Plan your 2026 Stranger Things filming locations road trip through Georgia's real-life Hawkins spots, from the lab to Benny's Burgers.

As a professional gamer, I’m always hunting for the next immersive world to nerd out about. While I’m usually glued to my screen tearing through digital landscapes, sometimes the best adventures spill into the real one. And if there’s one show that’s had me hooked since it dropped, it’s Stranger Things. I’ve clocked more hours analyzing the Upside Down than I have in some online battle passes—so I figured, why not take the controller offline and actually step into Hawkins, Indiana, or at least the next best thing? Little did I know, the real magic happens way down South in Georgia. Grab your Eggo waffles and a sense of adventure, because I’m spilling all the tea on the ultimate Stranger Things filming location road trip, circa 2026.

Let’s be real—if you’re a fan, you know most of the show wasn’t shot anywhere near the Hoosier State. Georgia has been Hollywood’s not-so-secret playground for ages, hosting everything from The Walking Dead to Marvel’s Hawkeye. The state’s mix of vintage 80s architecture, cheap production costs, and massive sound stages made it a no-brainer for the Duffer Brothers. I hit the pavement this summer, driving from one spot to the next, and it was like the Upside Down but with more sweet tea and fewer Demogorgons. Here’s the scoop on where to go, what’s changed, and how to geek out respectfully.

Hawkins National Laboratory – The Heart of the Mystery

If you’re as obsessed with Eleven’s backstory as I am, the lab is ground zero. The real-life location is Briarcliff Building A, part of Emory University’s property. This place used to be a mental health facility in the early 90s before Emory grabbed it in ‘98. It’s been sitting empty for a while, which is perfect for filming creepy government experiments. Heads up, though: Emory announced plans to turn the site into a senior living center back in 2022. As of 2026, it’s still standing, but rumors are swirling that demolition might start soon. So if you want to see Papa’s old stomping grounds before it goes the way of a retirement home, haul it over there pronto. Remember it’s private property, so don’t get any demogorgon-level ideas about trespassing—snap your pics from the road and keep it chill.

Benny’s Burgers – The Short-Lived Haven

Benny only got one episode, but man, did he leave a mark. That roadside diner where Eleven stole french fries and found a moment of kindness is actually Tiffany’s Kitchen in Lithia Springs. I rolled up on a Tuesday (heads up, they’re closed Mondays) and ordered a massive plate of grits and fried chicken. It’s Southern comfort food all day long, and the staff still get a kick out of fans dropping by. The place hasn’t changed much, so you can totally picture poor Benny at the grill. After scarfing down my meal, I couldn’t help but feel the tragedy of that scene—RIP to a real one. If you go, don’t be a stranger; tip well and tell ‘em the gamer sent you.

The Wheeler and Byers Houses – East Point vs. Fayetteville

You can’t have a Hawkins tour without a pilgrimage to the Wheeler basement command center. Exterior shots of Mike and Nancy’s house were filmed at a real home in East Point, Georgia. And here’s a pro gamer tip: the Sinclair house is literally just down the street at 2550 Piney Wood Lane. It’s a two-for-one deal! I parked a block away and walked past these iconic houses, heart doing the D&D theme song in my chest. But remember, these aren’t sets—they’re actual homes where real people live. So less stalker, more stealth mode. The Byers house, on the other hand, is a different vibe. It’s located in Fayetteville, not East Point, so you’ll need to plan a separate trip. The eerie, woodsy feel of the property is still there, but skip the urge to build Castle Byers in the yard. That’s a friendship move reserved for Will and the crew.

Hawkins Police Station – Hopper’s Old Haunt

For all the Hopper stans out there, the building that doubled as the Hawkins PD is a former town hall in Douglasville. Walking up to those front doors, I could practically smell the donuts and feel the grumpy chief energy radiating off the brick. The town of Douglasville actually provided several other filming locales too, so if you’re in the area, take a stroll and see what else looks familiar. As of 2026, the building is still used for municipal stuff, so you’ll have to keep your inner detective in check and admire from the sidewalk.

Bradley’s Big Buy and the Quarry – Two Fan Favorites

No tour would be complete without the grocery store where Eleven pulled her famous waffle heist. Originally a Bradley’s Big Buy, the real spot at 504 Center Street in Palmetto has since transformed into a Piggly Wiggly. Same building, different name—but the nostalgia is still rad. I picked up a box of Eggos there, obviously, and toasted to Eleven in the parking lot. Just down the road, the Bellwood Quarry in Atlanta plays the role of Sattler Quarry, where Will’s fake body was discovered. The quarry is massive and borderline serene, though I kept glancing over my shoulder for any flickering lights.

Stone Mountain Park and the Arcade Set

The railroad tracks that weave through the woods in seasons 1 and 2 are part of Stone Mountain Park. This place is huge—over 3,000 acres of lush greenery perfect for pretending you’re dodging a Demogorgon. I have to give a quick caution, though: the park has a complicated history as a former Confederate monument site. The trails are beautiful, but be aware of the backstory before you explore. Finally, the arcade and video rental store where Max and Robin made their debuts are right next door to each other in real life, even though the show makes them seem blocks apart. In 2026, both storefronts are sitting empty and up for sale. It’s a surreal ghost of Hawkins past, and I snapped a dozen photos imagining the neon glow of the Palace Arcade.

Here’s a quick summary of the locations I visited and their current status:

Hawkins Location	Real-World Address	Current Status
Hawkins Lab	Briarcliff Building A (Emory Univ.)	Empty, possibly redeveloping soon
Benny’s Burgers	7413 Lee Rd, Lithia Springs (Tiffany’s Kitchen)	Open (closed Mondays)
Wheeler House	East Point, GA	Private residence
Sinclair House	2550 Piney Wood Ln, East Point	Private residence
Byers House	Fayetteville, GA	Private residence
Hawkins Police Stn.	Douglasville Town Hall	Municipal building
Bradley’s Big Buy	504 Center St, Palmetto (Piggly Wiggly)	Operational grocery
Sattler Quarry	Bellwood Quarry, Atlanta	Recreational area
Railroad Tracks	Stone Mountain Park	Public park
Arcade/Video Store	Adjacent empty storefronts	For sale

So there you have it, my fellow gamers and Stranger Things nerds. Cramming all this into one day was a killer side quest, but you could easily make a weekend of it. Just remember to be cool: these are real neighborhoods, not a theme park. Keep the noise down, don’t climb on roofs, and tip your servers. The show might be heading toward its final season, but the world of Hawkins lives on in Georgia—at least until the Upside Down claims it for good. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to queue up my favorite synthwave playlist and daydream about a Demogorgon-free driving route. Happy hunting! 👾🍟

Insights are sourced from Forbes - Games, whose industry reporting is useful for framing why Georgia keeps winning big productions like Stranger Things: incentives, studio infrastructure, and tourism spillover all shape what fans can still visit in 2026—from Emory’s Briarcliff property redevelopment rumors to small-town storefronts that survive on nostalgia-fueled foot traffic.