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Gravelly Point Park
Rating Details »
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
32 reviews for Gravelly Point Park
Gravelly Point Park is simply awesome. I knew that when I came here, I had to come with one of my bff's who happens to be an airline pilot. It's kinda crazy that we came on a day when it was raining - and not just drizzling, but downpouring! We got entirely soaked (due to me trying to protect my camera), but it was still awesome.
We arrived late on a Sunday afternoon around 4pm and figured we could watch from the car. Actually, it was only drizzling when we got there so we were able to stand outside for awhile to take photos. This lasted for about 15 minutes and soon it was pouring again.
Nonetheless, we had a great time watching airplanes takeoff and land. Watching my friend practically go giddy with each landing plane was quite entertaining for me. But the really great part was that since he's so knowledgable about them, I learned more about the plane - like history of it, how rare they are, if they still fly this kind, if it's a new model of plane, which airline might it be flying next, what kind of design is on the side, etc.
There was also a guy here who used to work in the tower and so he and my friend quickly became friends. He had a radio with him so he could tell us exactly when the next plane was coming and what kind it was. This guy is there almost every weekend, so if you see him, be sure to friend him.
I foolishly did not bring my telefoto lens but I eagerly await a return with said lens and hope for less rain and more plane photos.
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.
If you're into any of the following: bicycling, walking/jogging, the monuments, boating, jet skis, not damaging your bladder, picnics, seeing random, semi-organized, semi-sports teams stretching, and hearing loss, Gravelly Point is the perfect spot for you.
WHAT TO DO THERE:
I'll start with this: there are five port-a-potties here. And when you realize that everyone and their mom comes here on nice weekends, you'll really appreciate this fact. I sure did! I mean come on, does ANYONE enjoy waiting in line for a port-a-potty? Not only do you feel like your bladder's going to explode, but you're also left with the mental anguish of what all those people in front of you are doing in there. And as luck would I have it, I usually get stuck behind the dude who leaves a nice mound of poop that somehow doesn't sink into the blue abyss and stands like a triumphant Mount Crapmore. Come on, don't fake like that hasn't happened to you. In any event, every time I've peed here, I've peed into pristine blue waters. So thank you, whichever Park Commission is in charge of maintenance of this place, for cleaning out the port-a-potties regularly. Bravo!
For you cyclists, you're pretty much at the top-end of the Mt. Vernon Trail, so if you head north, you'll have to cross one of the bridges and head into the city, and you'll have a great view of the Capital bldg, Jefferson, Lincoln and Washington monuments, and the Kennedy Center. If you head south, the Mt. Vernon Trail is scenic and follows DCA and then the Potomac River. If you're an amateur cyclist like myself and you're also towing a baby in a carrier, you'll appreciate the fact that the first 4 miles or so have minimal crossings. Soon, however, you'll find yourself crossing a pretty busy section of Old Towne.
For you joggers/walkers, the cyclists are pretty friendly and you'll get "On your left!" or a bike bell quite frequently.
For those who listen to your iPods so loud that I can groove along to your music on the Metro, Gravelly Point won't bother you at all. But for those that have normal hearing, just remember that airplane jets are usually about 140 decibels, which is considered potentially hazardous, especially with prolonged exposure. So yeah, looking at the planes taking off and landing from just several hundred yards away is awe-inspiring, but be prepared to have that persistent RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING or BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP in your ears if you're there for a while.
And yeah, the few times I've been, I've always seen some semi-sports team doing some organized stretching here. I say semi-sports b/c most of them have the physique of a cubicle dweller. And I've never seen them actually play a sport together; they just seem to stretch and warmup for hours on end. There are two old school football goalposts and a large field that looks perfect for Ultimate Frisbee.
WHAT TO BRING:
Bring plenty of water as there aren't any shops close by. There are several picnic tables available, but they're usually occupied, so you may want bring something to sit on. There's plenty of space to throw around, so bring the balls of your choice.
HOW TO GET THERE:
As others have noted, you have to access the park from the South. So head down GW Pkwy and take the exit for Reagan National Airport and follow the signs for GW Pkwy North. The parking lot is closed from 10pm-6am and fills up pretty quickly on weekends. I usually have to circle around a few times and hope to catch someone who is just leaving.
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.
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.
I found myself getting lost on the way to Reagan National. I was ostensibly there for lunch with some colleagues who were flying into Reagan for an afternoon in town. You know the typical arrangement, come on down for lunch, we'll chat up the old days, etc.
