<p>While visiting aquariums in Southwest Florida, I learned of some exciting exhibits at the aquarium in Atlanta. Looking for a safe hotel recommendation near the aquarium and perhaps restaurant recommendations nearby as well. Not a big fan of Atlanta, as they are long time Saints rivals, but I’d be willing to go there for the chance to see a whale shark and a manta ray. Wouldn’t mind taking in a Braves game, though, if I get there during baseball season.</p>
<p>We usually go for the day since it’s only 2 hours away but just wanted to add the Beluga Whales there are also awesome. The aquarium can be overwhelming crowded on the weekends. Try to go on a weekday if possible or if not, go as soon as they open. Have fun!</p>
<p>I had family that recently visited and stayed at the Embassy Suites Centennial Park, directly across the street from the Aquarium, and the Omni Hotel where the CNN center is located is only one or two blocks down. There is an abundance of restaurants in the area, including a Ruth’s Chris steakhouse in the Embassy Suites.</p>
<p>The Aquarium is very close to GA Tech so here it the list of hotels they have-
[Georgia</a> Institute of Technology :: Parents Program](<a href=“http://parents.gatech.edu/plugins/content/index.php?id=10]Georgia”>http://parents.gatech.edu/plugins/content/index.php?id=10) You might also want to
click on visitor information on the left.</p>
<p>I have only stayed at the GT Hotel which is nice but pricey.</p>
<p>I love beluga whales. Saw them at Shedd’s in Chicago. Thanks for the tip!</p>
<p>We were in Atlanta this summer and had a great lunch at the Peasant Bistro. It’s just a few minutes walk from the aquarium. And the World of Coca-Cola.</p>
<p>The Peachtree plaza is also fun to stay in (take the glass elevator to the revolving restaurant and bar up top) but there is construction going on outside right now. Let me know when you are in town!! </p>
<p>I agree teh Embassy Suites and the Omni are closest to the aquarium, CNN and the world of Coke. The Peachtree Plaza, the Marriott Marquis, etc are up on Sprong or Peachtree.</p>
<p>Love the Atlanta Aquarium! The Manta Ray exhibit is amazing. You can actually touch them. They have many hands on stations. The World of Coke was not a favorite of mine but right across the lawn and since you are there you might as well get the combined ticket. </p>
<p>We were in town to pick up my daughter from her summer program at Atlanta Ballet so we stayed in Midtown at the Artmore Hotel (which I highly recommend) near Atlantic Station and the Woodruff Arts Center. However, that is a bit of a hike from the Aquarium area but the Midtown area is very beautful with some great restaurants.</p>
<p>AA also has a program where if you are PADI scuba diver, you can dive in their tanks. Well worth the cost. (The tank at EPCOT at WDW has this option too…not to be missed if you are a diver)</p>
<p>Wow, to be able to touch a Manta Ray would be awesome! I touched and fed sting rays at the Clearwater Aquarium this weekend, and it was amazing!</p>
<p>I saw the Embassy Suites nearby and wondered if that was a good hotel. Definitely need an all nonsmoking hotel.</p>
<p>Glad to hear there’s a Coca Cola aquarium combo ticket. I would definitely like to take in both.</p>
<p>Consider taking the “behind the scenes” tour. It is great.</p>
<p>^^^Oh, there’s a behind the scenes tour! I did that at the Clearwater Aquarium, and it was awesome!</p>