The Most Instagrammable Stranger Things Spots You Can Visit In Georgia

Georgia has become a hotspot for fans of the hit Netflix series Stranger Things, with many iconic filming locations scattered throughout the state. From the eerie Hawkins Lab to the charming downtown streets where the kids rode their bikes, these real-world spots bring the Upside Down to life.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just love discovering cool filming locations, visiting these places offers the perfect chance to snap some seriously amazing photos.

Get ready to explore the most photogenic Stranger Things destinations that Georgia has to offer!

1. Downtown Jackson as Hawkins Downtown

Walking through downtown Jackson feels like stepping straight into the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana. The charming streets lined with brick buildings and vintage storefronts served as the backdrop for many memorable scenes from the show. You’ll recognize the area where the kids biked around town, searching for clues and dodging danger.

The historic architecture gives this location an authentic small-town vibe that perfectly captures the 1980s nostalgia. Local shops and businesses have embraced their connection to the series, making it even more fun to explore. Stop by on a quiet afternoon when the lighting is just right for those moody, atmospheric shots.

Bring your camera and recreate your favorite moments from the show against these iconic backdrops. The town square and surrounding streets offer countless photo opportunities that will make your followers think you’ve actually entered the world of Stranger Things.

Don’t forget to grab a bite at one of the local cafes while you’re there, soaking in the nostalgic atmosphere that made this location perfect for the show.

2. Hawkins Middle School at Patrick Henry High School

Patrick Henry High School in Stockbridge transformed into Hawkins Middle School for the series, where much of the young cast’s drama unfolded. The building’s classic red brick exterior and traditional school layout made it the ideal setting for scenes featuring Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Eleven navigating both supernatural threats and typical middle school challenges.

Fans instantly recognize the entrance and parking lot from pivotal moments throughout multiple seasons.

Standing outside this building, you can almost hear the school bell ringing and imagine the characters rushing through the hallways. The location remains an active school, so be respectful when visiting and stick to public areas. Early morning or late afternoon provides the best lighting for photos that capture the same mood as the show.

The surrounding area also offers great spots for wide-angle shots that showcase the entire building. Consider visiting during weekends or school breaks when there’s less activity. Your Instagram feed will thank you for these authentic shots that transport followers directly into the world of Hawkins Middle School.

3. Hawkins Lab at Emory University

Emory University’s Briarcliff Campus served as the chilling Hawkins National Laboratory where Eleven’s story began. The building’s stark, institutional architecture perfectly embodied the secretive and sinister government facility. Scenes filmed here include some of the most intense and emotionally powerful moments from the entire series.

The concrete exterior and minimalist design create an unsettling atmosphere that fans will immediately recognize. While you can’t access the interior, the outside offers plenty of opportunities for dramatic photos. The building’s imposing presence makes for striking images, especially when captured from low angles that emphasize its intimidating scale.

Visit during overcast days to recreate the show’s moody aesthetic, or go at golden hour for a different but equally captivating look. The surrounding campus grounds provide additional context and beautiful settings for your photo shoot.

Remember that this is an active educational facility, so always be courteous to students and staff while exploring. These photos will definitely stand out in your feed with their mysterious, otherworldly quality that captures the essence of Stranger Things.

4. The Byers House in Fayetteville

Located in a quiet Fayetteville neighborhood, the Byers family home stands as one of the most recognizable locations from Stranger Things. This modest house witnessed countless supernatural events, from Will’s disappearance to Joyce’s frantic search involving Christmas lights strung throughout the living room. The exterior remains largely unchanged, allowing fans to see exactly where so much of the story unfolded.

The front yard and driveway are particularly photogenic, offering classic suburban shots that feel both ordinary and extraordinary. Neighbors have grown accustomed to fans stopping by, but always remember this is someone’s actual home. Be respectful, stay on public property, and keep noise levels down.

Early morning visits work best for avoiding crowds and capturing that eerie, quiet atmosphere the show is known for. The surrounding neighborhood also reflects the working-class setting that grounds the series in reality. Your photos here will resonate with fellow fans who remember the emotional scenes that took place inside those walls.

