Known for its spectacular views of planes taking off and landing over the Potomac River, Gravelly Point Park is a favored leisure destination for Washington, D.C. locals. Situated along the scenic Mt. Vernon Trail, Gravelly Point provides a great starting point for scenic bike rides and walks. It's also an ideal location to fly kites, birdwatch, picnic, or just spend a laid-back few hours recuperating from all the stress of travel.
Parking and public transportation at Gravelly Point Park
With its own exit off the George Washington Memorial Parkway and an ample parking lot that rarely fills, Gravelly Point is most easily reached by car. Bikers can access the park via the Mt. Vernon Bike Trail, however those using the DC bike share system are not advised to do this, as there aren't any close bike stations. Pedestrians should use the Crystal City Metro stop (South Bell St. exit) to reach the Mt. Vernon Bike Trail (off of Crystal Drive, just to the right of Crystal City Water Park) and walk to the park via the trail (will take roughly a half an hour).
Best and worst time to go
The park is open daily from dawn until dusk, and there are really no bad times to visit. Be aware, though, that during afternoons/evenings and particularly nice weekends, the park can be a very popular destination.
Admission to Gravelly Point Park
Gravelly Point Park is free, and completely accessible to all visitors.
Must see/do at Gravelly Point
THE activity at Gravelly Point is plane watching. Roughly every 15 minutes planes either taking off from or landing at Ronald Reagan National airport pass so low overhead visitors will feel the vibrations (plugging your ears is advised). To see a 747 in flight so up close and personal is a completely unique, and absolutely unforgettable experience.
Other places to visit near Gravelly Point
For those biking to Gravelly Point, continuing along Mt. Vernon Trail will not only give you spectacular views across the river into DC, but will also bring you to Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Island, another great place to visit. You can also head over to the National Mall, using the pedestrian lane of the 14th Street Bridge.
Insider Tip
It is best to go to Gravelly Point when the wind is blowing North to South. That's when planes will pass over the park as they are landing, rather than taking off. The landings are much closer, and much more impressive, than the take-offs.
Author's bio: Margaret Sessa-Hawkins has been living in DC since she was born, with the exception of a few brief residential stints in Malawi, South Africa, and the UK. When not writing, she spends her time working on aerial acrobatics and fostering kittens, both of which are really fun facts to bring up at D.C. cocktail parties.