City: Seattle, WA

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (800) 937-9582

Address: 400 Broad St. (Central)

Description: The Space Needle is the modern symbol of Seattle and perhaps its most recognizable landmark to visitors. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, and at that time the tallest building west of the Mississippi River, the Space Needle is part of the 74-acre Seattle Center. The German-inspired design was sketched by Edward Carlson on a coffeehouse place mat—befitting for this java-crazy city. It looms 520 feet above the city streets, with an observation deck that offers 360-degree indoor and outdoor viewing. Glass elevators speed visitors to the top at 14 feet per second, or about as fast as a raindrop falls to earth. Check out the newest installation, SkyQ. This is a system of five electronic kiosks that provide a wealth of information and hands-on interaction with the Space Needle and Seattle. For a real treat, dine at SkyCity, the revolving restaurant atop the Needle. It was added during the 2000 renovation, where $20 million in additions and restoration spruced up the Space Needle. Note that lines for the ride up the elevator to the observation deck can get long, especially on weekends or holidays; at those times it’s best to get there as early as possible. Many visitors ride the monorail from the Westlake Center Mall station at Fifth and Pine, taking the 1-mile trip to Seattle Center for $4 round-trip for adults. The Space Needle and its observation deck are open 365 days a year.