Seattle Great Wheel

The Seattle Great Wheel is a giant observation wheel at the end of Pier 57, at 1301 Alaskan Way on the Seattle waterfront in Washington. Standing about 175 feet tall, it was the tallest observation wheel on the US West Coast when it opened in 2012. Its enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas carry visitors out over Elliott Bay, and a ride lasts about 20 to 30 minutes, usually three rotations. From the top, riders see the downtown skyline, the waterfront piers, the ferries crossing Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains on clear days and the Space Needle to the north. After dark the wheel is lit with an LED display, and evening rides give the best views of the lit city. Some gondolas have glass floors, and a VIP gondola with leather seating is offered at a higher price. The wheel is surrounded by Pier 57's arcade, restaurants and gift shops, and the waterfront promenade links it to Pike Place Market and the Seattle Aquarium. Crowds peak on summer evenings and weekends, when queues can reach 30 minutes or more, and are lightest on weekday afternoons. Rides run later on weekends. Photographers often shoot the wheel from the pier railing, from the Washington State Ferry docks or from the Alaskan Way pedestrian paths, and the ride itself offers wide-angle views of the bay. Tickets cost roughly $18 to $20 (USD) for adults and can be bought at the ticket booth or online. Visitors with a fear of heights may prefer to watch from the pier. The wheel may close in high winds or severe weather.