Ever wonder what it feels like to stand on the highest peak in Seattle, no hiking required? That’s exactly what awaits you at the Sky View Observatory.
Welcome to the Sky View Observatory, perched proudly on the 73rd floor of the Columbia Center. This isn’t just Seattle’s tallest public viewing area. It’s the highest in the entire Pacific Northwest.
Completed in 1985 by Martin Selig, the Columbia Center underwent a $25 million renovation. The Sky View Observatory reopened to the public, offering an unmatched experience.
Prepare to be amazed by the skyline-piercing view that stretches as far as the eye can see. From here, you can witness the majestic Olympic Mountains, the iconic Mount Rainier, and the serene Elliott Bay. Don’t forget the impressive Mount Baker. Airplanes appear almost at eye-level. Cars look like miniature toys below. The Space Needle seems half its actual height. The entire city unfolds beneath you, a charming, toy-like metropolis. It’s a surreal sensation. You’ll feel both on top of the world and incredibly small.
The Sky View Observatory stands at 902 feet tall. It’s nearly twice the height of the Space Needle. This makes it a perfect spot to bring out-of-town guests. You can skip those long Space Needle lines. The floor-to-ceiling windows provide unbroken. They also offer panoramic views. Walk around the tower for a full 360-degree perspective of the city.
Enhance your visit with the thoughtful addition of binoculars provided upon entry. Watch as the sun dips into Lake Washington. Wait as the city lights begin to twinkle. They cloak Seattle in a glittering, nightly robe.
Inside the Sky View Observatory, information panels await at every vantage point. Soft Northwest music plays in the background. There’s no time limit to your visit. Linger over coffee or wine at the Sky Cafe. Be sure to try the Seattle 73. It’s a gin-based cocktail flavored with local Washington huckleberries.
While there isn’t an outdoor area, the unobstructed views more than compensate. The postcard view of Seattle makes it worth the visit.
The Sky View Observatory is open seven days a week. It operates from 8 AM to 11 PM. Tickets are reasonably priced.
Getting to the Sky View Observatory is straightforward. Head to the main lobby on the fourth floor of the Columbia Center. You can use the main entrance on 5th Avenue. Elevators are available from the parking garage. Escalators can be accessed from the 1st floor Atrium off of 4th Avenue. Find the elevator bank labeled 37-76. Take it to the Sky Lobby on the 40th floor. As you exit, an automated voice will guide you to the elevators marked 66-76. Press 73. In moments, you’ll arrive at the tallest public view in the West.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion. Or you want to enjoy a spectacular sunset. Or you simply want to take in the bustling city below, the Sky View Observatory offers an unforgettable experience. It’s a place where you can truly stretch your imagination and gain a new perspective.