Once you get past the line (which is very long), you are propelled in 12.2 seconds to the top of the world (or so it seems). The observation deck is a very beautiful place to go, more so when the weather is nice. You can see Mt. Ranier and Mt. St. Helens. Make sure you take your time up there. . . and your camera.

Comming from San Antonio I was a bit jaded when it came to The Space Needle because our tower is higher. But once you're up there, and you see the view, you'll fall in love with it. The ride up costs $9, but it's included in the City Pass, which I recommed getting. There is a restraunt up there too, but it was way outta my price range to even consider. When you go during the day you get a wonderful view of Mt. Ranier.

Of my five days in Seattle, the only day without sunshine was the day we went to the Space Needle. From the observation deck, we had a great view of Puget Sound and the city of Seattle. The overcast sky made it impossible to see Mt. Rainier.

Built for the futuristic-themed 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, the Space Needle is a unique site. At the top, there are both indoor and outdoor observation decks. I can only imagine what the view would be on a clear day. Located all around the observation deck, you find fun trivia and environmental graphics. The Space Needle is 730 feet tall. The observation deck is over 500 feet. The Space Needle sways 1 inch for every 10 mph of wind. It is built to withstand winds over 200 mph. The Space Needle has high-speed elevators to get you from the ground to the observation decks. The elevators travel at 10 mph, so the trip from bottom to top takes about 45 seconds.

Just below the observation deck is the Sky City revolving restaurant. We were there in the late morning, so the restaurant was closed. It looked very nice. The menu featured fresh seafood, steaks, chicken, and prime rib. The prices looked about average. The wine list looked nice. The restaurant revolves once every 45 minutes. With the ever-changing view, I imagine this would be a very nice dining experience. Maybe next time.

Since we were in Seattle, there must be coffee. There is a Starbucks in the inside observation deck. We were there in the morning and it was pretty chilly. The cappuccino was nice and hot and tasty.

If I ever get back to Seattle, I look forward to going to the Space Needle again. This time on a nice, sunny day.

The instantly recognisable Space Needle is what defines Seattle, even if it is dwarfed by the high-rise buildings downtown.

You buy your ticket (for about $10) from outside the Needle while cheesy songs (all in some way related to space travel) play. Once inside, however, things get much more tasteful. The gift shop on the ground floor has some suprisingly good quality gifts, and this is probably the best place in the city to pick up presents for the guys back home.

The ride to the top of the Needle takes less than a minute, but despite this there is still a running commentary from the elevator operator. Once at the top there is a fantastic view of the city from all angles, along with photo guides to tell you exactly what you are looking for.

It's good to arrive just a bit before dusk so that you can see the city in the light, get a coffee and watch the sun going down before seeing it at night.

Parking can be found easily (and cheaply if you're in a large group) at the carpool parking lot across the street from the Needle. This is a good place from which to explore Seattle Centre, and not a bad location from which to take the monorail into the city.

The first question that my daughter asked me is "Have you gone up the needle yet?" Not, "How are you Dad?" "Did you have a safe trip, Dad?" She asked about the Space Needle.

For first time visitors to Seattle, it's almost imperative to visit the Space Needle and at least take the elevator up to the Oberservation Deck (called O Deck). We stood in a short line to purchase our $11 adult tickets. Senior prices and children prices are lower. We did notice the roped off area to address longer lines of people waiting to buy tickets, so we were fortunate to only wait for a few people ahead of us in line.

After entering the building, a security guard asked to examine my wife's purse and our other sacks. He did a thorough job as he unzipped the side pockets and pulled everything out. After we cleared security, we walked up the ramp to the elevator.

We were on the next ride up to the O Deck. The elevator was full and the conductor asked everyone to make room so that the children could be up to the front. The glass sides of the elevator provide a direct view during this 43-second ride. My wife is not overly keen on heights so she was at the very back of the elevator. I was right up there in the front, directly behind the kids.

The outside deck has an unobstructed view (except for the cables) so we could see for miles. There were large markings in the concrete flooring just like a compass, showing the directions. Inside, there were displays at each direction point (north, south, east and west) naming and describing some of the easily identifiable buildings and landmarks. That information was great.

There was a small coffee shop in the inside deck, and tables for relaxing while enjoying the view.

The elevator ride down stops in the gift shop (no surprise) but we were not able to find salt and pepper shakers. My wife collects these and wanted a pair that were fashioned after the Space Needle. Fortunately, she found a pair at the gift shop in the airport.

We walked around the outside grounds, watching people on the carnival-type rides and enjoying the evening. The Space Needle is open 365 days a year and is open until midnight on the weekends.