Atlanta Aquarium Tickets: How to Get the Best Experience at Georgia Aquarium

Planning a visit to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta and trying to figure out tickets, prices, and the best time to go? This guide walks through how Atlanta aquarium tickets work, your main options, and smart ways to plan your visit whether you live in metro Atlanta or you’re coming in for a trip.

Where the Georgia Aquarium Is and What to Expect

The Georgia Aquarium is located in downtown Atlanta at:

Georgia Aquarium
225 Baker St NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

It’s part of the Centennial Park area, close to World of Coca-Cola, Centennial Olympic Park, and the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame. Because of this central location, ticket demand can be high, especially on weekends, holidays, and school breaks.

Knowing your ticket options ahead of time can help you:

• Avoid sold-out time slots
• Save money by choosing the right type of ticket
• Cut down on lines and waiting

Main Types of Georgia Aquarium Tickets

While exact pricing changes over time, most visitors will see these core ticket types:

1. General Admission Tickets

General admission is the standard ticket that gives you access to the main exhibits and galleries.

Typical features include:

• Entry to all major galleries (like Ocean Voyager, Cold Water Quest, Tropical Diver, and more)
• Access to most daily exhibits and many educational displays
• Timed entry (you choose a specific time slot)

General admission is usually sold as a timed ticket, meaning you pick a time to enter. You can generally stay as long as you like once you’re inside, but capacity is managed through the entry time.

When this is best:

• First-time visitors
• Families and groups
• Locals bringing out-of-town guests for a single-day visit

2. Tickets with Add-On Experiences

Some tickets or upgrades include special shows or experiences for an extra cost. Common add-ons may include:

• Dolphin presentation
• Sea lion presentation
• 4D theater experiences
• Behind-the-scenes tours or animal encounters (often higher-priced and require reservations)

These are usually separate from general admission. In many cases, you must:

1. Purchase a general admission ticket
2. Add the specific experience you want

When this is best:

• Visitors who want a more in-depth or interactive visit
• Repeat visitors who have already explored the main galleries
• Special occasions like birthdays or celebrations

3. Memberships and Annual Passes

For Atlanta-area residents who plan to visit more than once, a membership or annual pass can sometimes be more cost-effective.

Common membership features often include:

• Unlimited or multiple visits over a set period (usually a year)
• Early entry or member-only times on certain days
• Discounts on parking, gift shop purchases, or food
• Discounted or early access to special events

Memberships can make sense if:

• You live in Atlanta or the surrounding metro area and enjoy repeat visits
• You have children who love the aquarium and want to go often
• You like having an indoor activity option year-round, especially in extreme heat or on rainy days

4. Group Tickets

Groups such as schools, camps, youth groups, and large family groups may qualify for group ticket options.

Typical group ticket guidelines may include:

• Minimum group size (often 15 or more people)
• Advance reservations
• One payment method for the entire group
• Options for add-on programs, educational activities, or meal plans

If you’re bringing a large group from an Atlanta school, church, or organization, it’s usually best to arrange tickets in advance through group sales channels and allow extra time for check-in.

5. Combination & City Pass–Style Tickets

Because the Georgia Aquarium is part of downtown Atlanta’s main attractions, some visitors use combination tickets or bundled passes that include multiple attractions in the area.

These passes may combine the aquarium with spots like:

• World of Coca-Cola
• Zoo Atlanta
• Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights

These options can sometimes save money if you plan to visit several attractions within a short time, especially if you’re visiting Atlanta for just a few days.

When this helps:

• Short-term visitors wanting to see multiple major Atlanta attractions
• Families planning a long weekend or vacation in the city
• Locals planning a “staycation” downtown

Buying Georgia Aquarium Tickets: Online vs. On-Site

You can generally buy tickets both online and in person, but there are important differences.

Online Tickets

Buying tickets online is often recommended, especially for:

• Weekends
• Holidays
• Spring break and summer vacation
• Large groups or families

Online ticketing typically allows you to:

• Choose a specific entry time
• See available time slots before committing
• Lock in your visit even if the day becomes busy

Many visitors find that popular midday and early afternoon slots can fill up quickly, especially for Saturdays and holiday periods.

