Visiting the Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia: A Local’s Guide to Georgia Aquarium

If you’re looking for “the aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia,” you’re almost certainly talking about the Georgia Aquarium in Downtown Atlanta. It’s one of the city’s biggest attractions and a place many Atlanta residents visit again and again—whether for a quick afternoon visit, a full-day family outing, or as part of a trip to Centennial Olympic Park.

This guide walks you through what to expect, how to plan your visit, and practical tips that matter specifically if you live in, are visiting, or are planning a trip to Atlanta.

Where the Aquarium Is and How to Get There

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

The aquarium sits in the heart of Downtown Atlanta, right next to:

• World of Coca-Cola
• Centennial Olympic Park
• A short walk from the College Football Hall of Fame and CNN Center area

Getting there by car

Downtown traffic can be busy, especially on:

• Weekends
• School holidays
• Days with big events at State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Parking options:

• Georgia Aquarium operates a main parking deck off Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd NW.
• There are additional paid lots and decks scattered around Centennial Olympic Park Drive and Luckie Street.

💡 Local tip: If you’re coming from suburbs like Marietta, Alpharetta, or Decatur, try to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid peak traffic and parking pressure.

Getting there by MARTA

If you don’t want to deal with parking, MARTA is often the simplest way:

• Take the Red or Gold line to Peachtree Center Station
• Follow signs toward the “Peachtree Street West” exit
• Walk about 10–15 minutes to the aquarium via Peachtree St, Baker St, and Centennial Olympic Park area

This is especially convenient for visitors staying at Downtown or Midtown hotels.

What Makes the Georgia Aquarium Special

Atlanta’s aquarium is known for its very large habitats and diverse marine life that you don’t usually see in a typical city aquarium.

Some of the standout features include:

• Whale sharks – large filter-feeding sharks that many people come specifically to see
• Manta rays in a massive ocean gallery
• A dolphin presentation in a stadium-style theater
• A sea lion presentation
• Large exhibits featuring sharks, belugas, penguins, and tropical fish

For Atlanta residents, it’s a place that combines education, conservation themes, and entertainment, and many families use it as a go-to rainy day or school-break activity.

Main Galleries and Experiences

Exact exhibit names can evolve, but you’ll typically find these core areas:

Ocean Voyager

• Home to whale sharks, manta rays, and large schools of fish
• Features a walk-through tunnel and a massive viewing window
• This is often the most memorable space for first-time visitors.

Cold Water & Beluga Areas

• Exhibits with beluga whales and other cold-water species
• Cooler, dimmer environment—often a calmer area during crowded times.

Dolphin Gallery & Presentation

• Includes a dolphin theater where you can watch a choreographed presentation
• May require timed entry or reservation depending on how your ticket is set up

Sharks & Predators

• Focused on various shark species and other large predators
• Dramatic lighting and clear tunnels or large viewing windows

Tropical, River, and Freshwater Areas

You’ll also find galleries featuring:

• Colorful reef fish and coral
• River species like freshwater fish, river otters, and local aquatic life

These sections can be especially interesting for Atlanta students learning about Georgia’s rivers and coastal ecosystems.

Planning Your Visit: Tickets, Timing, and Crowds

Tickets and entry

Ticket options typically include:

• General admission with access to main galleries and shows (some shows may be timed)
• Memberships/annual passes, which many Atlanta residents choose if they plan multiple visits a year
• Sometimes special experiences (like behind-the-scenes or animal encounters) require separate reservations and added cost

Because policies and pricing can change, it’s wise to check current ticket details and timing before you go and consider purchasing in advance to avoid sold-out time slots.

Best time of day to go

Locals often find better experiences when they:

• Arrive early on weekday mornings
• Avoid holiday weekends, especially around spring break and summer
• Consider late afternoon entry during school year weekdays for lighter crowds

If you’re visiting with young children, mornings usually feel less overwhelming.

How Long to Spend at the Aquarium

Most visitors spend:

• 2–4 hours for a standard visit
• Up to a full day if including shows, meals, and taking time at each exhibit

Atlanta residents who hold memberships often:

• Visit for shorter, focused trips (e.g., just the dolphin show and one gallery)
• Pair a quick aquarium visit with time in Centennial Olympic Park or nearby attractions

Family and Accessibility Considerations

For families with kids

Georgia Aquarium is designed with families in mind:

• Stroller-friendly paths, elevators, and ramps
• Many interactive elements, viewing windows at child height, and kid-friendly signage
• On-site restrooms throughout, typically with changing areas

Helpful tips for Atlanta families:

• 🍼 Bring a small diaper bag or backpack; large bags may be subject to security checks.
• 🕒 Plan a mid-visit break for snacks or lunch to avoid meltdowns during busier times.
• 🎒 If you’re walking from MARTA or nearby hotels, pack light—carrying bags through crowds can get tiring.

Accessibility

The aquarium generally provides:

• Wheelchair-accessible entrances, elevators, and restrooms
• Accessible seating areas in show theaters
• Staff assistance if you need help locating accessible routes

If you or a family member has specific accessibility needs, it can be helpful to contact the aquarium ahead of time at the main phone number to ask about current options and services.

Food, Drinks, and Nearby Dining

Inside the aquarium

You can expect:

• On-site dining areas with cafeteria-style or quick-service options
• Standard family-friendly fare like sandwiches, salads, and kid favorites

Policies about outside food and drink are typically limited, so checking in advance is a good idea if you have dietary restrictions or young children with specific needs.

Dining around the aquarium

One advantage of the aquarium’s Downtown Atlanta location is the number of nearby restaurants:

• Many casual spots along Centennial Olympic Park Drive
• Chain and sit-down restaurants in the CNN Center/State Farm Arena area
• Additional options a short ride away in Midtown or along Peachtree Street

Locals often:

• Eat before or after their aquarium visit to avoid crowds in the on-site dining areas
• Choose spots with validated parking if they plan to leave their car in a private deck

Pairing the Aquarium with Other Atlanta Attractions

If you want to make the most of a day in Downtown Atlanta, the aquarium pairs well with:

• World of Coca-Cola – right next door, walkable in just a few minutes
• Centennial Olympic Park – open green space, splash fountains in warmer months, good for kids to run around after the aquarium
• SkyView Atlanta ferris wheel – a short walk away
• College Football Hall of Fame – nearby and popular for sports fans

Many visitors:

• Spend half a day at the aquarium and half a day at one or two of these other spots
• Choose an Atlanta hotel near Centennial Olympic Park to walk between attractions

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

If you live in Atlanta

You may want to:

• Consider annual membership if you expect to visit multiple times a year
• Visit during off-peak seasons, such as weekday mornings outside of school breaks
• Combine a short aquarium visit with:
  • A stroll through Centennial Olympic Park
  • A quick trip over to Midtown for lunch or dinner
  • Seasonal events happening Downtown

If you’re visiting Atlanta

Plan ahead:

• Look at your full Atlanta itinerary and decide whether the aquarium is a half-day or full-day highlight
• Factor in MARTA vs. driving based on where you’re staying:
  • Downtown/Midtown hotels: walking or MARTA is often easiest
  • Suburban hotels (Cobb, Gwinnett, South Atlanta): driving might be more convenient
• Check event calendars for State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium; big events can dramatically affect traffic and parking around the aquarium.

Quick Reference: Georgia Aquarium at a Glance

Safety, Comfort, and Practical Considerations

• Security screening: Expect basic bag checks at entry. Plan accordingly with what you bring.
• Temperature: Some galleries, especially those with cold-water species, can feel cool. A light layer can be helpful, especially for kids.
• Photos: Personal photography is generally allowed without flash in many areas, but photography rules may vary in show theaters.
• Weather backup: Because the aquarium is indoors, many Atlanta families keep it as a backup plan for rainy or extremely hot days.

How the Aquarium Fits into Atlanta Life

For Atlantans, the Georgia Aquarium is more than a tourist stop. It often serves as:

• A field trip destination for local schools
• A weekend outing spot for families from all over the metro area
• A common “must-see” recommendation when relatives or friends visit
• An anchor attraction that keeps Downtown Atlanta active alongside sports and cultural events

If you live in the city or nearby suburbs, it can become one of those places you return to over the years, discovering new details every time you walk through.

If you’re visiting Atlanta, planning a few hours at the Georgia Aquarium in Downtown Atlanta, Georgia is one of the most straightforward ways to experience a major highlight of the city—all within walking distance of several other well-known attractions and parks.