Gravelly Point Park is amazing. My friends and I have nicknamed this place "The Airplane Park" but it is so much more than that. Sure... it's one of the best spots in the country to watch planes take off... but it's also great for people watching, playing frisbee, kicking a soccer ball around, having a picnic, a make out spot, and if you're really daring... skinny dipping. Depending on which way the winds are blowing, is going to give you the different views of take offs and landings. I like both, so I am not one of the people that checks the reports. There are trash cans, and port-a-potties near the bike trail... but they're generally kinda full due to the amount of people that come here on nice days. So, if you've never been here, I highly recommend you give it a try - you won't be disappointed. I promise. If you are, I give you permission to private msg me and give me an tongue lashing. :-P read more

It's a shame that the first time I came to Gravelly Point Park was just yesterday! Gravelly Point is a lovely little spot that is just perfect for a nice stroll, picnic, or a place to let your dog(s) get some fresh air. I also really enjoyed watching the planes fly by overhead. There are lots of bike riders and runners/walkers, but not once did the park feel overcrowded or hectic. Definitely will be coming back here again and again with my little pup! read more

Gravelly Point - Parks Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

This place is superb. It's good any time of day, any time of year. You know why? Because the planes are constantly coming in and going out, and it feels pretty amazing to stand with your arms in the air just a few feet below a giant airplane. A great romantic getaway in the evenings. Bring a blanket and find a quiet spot. You can bike there on the Mt. Vernon Trail, which I HIGHLY recommend by the way. If you're driving, be sure you are on GW Parkway heading towards DC. You can't access the park heading south. read more

I absolutely love this park and can't say it enough! Growing up in the DC area, I've gone to this park all of my life and it seems to become more and more enjoyable every time. There's a sense of calm and excitement all at once that I feel when I'm there. It's my go to spot for a picnic, to show out of town family/friends, and sometimes just a place to hang out when I need a break. There are a few benches/picnic tables, but I would suggest bringing a sheet to sit on if you plan to picnic. There's a bike trail and great views of DC. The huge parking lot is a plus (and free!) The only downside is the porta-potties. It stinks when you walk by them and they aren't really useable (too dirty). :/ read more

Great place for a great view of planes taking off. It still amazes me that we've figured out how to get something so heavy to fly through air. Even better than watching the planes (for me) is watching the l'il kids get all excited and jump around every time a plane passes over head Watching them get all hyper about the planes makes me want to be a kid again. My only complaint ar ethe overflowing trash cans :-P And pple blaring music from their cars that other pple might not care to listne to. read more

So fun! A D.C. must if you live here for over a year! I've been there with friends at night (about 8:30/9pm) and it's so fun to stand on the pathway as the planes come in to land. I like to put my hands in the air. Whoosh!!! Right over your head. We've typically spent 20 minutes or so watching the planes. Park closes at 10pm. Also, there are port-a-potties there in case you need. To get there, heading north on GW Parkway, it's the first exit after Reagan airport. If going from D.C., head on GW Parkway South and exit to the airport, exit the airport on to GW Parkway North and take the first exit -- Gravelly Point Park. read more

Didn't realize there was a place this cool so close to me. This is a must-see destination for people of any age. Whether you are with family, friends, that special someone, pets, or even just on a casual stroll by yourself, anyone would be amazed at the sheer proximity to one of mankind's greatest engineering feats. Bring a camera, bike, blanket, and picnic basket to take advantage of the scenery. It's a little frustrating to get parking, especially on the weekends or evenings. Also, Reagan National Airport could assist by putting up more signs directing drivers to the park. Other than that, it is quite an unforgettable experience. Feeling, hearing, and seeing a plane only a few yards above you coupled with the gorgeous backdrop of Washington DC makes Gravelly Point Park one of the most unique locations in the DMV. read more

This is a great place to go sit on a blanket in the evening and watch the planes come and go. So if you are looking for a good after dinner in Old Town date option, this is a good one. Last night the planes were coming in over the point and landing on the nearby runway. There were adults and kids all sitting in awe of the planes so close overhead. There was also a guy there taking pictures of the planes making their approach, so if you are into photography, this could test your skills at motion shots. The odd thing about this place is the cast of characters in the parking lot who are there to "be seen" with their "fancy" cars and booming music. I bet you can find a few teens necking in the lot as well. read more

