- Distance and Travel Time (from downtown Seattle): Within 1.5 miles (10 min)
- When to Go
Any time of year (Good to visit even in the rainy season)
- Things to Do
Enjoys views of Seattle from the Space Needle, ride the Monorail to the Westlake Center to shop and eat, stroll around Seattle Center, visit the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), visit the Chihuly Glass museum, play at the Fountain Lawn and playground (Artists at Play), take the Ride the ducks tour to see Seattle from land and water, etc.
- Tips
1) Space Needle
a) Visit the Space Needle on a clear day to enjoy views of the Mt. Rainier and other mountains surrounding the Seattle area.
b) If there is a long wait for getting tickets to the Space Needle, use the kiosk located on the right side of the ticket booth for faster service.
c) Don’t stand in a long line to view your free photo at the kiosks on the observation deck – kiosks are also located in the 1st floor gift shop (usually with nobody waiting to use them!).
d) If you send yourself your photo to your email, you can even change the background and download your picture in all the different backgrounds (about 10) from the link when you get home.
e) If you are interested in visiting the Chihuly Garden and Glass as well, buy the Package Admission ticket when getting tickets to the Space Needle – this will save you money for both places.
2) The Seattle Center is a nice tourist spot where kids will enjoy playing at the Fountain Lawn and playground (Artists at Play). The grassy area connecting the Space Needle and the Pacific Science Center is also nice for the kids to enjoy a run.
3) Park at the Seattle Center and take the monorail to Westlake Center to enjoy shopping and food before coming back.
4) When buying tickets for the Ride the Ducks tour, spend the extra $2.50 for a Wacky Quacker for the kids to make the experience even more fun.
Seattle Center Parking Garage to Seattle Center
Space Needle
Views from Space Needle
Space Needle History
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Chihuly Garden and Glass - Interior Exhibits
Chihuly Garden and Glass - Glasshouse
Chihuly Garden and Glass - Garden
Artists at Play
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
International Fountain
Seattle Center Monorail
Ride the Ducks