Space Needle Reviews (Seattle, Washington)

Awesome Views, but Still Searching for Mt. Baker

Heath, Ohio

March 7, 2010

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Travelling alone has its disadvantages, especially when trying to navigate a city with so many one way streets as Seattle. But I did manage to see lots of coffee shops and the Market on the way to the Space Needle. I couldn't find any available ...Read more

From journal Whale Watching and Searching for Mt. Baker

Back to the Future

by callen60

Ozarks, Missouri

February 23, 2010

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Best of IgoUgo In 1962, Seattle was hardly an obvious pick to host a World’s Fair, let alone one focused on the 21st century. Jet travel was just emerging, and the west coast (and particularly the northwest) was growing more prominent in the nation’s ...Read more In 1962, Seattle was hardly an obvious pick to host a World’s Fair, let alone one focused on the 21st century. Jet travel was just emerging, and the west coast (and particularly the northwest) was growing more prominent in the nation’s consciousness. To push that process along, local boosters sought an exposition to capitalize on the emergence of Boeing and Seattle as contributors to the aviation and aerospace industries, and players in shaping the future.

Originally conceived as the ‘21st Century Exposition’, it was later certified as a World’s Fair, with a focus on science, technology and the wonderful future they would make possible (resulting in some laughable predictions about ‘houses with walls of jet air streams’ and 15-minute jet travel). Conceived on a napkin by one of the fair’s organizers, the Space Needle quickly became the iconic symbol of the fair, and after translation into a real design that challenged the construction and engineering limits of its day, became the most recognizable feature of Seattle.

That’s quite a success story, a testament to the power of that idea as well as the blank slate Seattle had to work with: nothing from New York, Chicago, or San Francisco fairs still serves as the quintessential element of those cities. Now over 45 years old, the Space Needle’s sixties appearance marks it as the way we thought the future would look. The organizers have steered clear of emphasizing the campiness inherent in its half-century age, but it doesn’t take more than a glance at the flying-saucer-shaped observation level (now the ‘O Deck’) to realize that the Jetsons could easily call this place home.

But $17 later, I think it was worth it (back in 1962, it was $1: another feature of the future that I’d be happy to change). We arrived about 2 pm on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon, realizing for the first time that at 530 feet up we would get a great view of Seattle’s gorgeous physical setting, and not just the city itself. The lines were shockingly short, and we quickly boarded an elevator for the 45-second ride to observation level. Unlike some newer facilities, the walls aren’t floor-to-ceiling glass, making the ride a lot less threatening to an acrophobe like me. Three elevators serve the saucer, and the guide has time for only a brief introduction before the doors open up top.

You can circle the deck inside or outside, but outdoors the path is uncluttered by the restaurant seating, exhibits, and souvenir shop traffic. The outdoor deck was the most crowded place in the Needle that afternoon, but wasn’t a problem. Despite the elevation, my usually dormant fear of heights continued to slumber on, since the walkway was wide, the railings were sturdy, and the walls relatively high. In addition, the iron superstructure underneath the saucer (which looks largely like a very sparse doily) gives a visual element that interrupts the view straight down.

It was a fantastic day to be up top. The Olympic Range was easily visible across Puget Sound (the only mountain range completely contained in the U.S., I heard while passing by one of the exhibits), and Mount Rainier could be seen to the southeast 100 miles away. Neither is a given in Seattle’s moisture-rich climate, but we lucked out. Snowy 11,000-foot Mount Baker (like Rainier, another of the Cascade volcanoes) was easily visible to the north, as well as the skyscrapers in the city center–plus the multiple lakes, bays, and islands to north, south, east and west. The Space Needle sits in the southeast corner of Seattle Center, the arts and recreation complex that emerged from the fair grounds. From up top, you also get a good view of the museums, arenas, and amusement parks that now occupy the grounds, as well as Frank Gehry’s home for the Experience Music Project on the site’s east side.

We spent just under an hour up top, taking minimal advantage of anything except the outdoor area. Only one of us made use of SkyQ, a five-screen interactive display with information about the view, Seattle, and the construction of the Tower. (We did learn that its original name was "The Space Cage".) After the mandatory exit through the gift shop, we began our hike to the Bainbridge Island ferry.