Ever since I was a young lad, I've always had a fascination with airplanes. And helicopters too, but those don't seem to land at DCA so that's irrelevant to this conversation! I've been to a lot of cool places in this region but never here. Now I know where I'm taking visitors and dates when they tire of the typical DC tourist stuff. Planes come by fairly frequently in good weather, although depending on the wind they will either land or take off towards the park. This is about as close as you can get to an airplane without working at an airport and it's always fun to see people's reactions to having their first big airliner zoom over them. It's a shame there aren't any 747s that fly into DCA because that would be AWESOME to see. read more

You can watch planes take off and land at a ridiculously close distance, sit in the grass beside the Potomac, play soccer in the field, and just chill out. The Mount Vernon trail goes through it as well, and it's one of the better trails for jogging, biking, walking, unicycling, skipping, cartwheeling, strutting, or whatever you feel like. In other words, it's an awesome park that every local should go to at least once. read more

This is a great place for outdoor activities to either start from or take place in and around. The locale is in line with the River Approach (N-S) runway at DCA, so regardless of the pattern, so long as the N-S is open, you get flights overhead. The best time to view the planes, if that is your thing, is to get there when the N-S runway is the takeoff pattern rather than the landing as the planes are much lower on take-off. Outside of planes, the varied and miles long northern VA bike path system passes right through here, there is a good amount of parking, it is in a great location to get into and out of regardless of traffic patterns elsewhere, and the crowds tend to stay away in the early AM to mid-morning hours. Get there between 7-9am and you will get parking, I have gotten parking easily up til about 11am in fact. The crowds get a little thick the closer you stay to the airport, but venture north on the trail and they thin out quickly. I like to rollerblade here, or just sit, read a book, and enjoy the shade of a willow tree and the view of the National Mall from across the Potomac. I often bring visitors here as a nice wind-down day or early in the morning to avoid the DC crowds. read more

Why did it take me so long to make it out here? Why haven't you made it out here yet? This is a place of magic. The setting sun twinkles off the far away plane. As it draws closer and turns above the river, you see its flashing wing tip lights, mimicking the fireflies flitting between the laughing children and picnicking families. People stand near the trail in tight clumps, some listening to the tower radio, others just staring, mouths agape. The plane comes closer, its landing gear down and suddenly it's right above you. 30 feet, 50 feet, you think you could hit it with a rock. It flies past, engulfing you in a wall of noise before touching down with a puff of smoke. The children's laughter picks up again as another plane enters the queue. read more

I've come here a couple times now for a relaxing afternoon of laying on a blanket and watching the planes fly overhead. I must say, it's pretty awesome being so close. I'd say this is one of the best places for a picnic date close to DC. Grab a blanket and some food/wine (they say it isn't allowed fyi) and come on down! As for more logisticial issues- it's usually pretty crowded, and there's not too much green grass to sit on, but there's a large parking lot that usually accomodates everyone. There's 4 portapotties that smell absolutely terrible. And you can only enter the parking lot when travelling north on GW parkway. read more

A cool little spot right on the Mt. Vernon Trail to watch planes fly in/out of Reagan Natl Airport. Every time a planes flies by (and they fly really low!) I kept thinking how much my niece and nephew will love hanging out here. There are a few picnic tables and chairs scattered around the park but there's plenty of grass space to spread your blanket and claim your spot. Put lots of sunscreen though if you plan on hanging out for awhile. There's not much shade unless you get lucky enough to snag the few tables under the trees. Make sure you have water with you too since there's no water fountain around. Or maybe don't drink too much liquid so you won't be forced to use the porta potties. There's a free parking lot but I assume it's really packed on weekends. The airport is not that far so you can probably take the metro to Reagan and walk on the trail to get here. read more

This place is so romantic and uncrowded at night. Also it is windy there, so guys, don't forget to give your jacket to your girlfriend. read more