Getting lost forced me to beg off on lunch. I approached from the South, as they advise, and I found myself in Gravelly Point Park, which was an absolute wonder to me. I took an old blanket out of the back of the Suburban and decided to make a picnic of the affair. I stripped whatever was useful out of the vehicle and made myself a little production. I had a candy bar, an old bottle of water, some jumper cables that I ran from the luggage rack to a pipe sticking out of the ground, an old rain suit that I hung for some shade, and I took an old frisbee and I threw it into the air, at just the right angle in order to sail it back to me.
The planes flew it, and the roar had a calming effect on me. I forgot about caring for my elderly Father--he has a form of dementia that causes him to lash out and say terrible things. I forgot about how much I missed being out on the water--we haven't been able to sail at all this summer. I forgot about home renovations, carping children, problem solving with blog software, and I even forgot about sunscreen. The hours went by. I was baked and burned to a crisp. I was thirsty and hangdog tired. I was free, at least for part of a day that I had no intention of making good use out of anyway.
Get yourself to Gravelly Point Park. I may have left the jumper cables out there--I do not know. It was dark when I left and I was so relaxed, I hardly felt like paying attention.
To repeat what Joye P. said, you need to approach the park from the south. If coming from the north, just swing in and out of Reagan to point you in the right direction. Other useful information - the parking lot (and essentially the park) is closed from 10pm - 6am.
Now onto the details - what a great place to take anyone!! You can see the Washington Monument, you can see the Capitol building, and you can see the underside of a plane a lot closer than you're probably used to.
There's plenty of space to roll out a blanket, play a game of whatever, or use one of the picnic tables for a nice lunch. Just keep in mind that a romantic meal may be interrupted by the 4:45 in from Chicago.
Enough jibba jabba, this is a very "DC" spot to check out. Get there soon!
As a resident of a tiny apartment in a high-rise building with only a small, grimy concrete balcony to call my own, I like to consider Gravelly Point my "backyard". This is my favorite place to jog, to walk my dog, to sit on a bench and do nothing, to study aviation patterns, and even to take a picnic (though my family thought I was nuts when I took them here and we ended up eating pizza off the ground. Apparently not everyone likes planes as background noise?!).
Be warned that on nice days (and pretty much every Saturday March - November), this place is packed by early afternoon. Come in the morning if your intention is to exercise (run/bike/kick around a soccer ball/etc.), or later in the evening if your intention is to have a leisurely walk. If you come in prime time, remember your safety rules (pass on the left, hand signals, verbal approach warnings, etc.) and don't get frustrated with the volume of people on the paths.
This is NOT an off-leash dog spot. While the rule isn't enforced, and I'll admit to letting my dog off-leash sometimes to fetch or sniff around, some dumb dog owners who can't control their dogs like to let them run wild, causing problems for the rest of us whose canine companions actually respond to "come" and "heel" (except when being chased by manic chow mixes - thanks, incoherent old guy. Seriously, did you not figure it out the first two times that maybe you *shouldn't* let your dog run loose, especially around small children?!).
And lastly - no kites. The signage is very clear, and do you really want to be the person that tested the water-landing skills of that 737 overhead?
I love this park-- been going to it for 8 years now. It's so cool to be able to stand directly under a landing plane... and the fact this park is on the water and has wide open fields is a definite plus. It's so calming (but I dig jet noise) and such an amazing experience.
The park closes at either dusk or 8p though... so if you go out there, go early. Also, it has it's own parking lot, which is very convenient.
Helpful tip: by car, Gravelly Point can only be accessed WHEN APPROACHING FROM THE SOUTH. Plan your route accordingly.
That said, this smallish swath of grass is an enchanted place. Planes approach for landing and fly right over the area, and they are very close. It's exciting to watch them land, overhead, one by one. Bring a blanket, some sunscreen and a picnic. Because it's on the Potomac River, there's always a breeze.
I highly recommend.
If you want the thrill of airplanes rushing past you, or simply want to relive the days of Top Gun, this is the place to go. I love this place and stop by any time I get the chance.
I thought this place was closed at dusk, but this place is still full even at night. I didn't see any posted signs about the hours. Just don't be disappointed if this place is closed at night.
It's more exciting to see the planes during daylight anyway...although you'll probably feel a little more self-conscious if you try to get your smooch on.
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
Pretty much one of the coolest, if not THE coolest date spot in the DC metro area. Bring a blanket and a picnic and you got yourself at least a few hours of great time with your bf/gf/blinddate/internetdate/homelesspersonyoupick eduponthestreet while you watch planes land right over your head.
It closes early though (I think around 9pm?) so if you're interested in scoping it out for a few hours in the evening, get their earlier rather than later. During the day, it's jam packed with groups, couples and families picnicing, playing football and just enjoying the fresh jet fueled air.
And if you don't live very close to the Mt. Vernon Trail, it's a great place to park and ride/run from.
I love watching the planes land and take off here with my main squeeze. Sometimes after we go out to eat, we just like to drive around. A lot of those times we end up at one of the D.C. area's random tourist spots or parks. Gravelly Point is one of our favorites, especially when the planes go right above us and we can look at their bellies through the sunroof.
It does get crowded sometimes, and I think it closes somewhat early, so keep that in mind.
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!
Just north of the runway for Washington National Airport you'll find this amazing little park. Planes land as close to 100 feet above your head.
I don't venture across the river much (Virginia state legislation doesn't look kindly upon The Gays) but this is worth the trip. On a nice fall day you can marvel at the planes and maybe catch a rugby match on the field nearby. I'm far too delicate to play but I appreciate the let's say talent of rugby players.
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.
There aren't many places in reality where you can pretend to be a pre-teen in some cheesy movie and watch the planes fly overhead while contemplating the meaning of life.
Gravelly Point is one of them! I wish they had a hotdog stand, though. If there were one, they would make a killing considering how many people stop there to watch the planes.
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.
It's late in the afternoon and you have a grumpy toddler who's just woken up from his nap. He's running around the house like the madman he is and you have to get him out. And yet, he's bored of the usual parks you take him too. Your son likes variety...what do you do?
Husband has a brilliant idea. Let's take him to National Airport to watch the planes take off! So we trek to Gravelly Point and watch son watch the planes. It's an immediate sedative. He likes airplanes in theory but seeing them up close concerns him. Are they really that loud? Are they really that big? But they look so cute when we watch them fly overhead from the picture window in our living room.
Next, we watch the boats and jet skis go in the water along the dock. Son continues to be mesmerized by all the new things he sees. He is quiet for the next half hour.
We leave the park, son completely sated of his appetite for machines.
All is right in our world at that moment.
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.
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.
Where else can you get that close to an air liner in flight?
Great place to out of town visitors, or take a break on your Mt Vernon Trail run/ride.
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.
What a load of fun! Friends took us here after dinner, and it was a great way to whittle away 15 minutes - would have been longer, but the temperature can drop drastically at night.
There's a nice jogging path nearby, and several picnic tables. Despite being chilled, we kept waiting for "just one more" while talking about returning for a picnic.
It's shockingly close to the runway - I won't repeat what our friends said about the various unsavory things that could be done from this close. Here's hoping it's not closed out of such fears.
I first visited Gravelly Point as part of a bicycling date. And I'll be honest: I didn't understand why people would bother to picnic on a sprawl of rocky ground with an airport landing strip dominating the view. I stood for a moment chatting with my date and trying to avoid other cyclists, thinking he was frankly nuts until a furious wall of sound built behind me and a plane descended DIRECTLY ABOVE my head onto the strip. I believe I actually yelled that sentence to my companion once my body's adrenaline wave settled. Suddenly, I understood everything, including the fact that only out-of-towners (as I was) fail to see the charm of lying on a blanket and watching planes swoop down to the tarmac. Now when I'm on the Mount Vernon trail, I pause a few moments to look for planes on the horizon, and dive into the grass to catch a glimpse of a plane's belly. I'm grateful for the awakening.
Awesome place to watch the planes. Great palce to park, if you're running on the trail.
It's much more impressive at night.
Searching for something different to do one day, my girlfriend and I got some Baja Fresh, smothie king a blanket and sat around watching the planes land. VERY COOL! I can't remember the last time I had had so much fun! Sure a picnic in the arboretom is nice and all, but what's the fun in that, add some loud low planes and you got yourself a picnic. Stand in the right spot and the planes seem close enough to touch, I can't wait to go on a day when they take off over the park!
Talk about one of the coolest feelings in the world. I went here with two of my friends and we centered ourselves and laid down on the grass right by where all those orange metal bar things are (not sure what they're called - but that's the PERFECT spot) and watched the planes fly overhead and land. They come in so close, it's such a rush. The first time, you feel like you're going to die... or at least that was the general consensus among the three of us. Great experience, I really enjoyed it.
The hubby and I went for a run, and we took a break here. How cool is it that as a running break, instead of just looking at some bugs or weeds or passing cars, we can actually watch PLANES look like they're going to land on us? I felt like I could touch the things! We tried to "race" the planes... but those darn flying machines won.
Very cool viewing area. Could be a romantic spot to sprawl on a blanket and watch the planes take off.
