Georgia Aquarium: A Local’s Guide to Atlanta’s Must-See Underwater Attraction

The Georgia Aquarium is one of Atlanta’s signature attractions and a major reason people plan trips to downtown. Whether you live in the city or are visiting for a weekend, it’s worth understanding how to make the most of your time (and money) at this huge aquarium.

Where the Georgia Aquarium Is and How to Get There

Address:
Georgia Aquarium
225 Baker St NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

Location basics:

• In downtown Atlanta, in the Pemberton Place area
• Next to the World of Coca-Cola and near the National Center for Civil and Human Rights
• A short walk from Centennial Olympic Park

Getting there by car

• Easy access from I-75/85 and I-20 via downtown exits.
• Multiple nearby parking decks; the main Georgia Aquarium parking deck is typically the most straightforward option.
• Downtown traffic can be heavy, especially:
  • Weekday rush hours
  • Days with events at State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium

💡 Local tip: If you’re coming from neighborhoods like Midtown, Inman Park, or Virginia-Highland, consider using surface streets instead of the interstates during rush hour to avoid bottlenecks.

MARTA and other transit options

• Rail: The closest MARTA rail stop is Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center Station (West Line) or Peachtree Center Station (North/South Line). From either:
  • Expect about a 10–15 minute walk to the aquarium.
• Bus: Several MARTA bus routes serve the downtown area near Centennial Olympic Park.
• Rideshare: There are designated drop-off areas around Pemberton Place; follow posted signs and your app’s directions.

💡 Local tip: Using MARTA on Falcons game days or big concert nights can be faster than driving and hunting for parking.

What Makes the Georgia Aquarium Special

The Georgia Aquarium is known for its very large tanks, diverse marine life, and immersive exhibits. For Atlanta locals, it’s a go-to choice for out-of-town visitors, field trips, and rainy-day activities.

Signature exhibits you shouldn’t miss

While exhibits may change or be updated over time, some core galleries locals often recommend include:

• Ocean Voyager

  • Famous for its massive viewing window and tunnel.
  • Often features whale sharks, manta rays, and large schools of fish.
  • A popular spot for photos and quiet viewing time.

• Cold Water / Cold-Water Oceans (name may vary over time)

  • Typically features beluga whales and other cold-water species.
  • A favorite with families and those who like slower-paced, contemplative viewing.

• Tropical or Coral Reef Exhibits

  • Colorful fish, corals, and reef environments.
  • Great for kids and anyone who wants to see vibrant, active displays.

• River and Freshwater Exhibits

  • Often include animals inspired by Georgia rivers and regional ecosystems, plus species from major rivers around the world.
  • Interesting if you want to connect what you see to local watersheds like the Chattahoochee.

• Touch pools and interactive zones

  • Typically include opportunities to carefully touch certain animals under staff guidance, like some invertebrates or rays (subject to change).
  • Good for school-age children when you want a hands-on experience.

Planning Your Visit: Timing, Crowds, and Best Days

Typical crowd patterns

People in Atlanta often notice:

• Weekends and holidays are busiest, especially midday.
• School field trip season (especially spring) can make weekday mornings crowded with students.
• Late afternoons on weekdays sometimes feel calmer, particularly outside peak tourism seasons.

If you’re a local with schedule flexibility, weekday mornings or late afternoons can be the most relaxed times.

How long to plan for

Most visitors spend:

• 2–4 hours seeing the main galleries at a comfortable pace
• More time if they:
  • Add shows
  • Participate in animal encounters
  • Take multiple snack or meal breaks

For Atlanta residents, consider shorter, targeted visits if you live nearby and can return more than once.

Tickets, Memberships, and Ways Atlanta Locals Use the Aquarium

Ticket options and pricing can change, but there are some common patterns in how Atlantans approach admission.

One-time visits

• Many people buy dated tickets in advance to lock in entry and avoid sold-out time slots on busy days.
• Entry is typically for a specific date and time window, and you must arrive during that period.

Memberships and repeat visits

If you live in the metro Atlanta area and plan to go more than once in a year, it’s worth investigating annual membership options. Locals often find memberships useful for:

• Short, frequent visits with children (e.g., a couple of hours in one gallery rather than doing everything in one day)
• Hosting guests from out of town
• Having a flexible “any-weather” activity option

If you work in Atlanta’s hospitality or tourism industries, you may occasionally hear about local promotions or seasonal discounts, but these aren’t guaranteed and change over time.

💡 Local tip: If you live within driving distance—say, in Decatur, Marietta, or Sandy Springs—checking the aquarium’s official ticketing page before you go is usually the best way to see current options and any time-sensitive deals.

