The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is the largest in the US

The Georgia Aquarium, located in Atlanta, Georgia, holds the title of largest aquarium in the United States by total water volume. The facility contains 11 million gallons of water across its exhibits and is home to thousands of animals, including whale sharks, beluga whales, manta rays, and sea lions. It opened to the public in 2005 and remains the most visited aquarium in the country.

The aquarium spans 645,000 square feet and features multiple galleries organized by habitat type and region. Visitors can walk through exhibits designed to replicate ocean environments, from tropical coral reefs to cold Arctic waters. The building itself is designed to blend into Atlanta's downtown waterfront area, making it a recognizable landmark in the city.

Key Takeaways

  • The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta holds 11 million gallons of water, making it the largest aquarium in the United States by volume.
  • The facility opened in 2005 and is located in downtown Atlanta near the World of Coca-Cola and other tourist attractions.
  • The aquarium houses whale sharks, beluga whales, manta rays, sea lions, and thousands of other marine and freshwater animals.
  • Admission requires a paid ticket, and hours vary by season, so check the official website before visiting.

What Makes the Georgia Aquarium the Largest

Size in aquariums is measured by total water volume rather than building square footage. The Georgia Aquarium's 11 million gallons of water exceeds any other public aquarium in the country. To put this in perspective, the second-largest aquarium in the US, the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California, holds approximately 750,000 gallons—a significant difference.

The sheer volume allows the Georgia Aquarium to house larger animals and maintain more complex ecosystems. The whale shark tank alone contains 6.3 million gallons of water, which is larger than many entire aquariums. This massive capacity means the facility can support animals that require substantial space and specific water conditions.

Major Exhibits and Animals You'll See

The Georgia Aquarium is organized into several main galleries. The Tropical Diver section features coral reefs and tropical fish. The Ocean Voyager exhibit is the largest tank and contains the whale sharks, manta rays, and other large pelagic fish. The Beluga Whale habitat showcases these Arctic marine mammals in a dedicated cold-water environment.

Other notable exhibits include the River Scout gallery, which displays freshwater animals from rivers around the world, and the Cold Water Quest section featuring animals adapted to frigid ocean temperatures. The Tropical Diver and Seahorse Symphony galleries focus on smaller species and delicate ecosystems. Sea lions perform regularly in the Marine Mammal Theater, and visitors can watch feeding demonstrations throughout the day.

Location and Getting There

The Georgia Aquarium sits in downtown Atlanta at 225 Baker Street Northwest, directly adjacent to the World of Coca-Cola and within walking distance of the Georgia Dome and other downtown attractions. The facility is accessible by car, public transit, and on foot from nearby hotels and restaurants.

If driving, the aquarium has on-site parking available for a fee. Public transportation options include MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) buses and the rail system, which stops near the facility. The downtown location makes it straightforward to combine a visit to the aquarium with other Atlanta attractions in a single day.

Hours, Admission, and Planning Your Visit

The Georgia Aquarium is open year-round, though hours change seasonally. During peak summer months, it typically opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m., while winter hours are often 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hours also vary on holidays, so checking the official website before your visit is essential.

Admission requires a paid ticket purchased at the gate or online in advance. Ticket prices vary by age and whether you purchase online or on-site. The facility offers discounts for children, seniors, and military personnel. Many visitors spend three to four hours exploring the exhibits, though you can spend longer if you watch multiple animal feedings and demonstrations. The aquarium can be crowded during school holidays and weekends, so arriving early in the day typically means shorter lines.

Other Large Aquariums Worth Knowing About

While the Georgia Aquarium is the largest by water volume, other major aquariums across the country offer distinct experiences. The Monterey Bay Aquarium in California is renowned for its kelp forest exhibit and sea otter populations. The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, located on Lake Michigan, features beluga whales and dolphins. The National Aquarium in Baltimore houses a diverse collection of animals in a modern facility.

Each of these aquariums has different specialties and regional focuses. The Monterey Bay Aquarium emphasizes Pacific Ocean ecosystems, while the Shedd Aquarium showcases freshwater and marine habitats. If you're planning to visit multiple aquariums, each offers a unique perspective on marine life and conservation efforts.

Conservation and Education at the Georgia Aquarium

Beyond entertainment, the Georgia Aquarium functions as a research and conservation facility. The organization participates in breeding programs for endangered species and funds marine research projects. Educational programs for school groups, families, and adults are available throughout the year, covering topics like ocean conservation, animal behavior, and ecosystem health.

The aquarium also partners with other institutions to support wildlife protection efforts globally. Visiting the facility supports these conservation initiatives, as ticket revenue funds research and habitat protection programs. Many visitors find that learning about the animals and their ecosystems increases their understanding of why ocean and freshwater conservation matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to see everything at the Georgia Aquarium?

Most visitors spend three to four hours exploring all the exhibits at a comfortable pace. If you watch the animal feedings and demonstrations, plan for four to five hours. You can move through more quickly if you skip some exhibits, but the facility is large enough that rushing through feels hurried.

Can I bring my own food into the Georgia Aquarium?

Outside food is not permitted inside the aquarium. The facility has a café and several food vendors throughout the building offering snacks, sandwiches, and drinks at typical venue prices. You can eat in designated areas near the entrance before entering the main exhibits.

Are there any interactive experiences where I can touch animals?

Yes, the aquarium offers touch pools and interactive experiences in certain areas where visitors can touch starfish, sea cucumbers, and other animals under staff supervision. These experiences are included with general admission, though some special encounters require additional fees.

Is the Georgia Aquarium wheelchair accessible?

The facility is fully wheelchair accessible, with elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms throughout. Wheelchairs and mobility devices can be rented on-site if needed. Staff can provide information navigating the building and accessing exhibits.

What is the best time to visit to avoid crowds?

Weekday visits during the school year, outside of holidays, tend to be less crowded than weekends and summer months. Arriving right when the aquarium opens in the morning typically means shorter lines and more space to view exhibits comfortably.