Must See Sights and Landmarks in Renton Area

"Ascend 520 feet in the air to the Observation Deck (the top of the needles stands at 605 feet!) near the top of the Space Needle. The elevators to the top are part of the thrill!. The 43-second ride in a glass enclosed elevator takes you to the top where you can enjoy the SkyCity (revolving) Restaurant, 360 degree views of the Seattle skyline and harbor, and interactive SkyQ kiosks to play and discover on."

"Can one think of Seattle without visions of the iconic Space Needle?. An absolute must-do when visiting the city is to get close to that needle!. Built in 1962 for the World’s Fair, the Space Needle is still one of the most recognizable structures in the world, and for good reason—it really is cool!"

"This is easily Seattle’s most recognized tourist attraction. A trip to the top is well worth the trek; from 520 feet above the ground, you can see panoramic views of the surrounding area below. Consider going at night to see the city lights or at sunset for some amazing views."

"Army Corps of Engineers, the busiest set of locks in the United States allows water traffic to travel between the tidal waters Puget Sound and the Lake Washington Ship Canal. This waterway passes through Seattle’s inland freshwater lakes, via Lake Washington, Portage Bay, Lake Union and Salmon Bay, where it meets Puget Sound. The locks have permanently changed Seattle, lowering the water level on Lake Washington and Lake Union by 2.7 metres, giving rise to many miles of new land on the lakefronts."

"From here head over to see the Ballard Locks as the boats make their way through the locks. This was one of my favorite parts of visiting Seattle, it is such an interesting invention. A bonus is that the park and area around it are beautiful. If you are lucky, you may get to see a seal playing around in and around the locks."

"Learn about the annual phenomenon of salmon spawning at Seattle’s Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, known locally as the Ballard Locks, where three types of Pacific salmon pass through the fish ladder during the summer months on the way upriver to their spawning grounds.More"

"At first consideration, a library may not seem the type of attraction tourists would add to a must-see list; however, the Seattle Central Library is special. A work of world-famous architect Rem Koolhaas, this architectural masterpiece is an eye-catching, seemingly asymmetrical 11-story steel and glass structure with a design that has earned international recognition. The 362,987-square-foot space opened in 2004 in downtown Seattle and houses more than 1.5 million books and 400 computers, available for public use."

"In 2004 Rem Koolhaas’s glass and steel central library building became a new symbol for Seattle. Eleven storeys and 57 metres high, the Seattle Central Library is certainly bold, with a reflective glass skin, sharp planes and overhangs caused by discrete “floating platforms”. The building is majestic from the inside, not least because of its surfeit of natural light, and can be explored on a self-guided tour or group tour (Monday to Saturday)."

"Before the Space Needle the tallest building in Seattle was the Neoclassical Smith Tower, the city’s first skyscraper. This 38-storey building on Pioneer Square was the city’s first skyscraper, 148 metres high and one of the tallest towers outside of New York City at that time. The Smith Tower is named for its financier, Lyman Cornelius Smith, who made his fortune in the typewriter business."

"In 1990 the Fremont Arts Council commissioned a piece of public art for space below the north end of the George Washington Memorial Bridge, as it had become a haunt for antisocial activity. Their pick, by a team of four local artists, was the Fremont Troll, a now iconic sculpture, 5.5 metres tall and composed of 6 tons of reinforced concrete. As a witty touch the troll holds an actual Volkswagen Beetle in its left hand, as if it has just snatched it from the road."

"When the cherry trees are in bloom, the campus of the University of Washington becomes a grove of brilliant blossoms bursting in pink and white. The rest of the time there are plenty of classic quads, plus repositories for the best in science and culture: the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture and the Henry Art Gallery. Shop at one of the many bookstores near campus, like the comfy Third Place Books."

"No, it wasn’t my imagination, the fountain really was shooting up water to the beat of Pearl Jam’s Even Flow. This lively water feature provides all kinds of free fun for kids as they run around to the music, dodging blasts of water. Note: If you are putting this on your list of things to do in Seattle with kids, you may want to bring some extra clothes."

