Seattle Great Wheel Tours

Seattle Great Wheel showing a bay or harbor, a skyscraper and modern architecture
Seattle Great Wheel featuring rides
Seattle Great Wheel showing a coastal town, rides and a city
Seattle Great Wheel featuring a city, a fountain and rides
Seattle Great Wheel which includes rides


Take in breathtaking views of Seattle as you are suspended above Puget Sound on one of the tallest Ferris wheels in North America.

The star attraction of Seattle’s waterfront precinct is this 175-foot (53-meter) Ferris wheel, among the tallest in the United States. The Seattle Great Wheel stands at the end of a pier in Elliott Bay and provides unrivaled views of Seattle and the Puget Sound. Enjoy three rotations as you take in the sights and experience the thrill of the height.

Regardless of the season, the wheel’s climate-controlled gondolas provide protection from the elements. A great family activity, the Ferris wheel caters to children of all ages and gondolas can carry up to eight passengers at one time, meaning even larger groups can travel together.

Despite being one of the most popular attractions in the city and generating long lines on weekends and holidays, a capacity of 300 people means that even on the busiest of days you can board the wheel soon enough. Bring a camera to capture the unparalleled views of Seattle’s downtown precinct, and of Bainbridge Island to the west.

Arrive at the Seattle Great Wheel at dusk to see the setting sun cast a golden glow over Seattle’s skyscrapers. An evening ride offers a beautiful view as the city’s lights weave a tapestry of color before you.

Equipped with a glass floor, this ride is not for those with vertigo, but is a fun experience for everyone else. You’ll be treated to a complimentary glass of champagne at a waterfront restaurant after the ride.

The Seattle Great Wheel is located on Pier 57, directly next to Seattle’s Waterfront Park. A city bus services the pier and some parking is available in the area for a fee. The wheel is open daily and you have to pay to ride. You can buy a ticket online or from local travel agents before arriving to avoid having to line up for the wheel’s ticket booth.

Plan a trip to see Seattle Great Wheel

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hampton Inn & Suites Seattle-North/Lynnwood
1 Hotel Seattle
@ Marbella Lane - Hidden Gem on Scenic Shady Lake

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Reviews of Seattle Great Wheel

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1093
5 - Excellent 52%
4 - Good
829
4 - Good 39%
3 - Okay
163
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
12
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
4
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Buy tickets in advance (must be printed); saves time but still waiting in line is a thing because tickets are not restricted to a set time/day. Dusk/sunset is a great time to visit if you hit it right. A lot of construction going on around this area so get there early to find parking.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Spruce up for a photograph included with admission.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

Not worth the price and a total tourist trap.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

If you're scared of heights, they sell alcohol.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

It was nice to walk around this area the ride is fun nice views.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Fun.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Seattle Great Wheel

Executive Hotel Pacific

Executive Hotel Pacific

3 out of 5
400 Spring St, Seattle, WA
Executive Hotel Pacific
Hyatt Regency Seattle

Hyatt Regency Seattle

4 out of 5
808 Howell St, Seattle, WA
Hyatt Regency Seattle
Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA

Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA

4 out of 5
1301 6th Avenue, Seattle, WA
Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA
citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square

citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square

4 out of 5
60 Yesler Way, Seattle, WA
citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square
Palihotel Seattle

Palihotel Seattle

4 out of 5
107 Pine St., Seattle, WA
Palihotel Seattle
The Belltown Inn

The Belltown Inn

2.5 out of 5
2301 Third Avenue, Seattle, WA
The Belltown Inn
Crowne Plaza Seattle - Downtown by IHG

Crowne Plaza Seattle - Downtown by IHG

4 out of 5
1113 6th Ave, Seattle, WA
Crowne Plaza Seattle - Downtown by IHG
Mayflower Park Hotel

Mayflower Park Hotel

4 out of 5
405 Olive Way, Seattle, WA
Mayflower Park Hotel
Fairmont Olympic Hotel

Fairmont Olympic Hotel

5 out of 5
411 University St, Seattle, WA
Fairmont Olympic Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Seattle Great Wheel

Near the Seattle Great Wheel, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including shopping, art, and theater. For those looking to explore the local culinary scene, food tours offer a delicious way to experience Seattle's diverse flavors. Additionally, a comprehensive Seattle hotel guide can help you find the perfect place to stay, ensuring a memorable visit to this vibrant waterfront attraction.

Shopping

Pike Place Market, only 0.3 miles from the Seattle Great Wheel, offers a vibrant public market atmosphere perfect for unique gifts. Westlake Center, half a mile away, combines shopping with entertainment, making it ideal for families. If you're up for a drive, explore Nordstrom, also 0.5 miles away, for quality items.

Recreation

T-Mobile Park offers an energetic atmosphere, perfect for catching a game and enjoying the thrill of live sports. Showbox SoDo provides a vibrant concert experience, showcasing local and national acts. For a tranquil escape, Seward Park features peaceful trails and scenic views, ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Adventure

Experience thrilling water sports at the UW Waterfront Activities Center, located 4 miles from Seattle Great Wheel, perfect for adventure seekers. Enjoy the great outdoors at Camp Long, also 4 miles away, offering various outdoor activities. For indoor skiing fun, Mini Mountain is 8 miles away, ideal for family adventures.

Nightlife

Experience Seattle's vibrant nightlife by visiting the Paramount Theatre for a cultural show, then dance the night away at The Crocodile nightclub. End your evening with stunning views at the Sky View Observatory, where entertainment meets breathtaking scenery, all within a mile of the Seattle Great Wheel.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Seattle Great Wheel

When visiting the Seattle Great Wheel, be sure to explore the vibrant urban park nearby, enjoy local art at the museums, and appreciate the architecture of nearby churches. This area offers a rich cultural experience perfect for families and city explorers alike. Don't miss the iconic Seattle Great Wheel and other attractions along the stunning Seattle waterfront for unforgettable views and activities.

  • Seattle Waterfront: Located a short 0.2 miles from the Seattle Great Wheel, the Seattle Waterfront boasts stunning beach views and picturesque scenery. Stroll along the waterfront, enjoy local eateries, and take in the vibrant atmosphere of this harbor area.
  • Space Needle: Just 1 mile from the Seattle Great Wheel, the iconic Space Needle offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. This modern tower is a must-visit for those wanting to experience the essence of Seattle’s skyline and urban energy.
  • Seattle Center: Situated 1 mile away, Seattle Center is an urban park that provides a family-friendly environment with outdoor activities. Explore beautiful gardens, cultural attractions, and enjoy the lively city vibes that make this destination special.

Best time to go to Seattle Great Wheel

The best time to visit Seattle Great Wheel can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Seattle Great Wheel falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Seattle Great Wheel falls in December, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.3°F (4.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March43.9°F (6.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April48.6°F (9.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May55.8°F (13.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July67.1°F (19.5°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August67.5°F (19.7°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October52.7°F (11.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November44.2°F (6.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December39.2°F (4.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Seattle Great Wheel

To save money on your visit to the Seattle Great Wheel, plan your trip between December and February when accommodation prices are lower, and consider booking your stay for a Monday to avoid high Saturday rates. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels by filtering for the lowest prices and eco-certified options. Look for package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities, and join the One Key membership for exclusive discounts. Additionally, take advantage of free activities in the area and use public transportation to keep travel costs down.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Seattle Great Wheel are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Seattle Great Wheel is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Seattle Great Wheel is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can arrange your results to display prices starting from the lowest, making it easy to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type—if you select the Eco-certified filter, you'll discover a variety of sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay near the Seattle Great Wheel with your flights and activities.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia