Parking Options Near the Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium sits in downtown Atlanta at 225 Baker Street, and parking is available in several lots and garages within walking distance. The closest option is the Aquarium Parking Garage, a dedicated structure connected directly to the building — you can walk straight in without crossing a street. If that garage is full, the Centennial Olympic Park Parking Deck sits one block away and serves the entire park district. Both charge by the hour, with daily maximums that cap your cost even if you stay all day.

Street parking exists along Baker Street and the surrounding blocks, but spaces fill quickly during peak hours (weekends and school holidays). If you find street parking, check the posted signs for time limits — some blocks allow two hours, others allow four. Metered spots require payment through the ParkAtlanta app or a parking meter.

Key Takeaways

  • The Aquarium Parking Garage is attached to the building and is the most convenient option, though it fills during busy times.
  • Centennial Olympic Park Parking Deck is one block away and usually has availability when the Aquarium garage is full.
  • Both paid garages charge hourly rates with daily maximums, so your total cost does not increase if you stay longer than a few hours.
  • Street parking is free but limited and often requires a two- to four-hour time limit, so check posted signs before leaving your car.
  • The ParkAtlanta app lets you pay for metered street spots without walking back to your car.

Aquarium Parking Garage Rates and Hours

The dedicated Aquarium Parking Garage charges by the hour, with rates that vary slightly by season and day of the week. Hourly rates typically run $3 to $5 per hour, and the daily maximum is usually $20 to $25 — meaning if you stay six hours or longer, you pay the daily cap instead of accumulating hourly charges. The garage is open during all Aquarium operating hours and stays open a short time after closing to let visitors leave.

The garage entrance is on Baker Street on the south side of the building. When you enter, take a ticket from the machine — do not lose it, as you will need it to exit. Pay at the automated kiosks near the exits or at the attendant booth. The garage accepts cash and all major credit cards.

Centennial Olympic Park Parking Deck Location and Cost

Centennial Olympic Park Parking Deck is located at 265 Park Avenue West, about a five-minute walk from the Aquarium's main entrance. Head north on Baker Street, turn left on Park Avenue, and the deck entrance is on your right. The walk is flat and well-lit, and you will pass through the park itself, which is pleasant during daylight hours.

Rates at the Olympic Park deck are similar to the Aquarium garage — typically $3 to $5 per hour with a daily maximum around $20 to $25. This deck often has more availability than the Aquarium garage during peak times, especially on weekends. Payment works the same way: take a ticket at entry and pay at a kiosk or booth before leaving.

Street Parking and Metered Spots

Free street parking exists on Baker Street, Ivan Allen Boulevard, and the side streets around the Aquarium, but availability drops sharply during weekends and school holidays. Check the posted signs on each block — some allow two hours, others allow four hours, and a few blocks have no time limit. Violating a time limit results in a parking ticket, so read the sign carefully before you leave your car.

If you find a metered spot, you can pay through the ParkAtlanta mobile app or at the parking meter itself. The app lets you extend your time from your phone without returning to your car, which is useful if you want to stay longer than you initially planned. Meter rates are typically $1.50 to $2.50 per hour, depending on the block.

Valet Parking and Alternative Transportation

Valet parking is not offered at the Aquarium itself, but some nearby hotels offer valet to their guests. If you are staying at a downtown hotel, ask the front desk whether valet is included or available for a fee.

Public transportation is another option: the MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center station is two blocks from the Aquarium on the red and gold lines. Parking at a MARTA station costs $7 per day and may be cheaper than downtown parking if you are driving from outside the city. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft drop off on Baker Street near the main entrance.

Parking Tips for Busy Times

The Aquarium is busiest on weekends, school holidays, and summer months. If you are visiting during these times, arrive before 10 a.m. to find a spot in the Aquarium garage, or plan to use the Olympic Park deck instead. Weekday visits, especially mid-week, have much lighter parking demand.

Write down your parking spot number or take a photo of the sign showing your location — the garages are large, and it is straightforward to forget where you parked. Both garages have clear signage and maps posted at the elevators to help you find your way back. If you lose your parking ticket, speak to an attendant at the exit booth; they can look up your entry time and charge you accordingly, though the process takes extra time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I park for free anywhere near the Georgia Aquarium?

Street parking is free on some blocks around the Aquarium, but spaces are limited and most have two- to four-hour time limits. During busy times, finding a free spot takes time and luck. Paid garages are more reliable if you want to stay longer than a few hours.

What is the cheapest parking option?

Free street parking is cheapest if you can find it and stay within the time limit. If you need paid parking, both the Aquarium garage and Olympic Park deck have daily maximums around $20 to $25, so cost is similar. MARTA parking at $7 per day is cheaper if you are coming from outside downtown.

How long does it take to walk from Olympic Park deck to the Aquarium?

The walk is about five minutes and is flat and straightforward. You cross through Centennial Olympic Park, which is safe and well-maintained during daylight hours. At night, the walk is still well-lit, but some visitors prefer the closer Aquarium garage for convenience.

Do I need exact change for parking meters?

No. You can pay at the meter with coins or a card, or use the ParkAtlanta app on your phone. The app is often faster and lets you add time without returning to your car.

What happens if I lose my parking ticket?

Tell an attendant at the exit booth. They can look up your vehicle by license plate and charge you based on how long you were parked. The process takes a few extra minutes, but you will not be stuck in the garage.