Is Atlanta Home to the World’s Biggest Aquarium?

If you’ve heard people talk about the Georgia Aquarium like it’s the largest in the world, you’re not imagining things. For years, Atlanta has been known for having one of the biggest and most impressive aquariums anywhere, and it’s still widely recognized as one of the top few in the world by size and collection.

The short answer: Atlanta is home to one of the world’s largest aquariums, and it continues to rank at or near the top globally, especially when you look at total water volume and the size of its main tank.

For families in Atlanta—or anyone visiting the city—that means you have access to a world-class aquarium experience right in downtown.

How Big Is the Georgia Aquarium, Really?

The Georgia Aquarium, located in downtown Atlanta at 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, is known for:

• Millions of gallons of water across its many galleries and exhibits
• One of the largest single aquatic exhibits in the world (the main ocean habitat)
• Housing whale sharks, the largest fish species on Earth—something only a small number of aquariums worldwide can claim

While exact rankings can shift as new facilities open or expand in other countries, the Georgia Aquarium is consistently described as one of the largest aquariums in the world by total water volume and remains the largest aquarium in the United States by this same measure.

For someone in Atlanta, the important takeaway is this:
You don’t have to leave the city—or the country—to see one of the biggest, most advanced aquariums anywhere.

Why the Georgia Aquarium Is Considered “One of the Biggest”

When people ask whether Atlanta has “the biggest aquarium,” they usually mean:

• Total water volume (how much water all tanks hold together)
• Size of the largest single tank
• Number and variety of species
• The overall scale and scope of the visitor experience

By these measures, the Georgia Aquarium stands out.

Key Features That Make It Massive

• Enormous Ocean Exhibit
  The aquarium’s largest tank holds millions of gallons of water and is home to whale sharks, manta rays, and large schools of fish.
  For many families, this is the “wow” moment—standing in front of a floor-to-ceiling viewing window that feels like an underwater movie screen.

• Multiple Major Galleries
  Instead of feeling like one big tank and a handful of small ones, the Georgia Aquarium is organized into several large, themed galleries—each with major displays of its own.
  Visitors commonly spend several hours inside and still may not see every detail.

• Global Reputation
  The aquarium is widely recognized as a flagship attraction for Atlanta, drawing visitors from around the world, not just from Georgia or the Southeast.

Quick Comparison: How Atlanta’s Aquarium Stacks Up

Below is a simple, high-level summary focused on what matters to families and visitors in Atlanta:

For everyday planning, you can treat it as a “top-tier, world-scale” aquarium, not just a local or regional facility.

Where Is the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta?

If you live in or are visiting Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium is easy to find:

Georgia Aquarium
225 Baker St NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Main phone (general info): (404) 581-4000

It’s located in the downtown entertainment district, close to:

• Centennial Olympic Park
• World of Coca-Cola
• The National Center for Civil and Human Rights
• State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium (a short distance away)

For families, that location makes it simple to combine the aquarium with other kid-friendly stops in a single day or weekend.

What This Means for Atlanta Families and Visitors

Knowing that Atlanta has one of the world’s largest aquariums can help you plan realistically:

1. Expect a Big-City, Big-Scale Experience

This is not a “quick stop” attraction. Many Atlanta families:

• Plan at least 3–4 hours for a visit
• Break up the day with snack or meal breaks inside or nearby
• Prioritize must-see exhibits like the whale sharks, dolphin presentations, and touch pools

If you’re local, you may find it easier to come back multiple times rather than trying to see everything in one visit, especially with younger kids.

2. It’s a Major Attraction for Out-of-Town Guests

If you have family or friends visiting Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium is:

• One of the first stops many locals recommend
• A strong option even for mixed-age groups (kids, teens, adults, and seniors)
• Well-suited for rainy days, hot summer afternoons, or cold winter weekends

For visitors flying in, staying in Downtown, Midtown, or near the airport with MARTA access makes it fairly straightforward to visit the aquarium without renting a car.

Tips for Visiting With Kids in Atlanta

Because Atlanta’s aquarium is so big, a little planning can make the experience smoother.

Timing Your Visit

Atlanta residents often find it helpful to:

• Aim for weekday mornings outside of major holidays for lighter crowds
• Avoid peak times like holiday weekends, major conventions, and big game days downtown when parking and nearby streets can be busier
• Consider arriving early to make the most of the day and catch scheduled presentations

Getting There

Depending on where you are in Atlanta:

• 🚗 Driving and Parking:
  There is on-site parking in a large deck near the aquarium and additional paid parking lots in the downtown area. Many local families prefer to pre-plan their parking so they’re not circling downtown with kids in the car.

• 🚆 Public Transit (MARTA):
  Visitors often take MARTA to Peachtree Center Station or Civic Center Station, then walk or use a rideshare for the short distance to the aquarium.

Planning With Young Children

For Atlanta parents with toddlers or small kids:

• Bring or rent a stroller if your child tires easily—there is a lot of walking.
• Pack snacks, water, and comfort items (within the aquarium’s policy guidelines) so you can handle midday meltdowns more easily.
• Identify quiet corners or seating areas in each gallery where kids can take short breaks.

Making the Most of a “World-Class” Aquarium in Your City

Whether you grew up in Atlanta or just moved here, it’s easy to forget that this is not an average local aquarium—it’s one that people travel internationally to see.

Here’s how many Atlantans take advantage of that:

• Repeat Visits: Local families sometimes treat the Georgia Aquarium like a “living classroom,” visiting different galleries over time instead of trying to see it all at once.
• Pairing With Other Atlanta Attractions: Because of its central location, it’s common to pair an aquarium visit with a quick trip to Centennial Olympic Park or the surrounding museums for a full downtown day.
• Hosting Out-of-Town Guests: The aquarium gives you a simple, reliable answer when visitors ask, “What should we do with the kids while we’re in Atlanta?”

So, Does Atlanta Have the Biggest Aquarium?

Atlanta is home to the Georgia Aquarium, which is widely recognized as one of the largest aquariums in the world and the largest in the United States by total water volume.

While global rankings can shift slightly as new facilities open, for all practical purposes:

• If you live in Atlanta, you have access to a world-leading, mega-scale aquarium in your own city.
• If you’re visiting Atlanta, planning a stop at the Georgia Aquarium means you’ll experience one of the biggest and most ambitious aquariums anywhere, not just a regional attraction.

For families and kids in Atlanta, that makes the answer clear: yes—Atlanta effectively does have one of the biggest aquariums in the world, and it’s right downtown.