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DCA destination photo
MIA destination photo

DCAMIA

Our Recommendation
8.7

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior scenic experience, featuring the dramatic Atlantic coastline, the unique geography of the Outer Banks, and a stunning aerial approach over the Florida beaches and turquoise waters.

Left Side Highlights
8.7
🏛️

National Mall

If departing north or arriving south, spectacular views of the U.S. Capitol, Washington Monument, and Lincoln Memorial.

🌊

Chesapeake Bay

The massive estuary system and the engineering marvel of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel are visible shortly after takeoff.

🏝️

The Outer Banks

The iconic thin barrier islands of North Carolina, including Cape Hatteras, stretching into the Atlantic.

⚓

Charleston Harbor

The historic South Carolina coastline, featuring Fort Sumter and the intricate network of coastal marshlands.

🚀

Kennedy Space Center

The massive Vehicle Assembly Building and launch pads at Cape Canaveral are visible as you track the Florida coast.

🏖️

Miami Beach

On the final approach, the high-rise skyline of South Beach and the transition from deep blue to turquoise water.

Book an 'A' seat for the best coastal views. Opt for a morning flight to see the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean. This side is particularly spectacular during the descent into Miami, as planes often fly over the ocean before turning west to land, offering a full view of the Gold Coast skyline.

Right Side Highlights
6.8
🛶

Potomac River

Beautiful views of the winding river and the Virginia suburbs immediately following a southbound departure from DCA.

🏢

Richmond & Raleigh

Aerial perspectives of the urban centers and the lush green Piedmont region of the Mid-Atlantic.

🌲

Southern Pine Forests

Vast stretches of managed timberland and agricultural mosaics across Georgia and North Carolina.

🐊

The Everglades

As the flight nears Miami, the 'River of Grass' provides a unique look at Florida's expansive wetlands and airboat trails.

🌅

Gulf Sunset

On evening flights, this side offers beautiful sunset views over the inland Florida landscape.

Choose an 'F' seat if you prefer inland geography or want to avoid direct sunlight during morning flights. The right side is ideal for spotting the Everglades on the final approach from the west. In the summer, this side often provides a front-row seat to massive, towering afternoon thunderstorms over central Florida.

Top Activities in Miami
Route Information

Distance: 1,484 km (922 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 59 min

Departure: DCA (38.8521, -77.037697)

Arrival: MIA (25.79319953918457, -80.29060363769531)

Route Type: Domestic

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