Space Needle

Seattle, Washington

Built for the Seattle World's Fair, opened on April 21, 1962, 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: "The Eye of the Needle," which still makes a complete rotation once every 58 minutes.

Some facts to consider if you're thinking of visiting the Space Needle: The structure is 605 feet high. 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, and was originally painted in "Orbital Olive," "Re-entry Red," and "Galaxy Gold." A natural gas flame burned from the top spike. In its base, as part of the World's Fair, was the "Dentistry Through the Ages of Man" exhibit.

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.