Atlanta Georgia Aquarium Tickets: How to Get the Best Experience for Your Visit

Planning a trip to the Georgia Aquarium in downtown Atlanta and trying to figure out tickets, prices, and the best time to go? This guide walks you through everything you need to know about Atlanta Georgia Aquarium tickets, from types of admission and local discounts to timing, parking, and smart ways to save.

Where the Georgia Aquarium Is and How Tickets Work

The Georgia Aquarium is located in the heart of downtown Atlanta at:

It’s right next to Centennial Olympic Park, near popular spots like the World of Coca‑Cola and the College Football Hall of Fame, so many visitors combine attractions in one day.

Tickets are primarily timed-entry, meaning you choose a specific entry time when you purchase. You can usually stay as long as you like once you’re inside, but your arrival window matters, especially on weekends and holidays when things get crowded.

Main Types of Georgia Aquarium Tickets

Exact names and inclusions can change, but most Atlanta visitors encounter these common ticket options:

1. General Admission (Standard Day Ticket)

This is the core ticket most people buy.

Typically includes:

• Entry to all standard exhibits (tropical fish, sharks, coral reefs, river habitats, etc.)
• Access to daily dolphin and sea lion presentations (often first‑come, first‑served seating with a reservation system)
• Use of indoor common areas and viewing windows throughout the day

Best for:

• First-time visitors
• Families and out‑of‑town guests
• Locals doing a single, full day at the Aquarium

If you live in Atlanta, buying in advance is often cheaper and helps you avoid sold‑out time slots, especially on weekends, school holidays, and Atlanta convention days when downtown gets busier.

2. Memberships / Annual Passes

If you live in or near Atlanta and plan to visit more than twice in a year, it’s often worth looking at membership options.

Common benefits often include:

• Unlimited admission for a year (during public operating hours)
• Discounts on parking, gift shop, and café purchases
• Priority or discounted access to special events
• Guest ticket discounts on select days

Memberships are especially popular with:

• Atlanta families looking for indoor activities in summer heat or on rainy days
• Homeschoolers and frequent visitors
• Grandparents who host visiting family often

If you’re local, consider which days you’re likely to visit; weekday mornings are usually calmer and more relaxed.

3. Add‑On Experiences (Premium Upgrades)

Beyond standard admission, the Georgia Aquarium typically offers add‑on ticket experiences, which may include:

• Animal encounters (for example, behind‑the‑scenes experiences with penguins, seals, or other animals)
• Swim or dive experiences in specific exhibits (often for certified divers or with age limits)
• Small‑group tours that go behind the scenes in areas not open to the general public

These add‑ons:

• Nearly always require advance reservations
• May have age, height, or health-related restrictions
• Can sell out on popular weekends, holidays, and school breaks

For Atlanta locals, these can be a memorable birthday, celebration, or “staycation” splurge.

4. Group and School Tickets

If you’re bringing a group from Atlanta or nearby areas:

• School field trips: Many Atlanta‑area schools coordinate weekday trips; these often have special education-focused pricing and programming.
• Youth groups, camps, or clubs: Discounts are sometimes available for larger groups booked in advance.
• Corporate or organizational outings: Atlanta companies sometimes set up Aquarium visits as team events or conference add‑ons.

Group tickets typically require:

• Advance booking
• A minimum group size
• One main contact or organizer

If you’re planning this from within metro Atlanta, try to lock in your date early, especially during spring and fall field trip seasons.

How to Buy Georgia Aquarium Tickets in Atlanta

1. Online in Advance

For most visitors, buying online before you go is the easiest option.

Benefits of advance purchase:

• Often lower prices than walk‑up rates
• Guaranteed entry time (some time slots can sell out)
• Faster entry once you arrive downtown

Metro Atlanta residents often buy tickets from home and then time their trip around traffic and parking.

2. On‑Site at the Box Office

You can typically buy tickets at the Georgia Aquarium entrance, but you may face:

• Higher prices on the day of visit
• Limited entry times during busy periods
• Potential wait in the ticket line

This approach works better on slower weekdays outside of peak tourist seasons, but Atlanta traffic and event days can quickly change crowd levels.

