See, the thing about Seattle is that there are more cloudy days than sunny days. Especially September-July
So if you're going to the needle for the view, make sure it's a sunny day, otherwise you're not even going to be able to see your hand in front of your face, much less the views across Elliott Bay.
The trip to the top is expensive as well. I believe around $12 - $15 a person. If you go during the clear days, the wait to get up to the needle will be around an hour, just standing in line......
I say skip the needle. Go a few blocks away to Kerry Park in Queen Anne (W. Highland Dr at 3rd Ave W.). This is the place where 99% of all pictures of Seattle are taken. You can see the space needle, downtown, the water, the islands....and for FREE!!
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