City: Atlanta, GA

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (404) 581-4000

Address: 225 Baker St. NE

Description: Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus’s $250 million “gift” to the people of Georgia is the world’s largest aquarium. Since it opened in November 2005, over six million visitors have paid to see the 100,000 fish and mammals, of which there are 500-odd species that swim in the mammoth downtown fish tank’s eight million gallons of water. The star attractions are four gargantuan whale sharks. The world’s largest fish, which fully grown can be up to 40 feet long, are the only ones of their kind in captivity outside of Asia. The deaths of two of the big fish—named Ralph and Norton, after the stars of 1950s TV’s Honeymooners—has raised questions about whether such large creatures, accustomed to entire oceans to swim in, can become accustomed to swimming in circles in the six-million-gallon Ocean Voyagers habitat. The aquarium’s other attractions are three snow white beluga whales; a living coral reef; touch tanks with baby sharks, rays, and horseshoe crabs, a kids’ explorium; California sea lions; sea horses; playful sea otters and river otters; ghostly jellyfish; smallish South African penguins; giant grouper; spidery Japanese crabs; hammerhead sharks; and creatures big and small from all around the globe. The Cafe Aquaria serves hamburgers, salads, sandwiches, pizza, pasta, desserts, soft drinks, beer, and wine. The aquarium is in the center of Downtown, on a plaza across from the World of Coca-Cola. Both attractions border Centennial Olympic Park, a short walk from CNN Center, Philips Arena, and the Georgia Dome. A parking deck behind the aquarium is $10 a day but is a dollar off if you buy it online. One-day admission is $35 for adults, $30.25 for ages 55 and over, $26 for children 3 to 12, and free for children 3 and under. The 4-D Theater is an additional $7 for adults, $5.00 for ages 3 to 12. The easiest way to purchase time-reserved tickets is through the aquarium website. If tickets are available, they can also be purchased at the ticket windows. The aquarium is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Extended hours are offered on holiday weekends. The best times to avoid big crowds are weekdays in the early morning and late afternoon.