Georgia Aquarium — Attraction in Atlanta

We visited the Georgia aquarium on a Sunday. I would definitely recommend purchasing your tickets and a garage parking pass on-line in advance. You bypass having to wait in line to purchase tickets as well as the parking pay station. Went very smoothly doing it this way. When you purchase your tickets in advance, you have to pre-select an entry time. Due to capacity limitations, you are required to arrive within one hour of your selected time or have the possibility of being refused admittance. This is explained on-line in advance. That Sunday morning, we were unable to make our 9am entrance time. I reached out to the aquarium and they happily rescheduled our time for later in the day without any questions, hassles or fees. When in the parking garage, it only took a short time to find an open spot. I would recommend, if you’re able, to not come in a pickup truck. As the maneuverability space is much better suited to cars and SUVs. Once parked, there are stairs and elevators to the main entrance. It’s a little bit of an outside (covered) walk from there, but not crazy far. There are multiple entrance lines for heavy patronage and once you get to the front, they take a group photo of your party which you can purchase. You can purchase there or on-line, where the photos stay on your aquarium account for 30 days. It was $30 to purchase them on-line and included 18 different animal backgrounds and they are really cute. First thing in the morning, on the day of your arrival to the aquarium, reserve your seats for the sea lion and dolphin shows. These are included with your ticket and fill up pretty fast. You cannot enter these without a reservation. By the time I went to reserve our seats, the sea lion show was already full so we missed that one, but the dolphin show was super cool. It’s hot in the theater, and the parents of many kids didn’t seem to be paying attention to their kids as one of them actually bit one of the people in my group and the parents didn’t care. It was the only issue we had during our visit. From parking to getting our entrance photo taken, it took less than 15 minutes. It was super stupid crowed, so I definitely see this timeframe as a huge bonus. During our visit, they had glow night attractions which were really cool, but I think more so interesting to adults than most kids. Still cool nonetheless. Very talented artists. They had 3 “touch” pools where I was happily sucker bitten by one of the fish. lol. They also have nearby sinks, soap and paper towels available for washing up afterwards. This was my first visit to the aquarium and I would visit again. This was my son and his gfs 2nd visit to the aquarium and he said he wouldn’t visit again. Although, if we went during the week when it is much less crowded, he probably would visit again. The aquarium is nicely setup - but my first thought is that it would be bigger. All in all it was a really nice time and my favorite part was the dolphin show - minus the kid biting my son’s gf. My only disappointment was the cost of the gift shop items. I know this place costs an extremely high amount to run, function and succeed - I just wish that the items in the gift shop were a bit more reasonably priced. I had intended buying a hooded sweater, but it was $70. To some, perhaps that is commonplace anymore, and people were purchasing items, but after spending over $300 for 5 adults just to park and walk in the door, I was hoping to leave with a hooded souvenir, which I did not. But it really is an experience that you should do if you’re able to. You won’t be...

A Truly Unique Atlanta Experience – The Georgia Aquarium

If you're looking for a truly unique Atlanta experience that offers a mix of education, entertainment, and awe-inspiring beauty, the Georgia Aquarium should be at the very top of your list. Located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, this world-renowned attraction is more than just an aquarium—it's an immersive journey into the wonders of the aquatic world. Whether you’re a local looking for a refreshing afternoon activity or a tourist exploring the best of what the city has to offer, the Georgia Aquarium delivers a one-of-a-kind adventure for guests of all ages.

The first thing that strikes you as you approach the building is its impressive, modern exterior. But it’s what’s inside that truly takes your breath away. Home to thousands of marine animals representing hundreds of species, the Georgia Aquarium is one of the largest in the world—and every inch of it feels thoughtfully curated to showcase the stunning diversity of life under the sea.

One of the standout features of the aquarium is the Ocean Voyager exhibit, which houses a massive tank you can walk through via a 100-foot-long tunnel. It’s like being inside the ocean itself. Watching giant whale sharks—the largest fish in the world—glide effortlessly above you is an unforgettable moment. You’ll also see manta rays, sea turtles, and schools of shimmering fish swimming in a breathtaking ballet of color and motion. It’s peaceful, it’s surreal, and it’s something you won’t find anywhere else in the Southeast.

Other highlights include the Cold Water Quest, where you can watch playful sea otters and get up close with beluga whales. There’s also the Tropical Diver exhibit, which showcases vibrant reef ecosystems full of colorful fish, living coral, and even jellyfish. Each section of the aquarium has its own personality and focus, offering something new and exciting around every corner.

What makes the Georgia Aquarium especially unique is not just the size or variety of its exhibits, but its commitment to marine research, conservation, and education. It’s more than just entertainment—it’s a place where science comes alive. There are plenty of interactive displays and touch tanks for kids, making it an ideal family destination. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about what they do.

Daily shows—like the dolphin presentation—add another level of excitement to the visit. The dolphins perform a choreographed routine that combines impressive athleticism with heartwarming moments that highlight the deep bond between the animals and their trainers. Be sure to check the schedule in advance so you don’t miss any of these experiences.

The Georgia Aquarium is also conveniently located near other major Atlanta attractions like Centennial Olympic Park, the World of Coca-Cola, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. So it’s easy to build a full day or weekend itinerary around your visit.

In summary, the Georgia Aquarium is a can’t-miss destination. It’s more than just a tourist spot—it’s a uniquely Atlanta experience that blends wonder, beauty, and purpose. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning for the fifth, there’s always something new to discover beneath...

We visited the Georgia Aquarium on a weekday after 4 p.m. It wasn’t overly crowded, which was a relief. Seeing the animals was absolutely amazing. There’s no denying how incredible it is to get up close to creatures like whale sharks and sea otters. Five out of five stars to the animals and the people who care for them. You can tell they’re well taken care of.

But the overall experience? Overstimulating doesn’t even begin to cover it.

The main hall is incredibly loud. Between the booming music, the loudspeaker announcements, and the constant echo, it was a lot to handle. At times it felt almost intentional, like it was designed to overwhelm. I honestly started wondering if the animals are affected by that level of noise and vibration. We went to explore a cove and couldn’t even hear what the presenter was saying because of the sound pouring in from the main hall. Even the touch pool areas were hard to enjoy because of the volume.

We decided to grab dinner at the café upstairs. For two burgers, a veggie burger, two chicken finger meals, and drinks, we paid $130. The food was actually tasty, which I wasn’t expecting, but the price felt excessive for what it was. It felt like we were being taken advantage of because we had kids and limited options.

Then came the gift shop. You exit through a huge souvenir store full of overpriced toys and stuffed animals. After hours of overstimulation, now the kids are overstimulated too, and you’re funneled into a space designed to get you to spend even more money. It was a racket.

The animals themselves were the absolute highlight. They were beautiful, fascinating, and truly inspiring. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to see them up close. But everything around them felt chaotic. The noise, the constant pressure to spend money, and the overwhelming environment turned what could have been a magical visit into something that bordered on vulgar. It wasn’t just overstimulating. It was aggressive. What should have been a peaceful and respectful space felt more like a loud attraction trying to push souvenirs. The aquarium has so much potential to be a calm and unforgettable experience. I truly hope they rethink the volume and overall atmosphere, not just for the guests but for the animals too. They deserve better.

Five stars for the animals. Zero for the main hall experience. I left feeling like I...