Visiting the Georgia Aquarium at 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313: What to Know Before You Go

The Georgia Aquarium, located at 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, is one of the city’s biggest attractions and a landmark in downtown Atlanta. Whether you live in the metro area, are planning a weekend visit, or are bringing out-of-town guests, it helps to know how to get there, what to expect inside, and how to make the most of your time.

This guide focuses on how the Georgia Aquarium fits into Atlanta’s layout, transportation, and local options, so you can plan a smooth, stress-free visit.

Where the Georgia Aquarium Is and What’s Nearby

Address:
Georgia Aquarium
225 Baker St NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

The aquarium sits in the heart of downtown Atlanta, in the Pemberton Place area. It’s in a walkable cluster of major attractions, making it easy to build a full day out.

Major nearby landmarks include:

• World of Coca-Cola – Just steps away in Pemberton Place.
• Centennial Olympic Park – Directly across the street, with green space and walking paths.
• College Football Hall of Fame – A few minutes’ walk toward Marietta St.
• State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Reachable on foot or via a short drive or MARTA trip.
• CNN Center – Nearby in the same downtown district.

If you’re staying in downtown hotels along Peachtree St, Marietta St, or around Centennial Olympic Park, the aquarium is typically walkable.

Getting to 225 Baker St NW: Transportation Options in Atlanta

Driving and Parking

If you’re driving, the Georgia Aquarium is easy to reach from major Atlanta highways:

• From I-75/I-85 (Downtown Connector) – Exit near Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd or Williams St and follow signs toward the aquarium and Centennial Olympic Park.
• From I-20 – Connect to the Downtown Connector and follow toward downtown/centennial area.

Parking:
The aquarium is associated with large parking decks in the area, typically accessed from:

• Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd NW
• Luckie St NW

These structured garages are commonly used by visitors to:

• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca-Cola
• Other Pemberton Place attractions

👉 Tip: Parking in this part of Atlanta can fill up during events, weekends, and holidays. Arrive early or consider transit if there’s a big game or concert at nearby stadiums.

Using MARTA (Atlanta’s Rail and Bus System)

Many Atlanta residents and visitors prefer to use MARTA to avoid downtown traffic and parking.

Closest MARTA rail stations:

From either station, you can walk to 225 Baker St NW through the Centennial Olympic Park area. The walk is mostly flat and follows well-used pedestrian routes.

You may also find bus routes that stop near Centennial Olympic Park or Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd, depending on where in Metro Atlanta you’re starting.

Rideshare and Taxis

Rideshare services and taxis frequently drop off and pick up in the Pemberton Place area. Drop-off locations are usually along or near:

• Baker St NW
• Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd NW

During peak times (weekends, holidays, school trips), allow extra time for traffic congestion and for your driver to navigate drop-off zones.

What to Expect Inside the Georgia Aquarium

Although specific exhibits can change over time, visitors typically experience:

• Large marine galleries with habitats themed around oceans, rivers, and different ecosystems.
• Viewing windows and tunnels that allow you to see marine life from multiple angles.
• Rotating exhibits that may highlight local Georgia aquatic life as well as international species.
• Interactive areas where children and adults can engage more closely with educational displays.

Many Atlanta families use the aquarium as a recurring outing, so you may see lots of strollers, school groups, and local visitors mixed with tourists.

Best Times to Visit for Atlanta Locals and Visitors

Because the aquarium is a top Atlanta destination, timing can make a big difference in your experience.

Generally smoother times:

• Weekdays (non-holidays) – Especially mornings.
• Late afternoons on some weekdays, when school groups have departed.

Typically busier times:

• Weekends
• School breaks and holidays
• Days when there are major events downtown (sports, concerts, conventions)

If you live in the Atlanta area and have flexibility, going during the school year on a weekday morning or early afternoon often means lighter crowds.

Accessibility and Family-Friendly Features

The Georgia Aquarium is designed to accommodate a wide range of visitors, including families with small children, older adults, and people with accessibility needs.

Common features you can expect include:

• Wheelchair-accessible entrances and paths
• Elevators between levels
• Stroller access in many areas
• Clearly marked restrooms throughout the building
• Seating areas in or near larger galleries for breaks

If you or a family member has specific mobility or sensory needs, calling ahead can help clarify current accessibility options and any available accommodations.

Planning Your Day Around the Aquarium

Because of its central location at 225 Baker St NW, you can easily combine the aquarium with other Atlanta activities.

Sample Half-Day or Full-Day Ideas

Option 1: Aquarium + Park Time

• Morning: Visit the Georgia Aquarium
• Afternoon: Walk across to Centennial Olympic Park for:
  • Picnicking
  • Fountains (when operating)
  • Relaxing on the lawn before or after your visit

Option 2: Pemberton Place Combo

• Start at the Georgia Aquarium
• Walk next door to the World of Coca-Cola
• Use nearby green spaces and seating areas between the two attractions to rest

Option 3: Downtown Walking Day

• Aquarium at 225 Baker St NW
• Short walk through Centennial Olympic Park
• Continue toward CNN Center or nearby restaurants
• If timed well, catch an evening event at State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Food, Rest Areas, and Nearby Amenities

Inside the aquarium, you can usually find:

• On-site dining options such as café-style food counters and seating
• Snack and beverage areas
• Indoor spaces suitable for short breaks between galleries

Around Baker St NW and Centennial Olympic Park, the downtown area includes:

• A range of restaurants and quick-service spots
• Hotel-lobby cafés and food courts within walking distance
• Convenience stores and small markets a few blocks away, especially closer to Peachtree St and Marietta St

If you’re bringing young children, many Atlanta parents plan snack breaks or a meal just outside the aquarium to let kids move around before heading home or to the next stop.

Tips for Atlanta Residents vs. Out-of-Town Visitors

If you live in Metro Atlanta:

• Consider visiting outside of major school holidays to avoid heavier crowds.
• Plan your route to avoid peak rush-hour traffic downtown.
• If you go often, you may want to time your visit around less busy weekday slots.

If you’re visiting from out of town:

• Look for downtown hotels within walking distance to simplify transportation.
• Check how close your hotel is to Peachtree Center or GWCC/CNN Center MARTA stations if you’d like to minimize driving.
• Build buffer time into your schedule for parking, ticketing, and security lines, especially on weekends.

Quick Reference: Georgia Aquarium at 225 Baker St NW

Location:

• Georgia Aquarium
  225 Baker St NW
  Atlanta, GA 30313

Area:

• Located in Pemberton Place in downtown Atlanta
• Near Centennial Olympic Park, World of Coca-Cola, and other major attractions

Getting There (Atlanta-specific):

• By car via I-75/I-85 or I-20 into downtown
• By MARTA rail to GWCC/CNN Center or Peachtree Center, then a 10–15 minute walk
• Rideshare or taxi to designated drop-off areas near Baker St NW and Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd NW

Understanding how the Georgia Aquarium fits into Atlanta’s downtown layout—its precise address, nearby landmarks, and transportation options—makes planning your visit much easier. With a bit of preparation, a trip to 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 can fit smoothly into your day in the city, whether you’re a local or just discovering Atlanta for the first time.