what to do in dca on long layover
All-time things to do on a connection in DCA? Lucky for you, you're in the nation'southward capital!
As an airline pilot, DCA is by far my favorite aerodrome in the Washington DC region, and a huge part of that is because it's the most accessible. So if you're lucky enough to have a layover in DCA – whether it'due south because of a delayed connecting flight or booking two separate airlines – you lot won't run out of things to do.
Adopt exploring the secret museum at the airport or would you rather relish a cupcake in Georgetown? Are yous a cycling enthusiast or would you lot rather go for a stand up paddle board at the Wharf? You tin't become bored here!
Related: Enquire a Pilot: Which DC Airport is Better? DCA, IAD, or BWI?
What is there to do inside Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA)?
Though Reagan National isn't the newest or biggest airport, it does have enough to go on y'all occupied on a longer layover. If anything, the fabled main last is a care for to walk and there are tons of spots with great views on the runways.
What are the restaurants in DCA?
There aren't many restaurants in DCA, only the ones that are there are pretty good. My favorite place in Terminal C is &Pizza, where you lot can build your own pizza. Delicious. Some of my other favorites include:
| American Tap Room (Terminal C) | Ben'south Chili Basin (Outside security) |
| Dunkin' (All terminals and exterior security) | Chik-Fil-A (Exterior security) |
| Cava Mezze (Last B) | Legal Sea Foods (Outside security) |
| Mezeh (Exterior security) | V Guys (Outside security) |
| Tagliare (Outside security) | Wow Bao (Terminal C) |
What lounges are at that place at DCA?
Unfortunately, DCA doesn't accept many lounges. In that location are only four, and they're all associated with airlines;
- American Admirals Lodge (two locations): inside security at gate 23 and gate 35
- Delta Sky Club: within security at gates 10-22
- United Club: inside security at gates ten (across from gate 11)
By far, the Delta Sky Club is the best lounge in DCA. You will have to be flight same-day with Delta (including having flown into DCA as an selection), and be a SkyClub member (which can be met using some AMEX and Delta credit cards).
Other lounges take like membership requirements, except for the AA Admirals lodge. You can purchase a i-day pass at $59 without being a member – if yous're flight AA.
Priority Laissez passer does include pocket-sized discounts at a few restaurants, such as the American Tap Room.
DCA Airport Exhibition Hall
My get-to on bad weather days with long sits in DCA is ever the Exhibition Hall.
DCA has a surprisingly rich history dating back to President Roosevelt in the late 1930's. The Exhibit Hall is located in the corridor connecting Concluding B to Terminal A and, according to the Drome Authority "offers several unique museum-like exhibits including video presentations, a model of the original terminal, memorabilia from the airport's original dining room and artifacts found during the preservation of the Abingdon Plantation."
Information technology'southward a expert place to spend nearly an hour.
Walking around
There's plenty of walking to do at the airport, but you'll have to exit security. There are also a lot of walking paths exterior of the drome for those wishing to go some fresh air.
Looking to go from Terminal C to B? AA provides a shuttle from side by side to gate 36 (C) and 25 (B).
Related: For those traveling to Atlanta (ATL), here'southward The Ultimate 4-six Hr ATL Layover Guide (by a Pilot)
What tin I do outside on a layover at Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA)?
This is where DCA thrives and absolutely demolishes the competition. There is And so much to do around and super close to the airdrome.
Walk to Gravelly Signal for a sensational view on airplanes
About a xv-20 minute walk (on sidewalks/walking paths) is Gravelly Point Park, naturally one of my favorite places in all of DC equally a airplane pilot.
This is what I call the "American Maho Beach", a waterfront park with airplanes passing mere anxiety overhead on their terminal turn to land on runway 19 in DCA. Feeling the vibrations of thunderous jets passing overhead is but sensational, truly. It'southward the best way to appreciate the wonderful engineering science that is airliners.
Rent a bike and explore DC or Alexandria
There's literally a BikeShare rack right on property of DCA airport. This is astonishing!
