4 Best Sights in Seattle, Washington

When this iconic landmark opened in 1914, it was the tallest office building outside New York City and the fourth-tallest building in the world. (It remained the tallest building west of the Mississippi for nearly 50 years.) The Smith Tower Observatory on the 35th floor is an open-air wraparound deck providing panoramic views of the surrounding historic neighborhood, ball fields, the city skyline, and the mountains on clear days. It's also a superb spot to take in a sunset. The top floor includes the speakeasy-themed Observatory Bar, which features striking original architectural details and a cocktail and nibbles menu that pays homage to the Prohibition era. Smith Tower's ground-floor retail shop packed with locally made goods is also worth a visit.

This 1¼-acre hillside park draws visitors up Queen Anne Hill for Seattle’s most iconic view. Facing south, you can frame the Space Needle, Downtown skyline, Elliott Bay, and, on clear days, majestic Mount Rainier in one perfect shot. It’s a spot made for memories. Politicians hold press events here, and couples often get engaged against the skyline. Just below, Bayview–Kinnear Park has a great playground for kids, and while you’re in the neighborhood, it’s worth strolling the surrounding blocks to admire the homes. Some people really do get to wake up to this view every day!

Take in 360-degree views of the Emerald City from Sky View Observatory, located 900 feet above Seattle in the city's tallest building, the Columbia Center. Spot Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, Elliott Bay, and the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges from the observatory. Experience Seattle from above during your chosen time: daytime, golden hour, or at night when the city lights glisten against the dark sky.

Seattle’s iconic tower, built for the 1962 world’s fair, wears its age beautifully—especially after a major 2018 renovation. Your visit begins with a ground-floor exhibit about the Needle’s history before an elevator zips you up to the two-level observation area. The lower level features a revolving glass floor and floor-to-ceiling windows; above it, an open-air deck offers unobstructed views. The 360-degree panorama is the real payoff—a breathtaking geography lesson where neighborhoods sprawl below, waterways wind toward the Pacific, and mountains crown every horizon. (Scan the QR-coded signs for an easy guide to the landmarks.)

Expect crowds, particularly in summer. Buying timed-entry tickets online helps streamline your visit and guarantees admission. The Needle stays open after dark, and the glittering city views are just as mesmerizing as the daytime ones. Can’t decide between the two? A dual-entry ticket lets you go up twice in a day. You can also save with a combo ticket that includes admission to the neighboring Chihuly Garden and Glass.