The Best Things To Do Near the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta

Spending the day at the Georgia Aquarium in Downtown Atlanta and wondering what else is nearby? You’re in one of the most activity-packed spots in the city. Within a short walk or quick ride, you can fill out a full day (or weekend) with museums, parks, food, sports, and nightlife.

Below is a practical guide to things to do near the Atlanta Aquarium—all tailored to how people actually move around and explore this part of the city.

Quick Overview: Top Attractions Within a Short Walk

*Walking times are approximate and depend on your pace and route.

Exploring Pemberton Place: Right Next to the Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium sits in Pemberton Place, a pedestrian-friendly area in Downtown with several major attractions clustered together.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

If you want something meaningful and reflective after your aquarium visit, walk a couple of minutes to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

• Focuses on the American Civil Rights Movement and global human rights issues
• Engaging exhibits that work well for teens and adults
• Often quieter than the aquarium, making it a good second stop in the same day

Tip: Many Atlanta locals pair the aquarium in the morning and the Civil and Human Rights Center in the afternoon to balance a fun activity with something more educational.

Centennial Olympic Park

Directly across from the aquarium, Centennial Olympic Park offers open space and city views:

• Great for picnics, letting kids run around, or a mid-day break
• Features the Fountain of Rings, a popular splash area for children in warm weather
• Plenty of benches, green lawns, and skyline photo spots

If you’re visiting with kids, planning a stroller-friendly day, or just need a break from indoor crowds, this park is one of the most convenient options.

Family-Friendly Things To Do Near the Aquarium

The area around the Georgia Aquarium is built for families. You can easily spend an entire day without getting in a car.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

A short walk from the aquarium, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta is designed for younger kids:

• Hands-on, play-based exhibits
• Indoor, climate-controlled space—useful on very hot or rainy days
• Works best for toddlers through early elementary ages

Parents in Atlanta often turn this combination into a day: morning at the aquarium, lunch nearby, and afternoon playtime at the children’s museum.

College Football Hall of Fame

If your family includes sports fans, walk a few blocks to the College Football Hall of Fame near Centennial Olympic Park:

• Interactive exhibits, simulators, and football-themed activities
• Appeals especially to older kids, teens, and adults who follow college sports
• The indoor turf field area is a hit with many visitors

This is a good option if you want something energetic and kid-friendly but different from a traditional museum.

Iconic Downtown Atlanta Experiences Near the Aquarium

You don’t have to go far from the aquarium to feel like you’ve “seen Atlanta.”

SkyView Atlanta Ferris Wheel

Located just off Centennial Olympic Park, SkyView Atlanta is a large Ferris wheel with enclosed gondolas:

• Offers panoramic views of Downtown, Midtown, and beyond
• Especially popular around sunset or after dark when the city is lit up
• Good quick activity if you have limited time but want a memorable view

Many visitors plan a short ride here after the aquarium and before dinner.

State Farm Arena (Events & Games)

Walkable from the aquarium, State Farm Arena is home to the Atlanta Hawks and a major concert venue:

• NBA games during basketball season
• Concerts and large-scale entertainment events throughout the year
• Surrounded by restaurants, bars, and parking garages

If you’re planning a full downtown day, you can visit the aquarium earlier, grab dinner nearby, then head to an evening game or show.

Walking-Friendly Spots in the Broader Downtown Area

If you’re comfortable walking 10–20 minutes or taking a short ride, more options open up.

CNN Center Area & Surroundings

While CNN’s operations have shifted over time, the area around the former CNN Center still functions as a hub for:

• Quick-service restaurants and casual dining
• Easy access to State Farm Arena, Centennial Olympic Park, and MARTA
• Indoor walkways and food options useful during hot or rainy weather

This is often where families and groups grab a meal between attractions.

Woodruff Park & Historic Downtown

A bit deeper into Downtown, you’ll find Woodruff Park and historic buildings along Peachtree Street:

• Smaller green space with tables and shaded areas
• Near older office buildings, small shops, and some local eateries
• Gives a feel for Atlanta’s urban core beyond the main tourist attractions

This can be a good place if you want to see a slightly less tourist-focused side of Downtown.

Eating and Drinking Near the Georgia Aquarium

You don’t have to go far for food—options range from fast-casual to sit-down restaurants.

Fast and Family-Friendly Options

Within a short walk of the aquarium and Centennial Olympic Park, you’ll typically find:

• Fast-casual chains suitable for picky eaters or quick lunches
• Grab-and-go cafes with sandwiches, salads, and coffee
• Food court–style setups in nearby mixed-use or office buildings

These are convenient when you’re managing kids’ schedules, trying to keep costs under control, or fitting in multiple attractions.

Sit-Down Restaurants and Local Flavor

If you have more time:

• Look along Marietta Street NW, Luckie Street NW, and Baker Street NW for casual and mid-range sit-down spots.
• Many places cater to pre-game and pre-concert crowds, so they’re accustomed to serving visitors efficiently.
• Some restaurants in this area offer views of the park or skyline, which can be a nice bonus in the evening.

Tip: If you’re headed to a big game or concert at State Farm Arena, plan to eat before you walk over—lines near event time can get long.

Relaxed Options: Parks, Walking, and Scenic Spots

If you’ve had your fill of indoor attractions, there are still plenty of low-key things to do near the aquarium.

Strolling Around Centennial Olympic Park

Beyond the Fountain of Rings, the park offers:

• Paved walkways suitable for strollers and wheelchairs
• Grassy areas ideal for blankets, snacks, or reading
• Occasional public art and memorials tied to the 1996 Olympic Games

Locals sometimes use the area around the aquarium and park as a gentle walking loop for visitors who want to stretch their legs.

Nearby Green Spaces and Plazas

Within a 10–15 minute walk, you can also find:

• Smaller plazas and pocket parks between Downtown office buildings
• Areas with public seating, sometimes with shade or water features

These are not destinations on their own, but they are useful for resting between activities, especially if you’re visiting in warmer months.

Shopping and Souvenirs Around the Aquarium

If you want to pick up something to remember your visit or bring home to kids, there are several options nearby.

Attraction Gift Shops

The most convenient spots for souvenirs are inside or adjacent to major attractions:

• Georgia Aquarium gift shop – marine life toys, shirts, and branded items
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights shop – books, apparel, and items related to civil and human rights
• College Football Hall of Fame shop – team-themed gear and memorabilia

These shops are walkable from one another and often visited back-to-back.

Downtown Convenience and Specialty Stores

In the wider Downtown area around the aquarium, you can also find:

• Convenience stores for snacks, drinks, and basic travel items
• A small number of specialty shops and kiosks near major intersections and hotel corridors

These are practical if you’re staying in a nearby hotel and need essentials or small gifts.

How to Get Around: Transportation Near the Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is centrally located, and multiple transportation options make it easy to combine activities.

MARTA (Public Transit)

The closest MARTA rail stations are:

• Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center Station (West Line)
• Peachtree Center Station (North-South Lines)

From either station, it’s typically a 10–15 minute walk to the aquarium and surrounding attractions.

MARTA can be a convenient option if:

• You’re staying along a major line (e.g., Midtown, Buckhead, Airport)
• You want to avoid downtown parking garages
• You plan to move between different Atlanta neighborhoods in one day

Parking Garages and Lots

Around the aquarium and Pemberton Place, there are several structured parking decks and lots that serve:

• Georgia Aquarium
• Other attractions in the area
• Event crowds at State Farm Arena

Pricing and availability can vary by time of day and whether there is a major event, so many Atlanta visitors:

• Aim to arrive earlier in the day
• Park once and walk between all nearby attractions

Walking and Accessibility

Sidewalks around the aquarium, Centennial Olympic Park, and most nearby attractions are:

• Generally well-marked and pedestrian-friendly
• Equipped with curb cuts and ramps at major crosswalks

If accessibility is a concern, planning your day so that you minimize backtracking—for example, moving in a simple loop from aquarium → park → nearby museums—can be helpful.

Planning Your Day Near the Georgia Aquarium

To make the most of your time, it helps to group activities that are close to each other and match your pace.

Sample Half-Day Plan (Families with Young Kids)

• Morning: Georgia Aquarium
• Lunch: Nearby fast-casual restaurant or quick sit-down spot
• Early Afternoon: Children’s Museum of Atlanta
• Late Afternoon: Playtime in Centennial Olympic Park, Fountain of Rings (weather permitting)

Sample Full-Day Plan (Adults or Families with Older Kids)

• Morning: Georgia Aquarium
• Midday: Walk through Centennial Olympic Park, grab lunch
• Afternoon: National Center for Civil and Human Rights or College Football Hall of Fame
• Evening: Ride SkyView Atlanta, then dinner
• Night (optional): NBA game or concert at State Farm Arena if scheduled

Sample Low-Key Visit (Locals or Repeat Visitors)

• Late Morning: Short aquarium visit or membership trip
• Lunch: Casual spot along Marietta or Baker Street
• Afternoon: Relax in Centennial Olympic Park, light walking around Downtown
• Optional: SkyView ride or quick stop at a nearby museum you haven’t seen yet

Helpful Details for Out-of-Town Visitors

If you’re visiting Atlanta and centering your plans around the aquarium area, keeping a few basics in mind can make your day smoother.

• Weather: Atlanta can be hot and humid in summer and occasionally chilly in winter; planning a mix of indoor and outdoor stops gives you flexibility.
• Crowds: The Georgia Aquarium and nearby attractions are busy on weekends and holidays; weekday mornings are often calmer.
• Staying Nearby: Many hotels in Downtown are within walking distance of the aquarium, Centennial Olympic Park, and major venues, allowing you to avoid driving all day if you prefer.

The area around the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is one of the city’s most convenient hubs for first-time visitors and locals showing guests around. With parks, museums, sports, views, and plenty of places to eat, you can easily build a day—or an entire weekend—around this one part of Atlanta without running out of things to do.