the mommy avenger

Seattle is a city full of iconic landmarks and breathtaking views, and there’s no better place to take it all in than from the Sky View Observatory. Located in the Columbia Center, Seattle’s tallest building, the observatory offers a stunning panoramic perspective of the city and beyond. At 902 feet above ground, it’s the highest public viewing space in the Pacific Northwest, and trust me, the views are absolutely worth it.

For our first stop in Seattle, we knew we wanted to get a true lay of the land, and the Sky View Observatory was the perfect choice.

From the moment we stepped into the elevator and began our ascent to the 73rd floor, we could feel the excitement building. When the doors opened, we were greeted by a sweeping expanse of Seattle’s cityscape. But here’s the twist—when we first arrived, the city was nestled in a thick, almost ethereal fog. It felt like we had stepped into a dreamy, cloud-covered world.

At first, we could barely make out the tops of buildings peeking through the mist, but as time passed, something magical happened. The fog began to lift, revealing the beauty of Seattle piece by piece. The towering skyscrapers, the bustling waterfront, and even the distant outline of Mount Rainier all came into focus. It was a breathtaking transformation, reminding us why high viewpoints like this are such an incredible way to experience a new city.

One of the things I love most about traveling is seeing a city’s most iconic sights from a different perspective. While many people think of the Space Needle when it comes to Seattle’s skyline, the Sky View Observatory offers an even more spectacular vantage point, yet remains a hidden gem compared to some of the city’s more tourist-heavy attractions. From this perch, we had a bird’s-eye view of the entire Puget Sound, the Elliott Bay waterfront, and all the charming neighborhoods stretching out toward the horizon.

We opted for the Elite Experience, which turned out to be an amazing way to enhance our visit. This VIP option gave us access to our own private table, no time limit to enjoy the sights, and a selection of specialty drinks. We chose delicious Italian sodas, which felt like the perfect refreshing treat while we soaked in the scenery. Having a dedicated space to sit back and relax made the whole experience even more enjoyable—there was no rush, no jostling for space, just uninterrupted time to take in the beauty around us.

As the sun started appear through the clouds, we watched as the city began to twinkle, reflecting off the water and adding an extra layer of magic to the view. Whether you visit in the morning, afternoon, or evening, there’s something special about seeing the city from this height. The observatory provides a 360-degree view, so you can spot famous landmarks like Lumen Field, T-Mobile Park, and even the Olympic Mountains in the distance.

If you’re planning a trip to Seattle, the Sky View Observatory is an absolute must. It’s a fantastic way to get oriented to the city and appreciate its stunning natural and urban landscapes from an unbeatable vantage point. Plus, it’s a wonderful alternative to the more crowded attractions, offering a peaceful and spacious setting to enjoy the sights.

Tickets to the Sky View Observatory can be purchased online in advance through their website, which I highly recommend doing to secure your preferred time slot. General admission grants access to the observatory’s main viewing area, while the Elite Experience adds that extra touch of comfort and exclusivity with reserved seating and specialty drinks.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Seattle or a returning traveler looking for a fresh perspective, the Sky View Observatory is a breathtaking and underrated stop that will leave you in awe. Watching the city unfold beneath us was a moment we won’t forget, and it set the perfect tone for the rest of our Seattle adventure.

^{*we were invited to facilitate a feature, all opinions are our own*}