Best Hotels Near the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia

If you’re planning a trip to the Georgia Aquarium in downtown Atlanta, choosing a hotel nearby can make your visit much easier. Staying within walking distance means less time in traffic, simpler parking, and more time exploring the aquarium and nearby attractions like the World of Coca-Cola, Centennial Olympic Park, and the College Football Hall of Fame.

Below is a practical guide to hotels near the aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia, plus tips on which area might fit your plans, how to get around, and what to expect when staying in this part of the city.

Understanding the Area Around the Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is located at 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, in the heart of downtown. The closest and most convenient hotel options fall into three main areas:

1. Directly around the aquarium/Centennial Olympic Park
2. Downtown core (a few blocks further but still walkable)
3. Nearby districts with quick transit or rideshare access, like Midtown

Each area has a different feel:

• Centennial Olympic Park/Aquarium area: Best for families and first-time visitors who want to walk everywhere.
• Downtown core: Good for business travelers and visitors who want access to offices and convention centers.
• Midtown: Slightly farther, but popular if you want more dining, nightlife, and arts options while still being close to the aquarium.

Hotels Within a Short Walk of the Georgia Aquarium

These hotels are typically within a 5–10 minute walk of the aquarium. They’re ideal if your main goal is to visit the aquarium, especially with kids or a tight schedule.

What to Look For in a Nearby Hotel

When booking a hotel near the aquarium in Atlanta, focus on:

• Walkability: Check the hotel’s address relative to Baker St NW and Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW.
• Parking options: Downtown parking can be costly. If you’re driving, see whether the hotel offers:
  • Self-parking
  • Valet parking
  • In-and-out privileges
• Family-friendliness:
  • Room layouts (suites, sofa beds, connecting rooms)
  • On-site breakfast
  • Refrigerators/microwaves in room
• Noise level: Hotels facing major streets or the park can be livelier, especially on weekends and during events.

Staying in Downtown Atlanta Near the Aquarium

Even if your hotel isn’t directly beside the aquarium, much of downtown Atlanta is still very walkable.

Typical Pros of Downtown Hotels

• Easy access to:
  • Georgia Aquarium
  • World of Coca-Cola
  • Centennial Olympic Park
  • State Farm Arena
  • Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Good for events and conventions at:
  • Georgia World Congress Center (285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW)
• Transit access via:
  • Peachtree Center MARTA Station
  • GWCC/CNN Center MARTA Station

Things to Keep in Mind

• Traffic: Downtown streets can be busy during rush hour and event days. Walking or MARTA is often easier.
• Event schedules: If there’s a major game or concert at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena, hotel prices and parking rates may increase, and streets can be crowded.
• Safety and awareness: As with any major city center, it’s wise to:
  • Stay in well-lit areas at night
  • Be aware of your surroundings
  • Use hotel staff or concierge for advice on walking routes

Midtown Hotels With Easy Access to the Aquarium

If you prefer a slightly different neighborhood feel, Midtown Atlanta can be a smart alternative while still keeping the aquarium very accessible.

Why Consider Midtown?

• Restaurants and nightlife along Peachtree St NE.
• Close to Piedmont Park, the High Museum of Art, and the Fox Theatre.
• MARTA convenience: Easy to ride the train to a station near the aquarium.

Getting From Midtown to the Georgia Aquarium

1. By MARTA:
   • Board at Arts Center Station, Midtown Station, or North Avenue Station.
   • Ride to GWCC/CNN Center Station (for the closest walk) or Five Points Station and walk about 10–15 minutes.
2. By rideshare or taxi:
   • Usually a short drive, often under 10–15 minutes depending on traffic.
3. By car:
   • Plan for downtown parking and possible event congestion.

This setup works well if you want aquarium access during the day and Midtown dining or entertainment at night.

Transportation Tips When Staying Near the Aquarium

Getting around downtown Atlanta and to the Georgia Aquarium can be straightforward if you plan ahead.

