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United States/Things to Do in Seattle, solo trip

The Seattle Great Wheel (solo trip)

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How Solo-Friendly is The Seattle Great Wheel?

85%Solo-Friendly
View Map

What makes it 85% Solo-Friendly: The wheel offers affordable single tickets, short wait, solo riders can get private gondola seats, panoramic photos, and waterfront access makes it an easy, flexible stop for lone travelers.

Google
Reviews4.6/ 5
(from 11,744 reviews)

Positives:

  • Climate Control: Gondolas are heated in winter and air-conditioned in summer for comfort.
  • Onboard Narration: Built-in audio explains Seattle’s waterfront history as you spin.
  • Pier Access: Pier 57 offers benches and photo spots before or after your ride.

Challenges:

  • Weather Exposure: The pier can be windy and wet; bring a rain jacket or umbrella.
  • Peak-Time Lines: Weekends can have 30-minute waits; arrive early to skip the queue.
  • Limited Winter Hours: Hours may shorten in winter months; check the schedule ahead of time.
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🏖️ Explore The Seattle Great Wheel with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around The Seattle Great Wheel. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is The Seattle Great Wheel?

  • A giant Ferris wheel on Pier 57 extending over Elliott Bay
  • A 175-foot-diameter structure fitted with 42 fully enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas
  • A contemporary landmark that punctuates Seattle’s waterfront skyline

What is so special about The Seattle Great Wheel for solo trip?

  1. Ride solo in a climate-controlled gondola with bay and city views.
  2. Hear narrated stories about Seattle’s waterfront history as you spin.
  3. Catch the weekend LED light show free from the pier.
  4. Use the slow ride for photography sessions of the skyline.
  5. Enjoy easy access to waterfront walks and nearby dining.

Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours

Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Allows one 12-minute gondola ride and time to explore the pier walk and LED show without hurry.

(View The Seattle Great Wheel on Map)

Solo-Friendly Activities in The Seattle Great Wheel

Standard Gondola Ride:

Ride alone in a climate-controlled gondola with views of Elliott Bay and downtown.

Tip: Buy your ticket early to avoid lines and pick a window seat for best views.

LED Night Light Show:

Watch the Wheel’s LED light display from the pier at night.

Tip: Visit Fri–Sun 8–10pm for the full color show and find a bench near the railing.

Photography Session:

Use the slow rotation to capture skyline and waterfront shots.

Tip: Bring a small tripod or brace your camera on the gondola wall to steady your shot.

Miner’s Landing Stroll:

Walk the pier before or after your ride to see ferries and Olympic Mountains.

Tip: Head north along Alaskan Way on clear days for the best mountain views.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to The Seattle Great Wheel

  1. Buy Online: Purchase tickets on the official site to skip the on-site line.
  2. Sunset Timing: Book a ride 30 minutes before sunset for both daylight and city light views.
  3. Choose Window Seats: Select a window-facing gondola cabin for unobstructed panoramas.
🏖️ Tour The Seattle Great Wheel like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in The Seattle Great Wheel. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of The Seattle Great Wheel

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Andrew Hansen

Andrew Hansen

Oct 2025

The Seattle Great Wheel is a fun experience and a great way to see the city from a new angle. The views of the waterfront and mountains are awesome, especially at sunset. The ride feels smooth and safe, and the cabins are surprisingly comfortable. It is a bit pricey for how short the ride is, but you’re really paying for the view and the novelty of it. Overall, it’s a solid 4-star stop if you’re e...

Ajit Kumar K

Ajit Kumar K

Oct 2025

The Seattle Great Wheel is one of the best attractions on the waterfront! The ride offers incredible panoramic views of Elliott Bay, downtown Seattle, and the Olympic Mountains—especially beautiful at sunset or after dark when the wheel lights up. Each gondola is enclosed and climate-controlled, so it’s comfortable no matter the weather. The staff are friendly and efficient, and the whole experien...

Marcin Przeworski

Marcin Przeworski

Sep 2025

This is a fascinating attraction that offers stunning views of the city’s beautiful infrastructure and the picturesque bay. It’s an excellent spot for anyone interested in urban design, architecture, or simply enjoying scenic vistas. The vantage point provides a unique perspective of the city's skyline, with its impressive buildings and thoughtfully planned layout, perfectly complemented by the tr...

Casey Grady

Casey Grady

Sep 2025

Little pricey, but it's a tourist destination so the wife and I had to do it while visiting Seattle and cheaper than Navy Pier. We went around 5 rotations allowing you to take in all the sights and plenty of time for pictures. Your group is able to get a cabin to yourselves, up to 6, which is nice for some time away from other tourists. We all know how that can be.

Tabitha Heckman.

Tabitha Heckman.

Sep 2025

The Seattle Great Wheel was such a fun experience! The views of the city skyline, Elliott Bay, and the mountains were absolutely breathtaking. The ride felt smooth and safe, and the staff were friendly and welcoming. It’s a perfect way to see Seattle from a new perspective, whether you’re visiting for the first time or a local enjoying a day out. Highly recommend it, especially around sunset!

When is the best time to visit The Seattle Great Wheel (Seattle, United States)?

Arrive pre-sunset in summer for day-to-night views. In winter, gondolas stay warm, but dress in layers for the pier. Catch full LED shows Fri–Sun 8–10pm.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Seattle on Trip.com

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Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Standard Gondola TicketUSD 17
Coffee or SnackUSD 7
Total EstimatedUSD 24

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of The Seattle Great Wheel

Address: 1301 Alaskan Wy, Seattle, WA 98101, USA

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About The Seattle Great Wheel

Opening Hours

Monday:11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday:11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday:11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday:11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday:10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday:10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday:10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+1 206-623-8607

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