Best Hotels Near the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, GA

If you’re planning a visit to the Georgia Aquarium in downtown Atlanta, staying nearby can make your trip smoother, especially if you’re traveling with kids, attending an event at State Farm Arena, or combining the aquarium with a full day at Centennial Olympic Park and the World of Coca-Cola.

This guide walks you through where to stay near the Georgia Aquarium, what each nearby area feels like, and how to pick the right hotel for your stay in Atlanta, GA.

How Close Is “Near the Georgia Aquarium”?

The Georgia Aquarium is located at:
225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

When people say “hotels near GA Aquarium Atlanta GA,” they usually mean:

• Within a 5–10 minute walk (0.2–0.5 miles)
• Within about a 5–10 minute drive (up to about 2 miles) in downtown or Midtown

Staying within walking distance is ideal if:

• You’re visiting with children or older adults
• You want to avoid paying for downtown parking more than once
• You plan to visit multiple nearby attractions on foot

Key Areas to Stay Near the Georgia Aquarium

1. Centennial Olympic Park / Luckie Street & Baker Street Area

Best for: Being directly in the middle of the tourist area, walking to the aquarium and other attractions.

This is the closest cluster of hotels to the Georgia Aquarium. From here, you can usually walk to the aquarium in 3–8 minutes, depending on the exact location.

Common benefits of this area:

• Very short walk to Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and Centennial Olympic Park
• Easy access to State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and the CNN Center area
• Good choice if you want to park once and walk everywhere

Things to keep in mind:

• This area is busy and can feel crowded during events or weekends
• Parking is often in garages and can be costly, so factor that into your budget

Walking time to Georgia Aquarium from hotels in this zone is generally under 0.5 miles.

2. Downtown Atlanta (Peachtree Center & Surrounding Streets)

Best for: Travelers who want access to the aquarium plus restaurants, MARTA transit, and business district convenience.

Downtown hotels near Peachtree Street, Peachtree Center Avenue, and Courtland Street are often about a 10–20 minute walk or a short rideshare trip from the aquarium.

Why people choose this area:

• More restaurant options within a few blocks
• Close to Peachtree Center MARTA Station, helpful if you’re coming from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Often a mix of business travelers, convention guests, and tourists

Considerations:

• The walk to the aquarium may be uphill or downhill depending on your starting point
• If you’re with small kids, a short rideshare ride may be easier than walking both ways

3. Midtown Atlanta (A Bit Farther, But Still Convenient)

Best for: Travelers who want a livelier neighborhood feel, arts, and nightlife while still being a short drive from the aquarium.

Midtown is roughly 1.5–2 miles north of the Georgia Aquarium. From most Midtown hotels:

• Driving to the aquarium often takes 5–10 minutes, depending on traffic
• MARTA’s North/South line can connect you from Midtown stations to Peachtree Center, with a walk or short ride to the aquarium

Why some visitors prefer Midtown:

• Walkable access to Piedmont Park, the Atlanta BeltLine, and cultural spots like the High Museum of Art
• A denser cluster of coffee shops, restaurants, and nightlife compared with the immediate downtown tourist zone

Midtown isn’t “steps from the aquarium,” but it’s a good compromise if you want both tourist attractions and neighborhood amenities.

Quick Comparison of Areas Near Georgia Aquarium

What to Look for in a Hotel Near the Georgia Aquarium

1. Distance & Walkability

Check:

• Walking distance in miles (0.3 miles is very close; 0.8–1.0 miles is a moderate walk)
• Whether the route crosses major streets or goes up/down hills
• If sidewalks are continuous and well-lit (particularly if you plan to walk back after evening events)

Tip: Many hotels mention “steps from the aquarium” in their descriptions—verify actual distance on a map to make sure it matches your needs.

2. Parking & Transportation Options

Downtown and Midtown Atlanta often have separate parking charges. When comparing hotels, ask or check for:

• Self-parking availability and daily rates
• Valet-only vs. self-park garages
• Nearby public parking garages if hotel parking fills up

🚗 Other ways to get around near the aquarium:

• MARTA Rail: The closest stations are generally Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center and Peachtree Center, depending on your route to the aquarium.
• Atlanta Streetcar: Operates in a loop mostly on the east side of downtown; helpful for some downtown hotels but not a direct replacement for walking to the aquarium.
• Rideshare & Taxis: Widely used; there are designated pickup and drop-off zones near major attractions.

