Downtown Atlanta hosts the Georgia Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the United States, housed inside a striking blue metal-and-glass building located right near Centennial Olympic Park. Step inside to discover over 11 million US gallons of water holding hundreds of species across seven major galleries. As you explore, you will encounter remarkable aquatic life, including beluga whales, California sea lions, bottlenose dolphins, sea otters, and African penguins. The highlight of your visit is Ocean Voyager, the world's largest indoor aquatic habitat.
Here, you can walk through a 100-foot underwater acrylic tunnel or gaze through a massive viewing window to watch majestic whale sharks and manta rays glide past. In Cold Water Quest, you will find polar and temperate species like harbor seals and weedy sea dragons. If you are seeking adrenaline, head to Sharks! Predators of the Deep to observe tiger sharks and great hammerhead sharks in a 20-foot-deep habitat.
Hands-on spaces like Explorers Cove feature touch pools with cownose rays, while Aquanaut Adventure offers interactive activities. While admission is on the higher side for US aquariums, this world-class facility combines immersive habitats with vital research and conservation work.
What to see at Georgia Aquarium
- Ocean Voyager gallery featuring whale sharks, manta rays, and a 100-foot acrylic tunnel
- Cold Water Quest showcasing beluga whales, southern sea otters, and African penguins
- Sharks! Predators of the Deep exhibit housing great hammerhead and tiger sharks
- Hands-on touch pools at Explorers Cove with cownose rays and lake sturgeons
- Truist Pier 225 presentations featuring rescued California sea lions
Visiting tips
Download the official aquarium mobile app before exploring Aquanaut Adventure to take part in an augmented reality scavenger hunt.
How long: Several hours · Best time: General daytime hours
How to get there & what’s nearby
Georgia Aquarium is easy to reach on Atlanta’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Atlanta travel guide.
See the full Atlanta travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.