Find Hotels Near Sky View Observatory - Columbia Center Seattle

Sky View Observatory - Columbia Center in Seattle, Washington stands as the tallest building in the Pacific Northwest. Found at 701 5th Avenue in Downtown Seattle, this 76-story skyscraper basks in the glory of its iconic status within the city skyline. The observatory itself is located on levels 73, 74, and 75 and offers 360 degree views of Seattle and its surrounding areas. In fact, due to its elevation of 902 feet above sea level, visitors of Sky View Observatory can catch sight of two mountain ranges: the Olympic Mountains to the West, and the Cascade Range to the East.

The journey up to the observatory begins with a ride up an elevator that travels 900 feet per minute, making it one of the fastest elevators in North America. Once visitors reach their destination – after only 40 seconds – they are immediately greeted with an array of expansive glass walls that look out over Seattle's busy streets below. After taking in all that can be seen from that level of elevation, guests may then move onto Level 74 where a gift shop is located under a 30-foot high domed ceiling. This area also features interactive touchscreens which offer facts about what guests can see while they look out at some truly breathtaking views.

Finally comes Level 75 – considered by many to be the highlight of Sky View Observatory. Here there is no ceiling or floors separating patrons from an uninterrupted view outside - leaving them feeling as if they are standing on air while surrounded by panoramic views! The sunsets here are especially breathtaking; painting streaks of orange across vast stretches of blue sky while far off mountaintops become engulfed in clouds.

For those who want more than just a view however, Sky View Observatory has much more to offer! At night, visitors can witness live star gazing sessions highlighting constellations visible from the observatory along with other stellar events such as comets passing by or shooting stars across the horizon. Additionally, special events hosted onsite throughout year include cocktail hours for adults and activity sessions for kids featuring exciting arts & crafts projects related to outer space exploration!

All-in-all there is something for everyone at Sky View Observatory - Columbia Center in Seattle; from stunning vistas during day time visits to starry night skies forever inscribed within memories made during special occasions atop one of most breathaking buildings around!