Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta: A Deep Dive Into Biggest in US
The Atlanta Georgia Aquarium is an exciting place to visit with your family. It has many sea animals from different species and holds over 10 million gallons of water. The aquarium has the biggest tank in the United States and is a great spot for having fun and learning new things.
You can see amazing animals like whale sharks, cute otters, and beautiful beluga whales. The Georgia Aquarium gives you a chance to learn about many different animals and where they live in the ocean.
Best Things to Know Before You Go to Atlanta Aquarium
The aquarium is in downtown Atlanta, next to Centennial Olympic Park. It covers 22 acres of land. Inside, there are 10 different areas to explore, two places to eat, and a shop where you can buy souvenirs. The different areas include:
- Tropical Diver
- Ocean Voyager
- Cold Water Quest
- River Scout
- Seaside Slumber
- Butterfly Center
- Georgia Explorer
- Shark Alley
- Ocean Voyager Built
- Coral Reef
Check when the aquarium is open before you go. It is open every day, but the times can change depending on the season, special events, and whether it is a weekday or weekend. In the Ocean Voyager Built area, you can see two whale sharks through big windows.
It is a good idea to buy your tickets online before you go. This way, you can avoid waiting in long lines. You can also get a special ticket that lets you visit other fun places in Atlanta, like taking a tour of the CNN Studios.
Make sure you know what you can and cannot bring into the aquarium. You are not allowed to bring food, drinks, or big bags inside. Some parts of the aquarium where you usually get to touch things might be closed to keep everyone healthy.
Wear comfortable shoes because you will walk a lot to see everything. The aquarium is very big.
You can use the aquarium’s app on your phone to help you find your way around and learn about the animals. You will walk through different areas and see many kinds of sea life.
Bring a camera to take pictures of all the cool things you see. Just remember not to use the flash when you take pictures inside the aquarium.
Top Facts About the Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is a very special place. It is the biggest aquarium in the Western part of the world. It has more than 500 types of sea animals and holds 10 million gallons of water. This huge aquarium is amazing to see and has many cool things to look at, like the Ocean Voyager area which was built by Home Depot.
The aquarium opened in 2005 and many people love to visit it. The most famous part is called Ocean Voyager. It has a long tunnel that is 100 feet long. When you walk through it, you can see big sea animals all around you. You can see whale sharks, which are the biggest fish in the world. The Ocean Voyager area is very big, measuring 284 feet long and 126 feet wide.
The Georgia Aquarium has four whale sharks. These are really big fish. They are between 18 and 22 feet long and weigh between 3,000 and 5,000 pounds each.
You can also see other sea animals at the aquarium. There are beluga whales, sea otters, and dolphins. You can watch the dolphins at a place called Dolphin Coast.
If you want to learn more, you can take a special tour to see how the aquarium works behind the scenes. You can even get close to some of the animals or stay overnight at the aquarium.
Sleeover: Sleep Under the Sea
The Georgia Aquarium has a special program called Sleep Under the Sea. This lets people spend the night at the aquarium. You can sleep next to the sea lion area and watch these fun animals.
When you do Sleep Under the Sea, you get to do many fun things. You can take a tour of the aquarium, watch a special 3D movie, and see some of the animals up close. You can even sleep next to the big Ocean Voyager area, which has the largest indoor water habitat in the world.
The Ocean Voyager area has many different sea animals. It also has a special display of sea creatures that glow in the dark. This makes a pretty view when you sleep there.
Sleeping at the aquarium is both peaceful and exciting. You can learn a lot and see the beautiful underwater world up close. You can watch big sea animals like sharks swimming around safely. This helps people learn about how important it is to take care of the ocean and all the animals that live in it.
How long does it take to see Georgia Aquarium?
The Georgia Aquarium is a big place with lots to see. Here’s how to plan your visit based on how much time you have:
If you have 2-4 hours:Start by seeing the whale sharks. These are the most popular animals at the aquarium. Then walk around the different areas slowly. Make sure to see a show at the AT&T Dolphin Celebration or Georgia-Pacific Cold Water Quest. These shows are really cool and will help you learn more about the animals. You’ll also have time to look at all the other areas.
If you have 4+ hours: Do everything mentioned above, plus take a special tour behind the scenes. This lets you see how the aquarium takes care of animals like African penguins or sand tiger sharks. You can also visit the Ocean Voyager, which has the biggest fish in the world – the whale shark.
Is Georgia Aquarium the largest aquarium in the world?
The Georgia Aquarium used to be the biggest in the world when it opened in 2005. Now it’s the third biggest, after aquariums in Singapore and China. But it’s still the biggest in North America.
How Much Does it Cost to Go to Georgia Aquarium?
For adults, tickets usually cost about $40. For kids aged 3-12, tickets cost about $34. These prices might change, so it’s good to check the aquarium’s website before you go. You can save money by becoming a member of the aquarium.
- Special Discounts: The aquarium gives free tickets to people who are or were in the military. Their family members get a 30% discount. On special days like Memorial Day, military families can all get in for free.
- Birthday Treat: If it’s your birthday, you can get into the aquarium for free. You need to show an ID that proves it’s your birthday. This only works on your actual birthday, not before or after.
- Refunds and Rescheduling: The aquarium doesn’t give refunds for tickets, even if you lose them or can’t use them. But you can change the date of your visit if you need to.
4D Theater in Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium has a special movie theater called the 4D Theater. This is not like a regular movie theater. It makes you feel like you’re really in the movie.
