Exploring Pemberton Place in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

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.

What Is Pemberton Place in Atlanta?

Pemberton Place is a pedestrian-friendly complex and public plaza in downtown Atlanta, best known as the home of:

• World of Coca‑Cola
• Georgia Aquarium
• The Center for Civil and Human Rights

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.

Where Pemberton Place Is Located & How It Fits Into Downtown

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.

Neighborhood context

• District: Downtown Atlanta
• Nearby landmarks: Centennial Olympic Park, College Football Hall of Fame, CNN Center, and the Georgia World Congress Center
• Walkability: The area is designed for walking between attractions, with plazas, sidewalks, and crosswalks that connect everything into one continuous experience

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.

Major Attractions at Pemberton Place

World of Coca‑Cola

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:

• Exhibits on the history of Coca‑Cola and its connection to the city
• A look at memorabilia, advertising, and bottling displays
• A tasting area with drinks from around the world

Locals often bring out-of-town guests here, especially if they want to highlight Atlanta’s corporate history and brand heritage.

Georgia Aquarium

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:

• Large aquatic exhibits featuring animals like whale sharks and manta rays
• Interactive experiences and educational programs
• Family-friendly activities that are manageable in a half-day or full-day visit

For Atlanta families, the aquarium is a common choice for weekend outings, school breaks, and special occasions.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

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:

• Galleries dedicated to the U.S. Civil Rights Movement
• Exhibitions tied to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other key figures
• Installations that explore contemporary human rights topics

Atlanta residents often return here for rotating exhibits, educational events, and deeper context on the city’s role in civil rights history.

Pemberton Place at a Glance

Here’s a simple overview to help you compare what’s at Pemberton Place and how people commonly use each space:

*Centennial Olympic Park is just across the street from Pemberton Place and often part of the same itinerary.

Getting to Pemberton Place in Atlanta

By MARTA

If you’re using MARTA, Pemberton Place is reachable without a car:

• Take the Red or Gold line to Peachtree Center Station or Civic Center Station.
• From either station, expect about a 10–15 minute walk to Pemberton Place, depending on your pace and route.

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.

By Car

If you’re driving:

• Multiple parking garages and lots serve the attractions around Pemberton Place.
• Rates vary by day and event schedule; costs typically increase during big games, concerts, and conventions.

If you’re local, it can be useful to:

• Park once and walk between multiple attractions
• Check whether your chosen attraction offers guidance on nearby parking garages

Walking and Biking

Downtown sidewalks around Pemberton Place are generally:

• Wide and well-marked
• Busy during peak visitor seasons, weekends, and event days

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.

What It’s Like to Spend Time at Pemberton Place

Atmosphere

Pemberton Place feels like a central gathering point in downtown:

• The central plaza includes open space, seating areas, and spots for photos.
• You’ll typically see a mix of local families, school groups, tourists, and convention attendees.
• During busy times (holidays, spring break, major weekends), lines and crowds around the aquarium and World of Coca‑Cola can be significant.

If you prefer a quieter experience, mornings on weekdays (outside of school holidays) often feel more relaxed.

Food and Refreshments

Options around Pemberton Place typically include:

• Cafés and quick-service food within the major attractions themselves
• Fast-casual and sit-down restaurants within a short walk, especially around Centennial Olympic Park Drive and Marietta Street
• Food trucks or temporary vendors during festivals or large events nearby

Atlanta locals familiar with downtown often plan to:

• Eat before or after aquarium or museum visits, rather than relying only on in-attraction options
• Choose a nearby restaurant to break up a full day at multiple attractions

Tickets and Timing

While Pemberton Place itself is an open area, each major attraction requires separate admission. For smoother visits:

• Many people purchase tickets in advance, especially for the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca‑Cola.
• Time-specific entry windows may apply during busy periods.

Atlanta residents sometimes make use of membership options at certain attractions if they plan to visit multiple times per year, especially families with children.

Tips for Atlanta Locals Visiting Pemberton Place

If you live in metro Atlanta, Pemberton Place can be more than a “tourist area” if you time and plan it right:

• Use off-peak hours: Weekday mornings or late afternoons outside major holidays often have shorter lines and less crowding.
• Leverage annual passes or memberships: These can make spontaneous short visits possible without worrying about getting full value from a single-day ticket.
• Combine with nearby stops:
  • A quick walk through Centennial Olympic Park
  • A visit to the College Football Hall of Fame
  • A meal at a nearby downtown restaurant

Locals sometimes use Pemberton Place as a go-to option for:

• Entertaining out-of-town guests
• School breaks and teacher workdays
• Indoor activities during hot summer days or rainy weather

Planning a Visit if You’re Traveling to Atlanta

If you’re coming from out of town and want to see Pemberton Place efficiently:

1. Choose your anchor attraction(s):

   • Georgia Aquarium for marine life
   • World of Coca‑Cola for brand and Atlanta history
   • Center for Civil and Human Rights for culture and education

2. Map out your day:

   • Many visitors do two attractions plus lunch in one full day.
   • Add a walk through Centennial Olympic Park if you have extra time.

3. Stay nearby if possible:

   • Hotels in downtown Atlanta often put you within easy walking distance of Pemberton Place, the park, and event venues.

4. Use MARTA or rideshare:

   • This can be simpler than navigating event traffic and parking, especially during large conventions or sports events.

Practical Details and Contacts

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

  • Address: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  • General info: Look up current hours, ticket details, and group visit options directly through the attraction.

• Georgia Aquarium

  • Address: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  • General info: Check for operating hours, special exhibits, and any timed-entry requirements.

• National Center for Civil and Human Rights

  • Address: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  • General info: Verify exhibit schedules, ticket information, and any special events or programs.

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.

Is Pemberton Place Worth Visiting?

For most people interested in Atlanta, Pemberton Place is a central, high-impact area to explore:

• It concentrates three major attractions in one walkable space.
• It connects naturally with Centennial Olympic Park and downtown’s main visitor corridor.
• It offers a mix of family activities, educational experiences, and city history in one place.

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.