As dedicated avgeeks, we’ve searched high and low across the United States and beyond to identify 14 awesome places to watch planes land that should be on your bucket list.
Whether you’re trying to impress your date or show your children the wonders of aviation, going to watch airplanes land is a time-honored tradition. The key is to know where to go!
Our list is focused on places that is safe for the whole family, regularly have unique aircraft, fun viewing locations, and dedicated areas that are friendly to spotters.
What other places do you recommend? Share your favorite places in the comments below.
1.) Sunset Beach, St. Maarten
This might be one of the holy grails of planespotting. With a runway located just off the beach near St. Maarten Princess Juliana International Airport, the views and the variety of aircraft landing doesn’t get much better than this. Even better, there are two bars located on each side of the approach end of the runway.
2.) In-N-Out Burger near Runway 24R at LAX Airport
What’s better than burgers, animal-style fries, and A380s flying over your head? The locations provides a front-row view of the many heavies and international arrivals at LAX.
3.) Shep’s Mound at Sydney International Airport, Australia
Are you sensing a theme yet? Bring a picnic basket to watch arrivals and departures. The recently renovated park has picnic tables and a grassy area. It is located right by the air traffic control tower.
4.) London Heathrow
This airport is a paradise for plane spotting even if the weather isn’t always cooperative. There are so many locations to spot unique jets and challenging approaches around the airport too. From hotels with a great view of the runways, to Myrtle Avenue, to observation decks, to meeting YouTube stars like BigJet.tv, you can’t go wrong.
5.) Gravelly Point Park near Washington-Reagan International Airport, Washington DC
A popular weekend hangout, this crowded park sits just off the approach end of runway 19 at DCA. Due to the curvilinear approach of airliners landing on the river visual, the planes almost appear to circle around the park as the fly less than 200 feet above your head. See this excellent video by “Chinda My Family Times” to see what I’m talking about.
6.) Narita International Observation Deck, Japan
Narita gets such a unique array of international arrivals. This observation deck is a perfect place to meet other avgeeks and bond over our love of airplanes and aviation photography.
7.) Founders Plaza at DFW Airport, Texas
Located on the northwest side of DFW airport, this observation deck has a great view of arrivals and airport operations. Like American Airlines? This is your spot!