It's accessible through the Final B/C Garage, Level CG (Ground Level).
You tin bicycle on paved paths via the Mountain Vernon Trail starting from the airport and going up to Georgetown, downtown DC, or southbound to Alexandria – and you tin't get wrong with any of them.
Explore the National Mall
Though you can bicycle or uber to the National Mall, there is convenient Metro access right at the drome! Merely follow signs for the Metro on your mode out of the terminal.
Only have the Xanthous Line to L'Enfant Plaza, or the Blue Line straight to Smithsonian.
Walk or residual on grassy fields next to iconic monuments like the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. At the eastern terminate, you can visit the domed U.South. Capitol (even inside with a reservation!). Or, you can join some protest at the White House, just to the north.
The Mall is also flanked past Smithsonian museums, and its lawns and pathways are ofttimes filled with school excursions, joggers, and frisbee and soccer games. Nearby, the Tidal Basin reservoir is a cracking place to see blossoming cherry trees or rent a pedal boat.
Go to a (free) globe-famous museum
Every bit mentioned before, the Mall is admittedly flanked past free, incredible Smithsonian museums. You lot'll likely just have time to visit 1 – so cull wisely.
My favorite? The Air & Infinite Museum. Was that fifty-fifty a question?
Other slap-up museums include The Museum of Natural History, National Gallery of Art, and African American History. For those who want to go on warm on a cold twenty-four hours, the Botanical Garden has a wonderful warm and humid tropical department.
Bask a world-famous Georgetown Cupcake
Featured on national Television set many, many fourth dimension, any Georgetown Cupcake is bound to delight your gustation buds with incomprehensible joy and flavor.
Georgetown besides features a fabulous shopping district and TONS of amazing restaurants. My personal favorite for its toll:quality is Clyde'due south. You may desire to reserve a tabular array.
Use google maps to find a style into Georgetown, every bit y'all volition have to transfer somewhere on the Metro from the drome.
Try out Stand Up Paddleboards (SUPs) at The Wharf
Although the Anacostia River is no St. Maarten, you'll exist pleasantly surprised by its tree-line shorelines and very hip array of restaurants and bars.
The Wharf is a fun identify to spend a couple hours, and whether you rent a SUP, kayak, or just walk effectually, you'll accept a good time here.
Whether you eat at Mi Vida or Del Mar, you lot'll find wonderful Latin flavors and succulent views on the river.
Delight your taste buds with a fine-dining experience – or savour the all-time food truck nutrient of your life
I worked one summertime as an intern in DC, and much to my delight, the food trucks there are the best you lot tin can observe. Any nutrient you desire – Pakistani, Argentinian, Sudanese – you tin can find somewhere in DC.
Most of the nutrient trucks I went to were located at L'Enfant Plaza during lunchtime on weekends, only you can discover more than online.
Alternately, DC is known for its top-notch dining options. Where are politicians supposed to consume otherwise?! Only make sure to reserve ahead!
How quick is security in DCA?
Security lines aren't the worst, simply they could be better. And getting between the terminals either means going through security again or taking a tiresome, inconvenient bus.
Luckily, the unabridged aerodrome is being redesigned in order to enable seamless access betwixt terminals and a more efficient experience.
DCA does offer the new Clear system to get y'all through security, and I'veneverseen a line there – at whatsoever aerodrome. CLEAR has a 6 month free trial and is totally included with some credit cards; cheque with your banking company.
What can I practise during a layover at DCA?
- Visit the DCA Exhibition Lounge
- Walk to Gravelly Signal for airplane viewing
- Hire a bike and explore DC or Alexandria
- Visit the National Mall and DC Landmarks
- Go to a world-class Smithsonian museum
- Savor a Georgetown Cupcake
- Stand up-Upward Paddleboards (SUPs) at The Wharf
- Eat from the best food trucks in the world
Source: https://thepilotwhoexplores.com/2021/11/04/ultimate-washington-dc-layover-dca/
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