Seattle's Premier Observatory

Experience Seattle from 900 Feet Above

Discover breathtaking 360-degree views of Seattle, Puget Sound, and the Cascade Mountains from the 73rd floor of Columbia Center

Location

Columbia Center, Seattle

Height

900+ Feet

Open

7 Days a Week

Seattle skyline view from Sky View Observatory

Sky View Observatory Experiences

Popular

Daytime City Views

Experience Seattle's iconic skyline in crystal-clear daylight with panoramic views of Elliott Bay, Mount Rainier, and the Olympic Mountains

All day access 360° views Photo spots

$25 Buy Tickets

Premium

Sunset & Golden Hour

Watch the sun set over Puget Sound as Seattle's lights begin to twinkle below in this magical golden hour experience. Take a Bus tour before that.

2 hours before sunset Golden hour Refreshments

$35 Buy Tickets

Spectacular

Night City Lights

Marvel at Seattle's sparkling cityscape after dark with illuminated skyscrapers, bridges, and waterfront creating a mesmerizing urban galaxy

After sunset City lights Premium experience

$30 Buy Tickets

About Sky View Observatory

Sky View Observatory offers Seattle's most spectacular and affordable observation experience, perched 900 feet above the Emerald City on the 73rd floor of Columbia Center. As the tallest building in the Pacific Northwest, our observatory provides unparalleled 360-degree views that showcase Seattle's stunning natural beauty and urban sophistication.

From our vantage point, visitors can see iconic landmarks including the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, Elliott Bay, and Puget Sound, with the majestic Cascade and Olympic Mountain ranges forming a breathtaking backdrop. On clear days, Mount Rainier dominates the southern horizon in all its snow-capped glory.

Open seven days a week, Sky View Observatory welcomes visitors to experience Seattle from a perspective few get to enjoy. Whether you're capturing the perfect sunset photograph, introducing visitors to Seattle's beauty, or simply taking a moment to appreciate the Pacific Northwest's natural grandeur, every visit offers a new perspective on this incredible city.

Learn More

Why Visit Sky View Observatory?

Unmatched 360° Views

Experience Seattle from every angle with floor-to-ceiling windows offering complete panoramic views of the city, mountains, and Puget Sound.

Iconic Seattle Landmarks

See the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, Elliott Bay, and Mount Rainier all in one spectacular view from the tallest building in the Pacific Northwest.

Perfect Photo Opportunities

Capture stunning photographs with designated photo spots and optimal lighting throughout the day for social media-worthy shots of Seattle.

Affordable Premium Experience

Enjoy world-class observatory views at an accessible price point, making it the perfect activity for locals and tourists alike.

Columbia Center & Observatory History

Columbia Center, originally known as the Bank of America Tower, stands as Seattle's tallest skyscraper and an iconic part of the city's skyline since its completion in 1985. Rising 967 feet (295 meters) into the Seattle sky, this 76-story architectural marvel was designed by Chester L. Lindsey Architects and represents the pinnacle of 1980s commercial construction.

The Sky View Observatory occupies the 73rd floor of this impressive tower, offering visitors access to views that were once reserved only for office workers and building maintenance. At over 900 feet above sea level, the observatory provides a unique perspective on Seattle that showcases both the city's urban development and its stunning natural setting.

Located in the heart of downtown Seattle at 701 Fifth Avenue, Columbia Center has served as a cornerstone of the city's financial district for nearly four decades. The building's distinctive design and prominent position make it visible from throughout the Puget Sound region, serving as a navigational landmark for both residents and visitors.

Today, Sky View Observatory continues the building's legacy by making these extraordinary views accessible to the public seven days a week. From sunrise to sunset, visitors can experience the ever-changing beauty of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest from one of the most spectacular vantage points in North America.

Visit Columbia Center website

What You'll See from Sky View Observatory

Space Needle view from Sky View Observatory

Space Needle & Seattle Center

Marvel at Seattle's most iconic landmark from a completely unique aerial perspective. The Space Needle appears dramatically smaller from this height, surrounded by the Seattle Center campus including the Museum of Pop Culture, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and Climate Pledge Arena. This bird's-eye view reveals the thoughtful urban planning that makes Seattle Center a cultural hub, with the monorail snaking between buildings toward downtown.

Elliott Bay & Puget Sound

Experience the breathtaking expanse of Elliott Bay and Puget Sound stretching toward the Olympic Mountains. Watch ferries traverse the dark blue waters while cargo ships and pleasure boats create a dynamic maritime tapestry. The waterfront comes alive from this perspective, showcasing Seattle's deep connection to the sea and its role as a major Pacific Northwest port city.

Mount Rainier

On clear days, Mount Rainier dominates the southern horizon in all its 14,411-foot glory. This active volcano and centerpiece of Mount Rainier National Park appears as a massive snow-capped sentinel watching over Seattle. The mountain's presence creates some of the most spectacular photography opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset when alpenglow illuminates its glaciated peaks.

Planning Your Sky View Observatory Visit

Make the most of your Sky View Observatory experience with these essential visiting tips:

Open daily - Observatory is open 7 days a week with extended hours during peak seasons. Check current hours before your visit as they may vary seasonally.
Best viewing times - Clear weather offers the best visibility. Check Seattle weather forecasts and consider visiting during golden hour (sunset) for spectacular lighting.
Ticket information - Affordable general admission starting at $25 for adults. Group discounts and season passes available for frequent visitors.
Photography tips - Bring your camera or smartphone for incredible shots. Best lighting occurs during golden hour and blue hour just after sunset.
Accessibility - Observatory is fully accessible via high-speed elevators. Wheelchair accessible with clear sight lines from all viewing areas.
Parking - Multiple parking options in downtown Seattle including Columbia Center garage. Public transit via light rail and bus routes highly recommended.
What to bring - Comfortable shoes and light jacket as the observatory can be cooler than street level. No special equipment needed for viewing.

Find Sky View Observatory

Address: 700 Fourth Ave, Floor 73, Seattle, WA 98104

Building: Columbia Center (tallest building in Seattle)

Transportation: Light Rail, Bus, Ferry connections nearby

Sky View Observatory is located on the 73rd floor of Columbia Center in downtown Seattle's financial district. The building is easily accessible by public transportation and offers multiple parking options for visitors arriving by car.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sky View Observatory is open 7 days a week with varying seasonal hours. No reservations are required for general admission, but we recommend checking current hours on our website before visiting. Group bookings are available for parties of 15 or more.

General admission tickets start at $25 for adults, with discounted rates for seniors, students, and children. Premium experiences like sunset viewing are $35. We offer some of the most affordable observation deck experiences in any major U.S. city.

Clear weather days offer the best visibility for mountain and long-distance views. Golden hour (1-2 hours before sunset) provides optimal lighting for photography. Night visits showcase Seattle's sparkling city lights and illuminated landmarks.

Yes! The observatory is fully wheelchair accessible via high-speed elevators. The space is family-friendly with safe viewing areas and engaging displays. Children under 3 are free, and family packages are available for groups with children.

On clear days, you'll see the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, Elliott Bay, Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, Olympic Mountains, Cascade Range, and the Seattle waterfront. The 360-degree views showcase Seattle's complete urban and natural landscape.

Columbia Center is located at 700 Fourth Avenue in downtown Seattle. Take light rail to University Street Station or multiple bus routes. Parking is available in the Columbia Center garage and nearby public parking facilities. Public transit is recommended.

Personal cameras and smartphones are welcome and encouraged. Professional photography may require special permits. Food and drinks are not permitted, but there are restaurants and cafes in Columbia Center and throughout downtown Seattle.