If you’re visiting Seattle, you’re almost sure to check out the Space Needle downtown, one of the most prominent and well known structures in the Seattle skyline. There are a lot of fun things to do in the area, and it’s very easy to make a day of it complete with sight seeing, good meals, shopping and music.
The Space Needle itself is located at Seattle Center in Downtown Seattle. It is an extraordinary tower that was built for the World’s Fair in 1962. During the World’s fair over 20,000 people a day went up and down the elevators of the building. The architecture of the structure which has become the symbol of Seattle is unique, and built to withstand earthquakes and lightning storms. It is definitely a prominent and interesting landmark in the Pacific Northwest. There is an observation deck, a gift shop, and a slowly rotating restaurant in the tower of the Space Needle. From it you can see the downtown Seattle skyline from an impressive height; and you can also see the Cascade Mountains, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Elliott, Elliot Bay, and other views of the surrounding landscape.
Fun Attractions Near the Space Needle
The Space Needle has a number of interesting things right near it’s base. A short walk around the area will take you to a beautiful fountain known as the International Fountain at Seattle Center. Low to the ground, it’s made for picnicking adventurer’s to run through. In the summer on weekends there is DJ’d music, and sometimes events take place that draw large crowds. You will also find an arcade, kids rides, local artists, carnival games and occasional music events at the base of the Space Needle. If you have kids or are a kid at heart, you’ll find a lot of fun things to do.
In the same vicinity at the base of the Space Needle you will also find the Experience Music Project and The Science Fiction Museum. They have interesting featured exhibits such as Jimi Hendrix: The evolution of sound, which shows how the music of this rock star effected the evolution of electronic instrumentation in music today. There are also many fun and interactive things to do at the EMP, like have your picture taken with your friends in Rock Album cover style. The Science Fiction Museum is linked with the EMP, and has many fascinating displays from movies like Star Wars and TV shows like Star Trek. You can see a lengthy exhibit which shows the evolution of ideas in Sci Fi through books and cinematography.
The Pacific Science Center is also a great attraction to visit while you are there. They have regularly changing interactive events like the Mindbender Mansion, to keep you entertained and stimulate your brain. Some of the best exhibits are permanent, like Dinosaurs: A Journey through time, and the tropical butterfly house. The Pacific Science Center also houses an IMAX theater where you can see both popular movies and educational films with 3D technology and surround sound. Catching a movie in the middle of your day of exploration is a great way to relax and have fun. For the stargazers, there is also an amazing planetarium.
Restaurants Near the Space Needle
The Space needle restaurant is one possibility for dining, although it may get a little pricey. There are also a lot of great food venues in the area where you can get lunch or dinner. The Revolution Bar and Grill is less than a tenth of a mile away and has a full menu of tasty standard American Pub Food. The drink specials are good, and the venue offers indoor and outdoor seating as well as live music shows, making it a fun stop for adult groups. For family fun, try Michelangelo’s Bistro, which offers great Pizza and American food in Queen Anne. Then, if you have a sweet tooth and would like some wonderful dessert or ice cream, try Morphey’s Cake Shop.
Resources:
Information on the Space Needle
The International Fountain
Experience Music Project and Sci-Fi Museum
Pacific Science Center
Restaurants Near the Space Needle
