The highest (and coolest!) observation decks in the USA

Height: 4,000 feet

The breathtaking Grand Canyon Skywalk is just two hours from Las Vegas. Located on the Hualapai Native American Reservation on the West Rim of the majestic Grand Canyon, this $30 million glass cantilever bridge is not for the faint of heart. The 10-foot-wide glass bridge extends from the red limestone canyon’s rim and soars 4,000 feet above the Colorado River and canyon floor.

What to expect: When Skywalk opened in 2007, the 70-foot horseshoe-shaped, glass-bottom bridge was the largest of its kind. In addition to picturesque views, the Skywalk also has exhibits about the Hualapai Nation and Native American History and the Sky View Restaurant.

Height: 1,450 feet

The highest observation deck in the U.S., Skydeck Chicago, opened in 1974. From 103 stories up, it offers, on a clear day, stunning views of up to 50 miles and four states: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Fans of the 1986 film Ferris Bueller's Day Off readily recognize the Willis Tower (formerly called the Sears Tower), where the cast famously pressed their foreheads against the glass and looked down at Wacker Drive and the Chicago River 1,353 feet below. It was this action that inspired The Ledge.

What to expect: Visitors can face their fears of heights on The Ledge, five glass boxes that extend 4.3 feet from the tower’s west side on the 103rd floor (get a sneak peek of the view from the live webcam on the 103rd floor). Skydeck Chicago underwent a renovation in 2021, including adding attractions of the lower level that include exhibits about Chicago and fun spots to take photos like a full-scale L train replica, a massive deep-dish pizza, a nine-foot-long Chicago-style hot dog bench, and statues of Chicago icons like talk show host Oprah Winfrey. Observation deck enhancements include interactive monitors, a sequin wall, and the footprints of where the Ferris Bueller's Day Off cast stood.

Height: 1,149 feet

You’ll definitely feel like a high roller atop The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower Casino, which boasts the tallest freestanding observation tower in the U.S. The two-story indoor/outdoor deck on levels 108 and 109 of The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower Casino includes video maps, shops, amusement rides, and enviable views from angled windows of the Las Vegas Strip.

What to expect: Those who are brave can ride Big Shot, which shoots riders up the tower's mast at 45 miles per hour, get propelled 27 feet over the edge on the X-Scream roller coaster, which teeters riders over the edge of the Tower from 866 feet high, or jump off via SkyJump’s controlled descent. After taking in the views from the 1,149-foot-tall Observation Deck, visitors can dine at 108 Eats and drink at 108 Drinks.

Height: 1,100 feet

New York is spoiled for choice when it comes to awesome observation decks. Opened in 2021, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is the city’s newest observation deck and also one of the most impressive. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is a three-level multisensory experience, immersing visitors in art, architecture, and views up to 80 miles. The space features an art installation by Kenzie Digital that includes more than 30,000 square feet of mirrors and giant floating orbs and, at night, immersive lights.

What to expect: The experience includes stepping onto the two glass ledges suspended 1,100 feet above Madison Avenue and snapping photos on the wraparound terrace. You can also dine at Nordic-themed Après. A highlight is riding Ascent, the world’s largest external glass-bottom elevator. Wear non-marking shoes and pants, shorts, or tights for your visit. Bring sunglasses because the observation deck has reflective floors and the space is bright, especially on sunny days.

Height: 750 feet

Ascend the 750-foot Tower of the Americas, and you'll see the Alamo City from a new perspective. The Tower was built in 1968 for the Hemisfair World's Fair, which celebrated San Antonio's 250th anniversary. Three elevators travel at 800 feet per minute, carrying passengers from the ground to the top of the 80-million-pound tower in 43 seconds.

What to expect: Located in downtown San Antonio, the Tower boasts the Flags Over Texas Observation Deck, revolving restaurant Chart House, a cafe, a gift shop, and the "Skies Over Texas" 4D Theater Ride. On the observation deck, photographs on the floor guide visitors to landmarks.

