FAQs
For additional questions, inquiries, comments, and suggestions: Please email guestservices@skyviewobservatory.com
What is Sky View Observatory?
Sky View Observatory is the tallest public observatory in the Pacific Northwest and the perfect place to begin your Seattle experience. Guests ascend 73 floors in 80 seconds in an elevator ride that whisks them to the observatory, where stunning 360-degree views await. From Mt. Rainier to Mt. Baker, the Space Needle to T-Mobile Park, all of the region’s iconic structures and magnificent scenery are on display.
Make Sky View Observatory your first stop so you can plan your ideal adventure, whether it’s taking a whirl on the Great Wheel, catching a fish at Pike Place Market, trekking through the rainforest or journeying to the San Juan Islands. It all starts here!
How do I purchase tickets?
Purchase here Sky View Observatory & Bar | Downtown Seattle. You can also purchase tickets at the Sky View Observatory box office ticket kiosk, located at 700 4th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104. The box office is normal during regular operating hours.
Can I visit Sky View using Seattle C3® by CityPASS®?
Yes, Sky View Observatory is proud to be a Seattle C3® attraction! It’s easy to save up to 30% off admission to Seattle’s top 3 attractions. First, purchase Seattle C3® online for instant mobile ticket delivery. Next, present your C3® ticket to Guest Services, located on the first floor atrium of Columbia Center – no advanced reservations are required.
How do I get to Sky View Observatory?
For transportation and directions to Sky View Observatory, please click here.
What are the hours of operation?
Please check our Hours & Directions page for the most up to date hours. Dates and times are subject to change without notice.
Where are the box office and entrance located?
The box office and entrance for the Sky View Observatory is located in the atrium at the 4th Avenue entrance of the Columbia Center, 700 4th Avenue, Seattle WA 98104.
How much time do I need to visit Sky View Observatory?
Grab a snack or drink and gaze out at the sights. Or breeze through to snap a few quick pics and you can head to your next destination! The choice is yours! There is no time limit once you’ve ascended to the viewing deck.
What if I arrive later than my entry time?
Late arrivals will be accommodated based on capacity, so you might be asked to wait until the next open time slot. Please note that the doors to Columbia Center close one hour prior to Sky View Observatory closing, when the last elevator goes up.
Is my ticket good for a return visit to Sky View Observatory?
All admission type tickets are valid for one admission. There are no in and out privileges.
What if there’s bad visibility on the day I plan to visit?
The visibility from Sky View Observatory varies with Seattle’s weather conditions. Our staff will let you know before you enter so you may reschedule your visit. Please note there are no refunds due to weather or visibility. We welcome you to email us at guestservices@skyviewobservatory.com if you want to ensure visibility before your visit.
What is the refund policy if I don’t use my tickets?
We do not offer refunds, but we are happy to reschedule your visit for free! Email us at guestservices@skyviewobservatory.com.
Is there parking?
Parking is available in the Columbia Center Tower. We do not operate the parking garage,and we are unable to verify cost or validate parking. Call 855-223-7275 for more info.
Can I bring my kids to Sky View Observatory?
Yes, we welcome guests of all ages. Children 4 and under are free but do require a ticket. Please ensure no loud or disruptive behavior will take away from other guest’s experience.
Do children require a chaperone?
Any child 18 or younger must be accompanied by an older adult. Sky View Observatory reserves the right to deny entry or remove a child that is unaccompanied.
Are strollers allowed?
Yes, strollers are allowed. You may be asked to remove your child from your stroller and fold it up when entering the elevator if extra space is needed.
Can I take pictures?
Pictures are encouraged! Tag us and share your pics! @skyviewobservatory
Are tripods and other professional equipment allowed?
Personal use of tripods and selfie sticks are permitted at Sky View Observatory. Please be respectful of fellow guests and do not block pathways or obstruct views.
Is food and drink available at Sky View Observatory?
Food and drink options are available at our cafe and bar! Visit our menu Sky View Observatory & Bar | Downtown Seattle
Can I bring my own food or drinks?
Food or drinks that have not been purchased at Sky View Observatory’s Cafe are not permitted. Exceptions can be made for baby food, religious or special medical dietary needs.
What forms of payment are accepted?
We are cashless. All major card forms of payment are accepted for ticketing and cafe purchases.
We would like to visit Sky View Observatory on our way to the airport. Can we bring our luggage with us?
Luggage cannot be accommodated in the observatory. We do not have lockers or storage facilities. Small bags, backpacks and purses are allowed and are subject to a bag check. Rolling luggage and anything that cannot easily fit on your person will not be allowed. Sky View Observatory reserves the right to refuse entry at our discretion.
Bag check
We may perform bag checks at our discretion to ensure the safety and security of our staff and guests.
Can I have my special event at Sky View Observatory?
Yes! Sky View Observatory is a premier host of special events. To inquire about special events, please email events@skyviewobservatory.com
Are there public restrooms at Sky View Observatory?
Restrooms and diaper changing stations are available on the observatory level.
Is there merchandise for sale at Sky View Observatory?
Yes, there are specialized retail items located at the Café on the 73rd Floor.
Are pets allowed?
Service Animals are welcome. All other animals are not permitted in Sky View Observatory. This policy is in effect at all times, including private events.
Can I bring my licensed firearm?
Firearms are not permitted at Sky View Observatory or Columbia Center.
Is smoking permitted at Sky View Observatory?
Smoking and vaping are not permitted anywhere within the observatory or Columbia Center.
Do I have to ride the elevator? Can I use the stairs to go up and down?
All guests must access the observatory by elevator. The stairs may only be used in case of an emergency evacuation.
Who should I contact if I lost something during my visit?
To inquire about your lost item, please email guestservices@skyviewobservatory.com. After 60 days if we have been unable to contact an item’s owner, the item will be donated.
What are your terms and conditions?
Please click here for our terms and conditions.
What is your privacy policy?
Please click here for our privacy policy.
Code of Conduct:
Guests that fail to adhere to these conditions or engage in any illegal or unlawful activity will be subject to removal from Sky View Observatory and/or the Columbia Center without a refund. Sky View Observatory reserves the right to refuse entry at our discretion.
Loitering, vending, begging, gambling, selling, soliciting, campaigning, or handing out information of any kind or petitioning is prohibited and will cause removal without refund from Sky View Observatory.
Do not film Sky View Observatory staff members without their express permission.
Guests are required to wear proper attire – shirts, shoes, etc. must be worn at all times.
Offensive, abusive, or threatening language or behavior is prohibited.
No vandalism – it is illegal to deface, damage, mutilate or destroy Sky View Observatory property, exhibits or equipment including altering or tampering with computers or software.
Yelling, screaming, playing of radios or other music devices, or other behavior that may disturb others or infringe on peaceful enjoyment of the Sky View Observatory attraction is prohibited
No trespassing – guests must avoid all areas of the Observatory that are designated as being “staff only” or off-limits to the public, including Emergency stairwells.
Guests are not allowed to initiate any activity that could be described as a performance, a show, a ceremony, or a happening; they may not make a declaration, a speech, or create a media event or media photo opportunity. Guests may not give organized speaking tours of Sky View Observatory without prior approval from Sky View Observatory management.