MARTA (Public Transit)

• Rail: The aquarium is closest to:
  • GWCC/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line) – generally the most convenient for walking.
  • Peachtree Center Station (Red/Gold Line) – a slightly longer walk but still manageable.
• Walking from MARTA:
  • From GWCC/CNN Center: Follow signs to State Farm Arena and Centennial Olympic Park, then walk toward Baker St NW.
  • From Peachtree Center: Exit toward Peachtree St, walk west toward Centennial Olympic Park, then to Baker St NW.

For route details, you can contact MARTA Customer Service:

• Phone: (404) 848-5000

Driving and Parking

If you’re driving to your hotel or the aquarium:

• Expect daily parking fees at many downtown hotels.
• The Georgia Aquarium offers its own parking deck near the entrance off Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd NW.
• On event days (games, concerts, conventions), arrive early and allow extra time for:
  • Finding parking
  • Walking from garage or deck to your destination

Walking Around Downtown

The core area around the aquarium and Centennial Olympic Park is designed with pedestrians in mind:

• Sidewalks connect major attractions, hotels, and common dining spots.
• Crosswalk signals are frequent, but traffic can be busy; use crosswalks and allow for extra time if traveling with children or strollers.
• Comfortable shoes are helpful, especially if you plan to visit multiple attractions in one day.

How to Choose the Right Hotel Near the Aquarium

When narrowing down hotels near the aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia, consider these factors based on your situation:

For Families With Kids

• Walking distance of 5–10 minutes to minimize transit fuss.
• Rooms with two beds or sofa beds.
• On-site or nearby quick-service breakfast options.
• Indoor pools or simple recreation areas can help fill downtime between aquarium visits and naps.

For Business Travelers

• Proximity to:
  • Georgia World Congress Center
  • Office towers along Peachtree St or near Five Points
• Reliable Wi-Fi and workspaces in rooms or lobbies.
• Flexible check-in/check-out options to coordinate with meetings.

For Budget-Conscious Visitors

• Look just outside the immediate park perimeter:
  • Sometimes, a hotel a few more blocks away offers lower nightly rates but is still walkable or a short MARTA ride away.
• Compare:
  • Base room rates
  • Parking fees
  • Any extra charges (resort or destination fees, if applicable)

For Visitors Without a Car

• Prioritize:
  • Easy access to MARTA stations
  • Walkability to attractions and restaurants
• Consider arriving via:
  • MARTA from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (rail service from the airport station into downtown).

Other Attractions Near Hotels by the Aquarium

One advantage of staying near the Georgia Aquarium is that many major Atlanta attractions are clustered together. From most nearby hotels, you can walk to:

• Georgia Aquarium – 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• World of Coca-Cola – adjacent to the aquarium area
• Centennial Olympic Park – green space with walkways, fountains, and seasonal events
• College Football Hall of Fame – near Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• State Farm Arena – for basketball games and concerts
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium – for football games and large events
• CNN Center area – mixed-use complex near the park and arena

Staying close by makes it easy to plan a full day or weekend of activities without needing to drive repeatedly.

Practical Steps to Book a Hotel Near the Aquarium

1. Map your options
   Search for hotels using “downtown Atlanta near Georgia Aquarium” or “Centennial Olympic Park hotels” and view them on a map around Baker St NW.

2. Check walking time and routes
   Use a mapping tool to see:

   • Estimated walk times
   • Street crossings and terrain (helpful for strollers or mobility concerns)

3. Compare total cost
   Look beyond nightly rates:

   • Parking fees
   • Taxes and additional charges
   • Any transportation costs if staying farther away

4. Review access needs
   If someone in your group has mobility needs, confirm:

   • Elevator access
   • Accessible rooms
   • Pathways between the hotel and aquarium that are smooth and well-lit

5. Consider your broader plans
   If you also plan to visit Midtown, Buckhead, or other neighborhoods, weigh:

   • Whether you want to change hotels or stay central in downtown and transit out for side trips.

Staying at a hotel near the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia can simplify your visit and put you in the middle of many of the city’s top attractions. Whether you choose a hotel directly by Centennial Olympic Park, a few blocks deeper into downtown, or a nearby Midtown property with easy MARTA access, focusing on walkability, transit options, and your specific needs will help you find the right place to stay.