Gravelly Point — Local services in Washington

This place is incredible. The planes, when they're landing, probably come within 100 feet, which is amazing.

There's an open field and a few picnic tables scattered around, so it's a great place for a family meal or interesting outing.

I bike down to the district very often and typically stop at Gravelly Point, so here are a couple tips from my experiences:

This place gets very busy on weekends/summer days, literally hundreds of people. Like I mentioned before, there's a lot of room throughout the park, so you can always find somewhere to sit, but parking can be a bit of an issue if you don't arrive early enough.

There are 3-4 picnic tables right next to the water by the boat ramp that are rarely taken. Not only do you get one of the best views of the planes taking off and landing, but it's also seating, which is nice.

The Mt. Vernon Trail goes straight into DC. So, if you don't want to mess around with DC traffic or parking, you can always park here for free and walk/bike into the city. Just know you're looking at about 2-3 miles to get to National Mall, so it can be a little tiring. The Mt. Vernon Trail also links to the Four Mile Run trail which links to the W&OD trail, which means that you could, in theory, bike all the way out to Leesburg. It's great for cyclists.

This is a FANTASTIC place to watch DC fireworks on New Years of the 4th of July. Anyone who's spent time in DC during these holidays knows that you DO NOT want to mess around with tourist and local traffic. Skip it all and just watch the fireworks from here. You get a great, free view and get to skip out on sitting in traffic...

Gravelly Point, located just north of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport along the Potomac River, offers a unique and exhilarating experience for visitors. This popular spot is renowned for its exceptional views of planes flying the River Visual approach, providing an up-close and personal perspective on aviation that is rare to find elsewhere.

As you arrive at Gravelly Point, the first thing you’ll notice is the expansive green space, perfect for picnicking, playing sports, or simply relaxing. However, the main attraction is undoubtedly the constant stream of planes soaring overhead. The sight of aircraft descending and landing just a few hundred feet above is both thrilling and awe-inspiring, making it a favorite location for aviation enthusiasts and photographers alike. The planes seem almost close enough to touch, offering unparalleled photo opportunities that capture the sheer power and grace of these flying giants.

The park’s proximity to the Mount Vernon Trail also makes it a convenient stop for cyclists and joggers. The trail runs parallel to the river, providing stunning views of the Washington, DC skyline, the Potomac River, and the majestic planes. Whether you’re pausing for a rest or making it your destination, Gravelly Point adds a dynamic visual element to any outdoor excursion.

Families will find Gravelly Point to be a perfect outing spot. Children are often mesmerized by the low-flying planes, and the open fields provide plenty of space for them to run and play. Meanwhile, adults can enjoy the serene views of the river and the excitement of the aviation...

This park is near and dear to my heart and in my soul. I grew up in Mount Vernon and my son was born in Alexandria so when he was a toddler until grade school we came every weekend to this park to watch the planes take off & talk to the plane spotter guy with the camera & binoculars. I don't know if he's still there.

GW Parkway was my drag from teens to my 40s! I'm devastated to hear about the collision between the Black Hawk and the AA plane. I have so many similarities to the victims: I'm a parent trying to help my son succeed in life, husb is an Army vet, my alma mater is Howard University, etc. I've flown in and out of DCA more than IAD for dream vacations and experiences. I've ridden the subway from Huntington to Shaw/Howard and passed by DCA many times.

We have gone to this park on so many days, every season, every year and as recently as Christmas when I visited my parents. I live in Pennsylvania now, but we always drive GW into Old Town and to Gravelly Point and sometimes into DC. I love this park and it reminds me of my life when my son was a baby. I love seeing all the people of different nationalities here trying to live their...