An iconic landmark that for more than 60 years has captivated the city’s locals and visitors alike, the Space Needle is quintessential Seattle. It’s a must-visit on any itinerary, and right next door is another not-to-be-missed stop—the visually stunning long-term exhibition from Dale Chihuly, one of the Northwest’s most prominent glass artists.

Both are in Seattle Center, just a short hop away from Hotel 1000 via car—or about a half-hour if you’re in the mood for a leisurely walk along the waterfront. (There’s plenty more to see and do on the way there and back!)

THE NEEDLE

It’s one of the most recognizable structures in the world, 605 feet tall and boasting a look quite unlike anything else. But don’t just look up—you’ve got to go up to see the 360-degree views of Seattle’s downtown, Mount Rainier and other peaks, Puget Sound, and more.

Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the interiors of the Needle (you’ll often hear locals leaving out the “Space” part) were reimagined in 2018 to include an observation deck with open-air glass walls and “Skyriser” glass benches that give you a chance to lean out if you dare.

A few more fun facts:

• During the World’s Fair, an estimated 2.65 million visitors checked out the Needle.
• The top used to have a rainbow-colored natural gas torch.
• A local TV comedy show once ran an April Fool’s joke that the Needle had toppled over, completed with a fake visual—and 911 calls flowed in from viewers who believed it.
• The Loupe inside the Needle is the world’s first (and only) rotating glass floor.
• It even has its own beer—Pike Brewing’s Space Needle West Coast IPA.

You can stay for a bite and a drink, too, with options on both the upper and lower levels. Check out the website for all the details!

CHIHULY GARDEN AND GLASS

Next door to the Needle is something every bit as visually interesting, albeit a little closer to the ground: Chihuly Garden and Glass, a comprehensive collection of this glass master’s work. Hailing from just down I-5 in Tacoma, Chihuly has become world-famous for his blown-glass art, which is included in more than 200 different museum collections around the globe.

Open since 2012, this long-term exhibition features eight different galleries, a lush garden, and the centerpiece Glasshouse—a light-filled space including a suspended sculpture that shifts in appearance as the hours pass and the light changes.

The works showcased in the galleries tell the remarkable story of how Chihuly pushed the boundaries of glass as art, while the lush landscape (and striking pieces) of the garden create a setting that changes along with the seasons.

Both of these experiences offer a taste of Seattle’s best—from the ingenuity and flair of both Chihuly and the Needle itself to the stunning views of this majestic landscape—and Hotel 1000 is the perfect home base for your adventure.