The 4D Theater shows 3D movies, which means the images look like they’re coming out of the screen. But it also adds other things to make it more real: Your seat might move, you might feel wind blowing and you might even get sprayed with a little water. These extra effects make you feel like you’re really part of the movie.
The movies shown in the 4D Theater are all about sea life or nature. You might watch a movie that makes you feel like you’re deep in the ocean. Or you might see a movie that takes you on a trip through the wild areas of Africa.
The times when movies start can change. If you really want to see a 4D movie, it’s a good idea to check when it’s playing. You can ask the workers at the aquarium to make sure you don’t miss it.
How long is the 4d show at Georgia Aquarium?
Most of the 4D movies are about 15 to 20 minutes long. But this can be different for each movie. If you want to know exactly how long a movie is, you can ask the aquarium staff.
Advantage of Atlanta CityPass in Atlanta Aquarium
The Atlanta CityPass is a great way to save money when visiting the Georgia State Aquarium and other attractions in Atlanta. Here’s why it’s a good idea:
It gives you access to the Georgia State Aquarium, which is one of the biggest aquariums in the world. You can also visit five other cool places in Atlanta with the same pass. You can save more than half the usual cost of visiting these places. Other places you can visit with the CityPass include:
- World of Coca-Cola
- CNN Studio Tours
- Zoo Atlanta
- Center for Civil and Human Rights
- Fernbank Museum of Natural History
- College Football Hall of Fame
Tips for Avoiding Crowds
The Georgia Aquarium can get very busy, especially at certain times. Here are some ways to avoid the crowds:
- Buy your tickets online before you go. This way, you can skip the long lines at the ticket counter.
- If you’re a member of the aquarium, go during special member hours. These are usually early in the morning or late in the evening when it’s less busy.
- Try to visit when it’s not as busy. Early mornings and late afternoons are usually quieter.
- Plan which parts of the aquarium you want to see first. Popular areas like the Ocean Voyager exhibit can get crowded, so try to see these early in the day or later in the afternoon.
- If you can, visit on a weekday instead of a weekend or holiday. These are usually less busy days.
- Don’t forget to explore all parts of the aquarium. Some areas might be less crowded than others.
By following these tips, you can have a more enjoyable time at the Georgia Aquarium without having to deal with too many crowds.
How to Get to the Atlanta Aquarium?
The Atlanta Aquarium is in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. There are many ways to get there.
- Driving: You can drive to the aquarium if you have a car. It is at the corner of Baker Street and Luckie Street. If you are coming from the north or south, take I-75 or I-85 and exit at Williams Street. Then follow the signs to the aquarium. If you are coming from the east or west, take I-20 and exit at Spring Street. Then follow the signs to the aquarium.
- MARTA Rail: You can also take the MARTA train. The closest station is Peachtree Center. It is on the Red and Gold lines. After you get off the train, you can walk to the aquarium.
- MARTA Bus: MARTA also has buses that go to downtown Atlanta. Some of these buses stop near the aquarium.
- Atlanta Streetcar: The Atlanta Streetcar is a new way to get around. It goes from the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site to Centennial Olympic Park. Some stops are near the aquarium. The streetcar runs on a set schedule.
- Taxi or Ride-Sharing Service: You can take a taxi or use a ride-share app like Uber or Lyft. Tell the driver to take you to 225 Baker Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30313.
- Walking or Biking: If you are staying in downtown Atlanta, you can walk or bike to the aquarium. There are many bike lanes and sidewalks in the area.
Parking
You should also think about where to park your car. Here are some places you can park:
- Georgia Aquarium Parking Deck: This parking deck is right at the aquarium. You can get to it from Luckie Street and Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard. The cost changes depending on when you visit.
- World of Coca-Cola Parking Deck: This parking deck is across the street from the aquarium. You can get to it from Baker Street and Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard. It costs about the same as the aquarium parking deck.
- Centennial Olympic Park Parking: This park is next to the aquarium. It has a parking lot and a parking deck. The cost changes depending on when you visit.
- Philips Arena Parking: Philips Arena is across from the aquarium. It has many parking lots. You can get to them from Centennial Olympic Park Drive and Andrew Young International Boulevard. The cost changes depending on what events are happening.
- World Congress Center Parking: The Georgia World Congress Center is a short walk from the aquarium. It has several parking options. You can get to them from Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard and Northside Drive. The cost changes depending on when you visit.
- Street Parking: There are some parking meters on the streets near the aquarium. The cost and availability change depending on when you visit. You can usually pay with coins, credit cards, or your phone.
FAQs
Is the Georgia Aquarium open on July 4th?
July 4th is Independence Day in the United States. And the aquarium is open on that date. In fact, it’s open 365 days a year.
How long is the dolphin show at Georgia Aquarium?
The dolphin show at Georgia Aquarium is a must-see. The show lasts 15 minutes, and it is an educational and fun experience for the whole family.
During the show, you will learn all about dolphins, their habitat, diet, and more. You will also get to see the dolphins up close as they perform tricks and swim around. Participants are then allocated 8 minutes of interaction time.
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Conclusion
The Georgia Aquarium stands as a prodigious locale for those who hold a keen admiration for the subaqueous biosphere and yearn for a deeper understanding of it.
With an extensive spectrum of exhibitions, encompassing the grandiose Ocean Voyager that boasts the presence of majestic whale sharks and manta rays, in addition to the beguiling Beluga Whales and the awe-inspiring Dolphin Celebration show, this aquatic sanctuary provides a singular and indelible encounter for all its patrons, no matter their age.
