The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta holds the record for the 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, sea lions, and countless species of fish and marine life.
The aquarium opened to the public in 2005 and was designed by the architectural firm Esherick Homsey Dodge and Davis. It sits in downtown Atlanta near the World of Coca-Cola and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, making it part of a cluster of major attractions in the city.
Key Takeaways
- The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta contains 11 million gallons of water, making it the largest in the United States.
- The facility is home to whale sharks, beluga whales, sea lions, manta rays, and more than 100,000 individual animals across all species.
- The aquarium is located in downtown Atlanta and is open year-round with varying hours depending on the season.
- Admission prices vary by age and whether you purchase tickets in advance or at the gate.
What you'll see at the Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium is organized into several major galleries, each focused on different marine environments and animal groups. The Tropical Diver gallery features coral reef ecosystems with colorful fish, sea turtles, and rays. The Ocean Voyager gallery is the largest single exhibit and contains the whale sharks and manta rays—the most recognizable animals at the facility.
The Beluga whale habitat is another major draw, with multiple beluga whales visible in a large pool where you can watch them swim and interact. The Cold Water Quest gallery focuses on animals from polar and cold-water regions, including sea otters, jellyfish, and various fish species adapted to low temperatures. The facility also has a sea lion show and interactive touch pools where visitors can handle starfish and other shallow-water creatures.
How to get there and plan your visit
The Georgia Aquarium is located at 225 Baker Street NW in downtown Atlanta. If you're driving, there is paid parking available in the adjacent parking garage. Public transportation is also an option—the MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) Red Line stops at the Peachtree Center station, which is about a 10-minute walk from the aquarium entrance.
The aquarium is open year-round, though hours vary by season. During peak summer months, it typically opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. In winter months, hours are often 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It's worth checking the official website before your visit because hours change for holidays and special events. The facility is wheelchair accessible, with elevators and ramps throughout the building.
Admission costs and ticket options
General admission prices vary based on age. Adult tickets are typically in the $35 to $40 range when purchased in advance online, with higher prices at the gate. Children ages 3 to 12 usually cost $25 to $30, and children under 3 are often free. Senior discounts are available, and Georgia residents may may have access to for resident rates that are lower than standard admission.
The aquarium offers several ticket packages beyond basic admission. A "VIP Experience" ticket includes early entry and skip-the-line access. A "Beluga Encounter" package lets you get closer to the beluga whales with a guide. Annual memberships are available if you plan to visit multiple times in a year—they typically pay for themselves after three or four visits and include perks like free admission and discounts at the gift shop and café.
Other large aquariums in the United States
While the Georgia Aquarium is the largest by total water volume, other major aquariums in the US are worth knowing about. The Monterey Bay Aquarium in California is smaller in total volume but is renowned for its kelp forest exhibit and sea otter populations. The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago is one of the oldest and largest by animal count, with a strong focus on marine mammal care and education.
The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California, is another major facility with over 12,000 animals. The Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco focuses on local marine life from the San Francisco Bay ecosystem. Each of these facilities offers different exhibits and experiences, so the "best" aquarium depends on what animals and exhibits interest you most.
What makes the Georgia Aquarium unique
The Georgia Aquarium's size allows it to house animals that require enormous amounts of space, particularly the whale sharks. These are the largest fish in the world, and only a handful of aquariums globally have the resources to care for them. The facility's investment in research and animal welfare programs also sets it apart—the aquarium partners with universities and conservation organizations to study marine life and support ocean protection efforts.
The building itself is designed to handle the massive water systems required. The facility uses a combination of natural and artificial filtration, and the staff includes marine biologists, veterinarians, and animal care specialists who work around the clock. The aquarium also runs breeding programs for several endangered species, contributing to conservation efforts beyond what visitors see in the exhibits.
Planning a full day at the aquarium
Most visitors spend three to four hours at the Georgia Aquarium, though you can spend longer if you watch the sea lion show, participate in interactive experiences, or straightforward take your time moving through each gallery. The facility has a café and a full-service restaurant, so you can eat on-site without leaving. There's also a gift shop with typical aquarium merchandise, educational books, and souvenirs.
If you're visiting Atlanta and want to combine attractions, the aquarium is within walking distance of the World of Coca-Cola, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and the College Football Hall of Fame. Downtown Atlanta also has numerous restaurants and hotels, so you can easily build a multi-day trip around the aquarium and other attractions in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take photos and videos inside the Georgia Aquarium?
Yes, personal photography and video recording are allowed throughout most of the aquarium for non-commercial use. Some special exhibits or events may have restrictions, so check with staff if you're unsure about a specific area. Flash photography is not permitted, as it can stress the animals.
Is the Georgia Aquarium good for young children?
Yes, the aquarium is designed to be family-friendly. There are interactive touch pools, the sea lion show appeals to all ages, and the exhibits are viewable from multiple heights so children can see into the tanks. Strollers are allowed, and there are family restrooms available throughout the facility.
How long does it take to see everything at the Georgia Aquarium?
Most people spend three to four hours seeing the main exhibits. If you want to watch the sea lion show, participate in interactive experiences, or move slowly through each gallery, you could easily spend five to six hours. There's no time limit, so you can go at your own pace.
What is the best time of year to visit?
Summer and spring break are the busiest times, with large crowds and longer wait times. Fall and winter weekdays tend to be less crowded. If you prefer a quieter experience, visiting on a weekday in January, February, or September is usually a good choice.
Are there any animals I shouldn't miss at the Georgia Aquarium?
The whale sharks in the Ocean Voyager gallery are the most iconic animals and the main reason many people visit. The beluga whales are also a major attraction. If you're interested in smaller creatures, the tropical fish in the Tropical Diver gallery and the jellyfish exhibits are equally impressive and often less crowded.