Seattle Great Wheel

The Seattle Great Wheel is a 175-foot Ferris wheel on Pier 57, extending over Elliott Bay on the Seattle waterfront. It has become one of the city's most recognizable landmarks since opening in 2012. For families, it provides a quick, memorable experience with stunning views that captures the essence of Seattle's waterfront setting.

The ride experience is notably generous. Each ticket includes three full rotations, totaling approximately 12-15 minutes -- significantly longer than most tourist Ferris wheels that offer a single rotation. The fully enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas mean the ride operates in rain (which matters in Seattle).

Each gondola seats 6-8 people comfortably, with large windows providing panoramic views in all directions.

The views from the top are spectacular on clear days. Looking west, Elliott Bay stretches to the Olympic Mountains. Looking east, the Seattle skyline rises with the Space Needle prominent. Looking south on very clear days, Mount Rainier appears as a massive snow-covered peak dominating the horizon. Below, Washington State Ferries cross the Sound, providing constant movement for kids to watch.

The waterfront location makes the Great Wheel part of a larger family outing rather than a standalone attraction. The newly completed Seattle Waterfront Park stretches along the water with landscaped promenades, public art installations, and children's play areas. Pike Place Market is a 5-minute walk uphill.

The Seattle Aquarium is adjacent. Families can easily build a half-day waterfront itinerary connecting these attractions on foot.

At night, the wheel's 500,000 LED lights create colorful animated patterns visible from across the city. The light shows change seasonally and for special events. Riding at night adds a different dimension -- the city lights and water reflections replace the daytime mountain views.