Things to do in Cherokee County

Gibbs Gardens

Olde Rope Mill Park

Etowah River Park

MadLife Stage & Studios

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Piedmont Atlantic Megaregion

World of Coca-Cola

The World of Coca-Cola is located in Pemberton Plaza in downtown Atlanta, sharing the same campus as the Georgia Aquarium. In 1886, pharmacist John Pemberton created Coca-Cola in this city, and the company headquarters remains in Atlanta to this day, making it the birthplace of the brand. The museum presents the brand's journey from a syrup-based soda to a globally renowned name through interactive exhibits. Highlights focus on two themes: "the formula" and "the flavor." The secret formula exhibit tells the story of this closely guarded trade secret—from its creation in 1886 to its relocation to the museum's vault in 2011—alongside legends about the formula and stories of early imitators and competitors. The "Coca-Cola story" exhibit showcases hundreds of artifacts to recount the brand's history, recreating an early 20th-century soda fountain where virtual staff share stories from the archives with visitors. You can also use AI to generate a vintage-style ad starring yourself in front of retro billboards, and posing with a 1939 delivery truck is a popular photo spot. The museum theater screens a approx. 6-min film highlighting joyful moments from around the world. The tasting area is often saved for last, offering samples of over 100 Coca-Cola beverages from across the globe—sweet, spicy, and even salty flavors, many unavailable elsewhere. Italy's bitter Beverly drink has become a legendary "dare challenge." Hands-on visitors can mix their own custom drink at the beverage lab or explore how scent influences taste in the aroma discovery exhibit. Polar bear photo ops are scheduled, so check on-site notices after entry. The museum is fun and relaxed, perfect for family-friendly visits and brand followers alike, and the souvenir shop offers Coca-Cola merchandise before you leave.

Hobgood Park

Cherokee Veterans Park

2026 Global 100 - Family-friendly Attractions

Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is located in downtown Atlanta, USA, and is one of the largest aquariums in the world. Notably, whale sharks—these "giants of the sea"—are extremely difficult to raise in captivity, and only a handful of aquariums worldwide house them, making this one a rare attraction. Many travelers visit Atlanta specifically for this reason. The aquarium features multiple themed zones, including the Ocean Voyager exhibit, Cold Water Quest, Tropical Diver, Sharks! Predators of the Deep, River Scout, Dolphin Coast, and Sea Lion Point, offering a comprehensive view of marine life from deep-sea giants to tropical fish. The centerpiece Ocean Voyager exhibit is a massive tank holding millions of gallons of water, where whale sharks and manta rays glide overhead while various sharks patrol the area. Walking through the underwater tunnel or pausing at the floor-to-ceiling viewing window immerses you in the awe-inspiring sight of swirling fish schools. The Cold Water Quest zone is home to beluga whales, sea otters, African penguins, and giant Pacific octopuses—the snow-white belugas often captivate visitors for extended periods. In the Tropical Diver zone, slow down to spot master camouflagers like weedy sea dragons, while vibrant live corals and schools of reef fish create a mesmerizing display in the large living reef tank. The Sharks! Predators of the Deep zone stars intimidating species like tiger sharks and sand tiger sharks for a thrilling experience. At River Scout, agile small-clawed otters and massive alligator snapping turtles steal the show. Daily bottlenose dolphin shows and California sea lion performances are family favorites, and interactive areas like the touch pool are perfect for children to explore. Pro tip: Dolphin and sea lion shows have limited daily time slots and seating (first-come, first-served), so plan your viewing order early during peak hours. The entirely indoor, seamless route makes the aquarium an ideal choice for rainy or hot days.

Woofstock Dog Park

Pemberton Place

Pemberton Place is adjacent to Centennial Olympic Park and is an urban cultural plaza covering approx. 20 acres. The plaza is named after John Pemberton, the inventor of Coca-Cola—The Coca-Cola Company acquired this once-neglected city block in the 1990s, first building "Coca-Cola Olympic City" for the 1996 Olympic Games, and subsequently donated the land for the development of urban cultural tourism. Today, it brings together three cultural venues: the World of Coca-Cola, the Georgia Aquarium, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, forming an important cultural tourism hub in downtown Atlanta. The plaza features open green spaces and pedestrian areas, perfect for a short break or a leisurely stroll between visiting the venues.