Under The Needle - Seattle Center

 If you are going to venture to see the view at the top of the Space Needle, don't neglect the bounty of experiences available to you throughout the Seattle Center.  

 Beyond being home to the Space Needle, Pacific Science Center and EMP, the Seattle Center has a personality all it's own. 

Originally built for the 1962 World's Fair, the Seattle Center serves locals and visitors alike as a major green space downtown as well as hosting annual events such as Bumbershoot, the Folklife Festival, Bite of Seattle and Pridefest. 

The best place to begin is the Armory.  The Armory building was built in 1939 for the 146th Field Artillery unit. It was reconfigured for the World's Fair and became the Food Circus, the first vertical mall.  It's name has changed to the Center House and currently The Armory.  Inside the armory you will find over a dozen restaurants providing a wide variety of food and snacks.  

Located near the restaurants a piece of the Berlin Wall is on display.  

The Armory is also home to the Seattle Children's Museum. Covering 22,000 square feet in the lower level of the Armory, the Children's Museum provides wide assortment of hands-on activities ideal for kids ages 10 months to 10 years old. 

Outside of the Armory, the Next 50 Plaza is home to an incredible play structure that is suitable for kids of all ages.  The structure rises two stories above the ground with a rope webbing surrounding the lower section and two giants slides.  

Check out the interactive art as well!

Down the way from the Next 50 Plaza is the International Fountain. With over 20 spouts, the fountain puts on an amazing show, synchronizing water and music, that makes it a great place to visit year-round, but it is an ideal oasis in the hot summer months. Built for the World's Fair, the International Fountain is a true landmark within the Seattle Center.  When you visit, run the gauntlet by running down and touching the fountain in the pause between displays.  The possibility of the fountain starting up again makes it more fun than it should be. 

The Key Arena sits to the West of the International Fountain.  Also built for World's Fair, the Key Arena is the current host to the Seattle Storm, the Rat City Roller Girls and the Seattle University men's basketball team as well as hosting a variety of concerts and events throughout the year. 

To the northeast of Key Arena lies the Vera Project. The Vera Project is an all-ages music and arts venue.  Established in 2001, the Vera Project moved to the Seattle Center in 2007.  The space includes an incredible music venue, art gallery and screen printing studio along with offering various classes. 

Circling back to the Space Needle, Sonic Bloom reaches to the sky. Installed in 2013, Sonic Bloom is a solar-powered art installation that incorporates sight and sound to provide an interactive experience.

Just remember,  if you're heading to the Space Needle take some time to explore the Seattle Center too...It's just as spectacular. 

Race To The Top – Space Needle Alternatives

If you talk about Seattle landmarks there is one pointy feature that people think of first.  As a striking contrast to the city skyline and providing unique views of the area, the Space Needle is as synonymous with Seattle as salmon. Thousands of people are drawn to the flying saucer shaped viewing deck every year.  But what if I told you there are a couple of amazing alternatives to the Space Needle that will give you much different views with a less expensive ticket cost to boot!

View of the first viewpoint from the second

The first observation deck is also the oldest.  The Smith Tower, once the tallest building west of the Mississippi River, has been providing amazing views of the ever changing Seattle Skyline for over 100 years.  Walking through the front doors of the Smith Tower takes you back decades with elaborate woodworking and marble.

 To get to the observation deck you will be whisked up the original, manually-operated, brass and copper elevators.  The Chinese Room is the landing point for the observation deck. 

  From this 35^th floor perch you have a unique view of downtown Seattle including a peek-a-boo view of the Space Needle.  

The outdoor walk almost runs completely around the perimeter, giving incredible views of the area.  The Smith Tower has been under renovation since 2014, but will be reopening August 25th, 2016. The new renovations brought two options for getting to the observation deck: An interactive tour that shows the history of the area starting in the roaring 20's and a "Straight Up" option that takes you directly to the observation deck.  The Straight Up option is about half the price of the tour. So if you are looking to save some money (and don't mind being your own history professor) it is a great option to get directly to the views.

The second viewpoint is the tallest.  Standing on the 73^rd floor of the Columbia Tower, the Skyview Observatory gives unobstructed, 360° views of the entire Puget Sound region. 

The modern elevator banks whisk you up to the observation room in two stages, giving you a chance to grab a beverage and snack at the Starbucks between elevators.  Once you arrive at the top, the area is open with spectacular views at every turn.

Hamilton Viewpoint Park also gives you the chance for a Puget Sound Trifecta: Space Needle, Ferry and Seaplane

The third alternative doesn’t sit high in the sky, but gives an incredible view of the entire skyline all at once.  Hamilton Viewpoint Park in West Seattle is an excellent alternative to the traditional top of the city view.  The panoramic skyline reveals the city from the Space Needle to the stadiums.  It’s well worth the drive, especially from the twilight and well into the night.

The fourth location gives you an spectacular view of the cityscape featuring the Space Needle front and center. Kerry Park, located near the top of the Queen Anne neighborhood, has amazing views of the city, Puget Sound and Mt. Rainier.

Early evening and night are the most crowed and parking can be tricky so walk, ride a bike or park a few blocks away to avoid the crowd.

Cost Per Location -

(2016 Prices)

Space Needle  -

Adult -  $22

Senior  65+ $19.00

Child 5-12 $14.00

Columbia Tower –

Adults: $14.75

Children Ages 6-12: $9.00

Children Ages 5 & under: FREE

Students & Military with ID: $9.00

Seniors 55+: $9.00

Smith Tower –  
Guided Tour-

Adults: $19.14
Seniors (60+): $17.00
Children (5-12): $14.00
Children (4 & under): FREE
Straight Up Ticket- $10.00
Hamilton Viewpoint Park and Kerry Park - FREE!