Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta holds the record for largest aquarium in the US
The Georgia Aquarium, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is the largest aquarium in the United States by total water volume. It holds 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. The facility opened in 2005 and remains the primary destination for visitors seeking to see large marine life collections under one roof.
The aquarium spans 645,000 square feet and contains multiple galleries organized by habitat type and animal species. Its scale is difficult to overstate — the main tank alone, called the Ocean Voyager, holds 6.3 million gallons and is one of the largest single aquarium tanks in the world. This tank is designed to mimic the open ocean and houses the whale sharks that are the facility's signature attraction.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is the largest aquarium in the US, holding 11 million gallons of water across all exhibits.
- The Ocean Voyager tank, the main exhibit, contains 6.3 million gallons and is home to whale sharks and manta rays.
- The facility opened in 2005 and is located in downtown Atlanta near the World of Coca-Cola and other tourist attractions.
- Admission prices vary by ticket type and season, so checking the official website before your visit will give you current rates.
What you will see at Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium is organized into several major galleries. The Ocean Voyager exhibit features whale sharks, manta rays, and schools of fish in a massive open-water setting. The Tropical Diver gallery showcases coral reef ecosystems with colorful fish and invertebrates. The Beluga whale exhibit displays these Arctic marine mammals in a dedicated space with viewing areas above and below water level.
Other exhibits include the River Scout gallery, which features freshwater habitats and animals like river otters and alligators, and the Cold Water Quest gallery, home to sea otters, sea lions, and penguins. The Aquarium also maintains a separate facility called the Marine Mammal Care Center, though this is not typically open to general visitors. Each gallery is designed to educate visitors about different marine ecosystems and the animals that inhabit them.
Location and how to get there
Georgia Aquarium is located at 225 Baker Street in downtown Atlanta, Georgia 30313. It sits near the World of Coca-Cola, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The facility is accessible by car, public transit, or on foot if you are staying in downtown Atlanta.
If driving, the aquarium has its own parking garage on-site, though parking fills quickly during peak hours and weekends. Public parking is also available in nearby lots and garages. If using public transportation, the MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) Red Line stops at the Peachtree Center station, which is a short walk from the aquarium entrance.
Hours, admission prices, and planning your visit
Georgia Aquarium is open year-round, though hours vary by season. During peak months (spring and summer), the facility typically opens at 9 or 10 a.m. and closes between 6 and 8 p.m. During slower months, hours may be shorter. It is best to check the official Georgia Aquarium website for current hours before planning your trip, as they change seasonally and may be adjusted for special events.
Admission prices vary depending on the type of ticket you purchase and the time of year you visit. General admission tickets cost more during peak season than during off-peak times. The facility offers discounts for children, seniors, and military personnel. Many visitors purchase tickets online in advance, which can sometimes offer savings compared to buying at the gate. The aquarium also offers special experiences like behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters, which cost extra but provide closer interaction with specific animals and staff.
How Georgia Aquarium compares to other large US aquariums
While Georgia Aquarium is the largest by water volume, other major aquariums in the United States serve different regions and offer distinct experiences. The Monterey Bay Aquarium in California is smaller by volume but is renowned for its sea otter exhibits and kelp forest displays. The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago is also a major facility, though it holds less water than Georgia Aquarium. The National Aquarium in Baltimore and the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California, are other significant facilities that draw large numbers of visitors.
Georgia Aquarium's size gives it the capacity to house larger animals and maintain more exhibits simultaneously. However, size alone does not determine the quality of an aquarium experience — factors like exhibit design, animal welfare practices, and educational programming also matter. If you are planning a visit to a major aquarium, your choice may depend on your location, the specific animals you want to see, and the type of experience you are seeking.
What to know before you visit
Georgia Aquarium can be crowded, especially during school holidays, weekends, and summer months. Arriving early in the day or visiting on a weekday during the school year will generally mean shorter lines and less crowding in the galleries. The facility is large, so plan to spend at least three to four hours there to see the major exhibits without rushing.
The aquarium is wheelchair accessible, with elevators and ramps throughout the facility. Service animals are permitted. The building has multiple food vendors, though prices are typical for tourist attractions and may be higher than outside restaurants. You are also permitted to bring your own food and water bottles, which can save money if you plan a longer visit. Photography is permitted in most areas, though flash photography is not allowed in certain exhibits to avoid stressing the animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to see everything at Georgia Aquarium?
Most visitors spend three to four hours seeing the major exhibits without rushing. If you move quickly and skip some galleries, you could see the highlights in two to three hours. If you want to read all the information panels and spend time at each exhibit, plan for five to six hours or more.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Yes, you can bring your own food and water bottles. The aquarium has designated picnic areas and seating throughout the facility. However, outside food and beverages are not permitted in certain exhibits or near the animal tanks.
Is Georgia Aquarium worth the admission price?
That depends on your interests and budget. The facility is large and offers a wide variety of marine animals and exhibits. If you are interested in marine life and have the time to spend several hours there, most visitors find it worth the cost. Checking for discounts, visiting during off-peak times, or purchasing tickets online in advance can help reduce the overall expense.
What is the best time of year to visit Georgia Aquarium?
Fall and winter months tend to be less crowded than spring and summer. However, the aquarium is open year-round and does not have a bad time to visit. If you prefer smaller crowds, avoid school holidays, summer vacation, and weekends. Weekday visits during the school year are typically the quietest.
Are there special experiences or tours available beyond general admission?
Yes, Georgia Aquarium offers behind-the-scenes tours, animal encounters, and other special experiences that cost extra. These programs allow closer interaction with specific animals and staff members. Details and pricing are available on the official website.