Seattle Sky View Observatory: 4 Ways to Save Up to 6% Off

For the best Emerald City views, check out the Seattle Sky View Observatory. It’s the tallest public observatory in the Pacific Northwest at 73 stories high. See the Space Needle, the infamous Mt. Rainier, and the Olympic Mountains in all their glory!

There’s nothing quite like visiting an observatory to bring things into perspective, and the Sky View Seattle Observatory is no different. With stunning 360-degree landscapes, the lookout offers awe-inspiring vistas of the city’s lush forestry and dazzling downtown lights.

The Sky View Observatory in Seattle stands at 902 feet and remains the tallest structure in the state of Washington. The 76-story skyscraper opened in 1985 and is 1.5 million square feet.

Your ride begins in an immersive elevator that whisks you to the top in 70 seconds, where you can expect incredible views anytime, day or night.

The observatory is located on the 73rd floor of Columbia Center and features the Sky View Café & Bar, where you can enjoy a boutique wine or specialty latte while taking in the Seattle skyline.

Washington state’s highest skyscraper, the Columbia Center, stands at the focal point of Seattle’s vital downtown community. The building hosts three floors of retail boutiques, gift shops, and restaurants.

Sky View Observatory Seattle Discount Tickets

To see the iconic Sky View Observatory Seattle and surrounding emerald evergreen pines, you’ll need Sky View Observatory Tickets! Did you know buying online through Tripster not only saves you money off the ticket price, but it also saves you precious time? It’s also super easy.

You receive instant confirmation and can breeze through the line with a printed copy of your ticket or from your phone.

aerial of Sky View Observatory with surrounding buildings in Seattle, Washington, USA
photo credit: Sky View Observatory at Columbia Center via Facebook

Sky View Observatory Coupons and Discounts

If you’re tired of trying promo codes that don’t work and using expired coupons—fear not! There is another way. Buy your Sky View Discount Tickets with Tripster for a guaranteed discount and easy planning.

Related Post: Hidden Gems in Seattle: 10 Secret Spots You Don’t Want to Miss

You can also buy an upgraded Combination Ticket that offers priority access for entry and exiting, plus a $5 voucher to use at the Sky View Café or gift shop. What’s more, you can purchase the All-Inclusive Ticket that includes a $10 voucher for the Café and reserved window seating to experience the luminous city lights and breathtaking panoramas.

So, we’ve determined two things. First, visiting the Seattle Columbia Center Sky View Observatory is a must while in the city of Seattle. And two-it doesn’t have to cost you an excessive amount of dough.

Coffee up and keep reading to catch a break with great deals and see far-out views of this legendary seaport town!

Sky View Observatory Military Discount

Members of the armed forces and U.S. military veterans are eligible for Sky View discounts. However, remember that you will be asked to verify your military affiliation before receiving the discount.

Sky View Observatory AAA Discount

Check the box office when you arrive for AAA discounts. Lucky AAA members get perks and discounts, but you must ask!

photo credit: Sky View Observatory at Columbia Center via Facebook (photo by Mike Reid Photography)

Sky View Observatory Senior Discount

The Sky View Observatory does offer senior discounts to visitors over the age of 65.

Related Post: 19 of the Best Free Things to Do in Seattle

Sky View Observatory Group Discount

Sky View Observatory accepts and encourages group reservations. In addition, groups of 10 or more are eligible for special group rates!

Hotels Near Sky View Observatory

Photo Alert: The Sky View encourages guests to take as many personal photos or videos as they’d like with handheld devices and share them with the observatory! Tag @skyviewobservatory or #skyviewobservatory.

photo credit: Belltown Inn via Facebook

Seattle Attractions

Classic Whale Watch & Wildlife Tour

This family-friendly tour aboard the M/V Sea Lion is a 3–4 hour adventure searching for orcas, humpback whales, seals, and bald eagles! The Whale Watch Cruise has a marine naturalist on board and a field guide library for children.

Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market

This Chef-Led Food Tour of Seattle features the famous Pike Place Market. Guests enjoy a 16-course tasting of Seattle’s prime food scene and will learn about the town’s history and culinary delights along the way.

Looking for more foodie fun? Check out the 14 Most Romantic Restaurants in Seattle!

View looking up at the sign for Pike Place Market on a sunny day with a blue sky in Seattle, Washington, USA
photo credit: Erin Hervey via Unsplash

Woodinville Wine Tasting Pass

With the Woodinville Wine Tasting Pass, visitors can experience one of the world’s premier wine and craft beverage destinations. Visitors also earn exclusive discounted tastings throughout 42 prime wine tasting locations.

Insider Sky Observatory Tips

What can I Bring?