Shows, Presentations, and Special Experiences

Beyond the standard galleries, the Georgia Aquarium often offers scheduled experiences. These can vary by season and year.

Types of offerings you may encounter

• Dolphin or sea lion presentations

  • Theatrical, educational shows highlighting animal behavior and care.
  • Usually require arriving early to get preferred seating.

• 4D theater experiences

  • Short films with sensory effects like vibrating seats or light sprays of water.
  • Popular with families and school groups.

• Animal encounters / behind-the-scenes tours

  • Guided visits that may involve:
    • Meeting animals at closer range
    • Learning about veterinary care and feeding
    • Viewing life support systems or back-of-house operations

Availability, ages allowed, and pricing for these offerings are typically listed in the aquarium’s official materials, and locals often suggest booking these in advance, especially for busy weekends or holidays.

Food, Drinks, and Amenities Inside the Aquarium

Dining

The aquarium generally offers:

• On-site café or food court with casual options
• Grab-and-go stands for snacks and drinks

For people living or staying downtown, you also have nearby alternatives:

• Restaurants around Centennial Olympic Park
• Options in the Luckie-Marietta District
• Food courts and eateries in and around Peachtree Center (a short walk or ride away)

Many locals choose to:

• Eat lightly in the aquarium
• Then walk to a nearby restaurant after their visit

Accessibility and comfort

Common amenities include:

• Elevators and ramps between exhibit levels
• Restrooms spaced throughout the building
• Stroller and wheelchair accommodation in most areas
• Clearly posted guest services locations for assistance

If you’re visiting with a large family group or anyone with mobility considerations, you may want to:

• Review layout maps ahead of time
• Pick a meeting spot, like the central atrium, in case your group gets separated

Georgia Aquarium for Kids, Families, and School Groups

Atlanta families often treat the Georgia Aquarium as a reliable, all-weather outing.

What works especially well for kids

• Tunnel walk-throughs where animals glide overhead
• Interactive displays that explain marine concepts in simple language
• Touch pools (when available) with staff supervising safe interaction
• Short shows that break up walking time

Parents in Atlanta often plan:

• Stroller-friendly routes, especially with toddlers
• Snack and water breaks, since the environment can be stimulating and overwhelming for younger children
• Using the aquarium as the central activity and leaving more open time around it rather than stacking too many downtown attractions in one day

Field trips and group visits

Many Atlanta-area schools, daycare centers, and youth groups use the aquarium for science-related outings. Group options typically include:

• Pre-arranged admission
• Sometimes educational programming or grade-level materials

If you’re organizing a group from within the metro area, it’s common to:

• Coordinate with school administration or leadership
• Reserve dates well in advance, especially in spring and early fall

Pairing the Georgia Aquarium With Other Atlanta Attractions

One of the biggest advantages of visiting the Georgia Aquarium is its central downtown location. Many locals and visitors choose to pair it with:

• World of Coca-Cola – Right next door in Pemberton Place
• Centennial Olympic Park – Good for outdoor time and picnics, especially with kids
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights – Nearby, with powerful exhibits for older kids and adults
• College Football Hall of Fame – A short walk away, especially appealing to sports fans
• State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium – If you’re attending a game or concert, you can plan the aquarium earlier the same day

If you live in Atlanta, consider:

• A morning at the aquarium, lunch nearby, and then
• A walk through Centennial Olympic Park
• Or pairing the aquarium with a later event downtown, avoiding multiple separate drives into the city

Practical Tips for Atlanta Locals and Visitors

Use this quick reference table for planning:

Additional local tips:

• 🎟️ Buy in advance: Atlantans frequently buy timed tickets before leaving home to avoid lines and sold-out time slots.
• 🚗 Check event calendars: Big events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena can impact traffic and parking costs.
• ☔ Weather backup plan: For residents, the aquarium is a dependable backup when outdoor plans at Piedmont Park or the Atlanta BeltLine get rained out.

Contact and Visitor Information

While details can change, these are the kinds of information people typically look for:

• Physical address:
  Georgia Aquarium
  225 Baker St NW
  Atlanta, GA 30313

• General phone line:
  Look for a main customer service or information number through the aquarium’s official materials or visitor information desks in downtown Atlanta hotels.

If you’re unsure about current hours, special events, group reservations, or accessibility details, it’s best to:

• Check the Georgia Aquarium’s official information channels, or
• Ask a hotel concierge or downtown visitor center (such as services around Centennial Olympic Park) for up-to-date guidance.

With some basic planning around timing, transit, and what you most want to see, the Georgia Aquarium can be one of the most rewarding things to do in Atlanta—whether you’re a lifelong local or just in town for a couple of days.