A Seattle Icon: Navigating Washington State's Space Needle from Top to Bottom

Your trip to the iconic Space Needle starts with a ride in a glass-floored elevator. Once you reach the top, known as the Atmos, there are two levels to explore. The Upper Deck is lined with floor-to-ceiling glass windows and dotted with benches, perfect for taking in the panoramic views from 158 meters high. On the 152-meter-high Lower Deck, peer down at the city from the Loupe, the world’s only revolving glass floor. An accessible elevator is available to transport guests using mobility devices to both decks. Day and night offer unique experiences atop the Space Needle. On a clear day, you’ll have a great view of downtown Seattle, Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, and the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges, while night visits give a stunning glimpse of the downtown Seattle skyline in lights. If you can’t choose, opt for a combination day and night ticket to admire both views at a discounted rate.

Enhance your trip to the top with bespoke dining and more. Make a reservation for the Loupe Lounge, the Space Needle’s premier restaurant experience that serves curated food “towers” and craft cocktails on the revolving glass floor level. For a more casual experience, visit the Atmos Café or Atmos Wine, both on the upper observation deck, for light bites, wine and beer to go with the impeccable Washington views.

In addition to sky-high meals and drinks, the Space Needle offers a virtual reality bungee jumping experience – complete with an animated video you can share with friends and family – and a souvenir photo opportunity with the Oculus selfie, capturing a photo of your party from above with the city below. On your way out, don’t forget to stop at the Spacebase Gift Shop at the base of the Needle to shop for souvenirs to remember your sky-high experience.

Once you’re ready to get out and start exploring Seattle, you’ll have no shortage of options when deciding what to do next. Just next door to the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass showcases captivating artworks and artifacts from the life of glass artist Dale Chihuly. Combination tickets are available for discounted admission to both Chihuly Garden and Glass and the Space Needle. Also within walking distance are the Seattle Children’s Museum, where little explorers can get their minds buzzing with hands-on learning exhibits, and the Museum of Pop Culture, highlighting the most influential and innovative developments in film, fashion, music and gaming over the decades.

Just across the street from the Needle, the Seattle Center Monorail offers a convenient journey to even more of Seattle's top attractions. Climb aboard for a three-minute ride to the Westlake Center downtown, just a five-minute walk from the famed Pike Place Market. Snap a selfie with the iconic sign, watch expert fishmongers at work, and shop for blooming flowers, locally made cheeses and more. Spend some time exploring the nearby Seattle Art Museum, which boasts 25,000 art pieces from around the globe, then stroll over to Waterfront Park, where Puget Sound-front shopping and dining opportunities await.

Fly into Seattle-Tacoma Airport (SEA). Public transportation is abundant, with light rail trains and buses offering easy access to downtown and the greater Seattle area. Take advantage of these options or rent a car to begin your Pacific Northwest journey.