Spending the day at the Georgia Aquarium in Downtown Atlanta and wondering what else is nearby? You’re in one of the most activity-packed spots in the city. Within a short walk or quick ride, you can fill out a full day (or weekend) with museums, parks, food, sports, and nightlife.
Below is a practical guide to things to do near the Atlanta Aquarium—all tailored to how people actually move around and explore this part of the city.
| Type of Activity | Nearby Spot (Walkable) | Approx. Distance from Aquarium* |
|---|---|---|
| Park & Green Space | Centennial Olympic Park | Across the street / 2–5 minutes |
| History & Civil Rights | National Center for Civil and Human Rights | 2–3 minutes |
| Kids & Family Museum | Children’s Museum of Atlanta | 3–5 minutes |
| Sports & Entertainment | State Farm Arena | 10–12 minutes |
| Iconic “Atlanta” Photo | SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel | 8–10 minutes |
| College Football Museum | College Football Hall of Fame | 7–10 minutes |
*Walking times are approximate and depend on your pace and route.
The Georgia Aquarium sits in Pemberton Place, a pedestrian-friendly area in Downtown with several major attractions clustered together.
If you want something meaningful and reflective after your aquarium visit, walk a couple of minutes to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
Tip: Many Atlanta locals pair the aquarium in the morning and the Civil and Human Rights Center in the afternoon to balance a fun activity with something more educational.
Directly across from the aquarium, Centennial Olympic Park offers open space and city views:
If you’re visiting with kids, planning a stroller-friendly day, or just need a break from indoor crowds, this park is one of the most convenient options.
The area around the Georgia Aquarium is built for families. You can easily spend an entire day without getting in a car.
A short walk from the aquarium, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta is designed for younger kids:
Parents in Atlanta often turn this combination into a day: morning at the aquarium, lunch nearby, and afternoon playtime at the children’s museum.
If your family includes sports fans, walk a few blocks to the College Football Hall of Fame near Centennial Olympic Park:
This is a good option if you want something energetic and kid-friendly but different from a traditional museum.
You don’t have to go far from the aquarium to feel like you’ve “seen Atlanta.”
Located just off Centennial Olympic Park, SkyView Atlanta is a large Ferris wheel with enclosed gondolas:
Many visitors plan a short ride here after the aquarium and before dinner.
Walkable from the aquarium, State Farm Arena is home to the Atlanta Hawks and a major concert venue:
If you’re planning a full downtown day, you can visit the aquarium earlier, grab dinner nearby, then head to an evening game or show.
If you’re comfortable walking 10–20 minutes or taking a short ride, more options open up.
While CNN’s operations have shifted over time, the area around the former CNN Center still functions as a hub for:
This is often where families and groups grab a meal between attractions.
A bit deeper into Downtown, you’ll find Woodruff Park and historic buildings along Peachtree Street:
This can be a good place if you want to see a slightly less tourist-focused side of Downtown.
You don’t have to go far for food—options range from fast-casual to sit-down restaurants.
Within a short walk of the aquarium and Centennial Olympic Park, you’ll typically find:
These are convenient when you’re managing kids’ schedules, trying to keep costs under control, or fitting in multiple attractions.
If you have more time:
Tip: If you’re headed to a big game or concert at State Farm Arena, plan to eat before you walk over—lines near event time can get long.
If you’ve had your fill of indoor attractions, there are still plenty of low-key things to do near the aquarium.
Beyond the Fountain of Rings, the park offers:
Locals sometimes use the area around the aquarium and park as a gentle walking loop for visitors who want to stretch their legs.
Within a 10–15 minute walk, you can also find:
These are not destinations on their own, but they are useful for resting between activities, especially if you’re visiting in warmer months.
If you want to pick up something to remember your visit or bring home to kids, there are several options nearby.
The most convenient spots for souvenirs are inside or adjacent to major attractions:
These shops are walkable from one another and often visited back-to-back.
In the wider Downtown area around the aquarium, you can also find:
These are practical if you’re staying in a nearby hotel and need essentials or small gifts.
The Georgia Aquarium is centrally located, and multiple transportation options make it easy to combine activities.
The closest MARTA rail stations are:
From either station, it’s typically a 10–15 minute walk to the aquarium and surrounding attractions.
MARTA can be a convenient option if:
Around the aquarium and Pemberton Place, there are several structured parking decks and lots that serve:
Pricing and availability can vary by time of day and whether there is a major event, so many Atlanta visitors:
Sidewalks around the aquarium, Centennial Olympic Park, and most nearby attractions are:
If accessibility is a concern, planning your day so that you minimize backtracking—for example, moving in a simple loop from aquarium → park → nearby museums—can be helpful.
To make the most of your time, it helps to group activities that are close to each other and match your pace.
If you’re visiting Atlanta and centering your plans around the aquarium area, keeping a few basics in mind can make your day smoother.
The area around the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is one of the city’s most convenient hubs for first-time visitors and locals showing guests around. With parks, museums, sports, views, and plenty of places to eat, you can easily build a day—or an entire weekend—around this one part of Atlanta without running out of things to do.