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The Needle is open 365 days a year, starting at 10 am (9:30 on Fri/Sat/Sun) and closing at 9:30 pm (10:30 Fri/Sat). A single visit is $17 for adults, $9 for youth; 3 and under are free. Seniors and active military save $2. A few bucks more buys you a ‘Day and Night’ ticket, allowing you to visit twice in 24 hours. Close

From journal Seattle Under Sunny Skies

Space Needle

by txag_girl

Huntsville, Texas

May 25, 2008

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A trip to the Space needle isnt something to plan your day around, but definately a sight to take in while you are in Seattle city center. We did not take the ride up the tower, it was completely overpriced in my opinion, considering we saved the ...Read more

From journal Seattle Tourist

Space Needle

by sizemoretravel

Jacksonville, Florida

February 21, 2008

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How could you visit Seattle without visiting the famous Space Needle?The Space needle was built in 1962 for that year's World's Fair. It has since become the symbol of Seattle, and one of the most recognizable structures in the world.The needle is ...Read more

From journal Alaskan Cruise from Seattle

Space Needle

by cindylou11157

Pottstown, Pennsylvania

November 29, 2007

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Looks like something out of the Jetsons, it towers over 600 feet and can be seen from anywhere in Seattle. Built for the 1962 World's Fair still is a major attraction. Ascend up the glass elevator in seconds and have magnificant views of the city. ...Read more

From journal Seattle, the Great Northwest

The Space Needle

by moatway

Riverview, New Brunswick

June 12, 2007

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Best of IgoUgo The Space Needle was meant to be the focal point of the 1962 International Exhibition. Inspired by the radio tower in Stuttgart, Germany, visionary Eddy Carlson decided that the Seattle tower should feature a restaurant in the sky, but there would ...Read more

From journal Jewel of the Northwest

The Space Needle

by gsysimon

Singapore, Singapore

April 1, 2007

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Best of IgoUgo The icon of Seattle, Space Needle has become one of the most recognizable structures in the world. It started in late 1950s with the World Fair planned to be held in Seattle in 1962, the city looked for a symbol which could grace the event and put ...Read more

From journal A Memorable Seattle Trip

Space Needle

by iktommy

Tucson, Arizona

January 5, 2007

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Ride the glass elevators up to the observation deck at the top of Seattle's most recognizable landmark. Observation decks both indoors and outdoors. Make sure you bring your camera. The views are amazing. It is well worth the price you pay for ...Read more

From journal Washington State's Treasures

The Space Needle

by elusivone

Carrollton, Texas

December 19, 2006

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The Space Needle is probably the most widely recognized landmark of Seattle. If you're not from the area you probably at least know of the Space Needle.The Needle is a structure erected for the 1962 World's Fair. It's main claim to fame is the ...Read more The Space Needle is probably the most widely recognized landmark of Seattle. If you're not from the area you probably at least know of the Space Needle.

The Needle is a structure erected for the 1962 World's Fair. It's main claim to fame is the observation deck, which gives one the opportunity to view 360 degrees of the Seattle and adjacent areas. Compared to The Empire State Building or Sears Tower, I didn't feel it was quite as impressive. I mean, you're high up, but just not AS high.

That said, the view is still beautiful. You'll be able to look out onto Elliot Bay and if the clouds let you, Mount Rainier can be seen. (On my visit I was unable to see the mountain's profile, though it was sunny, there were clouds and fog inland.)

It was a cool day, but up high the breeze made it much cooler. Indoors you can get snacks, coffee, tea, and cocoa. (I felt very overpriced, so I saved my $ for later in downtown.)

There is a restaurant up there as well, though I didn't eat there. If you do, and if you used the valet parking service, you will get your parking either free or at a discount (I can't remember).

Speaking of parking... this area in particular I found difficult to navigate and spent a good thirty minutes trying to find a parking lot that wasn't $10 or more (sometimes per hour). Then, the way the streets were set up I kept ending up where I couldn't turn around and would need to go a mile or more before being able to do so. (Later, a friend in the area heard my story and knew exactly the street/area I was in. Apparently it's widely known to locals that you cannot turn around - NO LEFT TURNS! - for long stretches.)

Finally, aggravated and fed up I just used the valet service at the Needle, which was $11 for the day. I was able to leave my car there all day as I toured around the city. So, take this one up if you plan to do more than the Needle.

Also, the Needle sits in the same area as the Experience Music Project, which I did not go into. But it's all walking distance.

Finally, if you plan on using the monorail that runs by the Needle, I recommend calling the facility ahead of time to see if it's running. My plan was to visit the Needle then hop on the monorail into downtown (like a 2 minute trip). First - it was tough to find. Signs seemed to direct me to the right... turns out you need to go left (I walked around looking for it for like 5 minutes). Once there, it looked dead, but there were no signs up. Turns out it wasn't running, but you'd only know it by asking the one person apparently working there - lurking. Close

From journal Sights of Seattle

Seattle Space Needle

by Rie Rite

Brooklyn, New York

November 20, 2006

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There were three things I associated with Seattle: coffee, grunge music and the Space Needle. So naturally, after having a cup of joe and gawking at a few legendary clubs, I went to check out the Space Needle in all of its foggy glory.Approaching ...Read more

From journal The Seattle Space Needle: Not As Sharp As It Could

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