The Georgia Aquarium in downtown Atlanta is a destination on its own—but many of the city’s best attractions are clustered within a short walk or quick ride. Whether you’re planning a full day around the aquarium or looking for something nearby to fill a few extra hours, there’s plenty to do without ever leaving the heart of the city.
Below is a locally focused guide to top attractions near the Georgia Aquarium, with walking times, what to expect, and practical tips for visitors and Atlanta residents alike.
The Georgia Aquarium’s address is:
It sits in the downtown Atlanta entertainment district, right by Centennial Olympic Park. Within about a 10-minute walk, you’ll find major attractions, green space, museums, sports venues, and family-friendly activities.
| Attraction | Type | Approx. Walk From Aquarium | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| World of Coca‑Cola | Museum/Brand Experience | 2–3 minutes | Families, first-time visitors |
| Centennial Olympic Park | Park/Outdoor | 2–5 minutes | Picnics, kids, relaxing |
| National Center for Civil and Human Rights | History/Museum | 5 minutes | Adults, teens, history buffs |
| College Football Hall of Fame | Sports/Museum | 8–10 minutes | Sports fans, families |
| SkyView Atlanta (Ferris wheel) | View/Photo Spot | 10 minutes | Couples, night views |
| State Farm Arena | Sports/Concert Venue | 10–12 minutes | Games, shows |
| CNN Center area / Centennial Park District | Dining/Walkaround | 8–10 minutes | Meals before/after aquarium |
| Children’s Museum of Atlanta | Children’s Museum | 8–10 minutes | Young kids (8 and under) |
Distance: About 2–3 minutes on foot
Location: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Right beside the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca‑Cola is one of the most popular follow-up stops. The museum-style experience focuses on the history of Coca‑Cola, its advertising, and its global reach.
What to expect:
Local tip:
If you’re planning to visit both the aquarium and World of Coca‑Cola in one day, it can be easier to park once in a nearby garage and walk between them rather than moving your car. Many Atlanta locals use the Georgia Aquarium parking deck on Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd or nearby pay lots and walk to both attractions.
Distance: 2–5 minutes on foot (depending on where you enter the park)
Location: 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Directly across from the aquarium, Centennial Olympic Park offers open lawns, fountains, and paved walking paths. It’s a convenient place to take a break before or after your aquarium visit.
Highlights:
Why Atlanta residents use it:
Locals often treat the park as a meet-up spot or picnic area, especially when combining the aquarium with other nearby attractions. If you’re downtown with kids, this is an easy way to get some outdoor time without leaving the area.
Distance: About 5 minutes on foot
Location: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Just a short walk from the aquarium, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights connects Atlanta’s civil rights history to ongoing human rights issues.
What you’ll find:
Good to know:
This attraction is especially meaningful for visitors looking to understand Atlanta’s deeper historic and social context. Many locals recommend pairing the aquarium (more playful, family-oriented) with this center (more reflective and educational) for a balanced downtown day.
Distance: 8–10 minutes on foot
Location: 250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
The College Football Hall of Fame is close enough to visit the same day as the aquarium, especially if you’re a football fan.
Features include:
Who it’s best for:
Families with sports-loving kids, college football enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a high-energy experience close to the aquarium.
Distance: Around 10 minutes on foot
Location: 168 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
The SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel offers aerial views of the Georgia Aquarium, Centennial Olympic Park, and the Atlanta skyline.
What to know:
Local perspective:
Some Atlanta residents recommend riding SkyView at sunset or after dark, especially if you’ve spent the daytime hours inside the aquarium and nearby museums.
Distance: 10–12 minutes on foot
Location: 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
Home to the Atlanta Hawks and major concerts, State Farm Arena is part of the same downtown zone as the Georgia Aquarium.
Why it’s relevant if you’re planning around the aquarium:
Practical note:
If you’re attending a night event at State Farm Arena, consider walking through Centennial Olympic Park from the aquarium area, or follow well-lit streets along Marietta St NW or Andrew Young International Blvd.
Distance: About 8–10 minutes on foot
Location: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
If you’re visiting the aquarium with young children, the nearby Children’s Museum of Atlanta is another popular stop.
Highlights:
Planning tip for families:
Many Atlanta parents plan a morning at the Georgia Aquarium (often when kids have more energy) and then head to the Children’s Museum after lunch, or vice versa, depending on nap schedules.
If you’re willing to take a quick ride or a slightly longer walk, you can reach several more notable Atlanta attractions from the aquarium area.
While the CNN studio tours have changed over time, the CNN Center complex and surrounding blocks remain a hub for food and general activity near Centennial Olympic Park.
Distance: About 15–20 minutes on foot or a short rideshare
Location: 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Home to the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS), Mercedes‑Benz Stadium is reachable from the Georgia Aquarium.
Many people:
The area around the Georgia Aquarium is designed for pedestrians:
If you’re staying at a downtown hotel, you can often walk to the aquarium and many of the nearby sites in 10–15 minutes.
The Georgia Aquarium is accessible via MARTA rail and bus:
Many local commuters and budget-conscious visitors use MARTA to avoid downtown parking costs, then walk between the aquarium and nearby attractions.
If you’re driving:
🚗 Tip: Plan to leave your car parked and walk to multiple destinations. Moving your vehicle between attractions can add time and additional parking fees.
If you want to make the most of the attractions around the Georgia Aquarium, here are a few sample combinations Atlanta visitors and locals commonly use:
If you’re near the Georgia Aquarium, you are already in the middle of one of Atlanta’s most walkable and attraction-rich districts. With major museums, parks, family activities, and entertainment venues within a few blocks, it’s easy to fill a half day or a full weekend without ever leaving downtown.