"A day trip wouldn't be complete without a visit to the International Fountain at Seattle Center. The huge, splashy fountain bowl features powerful water jets that surprise even the best water lovers. Kids will enjoy watching the water dance around to the choreographed musical numbers playing in the background."

"At least pass by the Seattle Fountain, a mainstay from the World’s Fair. There is a big grassed lounging area with a white domed fountain. You’ll get a beautiful view of the Space Needle and Seattle skyline."

"The tallest building in Downtown Seattle and the state of Washington, Columbia Center is a worthwhile destination for high-rise and skyscraper enthusiasts, and/or visitors eager to take in panoramic views of the city and its surroundings from the observation deck. No time-slot needed – just ride up the express elevator and get off at the 73rd floor!. Martin Selig, the Center's developer, said of the building, "...the Space Needle told people where Seattle was, the Columbia Center tells people that Seattle has arrived." Indeed, from this privileged viewpoint, not only can you look down to and see way over the Space Needle, but the lookout space is clean and surprisingly not crowded, inviting visitors to stay for as long as they want."

"For a few years after it was built in 1962, the Space Needle was the tallest North American building west of the Mississippi. Now it’s dwarfed even in its hometown by the Sky View Observatory (*700 Fourth Ave; skyviewobservatory.com), a 73-story-high, 360-degree lookout and cafe (also recently renovated) in the Columbia Center Tower above Pioneer Square. Smith Tower Photo Grisel Parrino"

"Chef Ken Yamamoto is the only chef in the state of Washington licensed to sell fugu, the potentially deadly (if not prepared correctly) Japanese blowfish. Whether you opt for this rare delicacy or one of the other carefully created entrees, you're assured of Ken's masterful hand in the exquisite textures and flavors on your plate. Choose from appetizers like kaki fry (deep-fried oysters) or gyoza, and main dishes like black cod with tempura, eel donburi, and salmon teriyaki."

"UMMELINA takes downtown spa goers on an exotic, global adventure, with treatments that range from the Desert Water Foot Ritual to the Herbal Sea Salt Glow. The welcoming venue has created several natural environments that transport patrons "to distant lands, where for centuries indigenous people listened to the earth and gleaned its riches." In downtown Seattle, guests are accompanied by "guides who are accomplished, sure footed and well studied." These journeys utilize natural salts, muds, oils and herbs thoughtfully selected from all over the globe. Although the venue is ideal for individual patrons, it's also perfect for large groups (like bachelorette parties), thanks to its communal treatment room and its tea lounge."

"If the cure to your ails lies in an African foot soak, Thai yoga massage or meditative tea spa, check out Ummelina. The downtown Seattle spa’s treatment menu features healing practices from around the globe, packaged into regional and element-themed “journeys” for those committing a day to the spa. If you live in AMLI’s new Denny Triangle apartments, your international day spa journey is just a 10-minute walk away."

"Probably the most esoteric spot on this list, Ummelina has really doubled down on the whole ‘ancient rituals’ approach. We’re cool with it because the majority of the services offered are guaranteed to blow you away. We’re not so sure about spending $70 to be able to wash ourselves, though."

"With the capacity to pamper just 14 patrons at a time, this all-female day spa near Seattle University is on the small side. But in addition to a massage room, HotHouse is home to a dry sauna, steam room, cold plunge shower and hot tub. The highly-rated spa is known for its friendly staff and affordable prices, with entry costing just 8."

"Another female only spot, Hothouse has some of the best rates in the city, with their spa use only costing $18. They’ve got all the amenities too- hot tub, steam room, sauna, and the good old cold plunge. Want to take things a step further?"

"Outside Quality Athletics in Pioneer Square is sort of a fast-casual hub of sorts, with this smash burger-focused spot joining forces with popular fried chicken purveyor Cookie’s Country Chicken and the pizza pop-up Trophy. The burgers here are no-frills, but well crafted (and cost less than $5). Open for takeout and limited onsite seating."