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DCA destination photo
SRQ destination photo

DCASRQ

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side provides a superior vantage point of the Atlantic coastline, offering views of the Chesapeake Bay, the Outer Banks, and the historic harbors of the Lowcountry during the journey south.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏛️

National Mall

Immediate views of the Jefferson Memorial and the Potomac River after takeoff from DCA.

🌊

Chesapeake Bay

Deep blue waters and the intricate network of inlets along the Virginia coastline.

🏖️

Outer Banks

The long, narrow barrier islands of North Carolina visible as the plane traverses the coast.

⚓

Charleston Harbor

The historic South Carolina city and the iconic Ravenel Bridge spanning the Cooper River.

🏝️

Sea Islands

The lush, marshy islands and winding waterways of the Georgia and South Carolina coast.

Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid the harsh glare of the western sun. This side is ideal for spotting the transition from the dark Atlantic waters to the brighter, shallower coastal shelves of Florida. Look for the Kennedy Space Center far in the distance as you begin your descent into the Sunshine State.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🏙️

Richmond Skyline

The capital of Virginia is often visible shortly after reaching cruising altitude.

🌲

Piedmont Forests

Dense green canopies stretching across the rolling hills of the Carolinas.

🎡

Central Florida Lakes

A mosaic of thousands of freshwater lakes dotting the landscape north of Orlando.

🏗️

Sunshine Skyway

The famous cable-stayed bridge over Tampa Bay is often visible during the final descent.

🌊

Gulf of Mexico

Shimmering turquoise waters visible as the aircraft maneuvers for its final approach into SRQ.

The right side is the prime choice for evening flights to witness the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. During the approach into Sarasota, keep your eyes peeled for the urban sprawl of the Tampa Bay area and the distinct white sand beaches of Anna Maria Island just before touchdown.

Top Activities in Sarasota
Route Information

Distance: 1,373 km (853 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 50 min

Departure: DCA (38.8521, -77.037697)

Arrival: SRQ (27.39539909362793, -82.55439758300781)

Route Type: Domestic

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