Best Hotels Near the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta: Where to Stay and What to Know

The Georgia Aquarium is one of Atlanta’s biggest attractions, and staying nearby can make your visit much easier and more enjoyable. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend trip, a staycation, or hosting out‑of‑town guests, choosing a hotel close to the aquarium in Downtown Atlanta can save time, cut down on parking hassles, and keep you within walking distance of other major sights.

Below is a practical guide to hotels near the Georgia Aquarium, how close they actually are, what kinds of travelers they fit best, and tips for getting the most out of your stay.

Getting Oriented: Where the Georgia Aquarium Is

The Georgia Aquarium is located at:

It sits in Downtown Atlanta, right next to Centennial Olympic Park and within a short walk of:

• World of Coca‑Cola
• Centennial Olympic Park
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights
• State Farm Arena and Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (a bit farther, but still walkable for many people)

Most hotels marketed as “near the Georgia Aquarium” are clustered in or around this Centennial Olympic Park area, within about a 2–12 minute walk.

Quick Comparison: Popular Hotels Close to the Georgia Aquarium

Below is a simple overview of well‑known hotels that are commonly chosen for aquarium visits. Distances are approximate walking times from the aquarium entrance.

The shortest walks are from hotels lining Baker St NW, Marietta St NW, Andrew Young Intl Blvd NW, and Centennial Olympic Park Dr.

Hotels Within a Short Walk of the Georgia Aquarium

This is the zone where you can realistically walk to the aquarium in just a few minutes, even with kids or strollers. Many Atlanta residents also use these hotels when hosting family for graduations, conventions, or big games.

1. Hotels Around Centennial Olympic Park

These hotels typically offer:

• Easy walk to Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, and the park
• Straightforward access to MARTA from the nearby CNN Center / GWCC or Peachtree Center stations
• Good choices for families and groups

When evaluating hotels in this area, look for addresses on or near:

• Baker St NW
• Luckie St NW
• Marietta St NW
• Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW
• Andrew Young International Blvd NW

If the listed address is within a block or two of Centennial Olympic Park, it usually means:

• 🚶‍♀️ 2–8 minutes on foot to the Georgia Aquarium
• No rideshare needed for the main downtown attractions

These properties often promote “Aquarium packages” or family‑oriented deals, so it can be worth checking what extras they include (such as breakfast or discounted tickets) and whether those perks actually match your plans.

Slightly Farther, Still Convenient: Downtown & Peachtree Center

Hotels a bit deeper into Downtown and Peachtree Center are still very practical if you’re comfortable walking 8–12 minutes or prefer quick MARTA access.

These often appeal to:

• Business travelers attending conferences at the Georgia World Congress Center or a downtown office
• Visitors who want indoor access to food courts, shops, and MARTA via the Peachtree Center complex
• People balancing a trip to the aquarium with errands or meetings downtown

Clues you’re in this zone:

• Address on Peachtree St NE, Courtland St NE, John Portman Blvd, or near Peachtree Center Ave
• Walking distance listed around 0.4–0.6 miles from the aquarium

From these hotels you can usually:

• Walk to the Georgia Aquarium in about 10 minutes
• Take MARTA (Peachtree Center Station) and walk the rest, if you prefer to break up the distance
• Walk or grab a short rideshare to State Farm Arena or Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Midtown Options If You Want a Different Neighborhood Feel

If you’re comfortable being a short ride away rather than next door, Midtown Atlanta can be a great base:

• More walkable neighborhood feel than much of Downtown
• Easy access to Piedmont Park, the Atlanta BeltLine, the Fox Theatre, and Midtown dining
• Reasonably quick trip to the aquarium by MARTA or car

Common setup:

• Stay near North Avenue or Midtown MARTA stations.
• Take MARTA one or two stops south to GWCC / CNN Center or Five Points, then walk to the aquarium.
• Total trip time is usually around 10–20 minutes door‑to‑door, depending on walking pace and train timing.

Midtown works particularly well if:

• You’re visiting for several days and don’t want to be only in the tourist core
• You want nightlife and restaurants after your aquarium visit
• You’re combining the aquarium with Midtown museums (such as the High Museum of Art)

Budget‑Friendly Stays Near the Aquarium

Staying close to major attractions in any big city can be pricey, and Atlanta is no exception. To keep costs in check while staying reasonably near the aquarium:

1. Look on the edges of Downtown and near the Connector (I‑75/85).
Some budget‑oriented hotels sit a bit farther from Centennial Olympic Park but still within a 10–15 minute walk or short rideshare to the aquarium.

2. Consider MARTA‑accessible locations.
Areas around stations like:

• Civic Center
• North Avenue
• Midtown
• Five Points

can offer lower prices than the immediate Centennial Park area, while still keeping your total travel time to the aquarium manageable.

