Downtown Atlanta offers countless adventures beyond the fascinating marine exhibits at Georgia Aquarium. Whether you're planning what to do in Atlanta for a weekend getaway or extending your aquarium visit into a full day of exploration, this area provides entertainment for every interest. From delicious dining options to peaceful parks and world-class attractions available with Atlanta CityPASS® tickets, here's your guide to the best, most dynamic things to do near Georgia Aquarium.
Dining Near the Aquarium: A Culinary Exploration
After spending hours marveling at ocean wonders, hunger inevitably strikes. Fortunately, the area surrounding the Georgia Aquarium features diverse dining options to satisfy any craving.
Café Momentum: A Taste of American Cuisine
Café Momentum serves delicious American fare while supporting a meaningful cause. This nonprofit restaurant provides culinary training to at-risk youth, offering them valuable skills and employment opportunities. Their seasonal menu features fresh ingredients transformed into comforting classics with creative twists. The warm atmosphere makes it an excellent choice for refueling after your aquarium adventure.
Local Eateries: Hidden Gems to Try
Several neighborhood favorites surround the Georgia Aquarium. Der Biergarten offers authentic German cuisine and an impressive beer selection in a festive atmosphere. For quick bites, try Stats Brewpub with its sports-centric environment and satisfying pub fare. Seafood enthusiasts shouldn't miss Ray's in the City, serving fresh catches daily with Southern hospitality.
The best restaurants near the Georgia Aquarium cater to various tastes and budgets. From upscale dining at Legal Sea Foods to casual meals at The Yard Milkshake Bar, you'll find something to please everyone in your group. Many establishments offer children's menus, making them perfect for families visiting the aquarium.
Exploring Nearby Parks
Downtown Atlanta balances urban excitement with refreshing green spaces, providing perfect spots to relax between attractions.
Centennial Olympic Park
Just steps from the Georgia Aquarium stands Centennial Olympic Park, a 22-acre city oasis commemorating the 1996 Summer Olympics. The park features the iconic Fountain of Rings, where synchronized water shows delight visitors throughout the day. Spacious lawns provide ideal picnic spots, while paved pathways invite relaxing strolls. The playgrounds offer children space to burn energy after being on their best behavior at the aquarium.
Green Spaces for a Relaxing Break
Beyond Centennial Olympic Park, several smaller green spaces dot the downtown landscape. Woodruff Park offers a peaceful retreat with its reading room and chess tables. Hardy Ivy Park provides a quiet spot to recharge before continuing your adventures. These parks offer benches in shaded areas, perfect for people-watching or simply enjoying Atlanta's pleasant weather.
Outdoor spaces close to the Georgia Aquarium provide welcome respites from indoor attractions. Whether you need a budget-friendly lunch spot or simply want to enjoy Atlanta's sunshine, these parks deliver refreshing breaks from urban exploration.
Must-Visit Attractions With CityPASS® Tickets
The area surrounding the Georgia Aquarium hosts several world-class attractions included in Atlanta CityPASS® tickets, allowing you to experience multiple sites while saving significantly on admission costs.
World of Coca-Cola
Just steps from the aquarium stands the World of Coca-Cola, celebrating the history and global impact of the iconic beverage born in Atlanta. Interactive exhibits reveal the secret formula's fascinating journey, while a 4D theater delivers multisensory entertainment. The highlight for many visitors is the tasting room, where you can sample over 100 Coca-Cola products from around the world. The effervescent fizz tickles your tongue as exotic flavors from Italy's bitter Beverly to Japan's fruity Fanta transport your taste buds on a worldwide adventure while the unmistakable caramel aroma of classic Coca-Cola fills the air. From vintage advertisements to the famous polar bear mascot, this attraction offers refreshing fun for all ages.
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
The Fernbank Museum invites you to journey through time and explore natural wonders. Massive dinosaur skeletons dominate the Great Hall, while immersive exhibitions transport guests to different ecosystems. The outdoor WildWoods and Fernbank Forest add 75 acres of nature exploration possibilities. The cool, hushed atmosphere inside the museum contrasts dramatically with the forest trails, where sunlight filters through ancient trees and a symphony of birdsong and rustling leaves accompany your steps on the soft earth. Whether examining ancient fossils or participating in hands-on science activities, Fernbank delivers educational entertainment for curious minds of all ages.
Zoo Atlanta: A Wild Adventure
Zoo Atlanta houses over 1,000 animals representing more than 200 species from around the globe. The zoo's renowned gorilla habitat is among the nation's largest. Interactive shows and feeding demonstrations throughout the day provide educational insights into animal behavior and conservation efforts. With playgrounds, a carousel, and a train ride, Zoo Atlanta offers full-day entertainment for wildlife enthusiasts.
College Football Hall of Fame
Sports fans shouldn't miss the College Football Hall of Fame, which celebrates the passion and tradition of collegiate athletics. The indoor playing field invites you to test your skills, while interactive exhibits highlight legendary players and historic moments. Personalized experiences connect guests with their favorite teams through cutting-edge technology. The unmistakable scent of fresh turf and leather mingles with the sounds of historic game broadcasts and cheering crowds, instantly transporting you to autumn Saturdays filled with tailgates and touchdown celebrations. Even casual sports observers appreciate the impressive architecture and engaging presentations that bring football history to life.
Explore More With CityPASS® Tickets
Maximize your Atlanta adventure with CityPASS® tickets, which include admission to amazing attractions. By purchasing Atlanta CityPASS® tickets, you'll save up to compared to individual admission prices while gaining the flexibility to visit these attractions over nine consecutive days.
The Georgia Aquarium neighborhood forms the perfect hub for Atlanta exploration, offering convenient access to outstanding attractions, delightful dining, and peaceful parks. Whether you're planning a family vacation, romantic getaway, or solo adventure, this area delivers incredible experiences for every interest and age group. Start planning your perfect Atlanta itinerary today with CityPASS® tickets as your passport to discovery.
Lodging in Atlanta
To get the most out of your stay in Atlanta, we recommend finding lodging near Atlanta's top attractions. Use this map to find the right lodging for you: