High vantage points afford civilians many benefits, including less gravitational pull and an increased likelihood of both seeing and not being eaten by gargantuan reptiles. Keep your head in the clouds with today's Groupon for annual Space Needle passes. Choose between two options:

• For $49, you get an individual annual pass and four complimentary passes (a $99.99 value).
• For $75, you get a one-year family membership for two adults and up to two children (ages 4-12) (a $149.99 value).

Originally erected in 1962, the 605-foot-tall Space Needle stands as both a beacon and a beaut, tantalizing tourists and inquisitive citizens alike with shopping, educational information, and gourmet dining areas towering high above the cityscape. The observation deck offers awe-inspiring 360-degree views of the lustrous waters of Puget Sound, the snow-capped peaks of the Olympic Mountains, and the ants below that, from that far up, look just like amoebas.

From the inside looking outward, guests can find free peers through the Space Needle's collection of Swarovski telescopes, which regale guests with close-up views of city landmarks. The colorful environmental graphics and educational displays help city-seers identify each tiny sighting. Five interactive SkyQ kiosks are also kept at finger's length, enabling hands to virtually explore the city via interactive maps, resident bios, and a 24-hour time-lapse depicting the city from sunrise to sunset to sunrise to infinity.

In addition to yearlong access, members of the Space Needle can bring along up to two guests per day at half-price admission. Members are also granted special deals on gift-shop photos and at the award-winning SkyCity restaurant, in which 360-degree rotation offers eye-catching views and enhanced digestion of spherical fare.