opportunities for focused photography sessions.

5. The Palace Arcade in Downtown Duluth

Downtown Duluth housed the exterior of the beloved Palace Arcade where the boys spent countless hours. This hangout spot represents the heart of 1980s childhood for many viewers. The building’s retro charm perfectly captured the era’s arcade culture and teenage social life.

Duluth’s downtown area has flourished in recent years with restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. While the interior arcade scenes were filmed elsewhere, seeing the exterior brings back memories of those carefree gaming sessions. The town has preserved its historic character while adding modern amenities for visitors.

Exploring Duluth offers more than just filming locations. The downtown features excellent dining options and local businesses worth supporting. The community’s friendly atmosphere makes wandering these streets genuinely enjoyable beyond the Hollywood connection.

Nearby attractions include parks and the charming town square area. Duluth hosts various festivals and events throughout the year that showcase local culture. Film tourists often discover they love the town itself as much as its connection to the show, returning for the overall experience rather than just the nostalgia factor.

6. Hawkins Pool at Douglasville’s Community Center

The Douglasville community pool became Hawkins Pool, where Billy worked as a lifeguard and Eleven spied on him. Those summer scenes captured the essence of small-town pool culture perfectly. The facility looks remarkably similar to its on-screen appearance, maintaining that classic public pool aesthetic.

This remains an active community pool serving local residents. Visitors cannot access the pool area without proper admission during operating hours. However, the exterior and surrounding areas are visible from public spaces, allowing fans to recognize the location.

Douglasville welcomes film tourists but asks for respect toward the facility’s primary purpose. The pool operates seasonally, so planning visits during summer months offers the best chance of seeing it in use. The community takes pride in its Hollywood moment while prioritizing local families’ enjoyment.

The surrounding area features parks and recreational facilities worth exploring. Douglasville offers a glimpse into authentic Georgia small-town life. Combining a pool location visit with exploring the broader community creates a richer travel experience that goes beyond simple location spotting and connects you with real Georgia hospitality.

7. Starcourt Mall Scenes at Gwinnett Place Mall

Gwinnett Place Mall provided the setting for the iconic Starcourt Mall scenes that dominated Season 3. The sprawling mall perfectly captured 1980s shopping culture at its peak. Fans remember the Russian conspiracy, Scoops Ahoy ice cream shop, and climactic battle scenes that unfolded in these corridors.

The mall has changed significantly since filming occurred. Many stores have closed, and the property has undergone transitions. Current conditions may differ dramatically from what appears on screen, so managing expectations is important before visiting.

Despite changes, walking through the space still evokes powerful memories for fans. You can trace the paths characters took and imagine the action sequences. The mall’s bones remain recognizable even as its commercial purpose has evolved.

Safety and access considerations matter when visiting properties in transition. Check current status and accessibility before planning your trip. The mall’s role in the show’s most action-packed season makes it significant to the overall story, even if the current reality differs from its television glory days and nostalgic mall culture heyday.

8. The Quarry at Bellwood Quarry

Bellwood Quarry served as the dramatic location where the boys believed they found Will’s body. The deep water and surrounding cliffs created an appropriately ominous atmosphere for that heartbreaking scene. This location represents one of the show’s most emotional moments from the first season.

The quarry has since been transformed into Westside Park, Atlanta’s largest park development. The area is now accessible to the public with trails, green spaces, and beautiful views. This transformation means visitors can safely explore where filming occurred while enjoying a completely reimagined space.

The park offers hiking trails that provide different perspectives of the former quarry. Interpretive signs explain the area’s history and transformation. Visiting combines film tourism with outdoor recreation, creating a multifaceted experience.

Pack comfortable walking shoes and plan for outdoor exploration time. The park includes facilities and amenities for visitors. Seeing this location reminds fans of the show’s ability to find beauty and drama in unexpected places while showcasing how communities can reinvent industrial spaces into public treasures that serve future generations beautifully.

9. The Railroad Tracks in Various Georgia Towns

Railroad tracks appear throughout the series as the kids bike alongside them or walk the rails during important conversations. Multiple Georgia towns contributed their railroad corridors to create Hawkins’ transportation infrastructure. These tracks symbolize the journey and adventure at the show’s heart.

Several communities feature recognizable railroad scenes, including areas around Jackson and other small towns. The tracks capture that timeless American small-town feeling where trains still run through downtown areas. Safety is paramount when visiting any railroad location, as active trains use these tracks.

Never walk on active railroad tracks or trespass on railroad property. Viewing from safe, legal vantage points allows you to appreciate the scenery without danger. Many towns have public areas near tracks where photography is possible without violating safety rules or property boundaries.

The railroad imagery connects to broader themes of journey and connection in the show. These utilitarian structures became cinematic gold through creative filming. Respecting railroad safety while appreciating their visual contribution to the show demonstrates responsible film tourism that keeps everyone safe and preserves access for future visitors.

10. Planning Your Stranger Things Georgia Road Trip

Creating a comprehensive tour of Georgia’s Stranger Things locations requires strategic planning and realistic expectations. The filming sites spread across the Atlanta metro area and surrounding communities. Most fans dedicate a full weekend or longer to properly explore multiple locations without rushing.

Starting in Atlanta provides a central base for day trips to outlying towns. Jackson makes an excellent first stop, being one of the most film-tourist-friendly communities. Duluth and Douglasville can be combined into a single day’s exploration. East Point and Stockbridge require separate consideration due to their residential nature.

Respecting private property and active facilities is non-negotiable. Many locations are homes, schools, or businesses serving their communities first. Photography from public areas satisfies most fans without causing problems. Bringing snacks, comfortable shoes, and a flexible attitude ensures the best experience.

Georgia’s film industry continues growing, meaning you might encounter other productions during your visit. The state’s hospitality extends to film tourists who approach locations respectfully. This journey offers more than just location spotting, it provides insight into the real Georgia communities that helped create a beloved show.