Visiting the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is one of the city’s biggest attractions and a must-see whether you live in metro Atlanta or are visiting for a few days. This guide walks you through what to expect, how to plan your visit, and practical tips to make your time there smooth and enjoyable.

Where the Georgia Aquarium Is and How to Get There

Address:
Georgia Aquarium
225 Baker St NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (404) 581-4000

The aquarium is located in downtown Atlanta, in the Centennial Park District, right next to:

• World of Coca‑Cola
• Centennial Olympic Park
• A short walk from the College Football Hall of Fame and State Farm Arena

Getting There by Car

If you’re driving from around Atlanta:

• From Midtown/Buckhead: Take I‑75/85 South, exit at 249C Williams St, follow signs toward Centennial Olympic Park and Baker Street.
• From South Atlanta/Hartsfield‑Jackson Airport: Take I‑75/85 North, exit at 249C Williams St, follow to Baker Street.
• Parking:
  The main Georgia Aquarium parking deck is just off Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd. This is usually the most convenient option, with direct access to the aquarium entrance.

Taking MARTA (Atlanta’s Rail System)

If you want to avoid downtown traffic, MARTA is often the easiest way:

• Take any north-south line (Red/Gold) or east-west line (Blue/Green) to Five Points Station.
• Transfer to the Blue or Green Line (if needed) and exit at GWCC/CNN Center Station.
• From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk through the Centennial Park area to the aquarium.

You can also walk from Peachtree Center Station, but the GWCC/CNN route is usually more straightforward for first-time visitors.

Hours, Tickets, and Best Times to Visit

Typical Hours

The Georgia Aquarium’s hours vary by day and season, but it is generally open seven days a week, often from morning into the evening. Hours may be extended on weekends and during holidays or special events.

Because hours change, it’s wise to:

• Check same-day opening and closing times before you leave.
• Pay attention to early closures around major downtown events, concerts, and big game days.

Tickets and Timed Entry

The aquarium uses timed-entry tickets, which means you choose a specific entry time window when you purchase your ticket.

Common options:

• General admission (daytime entry, access to most exhibits and galleries)
• Add-ons or upgrades, such as animal encounters or special tours
• Memberships for locals or frequent visitors, offering unlimited entry during regular hours on many plans

Buying tickets in advance is strongly recommended, especially for:

• Weekends
• School holidays
• Summer break
• Spring break and major holiday weeks

Walk-up tickets may be available, but prime entry times often sell out.

When Is the Best Time to Visit?

For Atlanta residents or visitors with flexible schedules, timing can make a big difference:

• Least crowded:
  • Weekdays (especially Tuesday–Thursday)
  • Mornings right after opening
  • Late afternoons on non-holiday weeks
• Most crowded:
  • Saturdays and Sundays
  • School holidays, summer break, and three-day weekends
  • Rainy days when indoor attractions fill up quickly

If you live in metro Atlanta, consider visiting on a weekday or after typical school hours to avoid local field trips and tour crowds.

Major Exhibits You Shouldn’t Miss

The Georgia Aquarium is known for its massive tanks and large marine animals. Highlights include:

Ocean Voyager

• One of the largest single aquatic exhibits in the world.
• Home to whale sharks, manta rays, and countless fish species.
• Features a huge viewing window and a tunnel walkway where animals swim overhead.

This is often the most iconic spot in the aquarium and a favorite for photos.

Cold Water Quest

• Focuses on colder-ocean species.
• Includes animals such as beluga whales, sea otters, and other cold-water marine life.
• Dim lighting and cooler temperatures make it a quieter, calmer area and a nice break from busier galleries.

Tropical Diver

• Colorful coral reef environments.
• Features tropical fish, jellyfish, and reef ecosystems.
• This gallery often feels like a tranquil, visually bright escape.

Dolphin Coast

• Home to the aquarium’s dolphins.
• Includes a dolphin presentation in a theater-style setting (check the daily schedule).
• Shows are popular; plan your time so you arrive early for good seats.

Shark Gallery / Predators of the Deep (Name May Vary)

• A gallery focused on sharks and large predatory fish.
• Often features dramatic lighting and immersive viewing areas.
• Especially popular with older kids and adults curious about ocean predators.

Other Areas

Depending on current layouts and programs, you may also see:

• Touch pools where you can gently touch certain species (under staff supervision).
• Penguin exhibits with crawl-through tunnels for kids.
• Educational areas highlighting conservation, research, and Georgia’s coastal environments.

Daily Shows, Presentations, and Extras

Animal Presentations

The aquarium typically offers:

• Dolphin presentations
• Sea lion shows or educational demos (availability may vary over time)
• Periodic trainer talks or feeding demonstrations

These usually operate on a fixed schedule each day. When you arrive, check:

• The daily schedule near the entrance
• Overhead screens and printed maps
• Staff at information stands

🕒 Planning tip: If a show is a high priority for you, plan your entire visit around those start times first, then fill in exhibits in between.

