A Visit to the Sky View Observatory

For the best view of Seattle you've ever, ever seen, go to the top of Columbia Center. From the Sky View Observatory on the 73rd floor you'll see the city from the highest viewing tower in the Northwest. The price is $14.95 and kids 5 and under are free. I was blown away by the views and you will be, too. The day we visited was gray, but Seattle does gray well, so it was still beautiful. But I'll have to return at night some time or when its really sunny. Seeing Seattle from such a high perspective was really fun and I could have stayed up there a long time, just enjoying all there was to see.

My favorite part of the view was looking north toward the Space Needle and seeing the entire skyline. The Space Needle is still getting its "Space Lift" so its currently a little covered up.

This view looking down on the Seattle Municipal tower next to the Columbia Center was pretty awesome, too.

There's the Great Wheel, Seattle's Ferris Wheel, hanging out on the waterfront below.

The Smith Tower in Pioneer Square, Quest Field where the Seahawks play, and Safeco-home of the Mariners, are all laid out to the south.

Elliot Bay, the waterfront and some of the city skyline from above.

They did a neat job with the miniature Columbia Center for viewers to gain perspective and learn more facts.

Harbor Island, part of the waterfront, and West Seattle with Alki Beach looked cool from above, too.

Large viewing windows went around the entire floor and give visitors a 360 degree view.

Looking down to downtown's new skyscrapers and a view of 5th Ave.

The Eastern part of downtown, along with South Lake Union, First Hill, and Capital Hill.

The Space Needle stands proud in the distance, along with the Key Arena and the rest of Seattle Center.

To the left is another one of Seattle's tallest buildings, formally called the Washington Mutual Tower. Its now called the 1201 3rd Ave Building.

The blue and white building with the flag is the Two Union Square and is another one of Seattle's tallest buildings.

I thought 5th Ave looked pretty from above with its fall colors lining the avenue.

There was plenty of places to sit in the viewing area, with chairs and couches scattered around the space.

And finally back to street level. A shot looking up at Columbia Center.

A photo of Columbia Center from the other side of the street, looking up at the new tower next to it from 4th Ave.

On the way home, I took this shot from Chinatown. To the north is downtown Seattle at night with Columbia Center all lit up.