Gravelly Point Park is a grassy riverside park along the George Washington Memorial Parkway in Arlington, Virginia, directly beside Reagan National Airport and across the Potomac River from Washington, DC. It is not a swimming beach, and swimming is not permitted. The shoreline is a grassy bank with some rock and gravel, and the water is a wide, brown tidal stretch of the Potomac. The park's real draw is the view: it sits at the end of the airport's main runway, so aircraft pass very low overhead on takeoff and landing, making it one of the best plane-spotting locations in the United States.
The park is open and flat, with large lawns, picnic areas and a boat ramp, and the Mount Vernon Trail runs along its edge, carrying cyclists and runners between Alexandria and the capital. Views extend north across the river to the monuments of Washington, and the skyline looks especially fine at sunset. There is little shade and the area is exposed to wind and the noise of jets, which can be loud.
The atmosphere is informal and family-friendly. Aviation enthusiasts and photographers gather with long lenses, while families picnic and children watch the planes overhead. Facilities are basic: restrooms are limited, and there are no concessions or lifeguards, so visitors should bring food and water. Fishing and small-boat launching are possible from the ramp area, subject to local rules.
Access is easiest by car, with a free parking lot that fills quickly on weekends and warm evenings. Without a car, visitors take Metrorail to Reagan National Airport station on the Blue and Yellow lines and walk about a mile along the Mount Vernon Trail. Cycling from Alexandria or the District is another popular option. The park lies about five miles from the National Mall and is best visited as a short stop rather than an all-day destination.
| Distance | About 5 miles from the National Mall |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Metrorail Reagan National Airport (Blue, Yellow), then about a 1 mile walk on the Mount Vernon Trail |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Best season | April-October |
| Address | George Washington Memorial Pkwy, Arlington, VA 22202 |
Amenities
- Grassy riverside park
- Plane spotting from the runway approach
- Picnic areas
- Mount Vernon Trail access
- No swimming
Good to know
- Best for
- photographers, families, cyclists, plane-spotters
Location
George Washington Memorial Pkwy, Arlington, VA 22202
38.8585, -77.0410 View on map
Highlights
- Low-flying aircraft passing overhead at the runway approach
- Open lawns and picnic areas beside the Potomac
- Mount Vernon Trail running along the park edge
- Skyline and monument views across the river
- Boat ramp and fishing access
Tips for visiting
- Swimming is not permitted; the draw is plane spotting and views
- Bring ear protection for children, since jet noise is loud
- Arrive early on weekends; the lot fills quickly
- Walk or ride from Reagan National Airport Metro, about one mile on the Mount Vernon Trail
- Visit near sunset for the best skyline light
When to visit
April through October, with late afternoon and sunset the most scenic; weekday mornings are quietest.
Frequently asked questions
Can visitors swim at Gravelly Point Park?
No. Swimming is not allowed. The park is used for plane spotting, picnicking, cycling and walking.
How close do planes get at Gravelly Point?
The park sits at the end of the airport's main runway, so aircraft pass very low overhead on takeoff and landing.
How can visitors reach the park without a car?
Take the Metro to Reagan National Airport station and walk about one mile on the Mount Vernon Trail, or cycle along the trail.