Perfect place to see the 4th of July fireworks. Not many people (in comparison), you can see 4 different sets from one are, and not loud whatsoever! Note: For main fireworks, walk on the path along the water & go all the way down. They were huge. And awesome. Red Hearts in fireworks??? :) So cute. I was assuming they'd spell out WILL U MARRY ME? next. There's always next year. read more

Perfect place to enjoy the sights of airplanes flying out and in. Sometimes, when I was in mood to check it out and I came to see too many people mingling there... Parking's a headache. Small place but other than that, I really like it. Hains Point is a better place to check it out and different view of watching airplanes flying around. And that is if you enjoy the rumbling. read more

So much fun! Just be aware that if you do not have a car, it is a bit of a pain to get here and not the safest as bikers zoom by on the bike/'walk"path leading to the park, though the way the bikers treat it, does not feel much like a walking/running path too. Go to the airport metro. A bit complex to get to, but can be done and once you arrive, it is incredible, if not windy! read more

This park is one of the better ones in the area, especially if you dont live nearby and need to park. Parking lots are on both sides of the GWP, providing full access to the park, Mt Vernon Trail and even Crystal City (long walk via the trails). It gets crowded, and if you have little kids who don't like loud noises, the aircraft will freak them out. If you like watching the show on the runway however, you'll love this park. Tables to eat on: yes; port-a-potties: yes; large field for sports: yes (but not perfectly leveled or cultivated); pets: yes, but leashed as required by the city. read more

Wow! This place is fantastic. What a neat place to just marvel at the commercial planes landing into Reagan. When I went this weekend, there were two tour buses, so even the tourist have figured out this gem of a spot. If you think it's fun to stand on a grassy lawn next to the Potomac and along a trail to wait for the numerous plans to fly close over your head--this is the place to do it. Bring a jacket, it may get brisk next to the water! There are a few picnic tables and plenty of grassy area for outdoor games, and it's puts you right onto the trails! I could see this place being a nice place for a date or just a fun place to bring your family to explore DC a little more. But could someone tell me why the stinky porta potties are right next to the entrance of Gravelly Point. Couldn't there be a better place to place it than right next to the entrance/exit! Plenty of parking and can only be reached if you're on GW Parkway going northbound. read more

Water, breeze, picnic tables, cheery tree, green grass, moon, planes, crickets... very nice. Lay down between the runway lights and the curve of the bike path and you'll find yourself in the best spot. Facing away from the runway, you'll note light at about 10 o'clock. Those are the ones you want. Wait for it, wait for it.... If you hear odd wind noises after the plane lands, that's normal, not freaky. As for closed from 10-6am... well, I was there at 9:30 and didn't see any park police. Sitting near the water I didn't even know there were other people at the park. Best on a full moon night likely as there is very limited-no park lighting. VERDICT: Returning on bike soon. read more

We loved our visit to Gravelly Point Park! We went during the early afternoon, set out a blanket, ate our picnic lunch, and watched the planes. I wouldn't say the noise is deafening- it is loud, but only for a few seconds. It's worth it! There were plenty of families there, some fishing or boating, some having picnics and others just enjoy the view. There were A LOT of people biking and running through the area, so it's a popular spot for that. You can see the airport in one direction, Capital building in another, and Washington Monument/Jefferson memorial in another. There is plenty of parking available, and it is easy to get to via car. There are also port-a-potties available if the need arises. Bring your camera- lots to photograph!! I would definitely recommend spending an afternoon at Gravelly Point, whether you're a local or showing someone around the area! read more

This is where you can watch airplanes land and take off from Reagan National Airport. It's a smaller park but great for picnics on the lawn to even working out, going for a run, or riding your bike on the trail around the park. It does get packed but parking is usually not a problem. It is hard to get to depending where you are driving from and will have to turn around at the airport. Other than that, the best time to go is at sunset the views are magnificent. read more

I'm a jet-setter wannabe, so watching planes take off and land hits the travelling nerve I've been trying to suppress while I'm in school. Watching the runway activity makes me reminisce of the memorable travels and stirs memories of the rush of take-off that gets me psyched for travelling anywhere from as far away as southeast Asia or as close as NYC on the Delta Shuttle. As a park it's small and paved parking is limited, but this place is great to drive your car, pull up to a grassy plot and enjoy the people watching and the airport scene. My only problem with this place is the crowd on busy days - hard to find parking and a pain to bike through if you're on the Mount Vernon trail. Better to access the park from the south on the GW Parkway unless you take a detour through the airport if you're coming from the north. read more