Wheelchairs and strollers are allowed, as are personal tripods and selfie sticks. Also, service animals are welcome, but other animals are not permitted at Sky View Observatory or Columbia Center.

Outside food and beverages are not permitted in Sky View Observatory. However, guests can find delicious snacks and drinks at Sky View Cafe. See below for the delicious details!

Can I Bring Children to the Observatory?

Yes, Sky View Observatory is great for kids and guests of all ages.  Children 4 and under are free but do require a ticket. Moreover, guests must be at least 16 years of age to enter the observatory without an adult, while an adult must escort younger children at all times.

We have more phenomenal attractions to plan with your kiddos. Check out our 16 Fun Things to Do in Seattle with Kids: A Parent’s Guide.

friends looking at view with water and sun shining through clouds and buildings on the side through Skyview Observatory in Seattle, Washington, USA
photo credit: Sky View Observatory at Columbia Center via Facebook

How Much Time Do You Need at the Observatory

Time will vary by visitor. Your timed ticket is based on a 30-minute entry window (e.g., an 11 am ticket garners admission between 11-11:30 am). The observatory recommends planning for 45-90 minutes to complete your visit and have time for a snack and cappuccino.

Related Post: How to Make the Most of One Day in Seattle

Pro Tip: You can purchase Day & Night tickets, valid for two same-day entries.

Sky View Observatory Address and Box Office

The Sky View Observatory is located at 700 4th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104. The box office can be found in the atrium at the 4th Avenue entrance. Zoom up to the 73rd floor for some excellent scenery!

What if there’s zero visibility on the day I plan to visit?

The visibility from Sky View Observatory varies with Seattle’s weather conditions. On poor visibility days, the observatory will post signage at the box office. On days of zero visibility, a voucher may be issued for each unused ticket, allowing for re-entry on another day and time.

Pro Tip: Late arrivals will be accommodated based on capacity, so you might be asked to wait until the next available time slot. Sky View encourages you to arrive earlier than your scheduled time to avoid delays.

photo credit: Sky View Observatory at Columbia Center via Facebook

Sky View Observatory Hours of Operation

The observatory is currently open Thursdays through Mondays. However, the observatory’s days and hours of operation may change, so it’s best to check the website before booking. Sky View is typically closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and open the rest of the week.

Pro Tip: The last elevator to the observatory stops one hour before closing, and the Bar/Café service ends 30 minutes before closing.

Sky View Observatory Seattle WA Parking

Sky View has discount parking at 75% off regular hourly rates. Parking vouchers will need to be taken to the observatory to receive the discount at the café. The parking garage entrance is located on Columbia Avenue between 5th and 4th.

Related Post: Seattle Outdoor Activities: 9 of the Most Epic Adventures

Seattle Sky View Observatory Café & Bar

The Skyview Observatory Seattle restaurant offers delectable Caesar salads and savory varieties of flatbreads and wraps:

  • Edgar Flatbread consists of grilled chicken, smoked gouda, apricot preserve, and a honey drizzle.
  • Pepperoni Flatbread is made up of tomato sauce, pepperoni, and mozzarella.
  • Chicken BLT Wrap is a mixture of bacon, tomatoes, and roasted garlic aioli sauce.
  • BBQ Chicken Wrap has grilled chicken, mozzarella, BBQ sauce, and bacon.

Guests can also enjoy fountain drinks, specialty cocktails, sparkling wines, Italian cream sodas, espressos, and other hot beverages.

photo credit: Sky View Observatory at Columbia Center via Facebook

Sky View Observatory Reviews

If you’re interested in seeing the rave reviews from other Tripster travelers, check out the most recent Sky View Observatory Reviews, or start your own!

Don’t Delay Buy Your Discounted Sky View Observatory Seattle Tickets Now!

For a spectacular Seattle outing and a marvelous view of the city, the Sky View Observatory can’t be beaten! The 360-degree panoramic view includes Mt. Rainier, Bellevue, Mt. Baker, Elliott Bay, and the Cascade Mountains. While in the Coffee Capital of America, relax at the Sky View Café & Bar with a delicious lunch or light dinner.

In addition to the Sky View Observatory Seattle, Washington, Tripster has countless activities for your Seattle adventure. There are Budget-Friendly City Tours, Whale Watch Tours, National Park Day Trips, and Food Tours of Pike Place Market. Remember, you can easily book through Tripster and get the best online rates!

Have You Been to the Sky View Observatory in Seattle?

Leave us a comment below!


close up of Erin smiling on a sunny day

Written by Erin Poche

Erin Poche` is a Utah-based writer and editor for Tripster and contributing writer for BeyondType1. She also writes and edits for an indie...


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