CityPASS is a bargain in seeing Seattle’s attractions

Seattle CityPASS
Chihuly display

We always look for the best possible deals when we travel. Just like most everyone else, we prefer to save as much money as possible on trips. One great tool we’ve used is CityPASS. We’ve used it on trips to Chicago and San Francisco. So, when I planned to visit our daughter Mallory in Seattle, I opted for a CityPASS. Our eldest daughter Steph and the girls’ mom used the CityPASS during their visits, as well.

Seattle CityPASS

The Seattle CityPASS covered most of the attractions I wanted to see. The CityPASS gives people an option between some attractions. The Seattle CityPASS includes admission to:

  • Space Needle
  • Seattle Aquarium
  • Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour
  • EMP Museum OR Woodland Park Zoo
  • Pacific Science Center OR Chihuly Garden and Glass

The CityPASS allows visitors two trips to the Space Needle – once during the day and the second visit in the evening. It also gives visitors easy access at ticket counters. Most attractions have a “quick access” line for season ticket holders, as well as CityPASS users. Each ticket in the CityPASS book is an actual ticket.

Seattle CityPASS
Space Needle

The CityPASS is good for nine days from its first use. This gives you the option of using the tickets when you want during your visit. You don’t have to feel pressured to see everything in a day or two. However, don’t delay using the book either. You’ll want to take advantage of the discounts and savings the book provides.

The book can save you up to about 49 percent of normal attraction admission prices. You can buy it for less than $70/book.  Each book is good for one person. When we and our daughters traveled to Chicago, buying four of them made sense.

The first attraction I visited using the CityPASS was the Seattle Aquarium. As I arrived, I saw the line reserved for season ticket holders and CityPASS holders. I was inside and checking out the sea creatures within a few minutes.

Seattle CityPASS
Jellyfish exhibit at Seattle Aquarium

Since I was on the Waterfront, I decided to use my CityPASS’ second ticket for the Argosy harbor cruise. The 60-minute harbor cruise gives visitors a great look at the Seattle skyline, forests and mountains, as well as the shipping area of Elliott Bay.

Seattle CityPASS
Harbor cruise was a fun visit

I used the remainder of my CityPASS the next day. This was only because my daughter and I had plans for the rest of the week that didn’t include the attractions covered with the CityPASS.

My visit to the Space Needle came early in the day. The view of Seattle from the Needle’s observation deck is breathtaking. At 520 feet above ground, you get a great 360-degree view of the area.

Seattle CityPASS
View from the Space Needle

Following my Needle visit, I had to make decisions. The CityPASS includes a choice of visiting the EMP Museum OR the Woodland Park Zoo, as well as choosing between the Chihuly Garden and Glass OR the Pacific Science Center.

I chose the EMP Museum. The Experience Music Project Museum offers a look into music, science fiction and pop culture. The exterior of the museum is an attraction itself, with stainless steel design and multi-colors.

Seattle CityPASS
EMP Museum

If you’re interested in seeing animals and other exhibits, Woodland Park Zoo offers a look at animals from around the world, including lions, penguins and a Komodo dragon.

Seattle CityPASS
Penguins at the Woodland Park Zoo

The final choice option includes the Pacific Science Center OR Chihuly Garden and Glass. The science center offers a lot of interactive exhibits (perfect for science enthusiasts and families with children).

Seattle CityPASS
Pacific Science Center

I visited the Chihuly attraction. Eight rooms full of blown-glass art designed by Dale Chihuly give visitors a great reason to spend a couple of hours. The Glasshouse offers a beautiful view of the Space Needle framed by colorful flower-style art.

Seattle CityPASS
View from the Chihuly Garden and Glass’ Glasshouse

For more information on the CityPASS, please visit http://www.citypass.com/seattle.

Disclaimer: Thank you to CityPASS for the complimentary ticket books. However, all opinions and views are mine.