World of Coca‑Cola Atlanta: A Local’s Guide to Visiting This Downtown Attraction
The World of Coca‑Cola in Atlanta is one of the city’s most recognizable attractions — part museum, part interactive experience, and part tasting room. Whether you live in metro Atlanta or are planning a visit, it helps to know what to expect, how to get there, and how to make the most of your time.
Where the World of Coca‑Cola Is in Atlanta
World of Coca‑Cola is located in downtown Atlanta in the popular Pemberton Place complex, right next to:
- Georgia Aquarium
- Centennial Olympic Park
- National Center for Civil and Human Rights
Address:
World of Coca‑Cola
121 Baker St NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
This central location makes it easy to combine your visit with other major Atlanta attractions in the same day.
What You’ll Experience Inside
World of Coca‑Cola is designed as a self-guided, walk-through attraction. Most visitors spend about 1.5 to 2 hours inside, depending on how long they linger in each area.
Main Experiences and Exhibits
While experiences can change over time, visitors typically encounter:
Lobby & Intro Theater
You’ll usually start with a short film or introductory experience that highlights Coca‑Cola’s global reach and emotional connection to pop culture.The Vault of the Secret Formula
A themed exhibit centered around the “secret formula” legend. Expect digital displays, interactive elements, and a heavy focus on storytelling.Milestones of Refreshment / History Exhibits
These areas trace the history of Coca‑Cola from its origins in Atlanta in the late 1800s, through its expansion worldwide. You’ll see:- Vintage bottles and advertising
- Old vending machines and dispensers
- Historical packaging and marketing campaigns
Pop Culture & Advertising Gallery
A highlight for many visitors, with classic commercials, global ads, and branded merchandise. The iconic Coca‑Cola polar bear photo-op is often here or nearby.Bottle Works (Production-Themed Area)
A gallery-style look at the bottling process. At times, there may be demonstration equipment or displays that show how beverages are bottled and packaged.Taste It! Tasting Room
One of the most memorable sections. You can sample Coca‑Cola products from around the world, often grouped by region. Flavors range from familiar to surprising, and this is where many people spend a good chunk of time.Store / Gift Shop
On your way out, you pass through a large retail store with branded apparel, glassware, collectibles, and Atlanta-specific souvenirs.
Typical Hours and When to Go
Operating hours can shift by season and around holidays, but visitors commonly find that:
- Open daily on most days of the year
- Hours are usually daytime into early evening
- Peak times:
- Weekends
- School holidays and summer
- Days when major events are happening downtown (sports, concerts, conventions)
For the smoothest experience:
- 🕒 Go on weekday mornings when school is in session for the lightest crowds.
- ✅ Check same-day hours before you go, especially around Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and major event weekends in Atlanta.
Tickets, Prices, and How to Buy
World of Coca‑Cola uses timed-entry tickets, especially during busy periods. You choose a time window and enter during that slot.
Common options include:
- General admission tickets
- Child tickets (typically discounted for certain age groups)
- Senior tickets (often available for older adults)
- Occasional group rates for larger parties if booked in advance
Ways Atlanta-area visitors often purchase tickets:
- Online in advance – Most convenient and helps you lock in a specific time.
- On-site at the ticket window – Possible, but popular time slots can sell out during busy seasons.
If you’re planning to visit multiple downtown attractions the same day (like Georgia Aquarium or Zoo Atlanta), look into multi-attraction or combo passes frequently marketed for Atlanta visitors. These can sometimes save money, especially for families or multi-day trips.
Getting to World of Coca‑Cola from Around Atlanta
By Car
World of Coca‑Cola is close to major downtown arteries, including I‑85, I‑75, and I‑20. Common access routes:
- From Midtown: Take Spring St or West Peachtree St south.
- From Buckhead: Head south on Peachtree Rd/Peachtree St or down GA‑400 to I‑85.
- From Decatur/East Atlanta: Use Ponce de Leon Ave or Memorial Dr toward downtown.
Parking:
There are several paid parking options around Pemberton Place and Centennial Olympic Park. Visitors commonly use:
- Nearby surface lots and parking decks within walking distance
- Event-rate parking during big games or conventions (often higher in price)
To avoid surprises, account for parking fees as part of your outing budget.
By MARTA (Public Transit)
MARTA is a practical option, especially if you want to avoid downtown traffic and parking.
Closest stations (both on the Red/Gold line):
- Peachtree Center Station
- CNN Center / GWCC Station (via the Blue/Green line and a short walk through the park area)
From either station, it’s typically about a 10–15 minute walk to the World of Coca‑Cola entrance.