Animal Encounters and Behind-the-Scenes Experiences

For an extra fee, there may be options such as:

• Penguin encounters
• Dolphin or sea lion encounters
• Behind-the-scenes tours
• Shark or ray experiences

These often require advance reservations and can sell out, especially on weekends and during school breaks. Locals who want a special experience may find weekday slots less crowded.

Food, Drinks, and Amenities Inside the Aquarium

Dining Options

Inside the aquarium, you’ll typically find:

• A main café or food court offering quick-service meals (sandwiches, salads, burgers, kid-friendly options).
• Snack stands with drinks and light bites.

Outside the aquarium, within walking distance, there are many restaurants around:

• Centennial Olympic Park
• CNN Center area
• Streets like Luckie St, Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd, and surrounding downtown blocks

If you want to eat at a specific nearby restaurant, consider:

• Booking your aquarium ticket for morning entry and enjoying a late lunch nearby.
• Or doing lunch first, then an afternoon aquarium visit, especially if you’re coming in from other parts of metro Atlanta.

Restrooms, Accessibility, and Family Amenities

The Georgia Aquarium is designed to be family-friendly and accessible, with features such as:

• Multiple restroom locations throughout
• Changing tables in many restrooms
• Wheelchair and stroller accessibility on most routes
• Elevators and ramps between levels

If you or someone in your group has mobility, sensory, or other accessibility needs, you can ask:

• Guest Services inside the main lobby
• Staff at the entrance or information desks for seating, quiet areas, or accessibility details

Visiting With Kids: What Atlanta Families Should Know

The aquarium is a frequent field trip destination for metro Atlanta schools and a staple weekend activity for many local families.

Age-Specific Tips

• Toddlers/Preschoolers:
  • Focus on bright, visually engaging galleries like Tropical Diver and Ocean Voyager.
  • Plan for shorter visits with breaks for snacks and quiet time.
• Elementary-age kids:
  • They’ll usually love dolphin shows, penguins, touch pools, and the tunnel in Ocean Voyager.
  • Many exhibits have kid-height viewing windows.
• Teens:
  • Often more interested in sharks, rays, and behind-the-scenes tours.
  • If they’re into science, conservation-focused exhibits can be a good conversation starter.

Strollers and Gear

• Strollers are generally allowed, but large, bulky strollers can be harder to maneuver when it’s crowded.
• Consider a compact stroller for younger children, especially on busy weekends.

Georgia Aquarium for Atlanta Locals

If you’re an Atlanta resident, the aquarium can be more than a one-time tourist activity.

Membership and Repeat Visits

Memberships (details vary over time) are often appealing if:

• You have children and want to go multiple times a year.
• You live in or near downtown, Midtown, or Westside and can visit during off-peak hours.
• You prefer short, frequent visits instead of staying for an entire day.

Members typically get:

• Entry on many days without buying single-day tickets
• Access to special events or previews (subject to membership level and current offerings)

For locals, it can be useful to time visits around:

• Less-crowded weekday evenings, when available
• Seasonal changes in exhibits or new animal arrivals

Pairing the Aquarium With Other Downtown Activities

If you’re planning a day in downtown Atlanta, popular combinations include:

• Georgia Aquarium + World of Coca‑Cola
• Aquarium + Centennial Olympic Park playground and splash areas (weather permitting)
• Aquarium + State Farm Arena event (plan parking carefully and allow extra time)

Staggering visits across different days can help you avoid downtown fatigue, especially if you’re bringing young children.

Safety, Security, and What You Can Bring

Like many major attractions, the Georgia Aquarium has:

• Security screening at the entrance
• Restrictions on large bags and outside food and drinks
• Rules to protect animals, such as no flash photography in certain areas and no tapping on the glass

To avoid delays:

• Bring only what you need—a small bag or backpack is easier at security and in crowds.
• Check the current prohibited items list (available from the aquarium) before arrival.

Planning Your Visit: Quick Reference Guide

Below is a simple summary to help you plan your trip to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta:

Practical Tips for a Smooth Georgia Aquarium Experience

• Buy tickets in advance and pick a time that fits with downtown traffic patterns and your schedule.
• Arrive 15–30 minutes before your timed entry, especially on busy days or if you’re parking on-site.
• Check show schedules right at the beginning of your visit and plan exhibits around the presentations you care about.
• Dress in layers—some galleries are cool, and you’ll be walking a lot.
• Plan for crowds during peak times, especially if you’re there with small children or anyone who may be sensitive to noise.

Visiting the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia can be a highlight of your time in the city, whether you’re a long-time local exploring downtown again or a visitor seeing Atlanta’s top attractions in a single weekend. With some thoughtful planning, you can navigate the aquarium comfortably and focus on what you came to see: the incredible marine life.