Aquarium Atlanta Attraction Review

The Georgia Aquarium is one of Atlanta’s top attractions, drawing visitors with its massive tanks, thousands of sea creatures, and unique animal encounters. Guests can see whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins, and sea lions up close. Special programs let visitors interact with animals.

The aquarium stays clean, and staff members know a lot about marine life. There are plenty of exhibits to explore. Crowds and high prices are common. Planning ahead helps make the trip smoother.

Location

The Georgia Aquarium sits in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. Its address is 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313.

Visitors will find it close to other popular attractions such as the World of Coca-Cola and Centennial Olympic Park. Several hotels, parking garages, and public transport stops are nearby.

Traffic in this part of Atlanta can be heavy, especially on weekends and during large events. Choosing public transportation or arriving early can help avoid delays.

Parking is available in a multi-level garage connected to the aquarium. The cost is about $25, and spaces fill up quickly on busy days.

Amenities

The Georgia Aquarium offers many amenities to make visits comfortable. Clean restrooms are located throughout the building.

Stroller and wheelchair rentals are available at the entrance. Food options include a large café serving sandwiches, salads, snacks, and drinks.

There are plenty of seating areas for families to take breaks or have a snack. A gift shop sells souvenirs, plush animals, T-shirts, and educational toys.

Lockers are available for rent to store personal belongings while exploring the exhibits. Visitors will find helpful maps, free Wi-Fi, and charging stations for mobile devices.

Friendly staff are easy to find when questions come up or assistance is needed. There is also a coat check service near the main entrance.

Food And Drink

The main place to eat inside the Georgia Aquarium is the Coastline Café, located on the upper level. This cafeteria-style spot offers foods like chicken tenders, burgers, pizza, salads, hot dogs, and vegetarian or vegan choices.

Desserts, coffee, soft drinks with free refills, beer, and wine are also available. Portion sizes are typical for family attractions.

Seating can fill up quickly, especially during lunch hours. Food quality is solid for an attraction, but prices are similar to stadium pricing.

Most visitors can find something to eat, though labeling for dietary needs may not always be detailed. Both cash and cards are accepted.

Eating inside allows guests to stay close to the exhibits without leaving the building.

Parking

The Georgia Aquarium has a large parking garage on Baker Street. The garage connects directly to the entrance, making it convenient for visitors.

Guests can park in the garage for several hours and walk to nearby attractions such as the World of Coca-Cola or Centennial Olympic Park. The parking ticket is typically valid for the full day.

Parking rates, as of mid-2025, are as follows:

Vehicle Type	Daily Rate
Standard Car	$20 – $25
Large Vehicle (RV)	Limited, varies

The garage is clean and well-lit. Spaces are generally available, but it can fill up on busy weekends and holidays.

Arriving early helps secure a spot during peak times.

Nearby

The Georgia Aquarium is in downtown Atlanta, close to many popular attractions and restaurants. Visitors can easily walk to Centennial Olympic Park, the World of Coca-Cola, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

Nearby Restaurants:

Name	Type	Distance
Sweet Basil Italiano	Italian Food	Less than 1 mile
Hudson Grille	American	Less than 1 mile
Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria	Pizza	Less than 1 mile

Families can enjoy splash fountains and green spaces for kids at Centennial Olympic Park. Those interested in history might enjoy the nearby Civil Rights Center.

Parking garages are close to the aquarium. Public transit and ride-shares are also widely used in this area.

Pricing

Ticket prices for the Georgia Aquarium vary based on age and time of visit. As of 2025, general admission is usually around $40–$50 for adults and $35–$45 for children.

Same-day tickets can cost more, so booking online in advance is recommended. Discounts are sometimes available for seniors, military members, and groups.

The aquarium also has combo tickets for other Atlanta attractions, which may help save money. Late entry tickets are sometimes cheaper and can be a good option for those looking to save.

Additional activities like animal encounters cost extra. Check the website for up-to-date prices and package deals.

Final Verdict

The Georgia Aquarium showcases a wide range of marine life, including whale sharks, manta rays, and beluga whales. Its massive tanks and interactive exhibits attract families and marine enthusiasts.

Visitors praise the staff’s knowledge and friendliness. Many guests enjoy the dolphin and sea lion shows, which are especially popular with children.

Crowds and high ticket prices often frustrate visitors, especially during weekends and holidays. Some reviewers feel the aquarium focuses more on entertainment than animal welfare.

Strengths	Weaknesses
Unique species	Crowded at peak times
Engaging shows	Expensive admission
Knowledgeable staff	Parking challenges

If you love marine life or plan to visit with kids, you will likely have a memorable experience. For a quieter visit, go on weekdays or arrive early.