Tips for MARTA riders:
- Buy a Breeze Card or Breeze ticket at the station.
- Traveling from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is straightforward via the Red/Gold line directly into downtown.
On Foot or by Rideshare
If you’re staying at a downtown Atlanta hotel, you can often walk to World of Coca‑Cola in under 15 minutes.
Rideshare pickups and drop-offs are common near Pemberton Place; just check your driver’s app for the best pin location, especially during events.
How Long You’ll Need
Most locals and visitors report spending:
- 1.5 to 2 hours for a relaxed visit
- Up to 3 hours if you:
- Watch every video and exhibit in detail
- Spend extra time in the Tasting Room
- Take lots of photos and shop in the store
If you’re planning to see Georgia Aquarium or the National Center for Civil and Human Rights on the same day, it’s completely doable. A common pattern:
- Morning: Georgia Aquarium
- Early afternoon: Lunch nearby
- Afternoon: World of Coca‑Cola
World of Coca‑Cola Visit at a Glance
| Topic | Quick Details (Atlanta-Specific) |
|---|---|
| Location | 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 (Pemberton Place) |
| Nearby Landmarks | Georgia Aquarium, Centennial Olympic Park, Civil & Human Rights |
| Typical Visit Time | 1.5–2 hours |
| Best Time to Go | Weekday mornings, non-holiday periods |
| Transit Options | MARTA (Peachtree Center / CNN Center), car, rideshare, walking |
| Ticket Type | Timed-entry general admission (with child/senior / group options) |
| Main Highlights | Secret Formula Vault, Taste It! room, pop culture exhibits |
Tips for Atlanta Families and Groups
If you’re visiting with kids or a larger group in Atlanta, a bit of planning can make the day easier.
With Kids
Set expectations about the tasting room
Kids get excited about trying lots of drinks. Decide in advance how long you’ll stay in the Tasting Room and how many flavors they can try.Strollers
The attraction is generally stroller-friendly, but there can be crowd bottlenecks. Compact strollers tend to move more easily.Snacks and meals
World of Coca‑Cola itself is not a full meal destination, so plan to eat before or after at one of the many nearby restaurants in downtown or the Luckie–Marietta District.
With School or Large Groups
Teachers and organizers in metro Atlanta frequently combine World of Coca‑Cola with:
- A Georgia Aquarium field trip
- A history or civil rights unit tied to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights
When planning:
- Look into group ticket options if you have many students or participants.
- Allow extra time for security screening, restroom breaks, and lining up at exhibits.
Accessibility and Visitor Comfort
World of Coca‑Cola is designed to accommodate a wide range of visitors, but it’s helpful to know what to expect:
- Indoor, climate-controlled environment – A good choice for hot Atlanta summers or rainy days.
- Walking and standing – Most of the experience involves walking through galleries and standing during short presentations. There are usually places to pause and sit in some areas.
- Elevators and ramps – Provided for visitors who cannot use stairs.
- Restrooms – Located inside the facility; ask staff at the entrance for the closest locations once you’re in.
If you have specific accessibility needs, calling ahead to confirm current arrangements is often the most reliable approach.
Making a Day of It in Downtown Atlanta
World of Coca‑Cola is well-situated to fit into a full or half-day downtown itinerary. Popular pairings for locals and visitors include:
World of Coca‑Cola + Georgia Aquarium
Ideal family day. Visit the aquarium first (it usually takes longer), then World of Coca‑Cola.World of Coca‑Cola + Centennial Olympic Park
Especially nice in good weather. You can walk the park before or after your visit and let kids play or relax on the lawn.World of Coca‑Cola + Civil and Human Rights Center
A more reflective day focused on history, culture, and social issues, balanced with the lighter branded experience at World of Coca‑Cola.
Nearby neighborhoods like Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and Inman Park offer additional dining and nightlife options if you want to continue exploring Atlanta after your visit.
Practical Planning Checklist
Use this quick list if you’re organizing a visit from anywhere in the Atlanta area:
- ✅ Decide on date and time, avoiding major event days downtown if possible
- ✅ Check current hours and ticket options
- ✅ Choose your transportation:
- MARTA for easy downtown access
- Car + paid parking
- Rideshare if you want to skip parking entirely
- ✅ Plan for 1.5–2 hours inside
- ✅ Combine with another nearby attraction or park time if you want a fuller day
- ✅ Budget for parking, tickets, and souvenirs
A visit to the World of Coca‑Cola Atlanta offers a mix of local history, nostalgia, and hands-on fun, all centered in the heart of downtown. With a bit of planning that fits Atlanta’s layout, traffic, and transit options, it’s straightforward to add this attraction to your day in the city.
