Visiting the Stranger Things “Hawkins Lab” at Atlanta’s Briarcliff Campus

If you’re a Stranger Things fan in Atlanta, you don’t have to go all the way to Indiana (or the Upside Down) to see Hawkins National Laboratory. The ominous lab from the show is actually filmed at Emory University’s Briarcliff Campus—right here in the Atlanta area.

This guide walks you through where it is, what you can (and can’t) do there, how to visit respectfully, and other nearby Stranger Things filming spots worth checking out.

Where Is the Stranger Things Hawkins Lab in Atlanta?

On screen, it’s Hawkins National Laboratory. In real life, it’s the historic Briarcliff Campus building owned by Emory University.

Basic details:

• Real location name: Emory University Briarcliff Campus
• Approximate address: 1256 Briarcliff Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
• Area: Between the Virginia-Highland / Druid Hills area and North Decatur
• Used for: Exterior shots of Hawkins Lab in multiple seasons of Stranger Things

The building’s tall, institutional look and wooded surroundings made it a perfect stand-in for a secret government facility in small-town Indiana.

Can You Go Inside Hawkins Lab at Briarcliff?

No, the Hawkins Lab building is not open to the public.

The Briarcliff Campus is part of Emory University and is generally a restricted or limited-access property. The specific building used as Hawkins Lab is not operated as a tour site, museum, or public attraction. It is primarily:

• A private university facility
• Sometimes used for filming and internal university purposes

Fans typically experience Hawkins Lab from outside only. You should not attempt to go inside, bypass gates, or ignore posted signs.

What You Can Do at the Briarcliff Campus

While you can’t take an official “Hawkins Lab tour” inside the building, locals and visitors often:

• Drive by or walk nearby to see the recognizable exterior
• Take photos from public or allowed areas (while respecting signs and barriers)
• Use it as a stop on a self-guided Stranger Things locations drive around Atlanta and its suburbs

Because filming rules and campus access can change, it’s wise to:

• Look for “No Trespassing” or “Private Property” postings
• Stay off closed lots, driveways, or gated areas
• Keep to public sidewalks and roads when possible

Quick Reference: Visiting Hawkins Lab at Briarcliff (At a Glance)

Getting There from Around Atlanta

Because access is limited, most fans are aiming for a quick look and photo rather than a full visit.

From Midtown / Downtown Atlanta

• Take major surface routes or interstates toward Briarcliff Rd NE
• Plan for typical Atlanta traffic, especially rush hours
• Parking may be limited—look for legal street parking in surrounding neighborhoods, and watch for signage

From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

• Drive north via I-75/85 and navigate to Briarcliff Rd NE
• Expect 30–50+ minutes depending on traffic
• This can be an easy stop if you’re already planning to explore Virginia-Highland, Druid Hills, or Decatur

Because on-campus parking and access policies can vary, many visitors choose to park legally nearby and walk a short distance if necessary, always respecting neighborhood rules and residents.

Is There an Official Stranger Things Tour at Briarcliff?

There is no official Stranger Things–only tour run by Emory or the Briarcliff Campus itself.

However, in and around Atlanta you’ll find:

• Third-party film location tours that sometimes include drive-bys of Stranger Things spots (especially in the suburbs like Jackson and Douglasville)
• Broader “Atlanta film locations” tours that may touch on Stranger Things alongside other productions filmed in the area

These tours generally operate off-campus and do not take you inside Hawkins Lab. They’re usually focused on exteriors and neighborhood filming spots.

If you’re considering a tour:

• Check what locations are actually included
• Confirm pick-up areas (many depart from central Atlanta spots)
• Expect that Hawkins Lab is usually viewed from the outside only

What the Hawkins Lab Building Looks Like in Real Life

If you’re planning a visit, knowing what to look for helps:

• Tall, institutional façade with a somewhat brutalist style
• Set back from the road, surrounded by trees and sloping ground
• Often appears more neutral and less dramatic in person than in the show (where lighting, fog, and effects enhance it)

On Stranger Things, additional set dressing, props, lighting, and digital effects are used. Don’t be surprised if it feels a bit quieter and less ominous in daylight.

Tips for Visiting Hawkins Lab Respectfully and Safely

To keep your fandom visit smooth and low-stress:

• 🚫 Don’t trespass. Stay on public roads and sidewalks. Respect fences, gates, and posted warnings.
• 📸 Be discreet with photos. Avoid blocking driveways or walkways for “the perfect shot.”
• 🚗 Park legally. Use legal street parking only; do not block fire lanes, private drives, or reserved campus spaces.
• 🤫 Keep noise down. Remember this is a working university area and sometimes a filming location.
• 🧭 Use daytime hours. Visiting in daylight is safer and more respectful for the neighborhood.

Other Stranger Things Locations Around Metro Atlanta

If you’re already making the trip, many fans turn Hawkins Lab into just one stop on a full Stranger Things day around Atlanta and nearby towns. Several of the show’s most iconic spots are within a one- to two-hour drive of the city.

Commonly visited locations include:

1. “Downtown Hawkins” (Jackson, GA)

• Roughly southeast of Atlanta
• Used for the Hawkins town square, local shops, and street scenes
• Walkable small-town core that will feel familiar from the series

2. Hawkins Middle School & Hawkins High (Stockbridge / Fayetteville area)

• Actual school campuses in metro Atlanta used for exterior school scenes
• Access is often limited, especially during school hours and events
• Best viewed from public roads with respect for active school operations

3. Neighborhood Streets and Houses

Some residential areas around Atlanta’s suburbs have been used for:

• The kids’ homes and nearby streets
• Biking and chase scenes

Because these are private homes, most fans limit themselves to brief drive-bys from public streets, without blocking traffic or photographing people’s houses up close.

Combining Hawkins Lab with Other Atlanta Activities

If you’re planning a day around Briarcliff:

• Pair it with Emory and Druid Hills:

  • Nearby historic neighborhoods and tree-lined streets
  • Proximity to Emory University’s main campus, several parks, and local eateries

• Explore Virginia-Highland or Decatur:

  • Short drive to shops, coffee spots, and restaurants
  • Good options for a relaxed lunch or dinner after your location scouting

Many people find it easiest to think of Hawkins Lab at Briarcliff as a quick film-location stop folded into a broader Atlanta arts, culture, and neighborhood exploration.

Practical Expectations for Atlanta-Based Fans

Before you go, it helps to set realistic expectations:

• You will not be touring sets or walking the halls of Hawkins Lab.
• You can see a major Stranger Things landmark in person and recognize the building from the show.
• Access, parking, and visibility may vary based on university activities and any current filming.
• The best experience usually comes from planning a small loop of multiple locations instead of treating Briarcliff as a stand-alone destination.

For locals, the Briarcliff Hawkins Lab building is a reminder of Atlanta’s growing role as a major filming hub. For visitors, it’s a quick, fun way to connect your favorite series to real streets and campuses you can actually drive past.

By going in with clear expectations, respecting Emory’s property, and combining Hawkins Lab with a few other Stranger Things spots around metro Atlanta, you can build a satisfying, fan-focused outing without running into headaches—or Demogorgons.