Stepping out of the covered walkway, visitors arrive at Pemberton Place, where the main entrance to the Georgia Aquarium dominates the square. Signs marked “Enter Here” and guiding barriers direct the flow toward ticket counters and security, keeping the process smooth and organized.
The aquarium is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. General admission is about $54.99, while the flexible Anytime Admission is $67.99, and an annual membership runs around $110. Tickets for special shows — like the dolphin or sea lion presentations — cost about $15 extra. Buying tickets online in advance is strongly recommended, especially on weekends and holidays, to ensure entry at your preferred time.
At the entrance, a striking blue wall carries the message “Your Ticket Supports…” — explaining how every purchase helps fund global conservation: coral reef restoration, beluga whale research in the Arctic, whale shark protection in Indonesia, and breeding programs for zebra sharks and African penguins. It’s a reminder that the aquarium is not just about entertainment but also about science and stewardship of the oceans.
Visiting the Georgia Aquarium is therefore more than a walk through underwater tunnels — it’s also a contribution to worldwide wildlife conservation. And the entrance zone at Pemberton Place feels like a grand lobby, setting the tone for one of Atlanta’s most celebrated cultural landmarks.
Atlanta began as a modest railway stop — the end of the line that unexpectedly grew into the South’s busiest hub. The city was burned to the ground during the Civil War, yet out of the ashes rose a bold, industrious Atlanta. This is the birthplace of Coca-Cola, the cradle of the modern Civil Rights Movement, and home to the largest Black middle class in the United States. Few cities embody change and resilience the way Atlanta does.
At the heart of downtown lies Pemberton Place, a cultural crossroads where three icons stand side by side: the vast Georgia Aquarium, the playful World of Coca-Cola, and the moving Center for Civil and Human Rights. A short walk from the parking lot takes you past fountains and green lawns straight into this vibrant trio.
The Georgia Aquarium is breathtaking in scale — the largest in the Western Hemisphere. Its glass tunnel immerses you in the deep, as whale sharks and graceful manta rays glide overhead, surrounded by a dazzling cast of marine life. The highlight for many visitors is the dolphin presentation in the “Ocean Theater,” a show where science and spectacle merge to reveal the intelligence and energy of these remarkable animals.
The World of Coca-Cola tells another side of Atlanta’s story. From Dr. John Pemberton’s original pharmacy syrup to a brand recognized by billions, the museum traces the evolution of a cultural icon. Visitors marvel at the legendary vault said to guard the secret formula, and the experience ends in the famous tasting room — more than 100 flavors from 40 countries. From familiar Fanta and Sprite to exotic drinks that spark delight or surprise, every sip is part of a global journey that began right here in Atlanta.