3. Through Local Partners or City Pass Bundles

In Atlanta, some visitors use multi‑attraction ticket bundles that pair the Georgia Aquarium with:

• World of Coca‑Cola
• Zoo Atlanta
• Other downtown or nearby attractions

These can be convenient if:

• You’re visiting Atlanta for several days
• You plan to hit multiple major attractions
• You want to save on overall ticket costs

Be sure to check:

• Validity periods
• Reservation requirements for each attraction
• How many days you have to use all included tickets

Typical Ticket Add‑Ons and Extras to Consider

While planning your Georgia Aquarium visit, you’ll often see options like:

• Preferred or expedited entry: Helps shorten entrance waits during high‑traffic times.
• Photo packages: Offered at or near entrance and during certain experiences.
• Audio guides or mobile guides: Helpful if you want more in‑depth explanations.

These are optional; your base ticket still includes the core exhibits.

When to Visit: Best Times for Atlanta Locals and Visitors

Time of Day

• Early morning opening times: Often quieter, especially on weekdays.
• Late afternoons: Crowds sometimes thin out, but check closing times so you have enough time to explore.
• Midday weekends: Can be the busiest, especially when major events happen at Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena, or Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.

Atlanta residents who can visit on weekday mornings generally enjoy a more relaxed experience.

Time of Year

• Summer and school breaks (spring break, winter holidays): Heavier crowds.
• Atlanta convention season (varies): Downtown hotels fill, and attractions get busier.
• Off‑peak months (non‑holiday weekdays in late fall or winter): Often more peaceful.

If you live locally, you can use off‑peak times to your advantage with flexible scheduling.

Parking and Getting There from Around Atlanta

Driving and Parking

Most visitors from metro Atlanta drive in. Nearby parking options typically include:

• Georgia Aquarium parking deck (adjacent or very close to the Aquarium)
• Other nearby downtown parking garages and lots

Key tips:

• Allow extra time for Atlanta traffic, especially on I‑75/85, I‑20, and the Downtown Connector.
• Check for major events at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, or the Georgia World Congress Center—these can affect both traffic and parking costs.
• Consider prepaid parking options when available.

MARTA and Other Transit Options

If you prefer not to drive:

• Take MARTA (Atlanta’s rail system) to stations like Peachtree Center or Civic Center, then walk or use a short rideshare trip.
• Some downtown hotels are within walking distance of the Aquarium, making it easy to visit without a car.

This can be especially convenient for visitors staying in Downtown or Midtown Atlanta.

Georgia Aquarium Ticket Tips for Atlanta Families

For families living in or visiting Atlanta:

• Pack light: Strollers are common, but minimal bags make security faster.
• Plan around naps: Timed entry lets you pick a start that fits your kids’ schedule.
• Use show times strategically: Aim for dolphin or sea lion shows in between exploring exhibits to give everyone a seated break.
• Budget for food: There is on‑site dining; some families choose to eat there, others plan meals before or after in nearby downtown restaurants.

If you’re from the suburbs (e.g., Marietta, Decatur, Sandy Springs, or College Park), consider planning:

• A morning Aquarium visit, lunch downtown, and then heading home before rush‑hour traffic
• Or a late afternoon ticket, followed by dinner downtown

Accessibility and Special Considerations

The Georgia Aquarium is designed to accommodate a wide range of visitors, including those with mobility or sensory needs.

Common features may include:

• Wheelchair accessibility throughout most areas
• Options for wheelchair rentals on site (often first‑come, first‑served)
• Family‑friendly restrooms and changing areas

If you or someone in your group has specific accessibility needs, it’s wise to:

• Review accessibility information in advance
• Consider visiting at less crowded times to make navigating easier
• Allow extra time for breaks and pacing

Sample Ticket Planning Snapshot

Use this quick reference if you’re comparing options for an Atlanta visit:

Key Takeaways for Buying Atlanta Georgia Aquarium Tickets

• Buy in advance online whenever possible, especially for weekends and holidays in Atlanta.
• Choose the right ticket type: general admission for a single visit, membership if you’ll return often, and add‑ons if you want something special.
• Factor in Atlanta traffic, downtown events, and parking when picking your time slot.
• Locals can often get the best experience on weekday mornings or off‑peak seasons, when the Aquarium is calmer and easier to navigate.

With a bit of planning, your Georgia Aquarium ticket can turn into an easy, memorable day in downtown Atlanta—whether you’re a long‑time local or just here for a short visit.