Seattle Great Wheel
A towering Ferris wheel on Pier 57 offering stunning panoramic views of Seattle's skyline and Puget Sound.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour views are stunning
Seattle Great Wheel
Best Time
Golden hour views are stunning
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A towering Ferris wheel on Pier 57 offering stunning panoramic views of Seattle's skyline and Puget Sound.
"The views of the city skyline, Elliott Bay, and the mountains were absolutely breathtaking."
🎯 Aim for Sunset Views
Catching the sunset from the Great Wheel offers magical city and water views. Arrive early as lines grow!
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time by purchasing your Seattle Great Wheel tickets in advance online.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City & Sound Views
From the gondola
Experience breathtaking 360-degree views of the Seattle skyline, Puget Sound, and surrounding mountains.
Sunset Ride Magic
From the gondola
Witness a spectacular sunset painting the sky over the city and water – a truly unforgettable sight.
Private Gondola Experience
Inside the gondola
Enjoy your ride in a climate-controlled cabin, often with your own group, offering a more intimate experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Best Views
Budgeting for Your Ride
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Aim for Sunset Views
Catching the sunset from the Great Wheel offers magical city and water views. Arrive early as lines grow!
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time by purchasing your Seattle Great Wheel tickets in advance online.
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun
Kids enjoy the ride and the city views. It's a great way to give visitors a glimpse of Seattle.
📸 Instagram-Worthy Shots
The Great Wheel provides a classic Seattle backdrop for memorable photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Aim for Sunset Views
Catching the sunset from the Great Wheel offers magical city and water views. Arrive early as lines grow!
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time by purchasing your Seattle Great Wheel tickets in advance online.
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun
Kids enjoy the ride and the city views. It's a great way to give visitors a glimpse of Seattle.
📸 Instagram-Worthy Shots
The Great Wheel provides a classic Seattle backdrop for memorable photos.
🚶♀️ Explore the Waterfront
Combine your ride with visits to the nearby Aquarium and Pier 58 playground.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Seattle Great Wheel for its breathtaking views of the city skyline, Puget Sound, and mountains, especially during sunset. The smooth ride and private gondola experience are highlighted as enjoyable aspects, making it a recommended stop for tourists and locals alike. Some find the ticket price a bit high for the duration, but generally agree it's worth it for the unique perspective.
"The Seattle Great Wheel was such a fun experience! The views of the city skyline, Elliott Bay, and the mountains were absolutely breathtaking. The ride felt smooth and safe, and the staff were friendly and welcoming. It’s a perfect way to see Seattle from a new perspective, whether you’re visiting for the first time or a local enjoying a day out. Highly recommend it, especially around sunset!"
Tabitha Heckman.
"Little pricey, but it's a tourist destination so the wife and I had to do it while visiting Seattle and cheaper than Navy Pier. We went around 5 rotations allowing you to take in all the sights and plenty of time for pictures. Your group is able to get a cabin to yourselves, up to 6, which is nice for some time away from other tourists. We all know how that can be."
Casey Grady
"Enjoy the ride with children. Able to see the city from the top, a great experience for visitors who wish to get a glimpse of the city and its surroundings. Tickets can be full queues at time, less busy during weekdays."
Sophea Tieng
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Seattle Great Wheel is located on Pier 57 on the Seattle Waterfront. It's easily accessible by public transport, with several bus routes stopping nearby. Parking is available in nearby garages, but can be expensive.
Yes, there are several parking garages near Pier 57. However, parking in downtown Seattle can be costly, so factor this into your budget.
Absolutely! If you're already in downtown Seattle, walking to the waterfront and the Great Wheel is a pleasant option.
From Sea-Tac Airport, you can take the Link Light Rail to Westlake Station and then walk or take a short bus ride to the waterfront. Taxis and rideshares are also readily available.
Yes, the Seattle Great Wheel is well-served by public transportation. Numerous King County Metro bus routes stop within walking distance of Pier 57.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for the Seattle Great Wheel are typically around $15 per person. Prices can vary slightly, and it's advisable to check their official website for the most current pricing.
Yes, you can purchase tickets directly at the venue on Pier 57. However, buying tickets online in advance is recommended, especially during peak times, to save time.
While specific discounts aren't always advertised, checking the official website or looking for local deals might offer savings. Sometimes, booking online can be slightly cheaper.
