Visitor Frequently Asked Questions

FAQS

We can’t wait to welcome you to the reimagined Smith Tower visitor experience. To help plan for your visit, answers to frequently asked questions are below. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact us at info@smithtower.com or 206.624.0414.

Tickets & Experience

How do I purchase tickets?

Tickets can be purchased online or at Smith Tower. We are not able to exchange, refund, or credit purchased tickets. Our historic Otis elevators have a limited capacity of seven people per ride including the operator.

Do you take reservations?

Reservations are not available for the Observatory. All seating and access to the 35th floor is based on availability. As a courtesy to all guests, please ensure your entire group has arrived before you ankle up to the Observatory, as incomplete parties will not be admitted to the 35th floor.

Can I bring a group?

Absolutely! Smith Tower is the ideal venue for gatherings and celebrations of all kinds. Groups of 15 – 40 guests should check out our Group Reservation options for day and evening. If you have more than 40 guests, contact our Event Management Team at 206.624.0795 to plan your event.

Can I bring my stroller? Luggage?

Yes, but please plan to keep it with you as we’re not able to provide storage.

Is Smith Tower wheelchair accessible?

The Smith Tower Visitor Experience spaces are completely ADA accessible, with the exception of the viewing deck due to the Historical Landmark status of the building.

How long should I plan on being at Smith Tower?

The duration of your visit is entirely up to you as the exhibits are self-guided so you can spend as much or as little time as you like taking it all in. Depending on visitor volume, there may be wait times to ride the elevator to the Observatory.

Do you have to be 21 years old to visit Smith Tower?

The Smith Tower visitor experience is for all ages.

I left something at Smith Tower, can you tell me if anyone found it?

If you left something behind after visiting Smith Tower, please report your item to lost and found.

Are restrooms available?

Restrooms are available on both level 1 and level 34 of the Smith Tower visitor experience.

Directions & Parking

How do I get to Smith Tower?

Smith Tower is conveniently located in the heart of Pioneer Square with easy access from I-5, I-405 and I-90 as well as all forms of public transportation.

Where should I park?

Pioneer Square offers an abundance of street parking and garage options. For your convenience, we recommend Butler Garage. Enter the promo code smithtower on the checkout page for a discounted rate.

Food & Beverage

Can we bring our own food and beverages?

Outside food and beverages are not allowed.

What are the hours of the Observatory Restaurant and Bar? What are your hours of operations?

The Smith Tower Visitor Experience is open daily. Please refer to the attractions & tours page for the most current hours of operation. The last elevator ride-up each evening is always one hour prior to closing.

Where can I view a copy of the Observatory Restaurant & Bar Menu?

Please visit the Observatory Bar page to view our current menus.

Does Smith Tower offer vegetarian, gluten-sensitive, or other dietary restrictions menu options?

Yes, we offer vegetarian, gluten-sensitive, and vegan items.

Gift Cards & Loyalty Program

Where can I buy gift cards? How can I check the status or balance of my gift card?

Think Smith Tower is the Bee’s Knees? We are thrilled to offer gift cards so you can share an original Seattle experience with your family and friends. Gift cards can be purchased online or in person at the Observatory Check-In or Observatory Bar. You can check your gift card balance at the same link listed above.

Gift Cards are valid on in-person ticket purchases, retail, and food and beverage.

What is your loyalty program?

In honor of our bootlegging roots, we offer a Rum Runner’s card so our frequent guests can enjoy exclusive benefits all year long. Check out our RUM RUNNER CARD for your all access pass.

Accounting

I have a question about my bill, who can I contact?

Please reach out to us at info@smithtower.com, and provide the date you visited, time of day and any additional information to assist with providing more information about your bill, and a member of our team will reach out to you.

Policies

Are pets allowed inside Smith Tower?

We love your furry friends, but we can only allow service animals.

What is your smoking policy?

Smoking or vaping is not permitted anywhere inside of Smith Tower or on the Observatory deck.

Events

I want to propose at Smith Tower, how can I set this up?

Some of our favorite legends of Smith Tower are romances, engagements, and weddings that happen high above Seattle. Please request more information from our sales and events team.

When is the event space available for rent?

Both the Observatory and The Lookout are available for private events year-round. Please contact our Event Management Team at info@smithtower.com or 206.624.0795 for more information about available dates, times and rates.

How much does it cost to rent the event spaces?

Rental fees for the Observatory and The Lookout vary based on event specifics. Please contact our Event Management Team at info@smithtower.com or 206.624.0795 for more information about available dates, times and rates.

Is there wireless Internet available in the event spaces?

Yes, there is complimentary Wi-Fi available in both the Observatory and The Lookout.

Who is my Smith Tower contact on the day of my event?

The Event Management Team will provide a primary contact throughout planning your event as well as onsite during the event.

Do you provide food and beverage?

Catering is provided by the Smith Tower culinary team, featuring a menu of locally-inspired favorites.

Can I provide my own alcohol?

All food and beverage items will be provided by Smith Tower. Specialty alcohol requests can be ordered on a case-by-case basis through the Event Management Team.

Who sets up for and cleans up after my event?

The Event Management Team will take care of all the details.

If I have outside vendors (flowers, cake, DJ/musician, etc.), where can they load/unload equipment?

Vendors can unload using the loading dock in the back of the building (between Second and Third Avenue off of Yesler Way and James Street).

Can I drop off decorations prior to my event?

Dropping off decorations can typically be arranged a couple of hours prior to your event through the Event Management Team.

What parking options are available for my guests?

Inquire about valet service options that would be available for an additional charge. If guests will be taking care of parking on their own, there are a number of parking garages within a block of Smith Tower, as well as ample street parking. We recommend DowntownSeattleParking.com for tips on parking locations and rates.

Can my guests go out on the observation deck during my event?

Yes, if your event is held in the Observatory your guests will have exclusive access to the observation deck. For events held in The Lookout, your guests will have access to the adjacent deck. Please note that beverages are not permitted on the observation deck. Smoking is not allowed anywhere in the building.