Things to Do

This summer, trade heat waves and traffic for a full day of cool, immersive adventure. At Georgia Aquarium, summer isn’t just a season, it’s an experience packed with savings, special events, and unforgettable moments!

This is your guide to making the most of summer at one of Atlanta’s most iconic attractions.


Summer Savings That Make a Splash

A trip to the Aquarium doesn’t have to break the budget, especially in summer when special offers are in full swing.

$20 Off Evening Admission (Georgia Residents)
 – Georgia residents can enjoy $20 off general admission after 4 p.m. during select summer evenings, making it the perfect after-work or golden-hour escape into the ocean depths.
It’s cooler, less crowded, and gives you front-row access to the Aquarium’s nighttime transformation.

Aqua Pass: Pay Once, Visit All Year
 – If one visit just isn’t enough (and it rarely is), the Aqua Pass offers unlimited visits for the price of a single-day ticket. Ideal for families, locals, and anyone who wants to come back for seasonal events like Glow Nights, Haunted Seas, and Holidays.

CityPASS® Atlanta
 – Planning a full downtown adventure? Atlanta CityPASS bundles top attractions, including the Aquarium, for significant savings, perfect for visitors wanting to hit multiple must-sees in one trip.

Georgia Aquarium + World of Coca-Cola Combo
 – Just steps apart in Pemberton Place, this combo ticket lets you experience two of Atlanta’s most iconic attractions for one discounted price – no complicated travel between stops. 


Get Your Glow On at Glow Nights

When the sun sets, the Aquarium transforms. Glow Nights turns Georgia Aquarium into a bioluminescent-inspired nighttime experience featuring glowing décor, immersive lighting, and live entertainment. It’s included with general admission during the summer season, making it one of the most unique nighttime experiences in the city.


River Scout: A Hidden Gem Inside the Aquarium

While most visitors rush toward whale sharks and penguins, River Scout offers a quieter, but still spectacular experience. Think of it as the Aquarium’s “hidden trail” – easy to miss, but worth slowing down for. This freshwater gallery highlights river ecosystems from around the world. It’s often less crowded, making it a great mid-visit reset when you want something calmer but still full of discovery.

Part of River Scout is currently undergoing renovation and will reopen later this summer as part of an exciting multi-phase enhancement. The remainder of the gallery has recently reopened, and there has truly never been a better time to explore what’s new and improved. Guests can now enjoy updated experiences, including a brand-new Canopy Walk and interactive elements throughout the space, designed to bring river ecosystems to life in a more engaging, hands-on way than ever before.


Getting There Without the Stress

Downtown Atlanta is walkable, but planning ahead makes your visit much smoother.

Parking Tips

  • The Aquarium’s official parking deck is the most convenient option, with direct access via a covered walkway.
  • Nearby public decks (including World of Coca-Cola) are just a short walk away.
  • Expect typical downtown parking rates, so consider bundling attractions in one day to make the parking rates worth the stay.

Save on Gas
With rideshares, MARTA rail, scooters, and bike lanes, you can easily get downtown without driving and still move around efficiently once you’re here.

MARTA Access
The Dome/GWCC and Peachtree Center stations are both within walking distance, making public transit a solid budget-friendly option for avoiding parking altogether.


Make a Full Day of It: What’s Within Walking Distance

One of the best parts about the Aquarium? You’re already in the middle of downtown Atlanta!

Within a 5–10 minute walk, you’ll find:

Grab lunch, explore a museum, or hop on a scooter and turn your Aquarium visit into a full downtown adventure loop.


Pro Tips for the Best Summer Visit

  • Go early or late in the day to avoid peak crowds 
  • Buy your tickets and parking in advance 
  • Plan to spend 2-3 hours inside the Aquarium 
  • Don’t skip our presentations; they’re included and often overlooked
  • Glow Nights transitions will begin at 4 p.m. daily

A Summer Escape 

You don’t have to leave Atlanta to feel like you’ve traveled somewhere extraordinary. From glowing galleries to quiet river ecosystems and world-famous whale sharks, Georgia Aquarium turns a summer day into an unforgettable experience.

Add in discounts, bundled tickets, and a walkable downtown filled with food, parks, and attractions, and you’ve got some of the easiest and most rewarding summer plans in the city.

So grab your Aqua Pass, plan your Glow Nights visit, and dive into a summer that feels a little cooler, a little calmer, and a whole lot more magical.