3. Check parking policies carefully.
Parking can significantly add to the nightly cost at downtown hotels. If you’re driving, compare:

• Self‑parking vs. valet rates
• Whether in‑and‑out privileges are included
• Nearby public garages, such as the Georgia Aquarium / World of Coca‑Cola parking deck on Luckie St NW, which many visitors use regardless of where they stay

How to Choose the Right Hotel Near the Georgia Aquarium

When you compare hotels close to the aquarium, focus on location fit and logistics rather than just the distance number in miles.

Consider Who You’re Traveling With

• Families with small children

  • Prioritize very short walking distance (ideally under 0.3 miles)
  • Look for larger rooms or suites, cribs on request, and breakfast options
  • Being close makes it easier to take midday breaks back at the room

• Couples or solo travelers

  • May be fine with a 10–12 minute walk for better nightlife, views, or amenities
  • Might appreciate staying in Midtown for evenings and just commuting to the aquarium once

• Large groups or school trips

  • Check for group booking options and bus or motorcoach access
  • Confirm drop‑off logistics near Baker St NW or Luckie St NW by the aquarium

Think About Transportation

Ask yourself:

• Are you driving and parking a car the entire stay?
  • Compare hotel parking vs. Georgia Aquarium’s official parking deck (often used by locals and day visitors)
• Are you using MARTA?
  • Staying near Peachtree Center, GWCC / CNN Center, or Five Points stations can make it very easy to reach the aquarium without a car.
• Will you use rideshare or taxis?
  • Almost all downtown hotels have an obvious loading area, but it helps to confirm if there’s a safe, clearly marked pickup spot, especially for late‑night returns from events.

Practical Tips for Visiting the Aquarium from a Nearby Hotel

Once you’ve picked a hotel near the aquarium, a few local strategies can make your visit smoother.

1. Time Your Visit

• Morning arrivals often feel less crowded, especially on weekdays and non‑holiday periods.
• If you’re staying steps away, you can:
  • Walk over at opening time
  • Return to your hotel during the afternoon rush
  • Come back later if your ticket or membership allows

2. Plan for Security and Lines

The Georgia Aquarium uses security screening at the entrance. Staying close means:

• You can leave bags or bulky items at the hotel if you don’t need them.
• You have a convenient place to drop off souvenirs or extra layers if the weather shifts.

3. Use Nearby Attractions to Fill the Day

From hotels in the Centennial Park area, it’s easy to combine the aquarium with:

• World of Coca‑Cola (right next door)
• A walk or picnic in Centennial Olympic Park
• A short walk to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights

This clustering of attractions is a big reason visitors prioritize hotels close to the aquarium—it keeps everything walkable.

Safety and Comfort Considerations in Downtown Atlanta

Downtown Atlanta is an active urban area. Visitors and residents typically find it manageable with basic city awareness.

Helpful habits:

• Stick to well‑lit, main streets when walking between the aquarium and your hotel, especially at night.
• Be aware of events at State Farm Arena, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, and the Georgia World Congress Center, which can increase foot and vehicle traffic.
• If walking late feels uncomfortable, hotels near the aquarium are usually a very short rideshare away.

If you’re bringing friends or relatives who aren’t used to city environments, choosing a hotel directly on or near Centennial Olympic Park can feel more straightforward: lots of people around, clear sight lines, and easy landmarks.

How Locals Often Use Hotels Near the Aquarium

Atlanta residents themselves frequently book hotels close to the Georgia Aquarium for:

• Staycations with kids, bundling aquarium time with other downtown attractions
• Holiday events and special aquarium programming, particularly when traffic or late‑night returns are a concern
• Hosting out‑of‑town family who want to be right in the middle of the downtown sights

If you live in the metro area, it can be convenient to:

1. Book a hotel in the Centennial Olympic Park corridor.
2. Park once (either at the hotel or in the main aquarium/World of Coca‑Cola deck).
3. Walk to everything: aquarium, park, dinner, and possibly a game or concert.

Key Takeaways When Booking a Hotel Close to the Aquarium in Atlanta

• Location matters more than brand names. Look for addresses within a couple of blocks of Centennial Olympic Park or Baker St NW for the easiest walk.
• Families and groups usually benefit from staying as close as possible—short walks, easy breaks, and fewer logistics.
• Business and longer‑stay visitors may prefer Downtown or Midtown hotels that balance aquarium access with transit, dining, and other activities.
• Use MARTA stations like Peachtree Center and GWCC / CNN Center to expand your options while still staying functionally close to the aquarium.
• Always factor in parking, walking distance, and nearby amenities, not just the nightly rate.

With a little planning around neighborhood, distance, and transportation, you can find a hotel near the Georgia Aquarium that fits your budget, your schedule, and the Atlanta experience you want.