Space Needle

Seattle, Washington

Built for the 1962 Seattle World's Fair, the Space Needle is one of the world's most recognizable examples of "Googie" architecture. It's the American version of the Eiffel Tower, and the first international icon with a revolving restaurant on top.

Some facts to consider if you're thinking of visiting the Space Needle: The structure is over 600 feet tall. Its original name was "The Space Cage." There are 848 steps to the top (but everyone takes the elevator) -- the puny Statue of Liberty has only 354. Bruce Lee brought his future wife here on their first date. The Space Needle was designed by a man whose most famous previous work was a shopping mall.

In 2014 the Space Needle introduced a number of geeky add-ons to its observation deck, including "augmented reality" photo spots, a virtual reality kiosk, and special selfie-cams that offer vantage points for those who would rather look at themselves than the view. In 2018 it added "the world's first, and only, revolving glass floor," as well as angled glass panels that allow visitors to lean out and look straight down.