The Inside Scoop by our Local Expert
The Space Needle Seattle is a major landmark that has become the symbol of Seattle. Located in Seattle Center, the tower was built for the 1962 World's Fair when nearly 20,000 people used the elevators every day. The 2.3 million visitors to the World's Fair found the Space Needle a site to see – 605 feet high and 138 feet wide, the landmark was built to handle strong winds and earthquakes. Visitors today can check out the Space Needle Seattle's observation deck and Sky City restaurant, from which all of downtown Seattle is visible, as well as the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, and Elliott Bay. Standing at 60 stories, this tall structure is a major attraction. The elevator trip takes 43 seconds at 10 miles per hour. Once visitors ascend to the top of the tower, people take pictures and just enjoy the view of Seattle. If you're interested in checking out the Space Needle Seattle, a host of hotels await you in the rainy city.