Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:Seattle, Washington
Our Tourist Attractions Expert Says:
Ever dream you could fly or have a bird's-eye view of Earth? If you answered yes, then a visit to the Space Needle in Seattle is a must for you!
Standing just over 600 feet high and weighing in at 9,550 tons, the Space Needle is one of the biggest landmarks of Seattle, located in the city's center.
Hop in the elevator for a scenic 43-second ride to the observation deck at the top of the Space Needle and get a 360-degree view. View Elliot Bay, downtown Seattle, Mount Rainier and the Cascades, as well as the Islands in the sound and the Olympics beyond. You can see even more when you look through one of the free telescopes. You can zoom in on the sailboats floating on Lake Union, and the ferryboats as they across Elliot Bay. Get close up views of Mt. Rainier and the mountain ranges that hug the Puget Sound.
There are easy-to-read, colorful signs helping you learn more about the sights, along with educational displays on the interior wall with even more history and facts about the Seattle Space Needle and the Seattle Center. To avoid long lines to the "O" Deck, get to the Space Needle early!
For a unique and memorable dining experience, eat at SkyCity, the circular, slow-revolving restaurant at Space Needle, where the waiters know as much about the sights as they do about the food. The food is distinctly Pacific Northwest, with alder-smoked filet of salmon and grilled, rare Ahi steaks. The brunches are top notch, with anything from tasty Belgian waffles to a superb clam chowder. Lunch and a kids menu is also an option at SkyCity.
Save room for a cool ice-cream sundae that's worth taking a picture of. The sundae is served in a bowl that has a replica of the Space Needle in the center of it with fog pouring out over its sides. Not only do you get a fabulous meal at SkyCity, your elevator ride and Observation Deck visit are free with your reservation at SkyCity. Reservations are highly recommended at this popular restaurant. Unfortunately, Sky City has a dress code for ages 16 and up. Hats, athletic tank tops, muscle-tees or ripped, torn or frayed clothing are on the black list for lunch. Cargo, athletic, or jean shorts are blacklisted for dinner. Dress shorts are acceptable and casual business attire is recommended.
Before leaving Space Needle, visit the SpaceBase gift shop, where you can buy a wide variety of products from children's and adult apparel to executive gifts; from specialty and collectable items to Seattle-related coffee, books and videos.
If you are in Seattle on New Year's Eve, don't miss the fireworks show at the Space Needle!
The Space Needle is open daily Sundays to Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to midnight. The Space Needle has valet parking, and instead of buying a one-time ticket, you can buy the Day & Night ticket that allows you back to see the gorgeous views of Seattle at night.