Consider bringing props like string lights or a bike to add creative touches to your shots without disturbing the property.

5. Palace Arcade at Gwinnett Place Mall

Though Gwinnett Place Mall has seen better days, it once housed the filming location for the beloved Palace Arcade where the kids spent countless hours. The arcade scenes captured the pure joy of 1980s gaming culture, with characters competing for high scores and sharing friendship over games like Dig Dug. While the mall itself has changed significantly, the memory of those vibrant arcade scenes lives on.

Fans of the show will appreciate visiting this location for its historical significance to the series. The mall’s current state offers a different kind of photo opportunity, one that speaks to nostalgia and the passage of time. If you’re lucky enough to find any remaining arcade cabinets in the area, they make for fantastic throwback photos.

The mall’s transformation reminds us how much has changed since the 1980s, adding another layer of meaning to your visit. Bring your friends and recreate those iconic group shots from the show. The faded grandeur of the location provides a melancholic backdrop that contrasts beautifully with the bright, energetic scenes filmed here.

Your photos will tell a story about both the show and the real-world passage of time.

6. Starcourt Mall at Gwinnett Place Mall

Gwinnett Place Mall doubled as the fictional Starcourt Mall, the central location for Season 3’s action-packed storyline. The sprawling shopping center became a battleground between our heroes and the Mind Flayer, with its colorful stores and wide corridors providing the perfect setting. Although much of the interior was enhanced with sets and props, the mall’s basic structure remains recognizable.

Today, the mall looks quite different from its glory days, but that actually adds to its appeal for photography. The empty spaces and closed storefronts create an almost post-apocalyptic atmosphere that fans find hauntingly beautiful. You can still identify key areas where major scenes were filmed, including the food court and main corridors.

The contrast between the vibrant mall shown in the series and its current quieter state makes for thought-provoking images. Visit with friends to recreate the group dynamics from the show, or go solo for more artistic, contemplative shots.

The natural lighting streaming through skylights creates interesting shadows and highlights throughout the day. These photos capture both the fictional world and a real piece of changing American retail history.

7. Hawkins Community Pool at Georgia International Horse Park

Remember Billy’s memorable role as a lifeguard? Those scenes were filmed at the Georgia International Horse Park’s aquatic center in Conyers. The pool area became Hawkins Community Pool, where teenage drama mixed with sinister supernatural forces lurking beneath the surface. The facility’s classic public pool design perfectly captured the carefree summer atmosphere before things took a dark turn.

The pool remains open to the public, offering fans a chance to actually swim where the show was filmed. During operating hours, you can enjoy the same facilities while imagining the dramatic scenes that unfolded here. The surrounding deck and lifeguard stands provide excellent photo opportunities that will make your followers instantly recognize the location.

Summer visits offer the most authentic experience, with sunshine and blue skies matching the show’s aesthetic. The diving boards and pool layout remain unchanged, allowing for accurate recreations of your favorite moments.

Whether you’re poolside or in the water, these photos will make a splash on your social media. The facility also hosts events and activities, so check their schedule to plan your visit around quieter times for better photo opportunities.

8. The Wheelers’ House in East Point

The Wheeler family residence in East Point served as Mike’s house throughout the series, hosting basement hangouts and important plot developments. This two-story suburban home represents the comfortable middle-class lifestyle that grounds many characters’ experiences. The basement, where the kids spent hours planning their adventures and playing Dungeons and Dragons, became as iconic as any other location in the show.

From the outside, you can appreciate the classic American suburban architecture that defined 1980s neighborhoods. The driveway where bikes were parked and the front door that welcomed friends countless times are instantly recognizable to fans. Like the Byers house, this is a private residence, so respectful behavior is essential.

Photograph from the street to capture the home’s welcoming exterior without intruding on the residents’ privacy. The surrounding neighborhood perfectly embodies the safe, familiar world that the characters fought to protect from supernatural threats. Your photos here will resonate with anyone who grew up in similar suburban settings.

Consider visiting during different times of day to capture various lighting conditions that highlight different aspects of the property. These shots celebrate both the show and the timeless appeal of American suburban life.

