Columbia Center Building
Seattle's tallest skyscraper with observation deck
Seattle's tallest skyscraper, Columbia Center houses offices and the Sky View Observatory; visitors ascend for panoramic city and Puget Sound vistas and to access downtown museums and Pioneer Square nearby.
Columbia Center at a Glance#
Address: 701 S. 11th Street / 701 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
Website: https://skycviewobservatory.com/
Hours: Sky View Observatory daily 10:00am-7:00pm (hours may vary seasonally)
Admission: Observation deck (Sky View Observatory) adult approx. $20-25 (varies)
About Columbia Center#
Columbia Center is a major skyscraper in downtown Seattle, Washington, and the tallest building in both Seattle and the state. The tower rises to 76 storeys and is a prominent landmark on the city’s skyline.
The building contains office floors, retail spaces at ground level and a public observation space near the top, which provides broad views across Seattle, Puget Sound and the surrounding mountain ranges on clear days. Its height and central location make it a primary vantage point for panoramic views of the city.
Completed in the mid-1980s, the tower remains a commercial office centre and a visible element of Seattle’s urban core. It stands in the downtown business district, close to transit links and the city’s main waterfront amenities.
- Height and floors: The tower is the tallest building in Seattle and Washington state, with 76 storeys and an observation level near the top
- Completion and use: Completed in the mid-1980s, it anchors Seattle’s central business district and contains offices and retail spaces
What to See#
- Sky View Observatory: A public observation level near the top floors provides panoramic views across downtown Seattle and the surrounding waterways and mountains
How to Get to Columbia Center#
Columbia Center is in downtown Seattle at 701 Fifth Avenue. The nearest Link light rail stations are University Street and Westlake; numerous bus routes and streetcar lines also serve the area. Street parking is limited-public transit is recommended.
Tips for Visiting Columbia Center#
- Book Sky View Observatory tickets in advance-views are best on clear days and evenings for sunset panoramas of Seattle.
- Take the elevator up during late afternoon to see the city under changing light; the observatory offers informative displays about the skyline.
- Combine a visit with the Columbia Center coffee shop or nearby public plazas in downtown Seattle.
Best Time to Visit Columbia Center#
Late summer and early autumn often provide the clearest views of Seattle and surrounding mountains.
Weather & Climate near Columbia Center#
Columbia Center's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 24°C. Moderate rainfall (995 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 2° - 8° | 2° | 136 mm | overcast | 90% | 3.4 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.8h |
| February | Acceptable | 3° - 10° | 4° | 106 mm | overcast | 87% | 3.3 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.1h |
| March | Poor | 4° - 12° | 5° | 105 mm | overcast | 85% | 3.5 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Acceptable | 5° - 15° | 8° | 73 mm | overcast | 82% | 3.4 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 13.5h |
| May | Good | 8° - 18° | 13° | 47 mm | overcast | 80% | 3.4 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.9h |
| June | Very Good | 11° - 21° | 16° | 40 mm | overcast | 80% | 3.4 m/s | 1.6 very high | 15.7h |
| July | Ideal | 13° - 24° | 18° | 24 mm | some cloud | 77% | 3.3 m/s | 1.8 very high | 15.3h |
| August | Excellent | 13° - 24° | 19° | 30 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 3.1 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.1h |
| September | Very Good | 11° - 21° | 16° | 44 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 2.8 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 12.4h |
| October | Good | 7° - 16° | 11° | 84 mm | overcast | 84% | 2.8 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.7h |
| November | Poor | 4° - 10° | 5° | 146 mm | overcast | 89% | 3.4 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.2h |
| December | Poor | 2° - 7° | 2° | 160 mm | overcast | 90% | 3.4 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.3h |
