Whether you are going to visit Seattle for business or pleasure, there are some great places to go. These include the Pacific Science Center, the Olympic Sculpture Park, the Museum of Flight, and the Gas Works Park.
Space Needle
Whether you're visiting Seattle for the first time or the hundredth time, you're bound to find something to do at Seattle's Space Needle. Not only is it one of the city's most iconic landmarks, it's also a great place to experience panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area.
In addition to its observation deck, Seattle's Space Needle is home to an award-winning restaurant. The menu includes award-winning dishes such as pan-seared scallops and grilled beef tenderloin sandwiches. You can also have a glass of wine at the Atmos Cafe.
The Space Needle's observation level features sweeping views of the city and Puget Sound. Guests can also check out the 360-degree view of Elliott Bay, Mount Rainier, and the Cascade Mountains. The observation deck is also home to interactive time-lapse video screens.
The Space Needle is one of the tallest buildings in the Pacific Northwest, standing 605 feet tall. You can take a 41-second elevator ride to the observation level. The elevators can hold up to 20,000 passengers per day.
The Space Needle also boasts the first ever glass floor that rotates. The floor is called The Loupe and is located at the bottom of the staircase. It's also the world's largest rotating glass floor.
While you're in Seattle, you should also check out the Pacific Science Center, which was built for the 1962 World's Fair. It's a great place for families with kids. You can even get a free telescope at the Space Needle Observation Deck.
Olympic Sculpture Park
Located in the heart of Seattle, Olympic Sculpture Park is a nine-acre, free-to-visit outdoor sculpture park. The park has been reclaimed from a former industrial site, providing visitors with a clean environment and unique views of Elliott Bay and the Puget Sound.
The park features a wide variety of sculptures by prominent international and local artists. These include works by Alexander Calder, Louise Bourgeois, and Roxy Paine. There are also several pieces made from recycled materials.
While visiting the sculpture park, be sure to check out the "Eagle" by Alexander Calder, which provides an iconic view of Seattle. You'll also find works by Louise Bourgeois, Andy Goldsworthy, and Auguste Rodin. The park is free to visit all year long.
The park also has several outdoor events spaces, making it the perfect location for a wedding or other special occasion. The cafe in the park has a full menu of lattes and desserts. You can also find an outdoor amphitheater for public events. There are also steps and benches for you to relax on. You can find a variety of free activities throughout the year, including a weekly Saturday evening concert.
Besides the sculptures, the park has plenty of lawned areas to picnic. You can also find barbecue areas and a botanical garden. You can also take a jog along the trails. You'll also find ample play areas for kids.
If you're in the mood for a bite to eat, you can find several waterfront restaurants. In the summer, there's a heated outdoor saltwater pool.
Museum of Flight
Located at the southern end of King County International Airport, the Museum of Flight has a 3 million cubic foot exhibit area that features tens of thousands of artifacts. Throughout the museum, visitors can see exhibits featuring flight simulators, the flight of the dragon, and even the SR-71 Blackbird cockpit.
The museum's three-acre Aviation Pavilion features a variety of world-class aircraft, from a Boeing 727 to a Concorde. There is also a space museum with interactive exhibits, a theater, and a museum store.
The aviation museum also hosts a variety of special events and private events. For instance, there is a Space Shuttle Festival every April and a Jet Blast Bash every Seafair weekend. This annual outdoor festival features music, fast cars, and free admission.
The museum also features a replica of the Wright Flyer, the first aircraft to fly in a sustained fashion. The exhibit features replicas of the brothers' wind tunnel and historic documents. It also features oral histories from those who knew Orville and Wilbur.
The museum has the largest collection of space and air vehicles in the world. In addition, the museum also boasts the world's largest research library. Throughout the museum, visitors can find tens of thousands of rare photographs and other artifacts.
The Museum of Flight has been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. The museum also features flight simulators, a Kid's Flight Zone, and a mock air traffic control tower.
Pacific Science Center
Located in Seattle's Seattle Center, the Pacific Science Center is a science museum that has a lot to offer families and couples. The museum's mission is to inspire lifelong curiosity about the world. It features many hands-on exhibits, planetarium shows, and virtual reality experiences. The center is also home to the largest IMAX theater in the Pacific Northwest.
The Pacific Science Center offers over 800 science experiments. They also host planetarium shows and laser concerts in the summer. Their exhibits range from sea biological communities to dinosaurs. They also host a laser light show on the exterior of their blue dome building.
The museum also features a tropical butterfly house, which is home to thousands of butterflies. They also have a giant water wheel and water cannons in their courtyard.
Located on six acres, Pacific Science Center offers a variety of exhibits. They have over 100 permanent exhibits, which are constantly changing. They also offer workshops and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) activities.
Pacific Science Center is one of the most visited locations in Seattle. It's a great place to take a class trip or a group outing. They also have a cafe that offers a variety of grab-and-go snacks. They also have a museum store with gadgets and fascinating books.
Pacific Science Center has two IMAX theaters. They are open and can show blockbusters, documentaries, and science documentaries. They also have a daytime laser dome show that's included in the admission ticket.
Gas Works Park
Located on the north shore of Lake Union, Gas Works Park is a landmark for Seattle. The park has been recognized for its design and visitor experience.
It is also a great place for family fun and sports. There is a merry-go-round, monkey bars, picnic tables, and a playground. This park is also home to one of the city's two major Fourth of July fireworks displays.
Gas Works Park has won numerous awards for its design, innovation, and vision. It was the first of its kind to convert a former industrial site into a public park. It also served as a model for other sites.
The park features a merry-go-round, a giant sundial, and a playground. There are also views of Lake Union and downtown Seattle. It is also a great place to watch boat traffic on the water.
Gas Works Park has also been the site of numerous television shows, including The Amazing Race. It has a large number of cultural events and athletic events. It is also a popular place for couples and families.
The park has earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. It is listed in educational textbooks as an example of the best way to convert a former industrial site into semblance of the original landscape.
The site was formerly used as a coal gas manufacturing plant in the late 1800s. It was later purchased by the city of Seattle in 1962.
Discovery Park
Located in the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle, Discovery Park is one of the largest green spaces in the city. It spans over 500 acres and offers a number of activities to enjoy. Its views of Mount Rainier and the Olympic Mountains are breathtaking. It's also home to a lighthouse, a marine reserve and a cultural center.
There are a number of hiking trails in Discovery Park, including the Birds Nest and Lookout Beach trail. This 2.6-mile loop is an excellent way to enjoy panoramic views of the Olympics and Puget Sound. The trail has 380 feet of elevation gain. Several other trails will take you into forests and open meadows. There are 270 different species of birds that have been documented in Discovery Park.
Discovery Park also has several playgrounds. The kids' play area is a great way to enjoy the weather while learning about the park's history and wildlife. This play area is sheltered by tall trees and features a three-story slide.
The Park's Environmental Learning & Visitor Center is another good place to learn more about the park. It features a grassy area for picnicking and offers seasonal workshops and classes for children. It also has rental spaces and information about the park.
The park is also home to a historic lighthouse, West Point, which was built in 1885. Today, the lighthouse is still active. The park has a museum and a botanical garden.