A futuristic addition to the skyline of the Emerald City, the Space Needle is one of the biggest landmarks of the city. Set in the Seattle Center, which has a number of other attractions, this is a prime spot for tourist sightseeing. The Seattle Center is a campus around the Needle with museums, food courts, galleries, shops, fountains, and amusement rides.
Built in 1962 for the World's Fair, the Space Needle, a 9,550-ton structure, is just over 600 ft high and built to stand up to 200 mile an hour winds and earthquakes.
When it was erected, the Seattle Space Needle became an instant landmark. When the Space Needle Seattle was built, it was by far the tallest building this side of the Mississippi. 2.3 million people had a chance to see the Space Needle when it was new at the World's Fair.
This 43-second ride takes you slowly up to the top of the Space Needle to its observation deck, which is at 520 feet. From this vantage point, one can see Elliot Bay, Downtown Seattle, Mount Rainier and the Cascades, as well as the Islands in the sound and the Olympics beyond. The ride up to the top of the Seattle Space Needle goes a comfortable 10 miles an hour to the top, so it's not a scary ride for anyone.
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 cross Elliot Bay. This observation deck encircles the Space Needle Seattle; giving you commanding views of Mt. Rainier and the mountain ranges that hug the Puget Sound.
There are helpful signs that are colorful and easy to read, helping you learn more about the sights you're enjoying. There are also educational displays on the interior wall with even more history and facts about the Seattle Space Needle and the Seattle Center.
If you really enjoy being high over Seattle, you can extend the experience by having a meal at the Sky City restaurant. This is a circular restaurant that rotates about one time an hour. The servers are knowledgeable about the menu as well as the sights around you.
The food is distinctly Pacific Northwest, with alder-smoked filet of salmon and grilled rare Ahi steaks. The brunches here are excellent, serving anything from mouth-watering Belgian waffles to an excellent clam chowder. Save room for the ice-cream sundae, which is served in a bowl that has a replica of the Space Needle in the center of it with fog pouring over out its sides.
Incredible views, excellent food, and friendly locals combine to make a visit to the Seattle Space Needle will be a part of your trip that you will not forget.
