Thing to do
Kerry Park Viewpoint
A small park on the south slope of Queen Anne Hill, Kerry Park has one of the best-known views of Seattle, with the Space Needle, downtown…
Sky View Observatory
On the 73rd floor of Columbia Center, the tallest building in Washington State, Sky View Observatory has 360-degree views over Seattle at 902 feet.
At a glance
- Type
- Observation deck
- Area
- Downtown, Seattle, United States
- Official site
- skyviewobservatory.com
Good to know
- 360-degree views
- Café and bar
- Group bookings
Why we recommend it
Sky View Observatory is on the 73rd floor of Columbia Center, the tower at 701 Fifth Avenue that has been the tallest building in Washington State since it opened in 1985. The observation level is at 902 feet, considerably higher than the Space Needle's deck, and it describes itself as the tallest public observatory in the Pacific Northwest. A remodel in 2013 opened up the views to a full 360 degrees.
From the top you look down on downtown, the Space Needle and Elliott Bay, and on clear days the mountains are visible too. Because the view goes all the way round, it is easy to spend time picking out places you have visited or plan to visit.
A renovation in 2018 added two express lifts, a new lounge and a wide wooden staircase in the Fourth Avenue lobby, where the visit begins. The observatory has a café and bar, so you can sit with a drink while you take in the view, which makes it a good evening option.
Check the observatory's website for current opening hours and tickets before you go. The last lift and the last ticket sales are one hour before closing, so do not leave it too late. Groups of ten or more can book online. Sunset is the most popular time, and the city lights after dark are just as rewarding.
Sky View suits couples, photographers and anyone who wants the highest view in town. It is also a good choice for visitors who have already seen the Needle and want a different angle. Allow about an hour, including the lift and some time at the bar. Columbia Center was developed by Martin Selig and designed by the architect Chester L. Lindsey, and it has 76 floors above ground. Each year it also hosts a charity stair climb in which firefighters in full gear race up 69 floors, a reminder of just how high the observatory is.
Columbia Center is in the middle of downtown, a few blocks from the Seattle Art Museum and Pike Place Market, and within walking distance of most downtown hotels. Pioneer Square is a short walk downhill to the south, so you can combine the observatory with the historic district in the same afternoon.
Sky View Observatory FAQs
Where is Sky View Observatory?
On the 73rd floor of Columbia Center, 701 Fifth Avenue, in downtown Seattle.
How high is it?
The observation level is at 902 feet, and Columbia Center is the tallest building in Washington State.
Is the view 360 degrees?
Yes. A 2013 remodel opened up the views to a full 360 degrees.
Is there a bar?
Yes. The observatory has a café and bar.
When is the last entry?
The last lift and ticket sales are one hour before closing.
Where do you enter?
The visit starts in the Fourth Avenue lobby of Columbia Center.
Can groups book?
Yes. Groups of ten or more can book online.
How long should you allow?
About an hour, including the lift and a drink at the bar.