The Seattle Great Wheel rises above Pier 57 on the downtown waterfront, with enclosed gondolas carrying you out over Elliott Bay. From the wheel, look for the Seattle skyline, ferries on the water and, on a clear day, the Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier. The ride makes a useful stop if you want a view from above without leaving the waterfront, and the cabins are enclosed and climate-controlled. Stay on the pier afterward to see the wheel’s lights after dark.
A waterfront ride above Elliott Bay
The Seattle Great Wheel stands on Pier 57 at 1301 Alaskan Way, beside the downtown waterfront. Its height of 175 feet puts the gondolas above the pier and out over Elliott Bay. The wheel opened in 2012 and has 42 enclosed gondolas.
A ride gives you a changing view of the water, the city and the piers below. Watch for ferries crossing Elliott Bay and, when visibility is good, the Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier. The view depends on the weather: clouds and rain can obscure the distant scenery, so a clear day is a better choice if the mountains are a priority.
What the ride is like
The gondolas are enclosed and climate-controlled, so you can take in the view without being exposed to the weather. The ride includes at least three full revolutions. Reported ride times range from about 12 to 20 minutes, giving you time to look around and take photographs as the wheel turns.
The height and open views can feel daunting if you are uneasy with heights. If you would rather stay on the ground, you can still see the wheel from the pier, where its lights are especially noticeable after dark.
Choosing a time and ticket
Sunset is a good time to watch the light change over Elliott Bay and the city. Evening rides bring a different view, with the downtown skyline illuminated and the wheel lit after dark. Clear weather matters most for distant views; on a cloudy or rainy day, expect less visibility beyond the waterfront.
There may be a wait to board, and advance tickets are recommended. A regular gondola may be shared with other riders. The VIP option is described as a private gondola, so check its current details if privacy matters for your visit. Current ticket information is available on the official Seattle Great Wheel website.
Exploring Pier 57
The Great Wheel is one of several attractions on the waterfront, near the Seattle Aquarium. Pier 57 also has restaurants, shops and entertainment, so you can combine a ride with time along the water. Pike Place Market is a short distance uphill from the waterfront; the Pike Street HillClimb and elevators from the parking garage are noted routes downhill toward the piers.
The pier is also a place to see the wheel from below and take photographs without boarding. After dark, its LED lights make it a prominent feature of the waterfront skyline.
FAQ
Where is the Seattle Great Wheel?
It is on Pier 57 at 1301 Alaskan Way, on Seattle’s downtown waterfront.
How long does a ride take?
Allow about 15 to 20 minutes. The ride includes at least three full revolutions.
What can you see from the Seattle Great Wheel?
Views include Elliott Bay, downtown Seattle and the waterfront. On a clear day, you may also see the Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier.
Are the gondolas enclosed?
Yes. The gondolas are enclosed and climate-controlled.
