FAQS
Tickets & Experience
Yes. Smith Tower welcomes group visits and celebrations. Groups of 15–40 guests can explore group reservation options for daytime or evening visits. For groups larger than 40, please contact our Event Management team at 206.624.0795 to discuss private event and gathering opportunities at this historic Seattle venue.
Smith Tower offers the [Rum Runner’s Membership], a year-round loyalty program inspired by the tower’s Prohibition-era history. Members enjoy exclusive access and benefits for frequent visits, ticketed experiences, and special programming.
Visit duration is flexible since the exhibits and observatory experience are self-guided. Many guests spend between 45 minutes and 2 hours exploring the exhibits, enjoying craft cocktails, and taking in Seattle skyline views. During busy periods, short elevator waits may occur.
No. The Smith Tower visitor experience is open to all ages.
Last admission is typically one hour before the Observatory closes. Operating hours vary by season and special events, so please check the posted hours before visiting.
Yes, a ticket is required to access the Observatory Bar. Want to make visits a regular thing? Check out our Rum Runner’s membership – it includes complimentary access and more.
During peak visitation, guests may experience short waits for the elevator or entry to the observatory. Wait times are typically shorter during non-peak hours. We recommend arriving early, especially for sunset or high-demand viewing times.
As a courtesy to other guests, we’re only able to seat groups once all members of the party have arrived.
Purchase observatory tickets online or at the box office, though advance booking is recommended to secure your preferred entry time. The Observatory Bar is first-come, first-served and does not accept reservations.
During peak visitation, short elevator or entry waits may occur, so arriving early is encouraged. Sunset and golden hour are especially popular for skyline views and photography.
Ticket prices include access to the history exhibits, the 35th-floor open-air observatory with 360° views of Seattle and Elliott Bay, and the opportunity to enjoy the Observatory Bar with locally inspired craft cocktails.
Advance ticket purchase is recommended to help secure your preferred entry time, especially during peak visitation periods and sunset hours. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office, subject to availability.
- Smith Tower is one of Seattle’s most iconic historic landmarks, offering a distinctive combination of history, skyline views, and curated visitor experiences. As one of the city’s original skyscrapers, guests can explore a preserved piece of Seattle’s architectural heritage while enjoying panoramic views of downtown Seattle, Elliott Bay, and the surrounding mountain landscape.
- Unlike modern observation decks, Smith Tower offers a ticketed observatory experience featuring craft cocktails, seasonal programming, and intimate gathering spaces. Visitors can enjoy historic exhibits, the Observatory Bar, special events, or memorable celebrations in a setting that reflects both Seattle’s past and present.
Yes. Smith Tower Observatory & Bar is accessible by elevator, making the observatory experience more convenient for guests with strollers, wheelchairs, or other mobility needs. While the historic architecture of this Seattle landmark may limit access to a few areas, our team is happy to assist guests in enjoying the skyline views and visitor experience.
Yes. Smith Tower offers one of the most unique skyline viewing experiences in Seattle. From the open-air observatory, guests can enjoy sweeping views of downtown Seattle, Elliott Bay, and the surrounding cityscape. On clear days, visitors may also see Mount Rainier and the Cascade Range in the distance, making it a popular destination for sightseeing and photography at this historic Seattle landmark.
- Yes. Guests are welcome to take personal photos throughout the visitor experience, including the observatory and skyline viewing areas. Smith Tower is a popular location for sightseeing, photography, and capturing memorable moments in Seattle.
- We encourage guests to share their experience and tag @thesmithtower when posting photos on social media.
Directions & Parking
Pioneer Square offers an abundance of street parking and garage options. For your convenience, we recommend the Butler Garage ($12 for 3 hours*). Enter promo code vofeusyz on the checkout page for a discounted rate.
*Pricing is subject to change
Yes. Follow these steps below.
- Go to ParkWhiz: Find and Book Parking Anywhere
- Find the Butler Garage (located at 114 James St, Seattle, WA 98104)
- Input reservation time details
- Enter payment details
- Click “Add Promo Code” and enter promo code: vofevsyz
Food & Beverage
Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside Smith Tower to ensure a high-quality guest experience. Guests are welcome to enjoy craft cocktails, beverages, and light bites available at the Observatory Bar.
The visitor experience at Smith Tower is open daily, with seasonal and event-based operating hours. Guests are encouraged to check posted hours before visiting. The last elevator ride to the observatory is typically one hour before closing.
For the most accurate information, guests should check the tickets and hours page before visiting this historic Seattle observatory attraction.
Yes. The Observatory Bar at Smith Tower offers vegetarian, vegan, and some gluten-sensitive menu options. While there is not a dedicated kitchen, our team works to accommodate dietary preferences whenever possible.
An observatory ticket is required to access the Observatory Bar, offering craft cocktails, beverages, and light bites with Seattle skyline views. Check out our full menu here.
Food and drink service is first-come, first-served, and reservations are not available. Observatory operating hours may vary based on seasonality or special events, so guests are encouraged to check hours and purchase tickets online in advance to enjoy this historic Seattle observatory experience.
Yes. The Observatory Bar offers a unique Seattle cocktail experience featuring craft drinks and light bites with panoramic skyline views. Guests can enjoy historic ambiance combined with modern hospitality while taking in views of downtown Seattle, Elliott Bay, and surrounding mountains.
Policies
Only service animals are permitted inside Smith Tower and the Observatory areas to ensure guest safety and comfort for all visitors.
Smoking and vaping are not permitted anywhere inside Smith Tower, including the Observatory and outdoor deck areas, to maintain a comfortable environment for all guests.
Smith Tower is a cashless venue. For a smoother guest experience, we accept major credit and debit cards for tickets, food, and beverage purchases. Cash payments are not accepted.
Events
Smith Tower is a unique Seattle venue for intimate gatherings, celebrations, and curated experiences. The historic observatory is well suited for small weddings, proposals, engagement photos, corporate meetings, group reservations, and ticketed programming such as cocktail classes and seasonal events.
Our team helps customize experiences to create memorable occasions with skyline views, craft cocktails, and historic ambiance.
To book a private event or wedding, please complete the [event inqure form] or contact our sales team at [email protected]. Our team will help plan your celebration, whether it’s an intimate wedding, proposal, corporate gathering, or other special event, and answer any questions about hosting your experience at this historic Seattle venue.