On-Site Tickets

You can usually purchase tickets at the aquarium’s ticket windows at 225 Baker St NW. However:

• Same-day tickets may be limited or not available at peak times
• You may have fewer time slots to choose from
• Lines to purchase tickets can be longer on busy days

If you’re already downtown and decide to go spontaneously, it’s still wise to check ticket availability online first, even if you plan to buy in person.

Typical Ticket Inclusions vs. Extras

Here’s a simple comparison to help you understand what’s usually included with standard tickets versus what often costs extra:

Because offerings can change, it’s wise to review what your specific ticket includes before purchase, especially if you’re planning your day around a particular show or encounter.

Best Times to Visit (And How That Affects Tickets)

How you plan your day can be just as important as the type of ticket you buy.

Weekdays vs. Weekends

• Weekdays (especially Tuesday–Thursday) usually feel less crowded and may have more flexible ticket availability.
• Weekends and holidays are the busiest, with popular time slots often filling up in advance.

If you live in or near Atlanta and can go on a weekday morning, you’ll often have:

• Easier parking
• Shorter lines at exhibits and restrooms
• More space to take photos and move at your own pace

Time of Day

Aquarium attendance often peaks in the late morning through mid-afternoon.

Helpful timing tips:

• Early morning entry: Often the calmest time; good for families with young kids.
• Late afternoon: Can be a bit quieter after the midday rush, though you’ll want to confirm closing times to ensure you have enough time inside.

Parking, Transportation, and Ticket Planning

Parking Near the Aquarium

Many visitors use parking in decks and lots near Baker Street NW and Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd, including facilities commonly used for the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola.

When planning tickets:

• Factor in parking time; downtown traffic and finding a spot can take longer on busy days.
• Aim to arrive downtown at least 30–45 minutes before your ticketed entry time, especially on weekends.

MARTA and Public Transit

If you’re staying in Atlanta or live near a MARTA line:

• Take MARTA to the Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center Station or Peachtree Center Station, then walk to the aquarium.
• This can help you avoid parking stress, especially during big downtown events.

This matters for timed tickets—public transit can be more predictable than driving during heavy traffic.

Tips for Atlanta Families and Locals

If you live in the Atlanta metro area, you may look at Georgia Aquarium tickets differently than a one-time visitor.

Consider Membership if You’ll Visit More Than Once

For families in areas like Decatur, Sandy Springs, Marietta, or East Point, it may be worth comparing:

• The cost of 2–3 individual visits vs.
• The cost of an annual membership

An annual option can be especially useful if:

• You want a reliable indoor option for hot summer days or winter weekends
• You have young children who enjoy shorter, frequent visits rather than staying all day

Plan Around School Calendars

Local families know that:

• Fulton County, DeKalb, Cobb, and Gwinnett school breaks can significantly increase local attendance.
• Spring break, fall break, and long weekends see more crowds.

If your schedule allows, choose non-break weekdays when planning your tickets for a calmer experience.

Accessibility, Strollers, and Other Practical Details

When choosing tickets, also think about how you’ll move around once you’re inside.

Key points many Atlanta families consider:

• Strollers and wheelchairs: The aquarium is designed to be accessible, and there are ramps and elevators throughout.
• Food and breaks: There are food options and rest areas inside; planning your visit time around normal meal and nap times can make a big difference for kids.
• Timing with younger children: Morning tickets can align better with energy levels and naps.

If anyone in your group has mobility or sensory needs, it can help to:

• Opt for earlier or later in the day for fewer crowds
• Build in extra time so you’re not rushed

How to Decide Which Atlanta Aquarium Ticket Is Right for You

Here’s a quick way to match your situation to a ticket type:

• Visiting Atlanta for one day with family?
  • General admission, possibly with one special show as an add-on.
• Local family planning several visits this year?
  • Compare general admission vs. membership pricing.
• Bringing a school or youth group?
  • Look into group ticket options and book well in advance.
• Doing a full downtown attraction weekend?
  • Consider a combination or city-style pass that includes the aquarium and other attractions.

However you choose to visit, planning your Atlanta aquarium tickets ahead of time—especially for weekends, holidays, and peak seasons—will give you a smoother, more relaxed experience at one of the city’s most popular destinations.