Ascend to the 35th floor of Smith Tower for 360-degree Seattle views, prohibition-inspired cocktails, and century-old exhibits including a collection of Smith typewriters. This short, accessible visit pairs history with an open-air vantage point over Puget Sound.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step out of the Otis elevator and the city exhales beneath you — glass roofs, the jagged arc of the waterfront, and Puget Sound pushing light toward the horizon. The 35th‑floor observatory at Smith Tower opens like a map: a 360‑degree, open‑air sweep where gulls and gusts share the same level as craft cocktails and century‑old typewriters.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
15–60 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal walking and stairs beyond elevator access
Wildlife
History
Completed in 1914, Smith Tower was a symbol of Seattle’s early 20th-century economic optimism and was for decades the tallest building on the West Coast outside Los Angeles.
Conservation
The observatory operates within an urban historic site; visitors are encouraged to follow leave-no-trace principles, dispose of waste properly, and respect building preservation rules.
Reserve your spot on the Smith Tower Observatory Admission Ticket today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Book timing around elevator cutoffs
The last elevator up ends one hour before closing — arrive early to avoid missing access and expect longer waits on busy days.
Dress in layers for the open deck
The observatory is exposed to wind and coastal air; a light windbreaker makes brief visits far more comfortable.
Bring a photo-ready device
The 360° views and the Wishing Chair are prime photo ops — charge your camera or phone beforehand.
Check-in at the box office for seating
Table requests for the observatory bar must be made in person with a Guest Experience Attendant at 502 Second Avenue.
Compact camera or smartphone
Captures expansive city and water views on the open-air deck.
Light windbreaker or jacket
Protects against cool, windy conditions common on the open deck in spring and summer evenings.
spring
Valid ID and credit card
Needed if you plan to purchase bar service or food at the observatory.
Comfortable walking shoes
Helpful for navigating the tower lobby, nearby sidewalks, and any standing room on the deck.