Height: 630 feet

Located in Gateway Arch National Park, the iconic Gateway Arch is the tallest man-made monument in the U.S. The concrete and steel arc rises 63 stories above St. Louis. Designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen, the 17,246-ton Gateway Arch was completed in 1965. It celebrates the westward expansion of the U.S. The Arch has 142 stainless-steel sections that required almost 900 tons of stainless steel when it was built, more than any other project in history.

What to expect: A tram takes visitors on a 45- to 60-minute tour, traveling 630 feet to the top of the monument. Once at the top, visitors can peer through windows for views that stretch up to 30 miles to the east and west. In 2018, the Gateway Arch underwent a $380 million renovation that included a new museum and visitor center. A note on accessibility: Visitors must be able to manage at least 96 steps, divided into six flights and may need to stand for 30­ to 60 minutes. There are no seating or restrooms at the top of the Gateway Arch.

Height: 605 feet

Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the 605-foot Space Needle is one of the most recognizable structures in the U.S. When it was built, the “400-day wonder” originally cost $4.5 million and took 400 days to build. The Space Needle was featured in the first live trans-Atlantic TV broadcast in 1962. The tower was topped with a flaming natural gas torch. The wasp-waisted shape of the tower was inspired by David Lemon’s abstract sculpture The Feminine One.

What to expect: Elevators whisk visitors in groups of up to 25 from the ground to the observation deck in 43 seconds. At the top, visitors can stand on The Loupe, the world’s first revolving glass floor. Located 500 feet above the ground, the 37-ton floor moves ever so slowly (fun fact: it takes 45 minutes for the floor to make one revolution and the glass has 10 layers). From The Loupe, visitors can see the inner workings of the Space Needle, including the elevators and The Loupe’s mechanics. More than 176 tons of glass was added during a recent $100 million renovation that focused on preserving the privately owned Space Needle. Since 2015, the Space Needle has hosted the Base 2 Space, an annual charity stair climb. Get a sneak peek of the panoramas with the Space Needle’s 360 live view.

Height: 470 feet

Since opening in 1978, Reunion Tower has been a beloved part of the Dallas skyline. Called “The Ball” by locals, the orb features 259 LED lights. The lights are lit in special colors on special occasions to convey important messages, cheer on local sports teams, and support special causes.

What to expect: Inside, visitors ascend 470 feet for panoramic views of the city from the indoor/outdoor GeO-Deck. The Reunion Tower cam gives a sneak peek of the views. Tickets include access to telescopes in the outdoor viewing area and a free digital photo.

Height: 282 feet

The Niagara Falls Observation Tower provides a heart-pounding bird’s eye view of the white waters of Niagara Gorge and Niagara Falls. The Niagara Falls Observation Tower juts out over the raging waters. It’s the only panoramic view of all three Niagara Falls, including the American Falls.

What to expect: The Niagara Gorge area is an Audubon Important Bird Area, and the tower is the perfect perch to birdwatch and see peregrine falcons, bald eagles, and several gull species. The observation deck offers convenient access to the base of the gorge, the Maid of the Mist boat tour, and the stairs to the Crow's Nest, where you can get blasted with the mist of the falls.

Height: 266 feet

The 266-foot Sunsphere was built for the 1982 World's Fair and features a five-story golden globe with panes of reflective glass made of 24-karat gold. The iconic 26-story structure closed after the fair. The once-shuttered observation deck reopened and debuted a new experience in 2022 thanks to Visit Knoxville in partnership with the City of Knoxville and the Public Building Authority.

What to expect: From the fourth-floor observation deck, visitors can enjoy beautiful views of downtown Knoxville, the Tennessee River, the Smoky Mountains, the University of Tennessee, and World's Fair Park, the original site of the 1982 World's Fair. The observation deck includes an exhibition about the 1982 World's Fair and a gift shop. A Welcome Center on the third floor is currently under construction.