25 Aug Seattle CityPass – What is it and is it worth it?
The Seattle CityPass is a booklet you can buy that has coupons and tickets to seven attractions across Seattle. For $99 per adult and $79 per child, you can use the Seattle CityPass to visit five out of the seven attractions, and allows you to save at least 46% had you bought tickets to each place individually.
Once you’ve bought the pass you have to use it within nine days, but you can visit the attractions in any order you wish, and can even visit them all in the same day (if you have the time, of course). The Seattle CityPass includes the Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour, Seattle Aquarium and the Space Needle. You can then choose between Pacific Science Center and Chihuly Garden and Glass, and Woodland Park Zoo and Museum of Pop Culture.
Let’s take a look at what each place has to offer.
Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour
The Harbor Tour from Argosy Cruises is a one hour long cruise which boats panoramic views of the city. You’ll experience the Puget Sound, see the Alaskan Way Viaduct demolition, and be able to gaze at the beautiful skyline out on the water. A guide will be on hand to tell you about everything you’ll see on tour, so if you have any questions they’ll be on hand to help.
Seattle Aquarium
The Seattle Aquarium boasts six impressive exhibits that are a must-see for all ages. These include Window on Washington Waters, Pacific Coral Reef, the Underwater Dome, Life on the Edge, Birds & Shores, and Marine Mammals.
The Space Needle
The Space Needle is one of Seattle’s most visited attractions, and offers amazing views of the city from its 520 foot structure. After a multi-million dollar refurbishment, the Space Needle now has rotating glass floors inside The Loupe, and has glass walls that tilt on an open-air deck which leaves you floating over the city.
Pacific Science Center or Chihuly Garden and Glass
The Pacific Science Center receives over one million visitors per year and serves as a place to inspire young generations. There are many exhibits available including Tinker Tank, a place where young minds can launch rockets or create electrical circuits. There’s a Living Exhibit that allows you to see rare animals and plants, and for those more interested in technological advancements, an immersive VR Experience.
Dale Chihuly is a studio glass artist and the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit was opened to showcase all of his wonderful creations. You can visit the beautiful gardens and inside the Glasshouse is a 100 foot long suspended sculpture created by Chihuly.
Woodland Park Zoo or Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
The Woodland Park Zoo has many attractions for both the kids and the adults including the Brown Bear in Northern Trail area, The Northern Trail Habitat, Tropical Rainforest, Penguin Enclosure and much more. There’s also a play area called The Zoomazium for the kids to have fun in when they’re not watching the animals.
The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) is a contemporary pop culture museum, and has plenty of exhibits and events to see and do. There are screenings of old movies that currently include Dracula and Little Shop of Horrors, whilst the exhibits you can see are based around musicians such as Queen, Nirvana and Prince, Sci-Fi and Fantasy, and even indie games.
So is the Seattle CityPass worth it?
For $99 or $79 (adult or child) you get to see some of the most amazing attractions Seattle has to offer, and have nine days to do it in. With a saving of at least 46% I’d say it was definitely worth it. If you’re planning a trip to Seattle, or live there and want to do something exciting with the kids during the summer, a Seattle CityPass would be ideal for you to get the most out of the city.