Space Needle is 2009 CityPass addition to half-price Seattle attractions booklet

Seattle’s Space Needle is the newest addition to Seattle CityPass, making the program a budget-smart choice for Emerald City tourists. It’s double-whammy, day-and-night access to the Pacific Northwest’s most-visited attraction. With five other most-beloved attractions, Seattle CityPass costs nearly 50% less than regular admissions. Adults, $54 (a $106.30 value); kids 4-12, $34 (a $68.38 value).

A single Space Needle ticket entitles CityPass buyers to two thrilling 60-story rides to the top. Seattle’s most astonishing views – twice within in a 24-hour period – spotlight the city’s landscape, Elliott Bay, Olympic and Cascade mountains, Union Bay, island and skyscraper views in both daylight and starlight. The futuristic flying-saucer top tower soars 605 feet against the Northwest skies, and remains the must-see showpiece of Seattle’s 74-acre Seattle Center, a cultural and festival campus.

The Space Needle was built for the 1962 World’s Fair. It introduced the world to Seattle’s devotion to technology, aviation, and progress, predicting the road to software and innovation fame. The observation level is a viewing marvel. Zoom in on faraway ferries and cargo ship decks with Swarovski Telescopes. Skyscrapers reveal offices, condos step down to the bay, and you can scan a Mariner’s game at Safeco Field. The 360-degree vistas come with a host of facts, history, landmark identification and a few surprises.

SkyCity, the Space Needle’s restaurant, is legendary for its revolving window-side ring, an engineering feat so perfectly balanced, its movement requires only a 1.5 horsepower motor. The views are pretty impressive too. You may find yourself rubbing elbows with fellow sightseers, Northwest legends, and locals celebrating personal milestones.

If you’re in Seattle during national holidays or special occasions, look to the night sky for the Space Needle’s Legacy Light, an intense beam aimed at the heavens. It’s a spectacle.

SpaceBase is a one-stop bonanza of Space Needle and Seattle gift items and souvenirs. We’re always looking for good stuff that will actually be used – or trigger happy memories –once we’ve survived airport check-in and are back home.

Seattle is the naturally air-conditioned corner of the country. Click to confirm summer plans to explore with Seattle CityPass. The price is right. The Space Needle is one of six tickets – including the Seattle Aquarium, Argosy Cruises – Seattle Harbor Tour, Pacific Science Center, Woodland Park Zoo, and an option ticket with your choice of either the Museum of Flight, or the Experience Music Project/Science Fiction Museum.