Georgia Aquarium – A Local’s Guide

When friends and family come to visit us here in Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium is usually on the top of their list of things to see.  This is for good reason.  As one of the major attractions in Georgia, there are more animals housed here than in any other aquarium in the world.  It is the largest aquarium in the US and 4th largest in the world (it was the largest aquarium in the world when it opened in 2005-2012).  From the largest fish in the world (whale sharks) to the tiny seahorses, you’re sure to see your favorite sea creatures.

The aquarium is arranged in a layout that can accommodate the large crowds visiting every day.  It is a “hub and spokes” design with the 7 exhibits surrounding the main lobby.  Each exhibit has a separate entrance and exit with a one-way path that helps traffic flow smoothly.

6 Tips for visiting the Georgia Aquarium

1. Arrive early or go late.  The crowds start to form around 11:00 am or 12:00 pm, so your best bet is to arrive at opening.  We also noticed that the crowds thinned out around 4:00 pm.
2. Admission discount.  You can receive 20% off if you buy your tickets in advance online.  You can also Receive a discount if you buy an Early Bird discounted ticket and pick a time slot to arrive before 11:00 am. If you plan to arrive after 4:00 pm, be sure to get the Imagination Nights tickets.
3. Check the show schedule.  There are a number of shows included in your admission including the dolphin show, sea lion show and more.  Click on the calendar on the aquarium’s hours page, to see the schedule for the shows on the day you are visiting.
4. Watch for signs for the Temporary Entrance.  The aquarium is adding a huge expansion set to open in 2020.  This new 1 million gallon exhibit will house numerous species of sharks.  During the construction, the entrance will be moved and there will be directional signs pointing you to the temporary entrance.
5. Wait to eat until you leave the aquarium.  The last time we visited the aquarium we ate at the cafeteria and it just wasn’t very good.  Instead, before or after your visit, head over to one of the restaurants within easy walking distance of the aquarium entrance.  Nearby on Luckie Street are Johnny Rockets, Subway, Baja Fresh and Sub-Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream. A block away on Marietta Street are a pizza place and a bar-b-que place.
6. Find “Touch Pools”.  Throughout the aquarium are different spots to touch sea life.  Touch pools include rays at the Aquanaut Adventure, sea stars and anemone in Cold Water Quest, and epaulette sharks in Ocean Voyager.

The 7 Sections of the Georgia Aquarium

Aquanaut Adventure

This is the newest section with hands-on activities.  Kids and adults learn about aquatic life in this interactive area.  Be sure to stop at the touch pool to pet various types of rays.

Cold Water Quest

The Cold Water Quest exhibit houses sea-life that is accustomed to living in the cold temperatures “from the deep waters off the coast of Japan, to the kelp forests of California and all the way to the Arctic Circle”.  This exhibit showcases playful sea otters, prehistoric-looking Weedy Sea Dragons and most recently, the Tufted Puffin.  A popular exhibit is the huge beluga whales, which are in the same family as the narwhal.   Be sure to see the penguin exhibit where you can climb into a tube to be up close and personal with the penguins.

Ocean Voyager

The most impressive section, you enter through an acrylic tunnel with fish, whale sharks and rays swimming above you.  As you continue through the tunnel, you enter a room with a huge window 26′ tall x 63′ long and 2′ thick!

SunTrust Pier 225

Home to the Under the Boardwalk live presentation of California Sea Lions.  Audience members will see how the Sea Lions work together in a live training session.  The show lasts 20-25 minutes.

River Scout

This section includes river animals from Asia, Africa, South America and from Georgia.  Make sure to look up to see the river flowing over your head.  See piranha, an albino alligator, and the fun-loving Asian small-clawed otters.

Tropical Diver

The Tropical Diver exhibit brings you deep into the ocean.  One of the most vibrantly colored exhibits, and possibly the most-peaceful.  View jellyfish in clear waters, different types of coral, colorful fish and the strange Garden Eels.

Know Before You Go

How much is Admission for the Georgia Aquarium?

As of this writing, ticket prices for walk-up tickets for general admission cost $35.95 for adults (ages 13 to 64), $29.95 for children (ages 3 to 12) and $31.95 for seniors (65 plus).  But, you can save up to 30% off gate admission prices if you buy your tickets online.

What are the hours of the Georgia Aquarium?

The Aquarium almost always opens at 10:00 am and stays open until at least 5:00 pm.  On some days it is open until 9:00 pm.  Check the Georgia Aquarium website for the specific hours for your travel dates.

Where is the Georgia Aquarium?

The Georgia Aquarium is located in downtown Atlanta, Georgia in Pemberton Place.  In Pemberton Place, you will also find the World of Coca-Cola, the Civil Rights Museum and Centennial Olympic Park.

Where to Park for the Georgia Aquarium?

The Georgia Aquarium has a designated parking deck with 1,600 spaces.  The parking deck is safe and makes it easy to access the aquarium and the rest of the sights at Pemberton Place.  If you reserve online you will save $3.  Reserve your space when you buy your tickets for a discount on both.  Georgia Aquarium’s website.

The Top Place to Visit in Atlanta

If you are planning a trip to Atlanta, then a visit to the Georgia Aquarium is a must stop.  Adults will like the aquarium, but kids will love it.  Kids will enjoy the “Touching Pools” and walking through the huge tunnel with whale sharks and enormous rays swimming above them.  The Georgia Aquarium website suggests to allow 3-4 hours to visit the aquarium; I suggest a minimum of two hours.

Local’s Tip

Couple your visit with a trip to the World of Coca-Cola.  Right next door to the Georgia Aquarium is the World of Coca-Cola.  Coca-Cola was first served in Atlanta and this fun interactive museum tells the history of the drink. But, best of all…you can try different flavors of coke from around the world.

What is your favorite attraction in Atlanta?  Let me know in the comment section below.

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