Located in downtown Seattle to the east of the waterfront, the Pike Place Market historic district encompasses 9 acres of farm and craft tables, shops, restaurants and sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound.

The Space Needle is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world and is a treasured Seattle icon. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair—the Century 21 Exposition whose theme was “The Age of Space”—the tower’s futuristic design was inspired by the idea that the fair needed a structure to symbolize humanity’s Space Age aspirations. Since its grand opening on April 21, 1962, the landmark continues to symbolize the innovative and forward-thinking spirit of Seattle. Located at Seattle Center, the Space Needle stands at 605’ tall and is one of the most photographed structures in the world.

The tower’s 520’ saucer-shaped “top house” offers visitors Seattle’s only 360-degree indoor and outdoor panoramic views of downtown, Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, and the Cascades and Olympic mountain ranges.

To further elevate the visitor experience, the Space Needle recently announced a multi-year venture focused on the preservation and renovation of the 55-year old icon. The renovation will include breathtaking, multi-level, floor-to-ceiling glass viewing experiences and an outdoor observation deck with open-air glass walls and glass benches. Two observation levels will be connected by a grand wood, steel, and glass staircase that will connect the upper-level to the world’s only glass rotating floor below, opening up a never-before-seen downward view of Seattle’s iconic tower. Newly imaged dining experiences will be unveiled to compliment the amazing views. The first phase of the remodel will be completed in spring 2018. Visit the renovation page to learn more about how the Space Needle is further enhancing its visitor experience.

Providing a look at the inspiration and influences that inform the career of artist Dale Chihuly, the Exhibition includes eight Galleries, the centerpiece Glasshouse and a lush Garden.

Galleries

The eight galleries and three Drawing Walls offer a comprehensive collection of Dale Chihuly’s significant series of work. The artworks demonstrate how he pushed the boundaries of glass as an art medium in concept, execution and presentation.

Glasshouse

The centerpiece of Chihuly Garden and Glass is the Glasshouse. A 40-foot tall, glass and steel structure covering 4,500 square feet of light-filled space, the Glasshouse is the result of Chihuly’s lifelong appreciation for conservatories. The installation in the Glasshouse is an expansive 100-foot long sculpture in a color palette of reds, oranges, yellows and amber. Made of many individual elements, it is one of Chihuly’s largest suspended sculptures. The perception of the artwork varies greatly with natural light and as the day fades into night.

Officially known as the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, the Ballard Locks is one of Seattle’s most popular tourist attractions, especially during the sunny months. The grounds also feature a fish ladder and the Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden — one of the most beautiful park settings in Seattle.

A viewing area allows visitors to watch one of the last “weirs” before the spawning fish head into freshwater. For steelhead salmon, late February through March. The locks is also home to the Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden — a beautiful park-like setting and a great escape from the city.
Visiting hours for the locks and surrounding garden is 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. year-round. The fish ladder is open 7 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. year-round. Admission is free.

Ever since the Aurora Bridge was erected in 1932 there have been reports of troll sightings underneath. Now we can say for sure that a troll has taken up residence on the north end of the Aurora Bridge.

Fremont’s neighborhood trolls have come a long way from the terrifying Trolls of legend. They have, in fact, become quite civilized, fun loving local celebrities. Trolls love to cavort in parades and share an endless passion for dance and any kind of festivities. They are not interested in eating people anymore but have been known to take entire cars apart looking for shiny bits inside. So, a word of caution; it’s best to hide any car parts you might have about your person and be sure to watch your vehicles when visiting the Fremont Troll.

HISTORY: The Troll Monument

In 1989, the city asked the Fremont Arts Council to launched an art competition to rehabilitate the area under the bridge, which was becoming a dumping ground and haven for drug dealers. Later that year a team led by sculptor Steve Badanes won the competition and was inspired by the folktale Billy Goat’s Gruff. It is made from rebar steel, wire and 2 tons of messy ferroconcrete, 18 ft tall with a shiny metal eye and crushing a Volkswagen Beetle in his left hand (which was a time capsule for Elvis Memorabilia for a while until vandalized).

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