9. Hawkins High School at Stockbridge High School

Stockbridge High School became Hawkins High School for scenes featuring the older characters like Nancy, Steve, and Jonathan. The building’s traditional high school design provided an authentic backdrop for teenage drama mixed with supernatural mystery. Hallways, parking lots, and exterior shots all contributed to creating the believable world where these characters navigated both typical high school challenges and extraordinary circumstances.

The school’s architecture reflects the practical, no-frills design common in American public schools of that era. Fans will recognize the entrance and surrounding areas from key scenes throughout multiple seasons. As with other school locations, remember that this is an active educational facility requiring respectful behavior from visitors.

Plan your visit for times when school is not in session to avoid disrupting students and staff. The parking lot and front entrance offer the best photo opportunities without entering restricted areas. These shots will transport your followers back to their own high school days while celebrating the show’s attention to authentic settings.

The building’s solid, institutional presence contrasts nicely with the wild supernatural events that occurred within its walls, creating visually interesting photos that tell multiple stories at once.

10. Bradley’s Big Buy at Piggly Wiggly

A local Piggly Wiggly location transformed into Bradley’s Big Buy, the grocery store featured in several scenes throughout the series. This everyday shopping location became the site of strange encounters and important character moments. The store’s modest size and traditional layout perfectly represented the kind of local grocery that would serve a small Indiana town.

Grocery stores might not seem glamorous, but this location holds special meaning for fans who remember specific scenes filmed here. The parking lot and exterior signage offer recognizable photo opportunities that celebrate the show’s attention to everyday details. These ordinary locations grounded the series in reality, making the supernatural elements even more impactful.

Visit during off-peak hours to capture clear shots without crowds of shoppers in the background. The store continues operating as a regular grocery, so be mindful of other customers and staff while taking photos. Your images here will appeal to fans who appreciate how the show elevated mundane locations into memorable settings.

Consider including shopping carts or other grocery store elements in your compositions for added authenticity. These photos prove that even the most ordinary places can become extraordinary when they’re part of a beloved story.

11. The Quarry at Bellwood Quarry

Bellwood Quarry in Atlanta provided the dramatic setting for the quarry scenes in Season 1, including a pivotal moment involving the kids and their desperate attempt to escape danger. The location’s natural beauty combined with its slightly ominous atmosphere made it perfect for the show’s blend of adventure and suspense. Steep cliffs and deep water created genuine tension that translated powerfully to screen.

Today, the quarry has been transformed into Westside Park, offering safer access to this historic filming location. The area’s natural features remain largely unchanged, allowing fans to recognize the landscape from those memorable scenes. The park’s trails and viewpoints provide excellent vantage points for photography.

Visit during golden hour when the sun casts dramatic shadows across the quarry walls, creating the same moody atmosphere seen in the show. The transformation from abandoned quarry to public park adds an interesting layer to your visit and photos.

Your images will capture both the raw natural beauty and the fictional drama that unfolded here. Bring hiking shoes to explore the various trails safely, and always follow park rules to protect this special location for future visitors and fans.

12. The Railroad Tracks in Douglasville

Railroad tracks in Douglasville served as filming locations for several outdoor scenes featuring the kids on their adventures. Tracks represent freedom, danger, and the boundary between the known world and the unknown, making them a powerful recurring image throughout the series. The linear perspective of rails disappearing into the distance creates naturally compelling compositions for photography.

These tracks maintain their rustic, slightly overgrown appearance that added authenticity to the show’s 1980s setting. Walking along the tracks, you can imagine the characters having heart-to-heart conversations or racing against time to save their friends. The surrounding woods and rural landscape complete the small-town Indiana atmosphere.

Safety is crucial when photographing near active railroad tracks, so always stay alert and never trespass on railroad property. Look for public access points and legal vantage points that still capture the essence of these locations.

Your photos will evoke the sense of adventure and slight danger that defined the kids’ journey throughout the series. The tracks also symbolize the story’s forward momentum, making them rich with meaning for fans. These images work beautifully in black and white or with vintage filters that enhance the nostalgic feel.