In 1962, taxpayers footed a lot of the bill for the World’s Fair in Seattle. More than 85% of the money they paid in was guaranteed to go to permanent structures including the entire Seattle Center. (I wish today’s city planners had the same restriction!) The centerpiece of this area was the Space Needle, a 600-foot structure that continues to be Seattle’s number one tourist attraction almost fifty years later. For the cost of $4.5 million, Seattle gained not only an attraction for the fair, but also an icon for the Northwest.
Every time we have out of state visitors, they want to go to the Space Needle. We’ve been so often that we really should have a lifetime pass. Truth be told, I wait at the gift shop downstairs because I’m afraid of heights. But my 14 year old loves it. The observation deck is a $15 ride. Yes, $15 for a few minutes. Or $99 per year. We have found a better way!
Sky City Restaurant sits atop the Space Needle, higher than the observation deck. It has its own elevator, which means you won’t be waiting an hour in line to go up. We (well, everyone but me) have never, ever been rushed out of the restaurant. It takes a full hour to make a revolution, and that’s how long we generally stay. Kids’ meals (ages 10 and under) are less than $15. That’s about twice that observation ticket price. Lunch entrees run the gamut, but the average entrée is around $25. There’s a minimum food charge of $30, enforced for everyone except those ordering off the children’s menu. The food is surprisingly good, and the service has been excellent. I’d recommend lunch if you have children with you, dinner if it’s a romantic date. Additionally, you can go down to the observation deck after dinner if you choose. It’s a real bargain when you deduct the cost of the ticket.
Like Mt. Fuji, if you don’t visit the Space Needle while you’re in Seattle, you’ll be destined to return until you do. Take my advice and do it with style!