Operating hours for the Seattle Great Wheel can vary seasonally and are subject to change. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
The ride on the Seattle Great Wheel typically lasts between 12 to 20 minutes, with about 5 rotations, allowing ample time to enjoy the views.
🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience
For the most spectacular views, visiting during sunset is highly recommended. Be prepared for longer lines as sunset approaches. Weekdays generally offer a less crowded experience.
From the top, you'll get stunning panoramic views of the Seattle skyline, Elliott Bay, Puget Sound, and on clear days, the Olympic and Cascade Mountains.
While it offers significant height, the enclosed gondolas provide a sense of security. Many visitors who are slightly afraid of heights find the experience manageable and rewarding.
Yes, each gondola can accommodate up to 6 people, allowing your group to enjoy the ride together. This offers a private experience away from other tourists.
The Great Wheel is located on the vibrant Seattle Waterfront, close to the Seattle Aquarium, the new Pier 58 playground, and various shops and restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photos are taken from inside the gondola, capturing the expansive city and water views. The wheel itself also makes for great shots from the waterfront.
Yes, the gondolas have large windows, making it easy to capture clear, unobstructed photos of the scenery.
Sunset offers the most dramatic lighting for photography. However, daytime provides clear views of the city and mountains, while nighttime offers a glittering cityscape.
Tripods are generally not recommended or permitted inside the gondolas due to space constraints and safety regulations. Handheld photography is best.
You can capture wide-angle shots of the Seattle skyline, close-ups of landmarks, and sweeping vistas of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Combine your visit with the nearby Seattle Aquarium or the Pier 58 playground for a full day of family fun on the waterfront. The private gondolas can also be a plus for families, offering a contained space where kids can move around a bit more freely. Consider visiting during off-peak hours on weekdays to minimize wait times and make the experience even more enjoyable for everyone.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The large windows in the gondolas allow for unobstructed shots, perfect for wide-angle cityscapes or framing specific landmarks. While the views from the top are paramount, the wheel itself is also an impressive subject for photos from the waterfront, particularly when illuminated at night. Be prepared for potential crowds during peak times, especially around sunset, and remember that tripods are generally not permitted inside the gondolas. Plan your visit to maximize daylight and sunset light for the best photographic results.
💑 Couples & Date Nights
+1 Sharing a private gondola provides an intimate setting to enjoy the city lights and each other's company. Consider pairing your Ferris wheel ride with dinner at one of the many waterfront restaurants or a stroll along the piers. It's a classic Seattle activity that provides both breathtaking scenery and a touch of adventure, making it a perfect addition to a romantic evening.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Experiencing the Seattle Waterfront
The waterfront itself is lined with shops, seafood restaurants, and offers beautiful views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains.Many visitors find the waterfront area to be a lively hub, especially during warmer months. The proximity of these attractions makes it an ideal spot for a half-day or full-day excursion. The Seattle Great Wheel stands as a prominent landmark, easily visible from various points along the waterfront, and its illuminated presence at night adds to the area's charm. It's a place where you can enjoy both the natural beauty of the Puget Sound and the urban energy of downtown Seattle.
When planning your visit, consider the time of day. While sunset offers unparalleled beauty, it also brings the largest crowds. Weekdays are generally more relaxed. The waterfront is also a great starting point for exploring other downtown Seattle attractions, making the Great Wheel a convenient and enjoyable stop on a broader itinerary.
Capturing Iconic Seattle Views
For photographers, the golden hour around sunset is particularly magical. The warm light bathes the city in a soft glow, creating dramatic silhouettes and vibrant colors across the sky and water. Many visitors specifically plan their ride to coincide with this time for the most breathtaking shots.
+1 However, even during the day, the clarity of the views on a sunny day can be exceptional, offering crisp details of the urban landscape and the natural beauty surrounding Seattle. Nighttime rides also provide a different perspective, with the city lights twinkling below.While the views from the gondola are the main draw for photography, don't forget to capture the Great Wheel itself from the waterfront. Its impressive structure, especially when lit up at night, makes for a striking subject. The surrounding piers and the activity on the water also add dynamic elements to your photos. Remember that while handheld photography is easy, tripods are generally not allowed inside the gondolas due to space and safety.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit