We visited here with our two kids and just LOVED it. It was so fun to be able to see so many planes take off and land. We easily spent an hour or so here. My husband knows a lot about planes, so he would talk to the kids about what each plane was doing (wheels going up, wing flaps adjusting, etc...). We will definitely be back!

This small park is a great starting point for running or biking along the river. However, to say its main appeal is running or biking would misrepresent this park. The main draw is the takeoffs and landings of large planes at next-door Reagan International Airport. Especially at night, these takeoffs and landings are breathtaking. If you are traveling with kids of any age they will love this park. Pack food and drinks and tailgate as the big planes take off/land.

You can park at Gravelly to begin your run. Aim for Memorial Bridge and cross it to Lincoln Memorial. Run up to see him, say a few words and continue down to Washington Monument. It is one Mike. Then continue up the National Mall past Museums and landmarks. Then angle toward the White House if you like. Then back to Gravelly where you may see Marine 1 and escort.

As a diehard travel enthusiast there is nothing more enjoyable than watching a jet fly over and land. There are not too many viewing points in the United States that beat Gravelly Point for up close plane viewings take offs and landings. Gravelly Point is an inlet and a small body of water separates the point from the airport. There is no charge to watch and there is parking. There are also some awesome views of Washington. Tip: A fun way to get there is via the bike trail. Sit back, bring a bottle of wine and enjoy.

Gravelly Point is a great place to watch 4th of July fireworks! Don't drive though, the parking is awful. Then after the fireworks the traffic is ridiculous! Take the metro and walk 10-15 minutes to find a good place along the water. Take bug spray!

I reiterate "the bigmare" that this is indeed a not bad at all location to watch the 4th of July fireworks. A lot of people go there, but at the same time, you can't call it a crowd. Here are my tips: 1- You might try to drive, but if you don't find space to park, park in the nearest metro station and walk. I took the metro, but when I arrived, I found there were a couple of empty spots. in the park. Driving out of the park is hard as there are much more pedestrians. 2- I took metro to Crystal City, and then walked to the park using the Mt Vernon Trail. It took me 25 min, with a double stroller, loaded with two toddlers. I'm attaching the map with the walking path. The park is where my path ends (with the arrow). 3- I returned from the Regan Airport Station. It's much closer (about 15 min), but you have to walk through the airport premises and parking lots. I made this decision when I saw about 2/3 of the crowd leaving in the direction of Crystal City. 4- Viewing direction: Once in the park, look in the direction of the monument. The fireworks come up to its left. Make sure the monument and enough viewing area to its left are not obstructed by trees. I liked the location because I don't like when the fireworks blow up on top of my head. If you want to be just under the fireworks, go the mall. 5- There is a sign on the entrance that says the parking lot is closed 10pm to 6am, but I'm sure 4th of July is an exception. 6- No landing or taking-off planes disturbed the show.

Best plane spotting place I’ve ever experienced. A wonderful scenic spot on the return past Reagan National Airport where families congregate for picnics, bike rides, and ball playing. You can see jets arrive in the distance, hug along the Potomac, bank a sharp right to avoid entering D.C., and then fly directly overhead, landing approximately 100 yards beyond the water. It required a cab ride to get here because we hadn’t rented a car, but my son got some terrific photos and we all had major thrills watching the air traffic up close and personal. You can even feel and smell the departing air traffic lined up on the runway. The highlight was perhaps near the end when, for some reason, we experienced the “wake” of an Airbus A320 – remnants of sound lingered after the plane flew overhead as if an echo had returned from the dead. Highly recommended!

We found this informaion on Gravelly Point Park on the net. How crazy to be standing 500 ft from the touchdown of planes landing at Reagan National Airport. You line yourself up with the center of the runway and watch planes land, with them approxiamately 100 - 200 feet above your head. Access is only from the northbound lanes of the George Washington Parkway. (--) (--)

Situated on the Potomac river with stunning views of DC. Great place to relax and watch the planes land/takeoff. Food and ice cream trucks on site. Great place for family adventure.

Lots of people like to be right under the belly of the airplanes as they take ofd or land. This is the closest park area for that.