Visiting the World of Coca‑Cola in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

World of Coca‑Cola is one of downtown Atlanta’s signature attractions and a popular stop for locals and visitors alike. Located next to Centennial Olympic Park and the Georgia Aquarium, it offers an interactive look at one of the world’s most recognizable brands—with a distinctly Atlanta flavor.

Whether you live in the city and are planning a weekend outing, or you’re in town for a short visit, this guide walks through what to expect, how to plan your trip, and how to make the most of your time at World of Coca‑Cola in Atlanta, Georgia.

Where World of Coca‑Cola Is and How to Get There

Address:
World of Coca‑Cola
121 Baker St NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone (main info line): (404) 676‑5151

The attraction sits in Pemberton Place, a landscaped plaza in downtown Atlanta that it shares with the Georgia Aquarium and the Center for Civil and Human Rights.

Getting There by Car

World of Coca‑Cola is accessible from most major Atlanta highways:

• From I‑85/I‑75 (Downtown Connector): Take exits toward Williams St/International Blvd/Aquarium/Centennial Olympic Park and follow signs for the Aquarium/World of Coke.
• From I‑20: Connect to the Downtown Connector and follow signs to downtown/Aquarium/Centennial Olympic Park.

Parking options nearby typically include:

• Official parking decks serving Pemberton Place
• Additional paid garages and surface lots around Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW and Luckie St NW

Tip: 🅿️ Allow extra time for parking on weekends, holidays, and game/event days around Mercedes‑Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena.

Getting There by MARTA

If you want to avoid downtown traffic, MARTA is a practical option:

• Take the Red or Gold rail line to Peachtree Center Station.
  • From there, it’s roughly a 10–15 minute walk west via John Portman Blvd toward Centennial Olympic Park.
• Multiple bus routes also serve the downtown area around Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW and Baker St NW.

MARTA can be especially convenient if you’re staying in Midtown, Buckhead, or near the airport.

What to Expect Inside: Main Experiences and Exhibits

World of Coca‑Cola is designed as a self‑guided attraction with a mix of interactive exhibits, memorabilia, theater experiences, and tasting areas. Most Atlanta visitors spend about 1.5–2 hours inside, though you can go faster or slower.

Here are the core areas most people look forward to:

The Lobby and Intro Experience

You’ll usually start with:

• A welcome space that showcases Coca‑Cola artifacts and global memorabilia.
• An introductory theater or presentation that sets the tone, emphasizing Atlanta’s role as the birthplace of Coca‑Cola in the late 1800s.

This portion is fairly passive but helps frame the rest of your visit.

The “Secret Formula” and Brand History

Coca‑Cola’s famous formula is part of the attraction’s storytelling:

• Vault of the Secret Formula–style exhibits often use interactive elements and immersive rooms to hint at the brand’s history and mystique.
• Historical displays trace Coca‑Cola’s roots from an Atlanta pharmacy to a global brand, including early bottling equipment, vintage ads, and classic packaging.

Atlanta residents tend to appreciate the local tie‑ins, such as references to Pemberton’s original recipe and the company’s long-standing presence in the city.

Advertising and Pop Culture

One of the most visually interesting sections focuses on advertising, featuring:

• Historic print ads and classic posters
• Iconic TV commercials (including seasonal favorites)
• Displays of Coca‑Cola in music, film, and sports

This area can be especially nostalgic for long‑time Atlanta residents who remember local campaigns and regional promotions.

Bottling Line and Production Display

World of Coca‑Cola typically includes a bottling line exhibit showing how beverages are cleaned, filled, capped, and packaged. While it’s not a full‑scale factory, it gives a sense of the process and often fascinates kids and adults alike.

The Tasting Experience

For many visitors, the highlight is the tasting area where you can sample:

• Classic Coca‑Cola products
• Popular beverages from around the world that the Coca‑Cola Company produces

You’ll usually find multiple “stations” grouped by region, allowing you to try drinks associated with different continents or countries. It’s self‑serve, and you can taste as much or as little as you like during your visit.

Tip: 🥤 Keep track of what you enjoy—some of the beverages may be easier to find in international markets than in Atlanta grocery stores.

Tickets, Hours, and Best Times to Visit

Details can change over time, but visitors generally encounter:

• Timed-entry tickets during busier periods
• Extended hours on weekends or peak travel seasons
• Shorter hours on certain weekdays or during special events

Because schedules and prices can vary, it’s wise to check current hours and ticket information directly with World of Coca‑Cola before you go, especially around:

• School holidays (spring break, summer)
• Major Atlanta events and festivals
• Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year periods

Crowds and Timing

If you’re planning your visit from within Atlanta, consider:

• Weekdays, late morning or mid‑afternoon usually feel less crowded than Saturdays and Sundays.
• Early morning can be busy with school and tour groups during the academic year.
• Rainy days in Atlanta tend to push more people toward indoor attractions like World of Coca‑Cola, the Aquarium, and the nearby museums.