This is a good place to hop on to the Mount Vernon Trail, especially if you want to head north and into the city across the 14th St. Bridge for a run around the mall. Parking is much easier than it is on the other side of the river (near the Tidal Basin), but it can get busy when the weather is nice. My major gripe with this park is the porta potties. Lots of other parks along the Mount Vernon Trail have actual bathrooms (Jones Point Park, Belle Haven, Lady Bird Johnson, Roosevelt Island). Gravelly Point is probably the most popular park along the Potomac, and yet they still have a row of stinky porta potties. And no water fountain. Also, heading south from Gravelly Point takes you along the least scenic mile and a half stretch of the MVT. The trail is right next to the parkway at this point, with very little in the way of trees or shrubs in between you and the road. On your other side is the airport.But if you head north, once you get past the terrible porta potty line, the smell and the views get a lot better. If you're into watching planes take off and land, this is definitely the place to do it. They get so low, you feel like you could reach up and touch them. TIP: This park is only accessible from the northbound lanes of the GW Parkway. read more

Fun free park that has nothing but trees, grass, water and planes that get super close! If you have sensitive kids I would bring ear muffs because it can be loud! Also, remember food if you want to pack a picnic and water bottles. Also there are plenty of Porto-potties but bring your own hand sanitizer. The trees are great for small kids to climb. The parking lot is large so there should be space. Overall great experience and steps from the airport! read more

Gravelly Point - So close! - Parks Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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I have to say I was pretty underwhelmed by this park. Could be because it was extremely hot and sunny out. Or because I'd be wanting to check it out for so long that I built it up in my head. The main attraction here is the planes (that was the best part of my experience). I doubt people would hang out here if there wasn't that feature. I don't know if I'd even call it a park; it's a (not well tamed) grassy area with very few trees and a path running through it. There aren't any grills or anything either, so be sure to bring a picnic if you're looking for that. So much room for improvement. It gets very busy on the weekends so if you're looking for shade, try and get there early. The best photo ops are directly under the flight path of the planes, so be sure to scope that out before getting too comfortable. It's not as exciting to view a plane from the side, you can do that anywhere. I'm glad I checked this off my Arlington bucket list, but I probably won't be back. read more

A great stop along the Mt. Vernon Trail to take a break and watch planes fly in and out of DCA. On weekends you can see family having picnics, people playing soccer, photographers snapping pictures, and people taking their boats out. Simple park but still wonderful! Side note if you are on a ride/run and need a bathroom break, there are port-o-potties here. read more

I went there last year for the 4th of July. The location is really nice for watching fireworks and it's fun to see the planes veering hard to stay out of the way that night. We walked there and the path was a bit long. Some people gave up partway and watched the fireworks just off the path, rather than trek all the way to the park. We had a clear view of the capitol building and Washington Monument. I can imagine this being a fun place to watch planes coming and going from Ronald Reagan on a normal day. read more

We came here with friends for a picnic on a Sunday around noon. We found a picnic bench to use. The planes flew so close! It was such fun!! If you are an airplane lover, this is a great spot. There's even free parking, a bike path, and a football/soccer field. read more

Gravelly Point - Parks Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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Nice park to just relax and watch the planes as they take off from DCA. Mount Vernon trail goes right through here, so it's enjoyable to take a break from a run or bicycle ride to enjoy the scenery. You can see the capitol building, Washington monument, and Jefferson memorial from here. There is plenty of parking. The only downside is they only have porta potties here, so I recommended going to the bathroom before your arrival here. read more

Gravelly Point - Parks Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Absolutely loved this place, my partner is a pilot so we had lots of fun coming here around sunrise to watch the 'birds' fly by ;) It's amazing how close you can get to these planes to watch them land and take off. One of the best dates I've had in a long time. I could easily sit here all day and have a picnic while I watch these beautiful planes fly over me. Such a hidden gem in DC, I'm so glad I found it!!! read more

