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VPS destination photo
DCA destination photo

VPS β†’ DCA

Our Recommendation
9.2

Left Side of the Plane

The left side is legendary for the 'River Visual' approach into DCA, offering the most iconic aerial views of the National Mall and U.S. monuments.

Left Side Highlights
9.2
🌊

Choctawhatchee Bay

Aerial perspective of the turquoise Gulf waters and the Mid-Bay Bridge immediately following departure from VPS.

⛰️

Appalachian Foothills

Rolling green hills and the start of the Blue Ridge mountain range as the flight progresses through Georgia and South Carolina.

🌲

Shenandoah Valley

Vast stretches of Virginia's forest and agricultural land leading toward the D.C. metro area.

🏒

The Pentagon

An incredibly close-up view of the world's largest office building during the final seconds of descent.

πŸ›οΈ

The National Mall

Unobstructed views of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and U.S. Capitol during the 'River Visual' landing.

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ

Arlington Cemetery

The meticulously arranged white markers and the Eternal Flame site visible just before touchdown.

Sit on the left to capitalize on the 'River Visual' approach to Runway 19, which is used most of the time. Morning flights provide the best lighting for the monuments without the harsh afternoon sun glare. Seats behind the wing are preferred to keep the landscape in full view.

Right Side Highlights
7.4
πŸ–οΈ

Emerald Coast

Sweeping views of the white-sand beaches stretching from Destin toward Panama City Beach after takeoff.

🌾

Coastal Plain Marshes

The intricate drainage patterns and wetlands of the southern Piedmont region during the climb to cruise altitude.

πŸ›Ά

Potomac River

Detailed views of the river's geography and pleasure boats as the plane follows the water's curves into D.C.

🏘️

Old Town Alexandria

The historic street grid and bustling waterfront of this colonial-era town during the final approach.

πŸŒ‰

Woodrow Wilson Bridge

A bird's-eye view of the massive drawbridge and the busy I-495 traffic spanning the Potomac.

The right side is excellent if the plane lands from the south (Runway 1), offering a panoramic view of the Potomac and the Maryland shoreline. It is also the better side for watching the sunrise on early morning departures from Florida heading northeast.

Top Activities in Washington
Route Information

Distance: 1,271 km (790 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 42 min

Departure: VPS (30.4832, -86.525398)

Arrival: DCA (38.8521, -77.037697)

Route Type: Domestic

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