Locals often prefer to reserve weekends for outdoor activities in Piedmont Park or the BeltLine and choose a weekday for World of Coca‑Cola to avoid the heaviest traffic and lines.

How Long to Plan for Your Visit

Most visitors who explore at a comfortable pace spend:

• About 90 minutes for a quick walkthrough
• Up to 2–2.5 hours if they linger at exhibits, watch more videos, and sample many drinks in the tasting area

If you’re combining World of Coca‑Cola with:

• Georgia Aquarium – Plan a full day in Pemberton Place.
• Center for Civil and Human Rights – Many people pair this with World of Coca‑Cola on a single day, with lunch in between in the Centennial Olympic Park area.

Accessibility and Visitor Amenities

World of Coca‑Cola is designed to be accessible and visitor‑friendly. Common amenities include:

• Wheelchair accessibility and elevators between floors
• Restrooms throughout the building
• Climate‑controlled indoor spaces, which is useful given Atlanta’s hot summers and unpredictable thunderstorms
• Gift shop with branded merchandise, apparel, and collectibles

If anyone in your group has specific accessibility needs, you can call ahead to the main information line for the most detailed and current guidance.

Visiting With Kids or Larger Groups

Families with Children

For families living in or visiting Atlanta, World of Coca‑Cola is a manageable half‑day outing:

What kids usually enjoy:

• Interactive displays and touchscreens
• The tasting area with drinks from around the world
• Colorful branding, characters, and photo ops

Tips for families:

• 🕒 Aim for off‑peak times if you have younger children who don’t do well in crowds.
• 🧃 Bring water or take breaks between the tasting area and other exhibits, especially for younger kids.

School Groups and Organizations

Atlanta‑area schools, camps, and clubs often arrange group visits. Group reservations typically allow:

• Pre‑scheduled entry times
• Special group rates or policies

If you are an organizer, it’s a good idea to coordinate:

• Arrival times to avoid overlap with other field trips
• A plan for lunch before or after—many groups walk to the Centennial Olympic Park green space or nearby casual dining options.

Combining World of Coca‑Cola With Other Atlanta Attractions

Because World of Coca‑Cola is in the heart of downtown Atlanta, it fits neatly into a broader “things to do” itinerary.

Nearby Attractions Within Walking Distance

All of these are clustered around Pemberton Place and Centennial Olympic Park:

• Georgia Aquarium – Major draw for families and visitors
• Center for Civil and Human Rights – Museum exploring civil rights history and global human rights
• Centennial Olympic Park – Urban park with fountains, lawns, and event spaces
• College Football Hall of Fame – Interactive sports museum a short walk away
• State Farm Arena and Mercedes‑Benz Stadium – Close enough to combine a visit with a game or concert if timing allows

If you live in the Atlanta metro area, it’s common to dedicate different weekends to different clusters of attractions to avoid fatigue and give yourself a chance to explore the surrounding neighborhoods.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Visitors and Locals

Here’s a quick reference for planning your visit:

Is World of Coca‑Cola Worth It If You Live in Atlanta?

Many Atlanta residents visit at least once, often when:

• Hosting out‑of‑town guests
• Planning a downtown “staycation”
• Introducing kids to Atlanta’s role in Coca‑Cola’s history

It is especially appealing if you:

• Enjoy brand history, design, and advertising
• Like interactive museum‑style experiences
• Want an activity that is fully indoors and centrally located

If you’re more interested in outdoor activities, live music, or neighborhood exploration, you might treat World of Coca‑Cola as a one‑time visit and spend future weekends exploring areas like Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, or the Atlanta BeltLine instead.

How to Plan Your Day Around World of Coca‑Cola

To make the most of your time in downtown Atlanta:

1. Check ticket availability and hours for World of Coca‑Cola for your chosen date.
2. Decide whether you’ll drive or take MARTA, factoring in possible event traffic.
3. Build a flexible schedule:
   • Morning at Georgia Aquarium, lunch nearby, afternoon at World of Coca‑Cola
   • Or late morning at World of Coca‑Cola, picnic or walk in Centennial Olympic Park, then another attraction
4. Keep an eye on Atlanta event calendars, especially for the nearby stadiums and arenas, which can impact traffic and parking.

With a bit of planning, World of Coca‑Cola can be a smooth, enjoyable stop on your list of things to do in Atlanta, whether you call the city home or are just here for a few days.