Where is the Seattle Great Wheel located?

The Seattle Great Wheel is located at Pier 57 on Elliott Bay at 1301 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101. It sits on the waterfront over Puget Sound, near the Seattle Aquarium and Pike Place Market.

The wheel is open year-round daily from 11:00am to 9:00pm, Monday through Sunday.

How much does it cost?

Admission is listed between $18 and $50 per person. Tickets can be purchased on-site or via the website for the same price.

What is it known for?

It is known as one of the largest Ferris wheels in North America and the largest on the West Coast. It features over 500,000 LED lights and provides views of the city, sound, and mountains accompanied by narration about the waterfront's history.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the attraction is wheelchair accessible via ramp and lift.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Seattle Great Wheel in Seattle

Seattle Great Wheel

A towering 175-foot observation wheel on Pier 57, offering panoramic views of Elliott Bay, the city skyline, and distant mountains from climate-controlled gondolas.

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What to know

The Seattle Great Wheel is a massive observation wheel located at Pier 57 on Elliott Bay. Standing at an overall height of 175 feet, it opened to the public on June 29, 2012. At the time of its debut, it held the distinction of being the tallest Ferris wheel on the West Coast of the United States. Despite the long-term planning involved, the structure was actually built in less than a year. The wheel features 42 fully enclosed gondolas that are both heated and air-conditioned to ensure passenger comfort year-round. These climate-controlled cabins can hold between 1 and 8 people, depending on the source, and provide a secure vantage point over the Puget Sound. To add to the visual spectacle, the entire structure is adorned with over 500,000 LED lights that illuminate the waterfront at night. Visitors are lifted high above the water to enjoy a fantastic view of the city, the sound, and the surrounding mountains. While ascending, passengers listen to a narration that describes the history of Seattle's waterfront, blending a scenic ride with local education. The attraction is designed for inclusivity, providing wheelchair accessibility via a dedicated ramp and lift. Located at 1301 Alaskan Way, the wheel is a central fixture of the Miners Landing area. It serves as a prominent landmark for those exploring the waterfront, offering a unique perspective of the urban landscape and the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Visitor tips

Tickets are the same price whether you purchase them online or at the on-site ticket booth.
Plan your visit between 11:00am and 9:00pm, as these are the daily hours of operation.
Since gondolas are climate-controlled, this is a great stop regardless of the weather.
Allow extra time if visiting during the evening to see the 500,000 LED lights illuminated.

Nearby context

The Seattle Great Wheel is situated on the waterfront at Pier 57, placing it in close proximity to other major attractions including the Seattle Aquarium and the world-famous Pike Place Market.