Things to Do Near Georgia Aquarium: Complete Downtown Atlanta Guide

Published: Nov 10, 2025

Planning a visit to the Georgia Aquarium? You’re in for a treat! Not only is it one of the world’s largest and most spectacular aquariums, but it’s also located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, surrounded by incredible attractions, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Whether you’re spending a full day in the area or just a few hours, this guide will help you make the most of your visit to the Georgia Aquarium neighborhood!

About the Georgia Aquarium Area

The Georgia Aquarium sits in downtown Atlanta’s Pemberton Place district, adjacent to Centennial Olympic Park. This area was transformed for the 1996 Summer Olympics and has since become one of Atlanta’s premier tourist destinations.

The neighborhood is incredibly walkable, with most major attractions within a 5-10 minute walk of each other. It’s also well-connected by MARTA (Atlanta’s public transit system), making it easy to explore without a car.

Top Attractions Near Georgia Aquarium

World of Coca-Cola (2-Minute Walk)

Right next door to the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola is a must-visit attraction celebrating the world’s most famous beverage. You’ll explore the history of Coca-Cola, see the secret vault, watch the bottling process, and taste over 100 different Coca-Cola products from around the world.

Pro tip: Buy a combo ticket for both the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola to save money!

Centennial Olympic Park (Adjacent)

This beautiful 22-acre public park was built for the 1996 Olympics and remains a peaceful green space in the heart of downtown. The iconic Fountain of Rings is perfect for photos, and kids love playing in the water during summer months.

The park hosts free concerts and events throughout the year, making it a great spot to relax between attractions.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights (5-Minute Walk)

This powerful museum explores the American Civil Rights Movement and connects it to contemporary human rights issues worldwide. It’s an emotionally impactful and educational experience that shouldn’t be missed.

The museum features interactive exhibits, including a lunch counter sit-in simulation and galleries showcasing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s personal papers.

College Football Hall of Fame (5-Minute Walk)

Sports fans will love this interactive museum celebrating college football. Test your skills in the indoor playing field, see memorabilia from legendary players and coaches, and learn about the history of America’s favorite college sport.

CNN Center & CNN Studio Tours (7-Minute Walk)

Take a behind-the-scenes tour of CNN’s global headquarters and see how news is made in real-time. The 50-minute guided tour takes you through the newsrooms, control rooms, and studios.

Note: Tours require advance booking and have age restrictions.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium (10-Minute Walk)

Home to the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS), this architectural marvel features a retractable roof that looks like a camera aperture. Even if there’s no game, the area around the stadium is worth exploring.

State Farm Arena (10-Minute Walk)

Home of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, this arena also hosts major concerts and events. Check the schedule to see if there’s a game or show during your visit!

Where to Eat Near Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium area offers diverse dining options for every budget and taste.

Quick & Casual

Café Momentum – Located inside the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, serving sandwiches, salads, and Southern comfort food
Park Bar – Outdoor patio overlooking Centennial Olympic Park, great for burgers and beer
Ted’s Montana Grill – Casual American dining with bison burgers (inside CNN Center)
Food trucks – Various trucks park around Centennial Olympic Park, especially during lunch and events

Sit-Down Restaurants

Stats Brewpub – Sports bar with craft beers and elevated pub food, right across from the aquarium
Rosa Mexicano – Upscale Mexican cuisine with tableside guacamole
The Varsity – Atlanta institution serving classic drive-in fare since 1928 (10-minute walk)
No Mas! Cantina – Modern Mexican with creative tacos and strong margaritas

Fine Dining

Ray’s in the City – Upscale steakhouse with an extensive wine list
The Sun Dial Restaurant – Rotating restaurant on the 73rd floor of the Westin Peachtree Plaza with 360-degree city views

Hotels Near Georgia Aquarium

Staying near the aquarium puts you in the center of downtown Atlanta’s attractions.

Luxury Options

Omni Hotel at CNN Center – Connected to CNN Center, walking distance to everything
The Westin Peachtree Plaza – Iconic cylindrical tower with The Sun Dial restaurant
Hyatt Regency Atlanta – Historic hotel with a stunning 22-story atrium

Mid-Range Options

Hampton Inn & Suites Atlanta Downtown – Clean, comfortable, and affordable
Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta Downtown – Modern rooms with good amenities
Holiday Inn Express Atlanta Downtown – Budget-friendly with free breakfast

Getting to Georgia Aquarium

By MARTA

Take the Red or Gold Line to Peachtree Center Station or Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station. Both are about a 5-10 minute walk to the aquarium.

By Car

The Georgia Aquarium has a parking garage at 225 Baker Street NW. Parking rates vary but expect to pay around $15-20 for the day. Alternative parking is available at nearby lots and garages.

By Rideshare

Uber and Lyft are readily available. Drop-off is at the main entrance on Baker Street.

Sample Itineraries

Half-Day Visit (4-5 Hours)

9:00 AM – Arrive at Georgia Aquarium (book the earliest entry time to avoid crowds)
11:30 AM – Walk to World of Coca-Cola
1:00 PM – Lunch at Park Bar or Stats Brewpub
2:00 PM – Stroll through Centennial Olympic Park

Full-Day Visit (8-9 Hours)

9:00 AM – Georgia Aquarium
11:30 AM – World of Coca-Cola
1:00 PM – Lunch at Rosa Mexicano
2:30 PM – National Center for Civil and Human Rights
4:30 PM – Explore Centennial Olympic Park
6:00 PM – Dinner at The Sun Dial (make reservations in advance!)
8:00 PM – Evening walk around downtown or catch a game/concert if available

Family-Friendly Day

9:00 AM – Georgia Aquarium
12:00 PM – Lunch at Ted’s Montana Grill
1:00 PM – Let kids play in Fountain of Rings at Centennial Olympic Park
2:00 PM – College Football Hall of Fame (interactive exhibits kids love)
4:00 PM – World of Coca-Cola (save the taste-testing room for last!)

Tips for Visiting the Georgia Aquarium Area

Book tickets in advance – The Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola often sell out, especially on weekends and holidays
Arrive early – The first entry time slot is always less crowded
Wear comfortable shoes – You’ll be doing a lot of walking
Check for combo tickets – Multi-attraction passes can save you significant money
Bring a refillable water bottle – Water fountains are available throughout the area
Plan for weather – Most attractions are indoors, but you’ll walk outside between them
Allow extra time – The Georgia Aquarium is HUGE – most visitors spend 2-3 hours there

Best Time to Visit

Weekdays (Tuesday-Thursday) are typically less crowded than weekends. Morning visits (9:00-11:00 AM) offer the best experience with smaller crowds.

Avoid: Spring break (March), summer weekends (June-August), and major holidays when crowds are at their peak.

Nearby Neighborhoods Worth Exploring

If you have extra time, consider exploring these nearby Atlanta neighborhoods:

Midtown – 10-minute drive north, home to Piedmont Park, High Museum of Art, and great restaurants
Sweet Auburn – Historic African American neighborhood, birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Old Fourth Ward – Trendy neighborhood with the Atlanta BeltLine, Ponce City Market, and Krog Street Market

Check out our complete guides to Midtown Atlanta and the Atlanta BeltLine!

The Bottom Line

The Georgia Aquarium area is one of Atlanta’s most visitor-friendly districts, packed with world-class attractions, dining options, and entertainment. Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or a full day, you’ll find plenty to see and do within walking distance.

The key to a great visit is planning ahead – book your tickets early, arrive when attractions open, and allow plenty of time to explore. With this guide, you’re ready to make the most of your Georgia Aquarium adventure!

Looking for more Atlanta neighborhood guides? Explore our articles on Buckhead, Little Five Points, and Virginia Highland vs Inman Park!