Gravelly Point Park

A riverside park on the Potomac immediately off the end of Runway 01, where arrivals pass a few hundred feet overhead. Part of the National Park Service land along the George Washington Parkway, with the Mount Vernon Trail running through it. Genuinely one of the most accessible major-airport spots anywhere - grass, picnic space, and jets directly above. Popular with families, cyclists and joggers as well as spotters.

Lens guide

24-70mm for aircraft directly overhead; 100-400mm for approaches further out over the river.

Best time

Best during Runway 01 arrivals (north flow). Reagan National has a 22:00-07:00 curfew, so no night movements.

Parking

Free lot accessible only from the northbound George Washington Parkway. Fills quickly on weekends and in good weather. Bike access via the Mount Vernon Trail.