Atlanta Aquarium Guide: Planning Your Visit to Georgia Aquarium in Downtown Atlanta

If you search for “Atlanta Aquarium,” you’re almost always looking for the Georgia Aquarium—one of the city’s best-known attractions and a major draw for visitors and locals alike. This guide walks you through what to expect, how to plan your day, and how to make the most of your time there, all with an Atlanta-focused perspective.

Where the “Atlanta Aquarium” Is and How to Get There

Georgia Aquarium

• Address: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Neighborhood: Downtown / Centennial Park District

It sits right by Centennial Olympic Park, near:

• World of Coca-Cola
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights
• State Farm Arena and the Mercedes-Benz Stadium (a bit farther but walkable for many)

Getting There by Car

From most parts of metro Atlanta, you’ll reach the aquarium via the connector:

• From I-75/I-85 Northbound:

  • Exit at 249C Williams St
  • Follow signs toward Georgia Aquarium/Centennial Olympic Park

• From I-75/I-85 Southbound:

  • Exit at 249D North Ave
  • Turn right on North Ave NW, then left on Luckie St toward Baker St NW

• From I-20 (East or West):

  • Merge onto I-75/85 North
  • Then follow the northbound directions above

Parking:

• The aquarium has an attached official parking deck with direct access.
• For most visitors, parking in the official deck is the simplest option, especially if you’re unfamiliar with downtown one-way streets.
• There are other paid lots nearby shared with surrounding attractions, but some may involve a longer walk.

MARTA and Car-Free Options

If you live in or are staying inside the perimeter (ITP), MARTA is often easier than driving and paying for parking.

• Rail:
  • Take the Red or Gold Line to Peachtree Center Station.
  • Walk west (about 10–15 minutes) following signs to Centennial Olympic Park / Georgia Aquarium.
• Bus:
  • Several MARTA bus routes stop near Centennial Olympic Park; routes can change, so it’s best to confirm current lines before you go.

Rideshares and taxis can drop you near Baker St NW or the designated rideshare areas around the park.

Ticket Basics: What Atlanta Visitors Should Know

Georgia Aquarium uses timed-entry tickets, which means you pick a specific arrival window.

Common Ticket Types

While offerings can change, Atlanta-area visitors usually encounter:

• Standard General Admission
  • Timed entry, access to main exhibits and galleries
• Special Experiences (Add-Ons)
  • Animal encounters, behind-the-scenes tours, or animal care programs
• Annual Memberships
  • Often chosen by Atlanta families and locals who plan multiple visits per year

If you’re local to Atlanta, a membership sometimes makes sense if:

• You have children who enjoy multiple repeat visits
• You like pairing the aquarium with other downtown stops (Centennial Olympic Park, SkyView, events at State Farm Arena)

When to Buy

• Weekends, holidays, and school breaks can sell out of the most convenient times.
• For big event days (Falcons games, Hawks games, major concerts), traffic and parking around downtown can be more challenging; planning earlier arrival times often helps.

Best Time to Visit the Atlanta Aquarium

Atlanta residents quickly learn that timing matters downtown.

Less Crowded Times

You’re more likely to experience thinner crowds:

• Weekdays, especially Tuesday–Thursday
• Early morning time slots
• Later afternoons on non-holiday weekdays

If you’re visiting with young kids or someone who prefers a calmer environment, avoiding Saturday mid-day and major school breaks can make a big difference.

Pairing the Aquarium With Other Atlanta Attractions

Since you’re already in the Centennial Park District, many visitors and locals like to plan:

• Morning: Georgia Aquarium
• Lunch: Nearby downtown restaurants or food courts
• Afternoon: World of Coca-Cola or Civil and Human Rights Center
• Evening: Walk through Centennial Olympic Park or head to Midtown for dinner

This can be a good strategy if you’re coming in from Cobb, Gwinnett, or South Fulton and want to make the drive into downtown count.

