Pacific Science Center, Seattle: How to Visit and What to Do Nearby

The Pacific Science Center occupies five buildings at the foot of the Space Needle in Seattle Center, designed by Minoru Yamasaki for the 1962 World's Fair with its signature white arches and reflecting pools. Permanent exhibits include a tropical butterfly house holding over 500 free-flying butterflies, a saltwater tide pool, and two IMAX theaters. The Willard Smith Planetarium presents daily shows under a 14-meter dome. General admission runs around $26 for adults with separate tickets for the planetarium and IMAX films. is just one of many options in Seattle. Major attractions worth considering include Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, Mt. Rainier National Park, and Olympic Sculpture Park.