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CAE destination photo
DCA destination photo

CAEDCA

Our Recommendation
9.2

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers the premier view of the United States capital landmarks during the famous River Visual approach into DCA, including the Pentagon and National Mall.

Left Side Highlights
9.2
🏙️

Columbia Skyline

Catch a view of the South Carolina State House and the downtown district immediately after departing CAE.

🏛️

Richmond Vista

As you head north, the left side typically offers a clear view of Virginia's capital city and the James River.

🎖️

The Pentagon

On the final descent, get an incredible overhead look at the world's largest office building.

🗽

National Mall

If landing on Runway 19, the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and White House appear just outside your window.

🌳

Arlington Cemetery

View the vast, uniform white headstones and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during the low-altitude approach.

Book a window seat on the left for the iconic River Visual approach to Runway 19. For the best lighting on the monuments, choose a late afternoon flight when the sun illuminates the white marble from the west. If the plane lands from the south (Runway 01), you will see the Pentagon and Arlington directly before touchdown.

Right Side Highlights
7.8
💧

Lake Murray

Look back toward the west shortly after takeoff to see the massive reservoir and its 500 miles of shoreline.

⚓

Quantico

Identify the sprawling Marine Corps Base Quantico situated along the banks of the Potomac.

🏘️

Old Town Alexandria

See the historic grid-pattern streets and waterfront of one of the oldest ports in America.

🏛️

U.S. Capitol

The iconic white dome is often visible across the river during the final turns into the airport.

🎡

National Harbor

Spot the Capital Wheel and the massive MGM complex on the Maryland side of the Potomac.

The right side is excellent for viewing the expansive Potomac River and the historic waterfront of Alexandria. If the flight arrives after dark, the right side provides a stunning view of the illuminated U.S. Capitol and the suburban Maryland skyline across the water.

Top Activities in Washington
Route Information

Distance: 657 km (408 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 6 min

Departure: CAE (33.93880081176758, -81.11949920654297)

Arrival: DCA (38.8521, -77.037697)

Route Type: Domestic

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