Things to do In Seattle: Space Needle

The Space Needle is the gateway to the Seattle Center and is located next to the Pacific Science Project and the Experience Music Project.

A visit to Seattle just isn't complete without a trip to the Space Needle. Journey skyward for amazing views, fine dining, and an experience you'll enjoy.

At a height of 605 feet (184 meters) the Space Needle boasts fabulous 360 degree views that include Mt. Rainier, Puget Sound, the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, the beautiful city of Seattle and beyond.

The Space Needle Observation Deck towers 520 feet above ground and offers panoramic indoor and outdoor viewing of Seattle and the surrounding area. The Observation Deck also features free telescopes, colorful displays filled with Space Needle facts and trivia, and an array of unexpected surprises.

The Space Needle is the most recognizable structure in Seattle. It was built for Seattle when the World Fair came to town and put Seattle on the map. Now it serves as its most famous tourist attraction.

If you like views you will get a kick of the view from the top. Other than that, there is no real reason to pay the $30 per person to go to the top. It about the same as going to the top of a tall building. On a clear day, which Seattle does not get many of; you can see for miles around. And if you have the time, stick around for a free guided tour at the top. During the tour the guide will point out Seattle landmarks and tell you a bit of its history.

At the bottom of the Needle are a few other tourist attractions that might be more worth your time. For kids, there is a mini amusement park. For music lovers, there is the Experience Music Project which serves also as a museum of American Music. The Pacific Science Project is also a great place to learn and have a good time. And for sci-fi buff, there is the Science Fiction Museum and Hall Of Fame. This building contains interactive exhibits as well as memorabilia. The coolest part is where you can see how science fiction of the past is becoming science fact today.

If you only have a day or two in Seattle you can do what we did, and get the Gray line Hop On Hop Off Double Decker bus tour. Get on and off as many times as you like. There are seven stops around downtown and a bus stops at each stop every 30 minutes or so. Many of the stops are close together, so if you have a car, you can do the tour yourself. Just get a map of the route and you should be set. You will save the $19 per person. You probably won't want to stop at all the stops so just pick and choose ahead of time.

There is plenty of parking at the Space Needle and they have a nice grassy area at the foot of the tower to picnic in the sun, or under a tree. If you are going to the top make sure you go on a clear day or you won't see anything.