The Aquarium of Atlanta

The aquarium of atlanta is an unforgettable experience for the whole family. It is worth the 2.5-hour drive from Greenville, SC, and makes for a perfect day trip. From the mighty whale sharks in Ocean Voyager to the cold-water penguins of Antarctica Quest, the Georgia Aquarium is home to thousands of marine animals from across the globe.

The animal habitats are designed to mimic the natural environment of their species, and feature interactive technology components to up the educational ante. For example, in the Cold Water Quest gallery, you can learn about how beluga whales find food while swimming by interacting with an underwater touchscreen. The aquarium’s newest gallery, Sharks! Predators of the Deep, features multiple shark species in a massive tank that holds over 1.2 million gallons.

Another must-see attraction is the Ocean Voyager gallery, which houses 6.3 million gallons of water and more than 70,000 fish. In this largest tank, you can walk through a 100-foot underwater acrylic tunnel and watch whale sharks, manta rays, sting rays, and other sea life interact behind one of the world’s largest viewing windows.

Getting there:

There are a number of ways to get to the aquarium, but many guests prefer to use a taxi or ride-sharing service from their hotel. The aquarium has a dedicated taxi pick-up area just outside of the main entrance, and the front desk staff will be happy to assist you. There are also several bus routes that stop at the aquarium, including the Atlanta City Pass and the MARTA transit system.

When to visit:

Peak visit times are on weekends and during holidays. If you’re looking to avoid large crowds, plan your trip during the weekdays (Monday through Thursday). During this time, the aquarium tends to be less crowded and you can more easily navigate between exhibits.

You’ll also want to make sure you arrive at the aquarium during daylight hours, as it can be very dark inside the exhibits. During the summer, you may also want to consider visiting in the evening for the Imagination Nights experience.

Discounts and specials:

Whether you’re planning a fun birthday party for the kids or looking for an activity that will show your military family members appreciation, the aquarium has a long list of events to choose from. For example, current and former members of the military receive free admission on Mondays throughout the year. They also offer a variety of other discounts and specials for guests of all ages.