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…
Seattle Great Wheel
Opened in 2012 on Pier 57, the 175-foot Seattle Great Wheel extends over Elliott Bay, with enclosed gondolas giving views of the waterfront and skyline.
At a glance
- Type
- Observation wheel
- Area
- Waterfront, Seattle, United States
- Opening
- Open daily · 11:00–21:00
- Official site
- seattlegreatwheel.com
Good to know
- Enclosed gondolas
- VIP gondola
- Weekend light shows
- Pier restaurants
Why we recommend it
The Seattle Great Wheel opened on 29 June 2012 at the end of Pier 57, also known as Miners Landing, on the downtown waterfront. It stands 175 feet tall and extends about 40 feet out over Elliott Bay, and when it opened it was the tallest Ferris wheel on the West Coast of the United States. It was also the only one of three wheels of its design in North America built over water.
The wheel has 42 enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas, each holding up to eight people, so it runs in all weathers. A ride lasts about 12 minutes and makes three revolutions, giving changing views of the waterfront, the downtown skyline, the ferries crossing the bay and, on clear days, the mountains. For a special occasion, there is a VIP gondola with red leather seats and a glass floor, seating four.
The wheel is open daily from 11am to 9pm. Tickets can be bought through the website. At night the wheel is lit, and colourful light shows usually run on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, with special themed shows on holidays and game days; on weekdays it is usually only the outer ring that is lit. Sunset and early evening are the most popular times to ride.
The ride suits families, couples and first-time visitors who want an easy introduction to the city's layout. It is lower than the Space Needle but right over the water, which gives a different view of the city. Allow about 30 minutes, including any queue.
Pier 57 has more to do. Attractions include Wings Over Washington, a carousel, the Klondike Arcade and Salish Sea Tours, plus several places to eat, including The Fisherman's Restaurant, The Crab Pot, The Salmon Cooker and Alaskan Sourdough Bakery. The wheel also features in popular culture: it appears in the climax of the film Death Note and as a landmark in the video game The Last of Us Part II.
The Seattle Aquarium is a short walk north along Alaskan Way, and Pike Place Market is reached by the Pike Street Hillclimb, so the wheel fits easily into a day on the waterfront. General enquiries can be sent to the team by email.
Seattle Great Wheel FAQs
What are the opening hours?
The wheel is open daily from 11am to 9pm.
How tall is the Great Wheel?
It is 175 feet tall and extends about 40 feet out over Elliott Bay.
How long is a ride?
About 12 minutes, with three revolutions.
Are the gondolas enclosed?
Yes. All 42 gondolas are enclosed and climate-controlled, so it runs in all weathers.
Is there a VIP option?
Yes. The VIP gondola has red leather seats, a glass floor and space for four.
When are the light shows?
Colourful light shows usually run on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.
What else is on Pier 57?
Wings Over Washington, a carousel, the Klondike Arcade, Salish Sea Tours and several restaurants.
When did it open?
It opened on 29 June 2012.