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HOU destination photo
DCA destination photo

HOUDCA

Our Recommendation
8.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side is superior primarily for the iconic approach into DCA, where passengers often get a front-row seat to the National Mall and D.C. monuments, along with expansive views of the Appalachian range.

Left Side Highlights
8.8
🌊

Mississippi River Crossing

View the massive winding bends of the Mississippi River as the flight transits toward the mid-south.

🏔️

Great Smoky Mountains

Fly over the mist-covered ridges of the Smokies near the Tennessee-North Carolina border.

🌲

Shenandoah National Park

Aerial views of the dense forests and the winding Skyline Drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains.

🏛️

National Mall

On the 'River Visual' approach to Runway 19, see the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the Capitol.

🏙️

Rosslyn Skyline

A close-up view of the high-rises in Arlington just seconds before touching down.

For the best experience, choose a window seat on the left side and hope for a northern approach (Runway 19). Morning flights provide excellent lighting on the Appalachian ridges, while evening flights offer a stunningly lit view of the D.C. monuments. Check the weather for clear skies over Virginia to maximize mountain visibility.

Right Side Highlights
7.5
🏖️

Gulf Coast Fringe

Catch glimpses of the Gulf of Mexico and the coastline shortly after departing Houston.

🏞️

Piedmont Plateau

Observe the transition from the rugged mountains to the rolling hills of the eastern United States.

🏢

The Pentagon

On final descent, the right side offers a direct, low-altitude view of the world's largest office building.

🚢

Potomac River

Follow the wide expanse of the Potomac as it flows toward the Chesapeake Bay.

🏡

Mount Vernon

Look for George Washington's historic estate on the banks of the Potomac south of the city.

The right side is ideal if the plane lands from the south, offering views of the Pentagon and Alexandria. It also avoids direct afternoon sun glare when traveling northeast. Keep your camera ready during the final 5 minutes of the flight for the rapid descent over the Potomac.

Top Activities in Washington
Route Information

Distance: 1,959 km (1,217 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 37 min

Departure: HOU (29.64539909, -95.27890015)

Arrival: DCA (38.8521, -77.037697)

Route Type: Domestic

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