Main Exhibits and Highlights

Georgia Aquarium is known for its large, immersive galleries. While specific exhibits can evolve, these are the signature experiences people usually associate with the “Atlanta aquarium”:

Ocean Voyager

• Famous for its huge viewing window and long walk-through tunnel
• Home to whale sharks, manta rays, and a wide variety of fish
• A core “must-see” for first-time visitors

Cold Water / Cold-Water Species

• Often includes beluga whales and other cold-water marine mammals
• Cooler, more subdued environment that many visitors find calming

Tropical and River Habitats

Sections that typically highlight:

• Tropical reefs with colorful fish and coral
• River systems, including species that represent Georgia and Southeast U.S. waterways

Interactive and Touch Areas

Depending on current offerings, you may find:

• Touch pools with rays or small animals
• Areas geared specifically toward children, with hands-on elements and educational signage

Shows and Presentations

Georgia Aquarium frequently schedules:

• Animal presentations
• Educational talks and feedings viewable from public areas

Tip: 🕒 Check show times when you arrive so you can plan your route through the galleries without backtracking.

Planning a Visit With Kids, Groups, or Special Needs

Visiting With Children

Atlanta families often treat the aquarium as a half-day or full-day outing.

Helpful tips:

• Strollers are common, but the aquarium can get crowded, so compact strollers are easier to maneuver.
• Decide in advance which exhibits are “musts” for your kids so you can hit those early before they get tired.
• Restrooms and family facilities are spread throughout—make a mental note of locations when you enter.

School and Youth Groups

If you’re an Atlanta educator or organizing a group visit:

• Group entry usually requires advance reservations.
• Many schools in metro Atlanta plan field trips here, so mornings on certain weekdays can be busier during the school year.

Accessibility Considerations

Georgia Aquarium is designed with accessibility in mind:

• Wheelchair accessibility across main public areas
• Elevators between floors
• Seating in many large viewing galleries

If you or someone in your party has specific mobility, sensory, or medical needs, it can help to:

• Plan for quieter times (early weekday mornings)
• Map out the shortest routes between must-see exhibits

Food, Dining, and Nearby Options

Inside the Aquarium

You can usually find:

• Cafeteria-style dining with quick service
• Snacks and beverages spread throughout

Prices are typical for a major attraction; many Atlanta locals budget for this or plan around it.

Nearby Downtown Dining

Because you’re in downtown Atlanta, you have additional options within walking distance:

• Casual restaurants and quick-service spots around Centennial Olympic Park
• Food courts and eateries connected to nearby hotels or office buildings (many busier on weekdays when office workers are around)

If you’re coming from suburbs like Alpharetta, Marietta, or Decatur, pairing your aquarium visit with a downtown meal can turn it into a full city outing.

How Long to Plan for an Aquarium Visit

Most Atlanta-area visitors plan:

• 2–3 hours if they’re focused on highlights
• Half a day if they want to see exhibits at a relaxed pace, catch shows, and spend time in the viewing areas

If you’re also doing another attraction the same day, many people:

• Book a morning aquarium time, then move on to a second attraction in the afternoon
• Or reverse it if they prefer to avoid morning traffic into downtown

Georgia Aquarium vs. Other Aquatic Experiences Near Atlanta

If you live in metro Atlanta, you may wonder how this compares to other local options.

Quick Comparison for Atlanta Residents

Georgia Aquarium is the flagship, large-scale experience. Smaller aquariums in nature centers or zoos around Atlanta focus more on local fish, turtles, and educational displays, and are usually suited for shorter, lower-cost outings.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Locals and Visitors

A few Atlanta-specific pointers can make your visit smoother:

• Check downtown event calendars. Big games or conventions at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or Georgia World Congress Center can increase traffic and parking demand.
• Plan your driving route in advance. One-way streets and multi-lane turns downtown can be confusing if you’re coming from suburbs or other regions of Georgia.
• Consider MARTA if you’re inside the perimeter. It can save time on parking and post-visit traffic.
• Give yourself a buffer. Timed tickets have entry windows, but security, parking, and walking from the deck or MARTA all take time.
• Dress in layers. Some galleries are cooler, and walking between indoor/outdoor transitions (parking deck, walks around Centennial Park) can make temperature changes noticeable.

Contact and Basic Visitor Information

For the most current details on hours, ticket prices, and any special events, use official Georgia Aquarium channels.

Georgia Aquarium – Visitor Information

• Address: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Located in the Centennial Park District, adjacent to Centennial Olympic Park

When you’re planning an “Atlanta Aquarium” day, think of it as more than a single attraction—it’s a centerpiece for exploring downtown, with easy access to other major Atlanta sights, dining, and city experiences.