Pemberton Place is one of downtown Atlanta’s most visited destinations, especially if you’re interested in Atlanta’s history, major attractions, and walkable public spaces. Whether you live in the city, are planning a visit, or are trying to understand how this part of Atlanta fits together, Pemberton Place is worth knowing well.
Pemberton Place is a pedestrian-friendly complex and public plaza in downtown Atlanta, best known as the home of:
It sits right next to Centennial Olympic Park, creating a cluster of attractions that locals and visitors often experience in the same day.
Address commonly used for the area:
121 Baker St NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
While different attractions on the property have their own addresses and entrances, references to “Pemberton Place” usually mean this shared campus and plaza.
Pemberton Place is in the heart of downtown Atlanta, within easy reach of major hotels, offices, and event venues like State Farm Arena and Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.
For Atlanta residents, Pemberton Place is often part of a “day downtown” that might also include an event, a Hawks or Falcons game, or a convention. For visitors, it’s one of the easiest places to see several major Atlanta highlights in a compact area.
Address:
World of Coca‑Cola
121 Baker St NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
World of Coca‑Cola is a museum and experience dedicated to the Coca‑Cola brand, which has deep roots in Atlanta. Visitors typically come for:
Locals often bring out-of-town guests here, especially if they want to highlight Atlanta’s corporate history and brand heritage.
Address:
Georgia Aquarium
225 Baker St NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
The Georgia Aquarium is one of the city’s biggest draws and is located directly adjacent to Pemberton Place’s central plaza. People typically visit for:
For Atlanta families, the aquarium is a common choice for weekend outings, school breaks, and special occasions.
Address:
National Center for Civil and Human Rights
100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Located on the northern side of Pemberton Place, this museum connects Atlanta’s civil rights history with global human rights issues. Visitors typically experience:
Atlanta residents often return here for rotating exhibits, educational events, and deeper context on the city’s role in civil rights history.
Here’s a simple overview to help you compare what’s at Pemberton Place and how people commonly use each space:
| Spot at/near Pemberton Place | Main Focus | Typical Visit Length | Good For |
|---|---|---|---|
| World of Coca‑Cola | Brand history, exhibits, tastings | 1.5–2.5 hours | Visitors, families, brand/history fans |
| Georgia Aquarium | Marine life, large exhibits | 2–4+ hours | Families, school groups, date nights |
| Civil & Human Rights Center | Civil rights & human rights education | 1.5–3 hours | Adults, teens, history & civic engagement |
| Central plaza/green spaces | Walking, meetups, photos, short breaks | 15–60 minutes | Anyone between attractions |
| Centennial Olympic Park* | Park, fountains, events (adjacent) | Flexible | Picnics, kids, casual downtown time |
*Centennial Olympic Park is just across the street from Pemberton Place and often part of the same itinerary.
If you’re using MARTA, Pemberton Place is reachable without a car:
MARTA buses that serve the downtown area can also get you close; route details can be checked directly with MARTA. This can be a practical choice for Atlanta residents who want to avoid downtown parking.
If you’re driving:
If you’re local, it can be useful to:
Downtown sidewalks around Pemberton Place are generally:
Some people also bike to the area from nearby neighborhoods, using downtown streets and bike routes. If you do, be aware of event closures and heavy pedestrian traffic around major festivals and game days.
Pemberton Place feels like a central gathering point in downtown:
If you prefer a quieter experience, mornings on weekdays (outside of school holidays) often feel more relaxed.
Options around Pemberton Place typically include:
Atlanta locals familiar with downtown often plan to:
While Pemberton Place itself is an open area, each major attraction requires separate admission. For smoother visits:
Atlanta residents sometimes make use of membership options at certain attractions if they plan to visit multiple times per year, especially families with children.
If you live in metro Atlanta, Pemberton Place can be more than a “tourist area” if you time and plan it right:
Locals sometimes use Pemberton Place as a go-to option for:
If you’re coming from out of town and want to see Pemberton Place efficiently:
Choose your anchor attraction(s):
Map out your day:
Stay nearby if possible:
Use MARTA or rideshare:
Here are some key points to keep handy when planning around Pemberton Place (information may change over time, so double-check specifics before you go):
World of Coca‑Cola
Georgia Aquarium
National Center for Civil and Human Rights
For broader questions about downtown events and visitor services, many people also reference Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau resources or downtown visitor centers for up‑to‑date guidance on what’s happening around Pemberton Place.
For most people interested in Atlanta, Pemberton Place is a central, high-impact area to explore:
Whether you’re a local planning a family outing or a visitor trying to make the most of a short stay, understanding how Pemberton Place fits into Atlanta’s downtown helps you plan your time, transportation, and budget more effectively.
