While the Space Needle no longer has its 1962 title of tallest building west of the Mississippi, its retro-futuristic "flying saucer" façade still holds court over Seattle. A 41-second elevator ride takes you 520 feet up to the indoor/outdoor observation deck, which offers 360-degree views of the downtown skyline, Elliott Bay, the Olympic and Cascade ranges, and Mount Rainier. There's also the revolving SkyCity Restaurant, and at ground level, the SpaceBase gift shop.
How to get to the Space Needle
From I-5, take the Mercer St./Seattle Center exit and turn left onto 5th Ave N, then right onto Broad Street. There's self-parking in nearby garages, and valet parking is offered for a fee. A monorail from downtown (5th Ave. & Pine St.) travels direct to the Space Needle.
Best and worst time to go to the Space Needle
While a sunny, clear day offers you a better view of the mammoth Mount Rainier, the Seattle skyline after dark can be just as captivating. Be sure to book your tickets and select a Launch Time in advance online to avoid the general admission line. Otherwise, a weekday morning is the best time to go to avoid long waits and crowded elevators.
Admission to the Space Needle
Tickets are approximately $20, but there's a discount for buying online in advance. Dining at the upscale SkyCity Restaurant includes free admission to the observation deck.
Must see/do at the Space Needle
The interactive kiosks on the observation deck are as good as a guided tour. Don't forget to take a photo in front of the green screen on the ground level before boarding the elevator — you'll be able to access that image on the kiosk and have it emailed to you for free.
Other places to visit near the Space Needle
The Needle is adjacent to a day's worth of activities in the Seattle Center, including the Chihuly Garden and Glass museum, the Experience Music Project, and the Pacific Science Center.
Insider tip for visitors to the Space Needle
Seattle's climate can be tricky, and any weather condition on the ground is amplified at 500 feet in the sky. If it's a slightly breezy day, bring a jacket, because it'll be much windier on the observation deck. The same goes for fog — try to wait until it clears for better visibility.
Author's bio: Amy Cassell is a Seattle-based writer and editor. She loves words, travel, music, and naps.
Woodland Park Zoo has been hailed as one of the finest zoos in the world for its award-winning exhibits. The zoo is home to more than 1,000 animals, representing 300 species from across the globe, from tiny insects to the largest land mammal on earth, the African elephant. This cherished Seattle landmark, enjoyed by visitors of all ages, is best known for creating revolutionary naturalistic exhibits which mimic the natural habitats each animal is from, ultimately changing the face of zoos worldwide.
Best and worst time to go to Woodland Park Zoo
If you want to enjoy the animals when they're at their most active, and crowds are few, go to the zoo on a cloudy weekday morning when school is in session, from about mid-October to mid-April. If you have kids that are in school and can't make it then, your next best choice is a Sunday morning during NFL season when many families are busy watching the game. The worst time to go is in the middle of the day during the months of June, July and August, whether it's the weekend or a weekday. Not only do the animals tend to be more lethargic due to the heat, this is when the zoo packs in the biggest crowds.
Must see/do at Woodland Park Zoo
The Humboldt Penguins are a favorite with many visitors, especially when they're active. Look through the glass viewing window, and you might just get a close up look to see a penguin peering right back at you. The African Savanna exhibit, the first of its kind when it opened in 1980, is also a must-visit with the chance to see animals like zebras, hippos, lions, tigers, meerkats, gorillas and giraffe. If you time your visit right, you can even feed the giraffes while standing atop a raised platform from 10 to 11 a.m. and 3 to 4 p.m. daily, except Tuesdays. The Australasia section, just a short stroll away, is another must, home to wallaby, snow leopards, emus and kookaburras, as well as the Willawong Station. In this enclosed area, birds like parrots, cockatiels and parakeets fly free, and visitors can feed the birds buy purchasing a wooden stick with food on it.
Parking at Woodland Park Zoo
The zoo offers parking in five lots, with pay-for-parking kiosks in each lot. Arrive early as they fill up quickly, especially during the summer months. If you don't find a spot, you'll need to look for street parking in the surrounding neighborhood.
Food at Woodland Park Zoo
Concession stands can be found throughout the zoo, serving everything from popcorn to ice cream and pizza. The Rain Forest Food Pavilion is great for families, with a variety of dishes sure to please everyone, including kids' meals and even options for the health conscious like burgers made from hormone-free, grass-fed, free-roaming cattle. Seafood lovers will want to head to the Pacific Blue Chowder House, offering meals that include items like wild-caught shrimp and salmon.
Insider Tip for Visitors to Woodland Park Zoo
Before you go, be sure to check the "Today at the Zoo" section on the official zoo website. Here you can find out about special daily activities and specific schedules that can help you make the most out of your day at the zoo, including zookeeper talks, feeding experiences and more.
K.C. Dermody is a travel writer living in the Seattle area with hundreds of travel articles both online and in print. She has traveled the world and is the author of 'Best Travel Guide for First Time Visitors to Ireland,' but especially loves showing off the beautiful region she resides in.
