Topped only by Singapore, the Georgia Aquarium is the second largest aquarium in the entire world and was funded almost entirely by a $250 million donation from the co-founder of Home Depot, Bernard Marcus. When someone donates that much money towards a passion, you know you're in for something awesome, and this place does not disappoint. 

Opened in 2005, the GA Aquarium contains more than 8.5 million gallons of water and is home to 120,000 animals, including sharks, beluga whales, dolphins, and four enormous whale sharks named Ralph, Norton, Alice and Trixie, after the cast of 'The Honeymooners.' Have you ever seen a whale shark? They are huge:

Georgia Aquarium Atlanta Pics
Pam Agen
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The aquarium is divided into six different galleries, each representing a different environment: Georgia Explorer, Tropical Diver, Ocean Voyager, Cold Water Quest, River Scout, and Dolphin Tales. We'd be hard pressed to tell you which was our favorite; though Ocean Voyager represents the largest percentage of the aquarium, River Scout has tanks on the ceiling: 

Georgia Aquarium Atlanta Pics
Jackie Mancini
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At $26 per person, the admission makes it one of the most expensive aquariums in the world, too, but after 90 days in operation, the GA Aquarium welcomed it's 1 millionth guest -- a testament to the quality of the facility. It's worth the $26, trust us. Have you seen the price of penguin food these days?

Georgia Aquarium Atlanta Pics
Jackie Mancini
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Don't forget to wait around in the beluga area if they are hiding. Eventually they do come out, and you don't want to miss it.

Georgia Aquarium Atlanta Pics
Jackie Mancini
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