3. Family-Friendly Features

If you’re visiting the Georgia Aquarium with kids, look for:

• Rooms with two beds or suites with a separate living area
• Mini-fridges and microwaves for snacks and leftovers
• Indoor pool (especially useful in cooler or rainy weather)
• Clear quiet-hours policies if your children go to bed early

Some hotels near the aquarium cater heavily to families during weekends and school breaks, so booking early can help you secure the room size you need.

4. Business & Event Travelers

If you’re combining a Georgia Aquarium visit with work or a conference at:

• Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC)
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• State Farm Arena

then focus on hotels that:

• Are within walking distance of both your event venue and the aquarium
• Offer reliable Wi-Fi, desk space, and early breakfast or grab-and-go options
• Have quiet floors or business-focused room types

This can save on multiple daily rideshares and keep your schedule flexible.

Practical Planning Tips for Staying Near the Georgia Aquarium

Best Times to Book

• Weekends and holidays near school breaks, big games, or conventions can fill up fast.
• Booking several weeks in advance is often helpful if you want to be within a couple of blocks of the aquarium.
• If your dates are flexible, check whether shifting by a day or two reduces room rates, especially around major events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Visiting the Aquarium from Your Hotel

To make your aquarium visit smoother:

1. Buy tickets in advance and choose a time slot that lines up with your check-in/check-out plans.
2. If you’re staying nearby, consider:
   • Going first thing in the morning to avoid heavier crowds
   • Returning to your hotel midday for a rest, then exploring other attractions later
3. Ask your hotel’s front desk about:
   • Safest and simplest walking route for your group
   • Expected event day traffic that might affect parking or rideshare times

Safety & Comfort Considerations

Like most major downtown areas, central Atlanta has:

• Heavier foot traffic near major attractions and transit hubs
• Event days where sidewalks and roads can be very crowded

Common sense tips:

• Stick to well-lit main streets when walking at night
• Keep valuables secure and carry only what you need
• If you’re unfamiliar with the area and arriving late, many guests prefer taking a taxi or rideshare directly to the hotel door

Other Attractions Near Hotels by the Georgia Aquarium

Staying close to the aquarium puts you within walking distance of several major Atlanta attractions:

• Centennial Olympic Park – Green space with fountains and city views.
• World of Coca-Cola – Interactive museum focused on the Coca-Cola brand.
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights – Museum exploring civil and human rights history.
• State Farm Arena – Basketball games and concerts.
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Football, soccer, and large events.

If you want a trip that doesn’t require much driving, a hotel in the Centennial Olympic Park / downtown area lets you walk or take short rideshares to many of these spots.

How to Choose the Right Hotel for Your Atlanta Aquarium Trip

To narrow down hotels near the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, GA, start with these questions:

1. Do you want to walk or are you fine driving/using transit?

   • If walking is a priority, focus on Centennial Olympic Park and streets directly around the aquarium.
   • If you’re comfortable with a short drive, Midtown opens up more options.

2. Are you visiting mainly for the aquarium or planning a broader Atlanta stay?

   • Aquarium-focused, family-centered stays: choose the closest walkable hotel that fits your budget.
   • Longer visit with nightlife, parks, and arts: consider Midtown, with planned trips to the aquarium.

3. What’s your parking/transportation plan?

   • If you already have a car, compare parking costs carefully between hotels.
   • If you’re flying in, consider taking MARTA from the airport to downtown or Midtown, then walking or using a short rideshare for the aquarium.

4. What amenities matter most?

   • With kids: pools, breakfast options, larger rooms or suites.
   • For work: desk space, quiet rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, early coffee/food access.

By aligning distance, budget, transportation, and amenities, you can find a hotel near the Georgia Aquarium that fits how you want to experience Atlanta—whether you’re a local planning a staycation or a visitor exploring the city for the first time.