Gravelly Point - Look up - Parks Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Great park and really fun, but the day we went in August it was FULL OF LITTER! so much trash!!! I could barely find a place for the kids to spread their blankets just so much litter. Please supply more trash cans or someone to clean up the litter. read more

Gravelly virgins who are airline geeks - you might cream your pants on first sight of a narrowbody landing here. Bring a moist towelette just in case. ***HOT TIP*** Be sure to check the METARS (aviation weather report) at AirNav to see where the winds are coming from, and ergo which way the planes are landing. If the winds are coming from the north, that means the planes are landing from the south and you won't get the close-up landings. It's a pity that DCA can't accomodate widebodies; then we wouldn't have to go all the way to St. Maarten to experience jumbo jetblast up close. read more

Living in a place where you could easily review hundreds of the nations treasures, (who gives the Lincoln Memorial less than 5 stars?!) I try to focus on reviews that might encourage people to visit places they normally would not. With that being said the gravely point park is one of the hidden gems of the NOVA area. Great open land, right on the water so that the kids, the animals, the family acan play and follick while enjoying the sights and sounds of dc. read more

I love this park. Park your car, go for a run, come back and watch the planes take off and land. Play some kickball, stroll along the water, bring a book - watch the planes take off. Lots of parking too! read more

When it comes to parks, I would have to say this one is pretty special. Located literally right outside of Ronald Regan National Airport, you can park your car in a this large lot and do any of the following: 1. Watch the planes take off or land - it's pretty cool. The runway is right in front of you so planes are super low. Really low. It's loud, yes, but it's awesome to be so close to a plane in flight. You have to go to experience this. I've gone during the day and at night, both times of day wonderful but, if you're a fan of lights - go at night. The runway and airport lights are beautiful. You can lay in the grass for awhile just watching them. 2. Get your exercise on - There is a paved path starting at the park, going along side the river, and around to who knows where possibly to one of those bridges connecting to DC. Runners, roller bladers, lots of bikers were all on it as we took a walk. There was also a large grassy field to throw a Frisbee around, play tag, or kick a ball around. 3. Picnic - Perfect picnic spot! If you're there to watch planes, there are some picnic benches and plenty of grassy area to put a throw down. Or you can sit out of the sun under one of the big trees and watch people fall into the water off their jet skies. It was also nice to lay in the grass and not have any bug bites! 4. Watch children attempt to fish/avoid getting smacked with a fishing pole...(need I say more?) Nothing quite like a catch from the Potomac River... 5. Use a port-a-potty (or hold your business in.) Sure it's kinda gross and awkward to see but pretty useful if you have an over active bladder :) After one visit, I would have to say Gravelly Point has become one of my favorite parks. Definitely worth driving out to it. read more

There has to be better places to have a picnic than right outside an airport. I don't quite understand why it's so popular aside from its waterfront location and ample parking space. I do enjoy biking through here at night (I don't think you're supposed to but whatever) and I find it especially enjoyable on the days that the planes are landing. As the plane flies by, a short while afterwards you'll hear the turbulence or whatever that follows the plane. It's pretty cool. I think this place is worth a visit just for the novelty of it, but if you're looking for a place to have a picnic, there are better more relaxing choices. read more

I love airplanes. In my other life, the one I'd have had I known then what I know now, I'm an airplane mechanic. So Gravelly Point is one of my favorite, favorite places to go- it's most fun when the planes are taking off in the direction of the park, but it's plenty fun when they're coming in to land, too (how it goes usually depends on the direction of the wind and other conditions). Getting in and out is a little bit of a pain. You have to come up the parkway from the south, or else turn around at the airport, and if you need to go back southward, it can be a little tricky to figure out. In addition, the parking lots are always full by midday. You can park on the grassy parts of the lots, but I don't recommend it if your car sits low as it can be pretty bumpy getting on and off. read more

Love this park! Whether you're alone, plus one or more, this is a great place to just relax and watch the planes fly just above your head. There's a paved path for bike riders and a big open grass field to lie out on a blanket, or toss/kick a ball around. Great place to let the little ones run free (just not too close to the river). On a really nice day the parking lot can get packed, but I always manage to find a spot. Check it out. You really won't get it unless you come for yourself . read more