SkyView Observatory, Seattle

Thinking of going to the Space Needle for the great views? 

Might I suggest something else instead?…Be higher than the Space Needle, less crowds, and truly so much better views.  This will bring you to Skyview Observatory in the Columbia Tower in downtown Seattle (700 4th Ave).  Take the elevator up to the 73rd floor with the tour guide who tells you details and history on the way up to the top, then opens the elevator to find yourself 902ft ABOVE THE SPACE NEEDLE!!

Look down upon the Space Needle, the entire city, and as you walk around at your leisure (without a guide, much more my style!).  Take in the 360 degree views and even have space to take photos without other people in the background.  No fighting for A photo op.

Bar & Cafe

A casual bar sits on the SW side where you can try A signature seasonal drink.  My friend had A yummy gummy bear cocktail, and I tried the savory Maple-Craberry Manhattan since it was a crisp winter day.  Both were delicious and inventive.

 

There is a simple menu of flatbreads, salads, and wraps.  We tried the cheese flatbread and I am still craving more of it, as I sit here writing, it was that good!  We sat by the window and watched a ferry cross Elliot Bay, the sun going down, and the mountains.  The nearly perfect clear weather that allowed for views of Mt Rainier, Olympic mountain across the water, and the Cascades beyond the picturesque city of Bellevue.

Events

They do have a lot of events that take place here (and are not open every day), so definitely check their website prior to going and see what’s going on. We happened upon it at last minute and had no problem on a Friday afternoon (they even took my expired Groupon tickets!) but I can’t guarantee that’s the case ever again. So book in advance on their website, after checking the weather, to make sure you don’t miss out and time this wrong! Sky View Observatory I’m kicking myself that it took me 43 years of living in this area to finally go here, but let me tell you, any visitors will get this as their first suggestion on a trip to Seattle! A must see.

Hope this inspires you to go a bit beyond the “usual” tourist sites.  What is your favorite “Go here, not there” spot?  Leave me a message and let me know what I might be missing out on!

Pro Tip:  Since you are in the area, walk a few blocks to the Seattle Central Library and walk around inside, head up the escalators, and take in the views of some of the best architecture in Seattle.  You will not be disappointed.  Details in my post here:   https://thiswanderingsoul.net/seattle-central-library/