Donald D. Engen Observation Tower

A 164-foot observation tower at the Udvar-Hazy Center, giving a full 360-degree view over Dulles and the surrounding area, with live ATC audio piped in and staff on hand with information on arriving and departing flights. Free entry, and combines naturally with the air and space museum below - which houses the SR-71 and Discovery. Access is by lift only, and queues build at busy times.

Lens guide

100-400mm for runway movements; Dulles is a large field and the tower sits back from it.

Best time

Open 10:00-16:30 daily. Clear days are much better - haze significantly degrades the view at this distance.

Parking

Free museum entry but parking costs around $15. Lift access only to the tower.