Last weekend, the weather was beautiful, so we headed out to Gravelly Point Park, a unique park where you can watch airplanes soar overhead at incredibly close range.
Located right next to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (commonly known as Reagan Airport), this park sits just outside of Washington, DC — only about a 15-minute drive from the city center.
With the Potomac River flowing nearby and a relaxed, open atmosphere, it’s a surreal experience to sit in a peaceful park while watching planes from all over the world take off and land right above you.
What is Gravelly Point Park?
Gravelly Point is a free park in Arlington, Virginia, United States. It is located north of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, along the George Washington Parkway, and across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.
Gravelly Point Park sits directly along the extended runway of Reagan National Airport, and planes pass by at an incredibly close distance—just 100 to 200 feet above your head. With few obstructions around, it’s also a great spot for photography!
Right next to the park runs the Mount Vernon Trail, a scenic path that follows the river. When I visited on the weekend, the trail was filled with cyclists enjoying the day.
Surprisingly, the trail stretches all the way—about 18 miles (29 km)—to George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate!
I only walked a short section of it, but with a bike, it would be an amazing way to explore the area, taking in views of the Potomac River while discovering bits of local history along the way.
Basic Info & How to Get There
■Facilities
- Free parking lot
- Portable toilets
- Picnic benches available
■How to Get There
By car: Located along the George Washington Parkway, with free parking available.
By foot or bike: Easily accessible via the Mount Vernon Trail — perfect for cyclists and walkers.
What It Was Like That Day
We saw the planes this close! You can actually see every detail of the plane — even the parts underneath and the wheels — with your own eyes! The planes look absolutely stunning against the bright blue sky.
The trail you see in this photo is the Mount Vernon Trail I mentioned earlier.
Next up — a takeoff! The runway stretches out right in front of you, making this one of the best plane-spotting spots around!
In the bottom right corner of this photo, you can see the Washington Monument. It’s not in the frame, but just a bit further to the right, we could also spot the U.S. Capitol building in the distance.
I was using a free flight-tracking app called Flightradar24 to check where each plane was coming from while watching them fly overhead — it was so much fun!
There are benches in the park, but many people were also having picnics with picnic blankets or even setting up small tents.
That day, though, the temperature was over 95°F (35°C) — a seriously hot summer day! If you visit in the summer, be sure to come prepared for the sun.
To Wrap Up
The first time I visited, I was so amazed by the power and closeness of the planes that I couldn’t help but let out a loud “Wow!” When a jet roars right over your head — just barely clearing it — the experience is truly breathtaking.
Whether you’re a plane enthusiast, visiting with friends, a couple, or even with little kids, this spot is sure to impress.
I hope this post helps anyone planning a trip to the Washington, D.C. area — or those who live nearby and are looking for a fun weekend outing!
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