Charlotte Airport Overlook: One of the Nation’s Best Airport Views

The Charlotte Douglas International Airport Overlook is everything you could want in an airport overlook…and then some! Most longtime Charlotteans know about this spot but, it’s a surprise to newcomers to our area. Most airports won’t encourage actively watching planes and flight patterns and very few actually have an area do it.

Yes, one of the nations best overlook areas can be found right here in Charlotte. The view from this area is totally unobstructed – you feel like you could reach up and touch the belly of the planes as they land or ascend to their destination cities.

The area is just off of Old Dowd Road, located at 4355 Airport Overlook Drive, where visitors can enjoy a picnic on the grassy area or a selection of benches. As we all know though, it’s the view that brings people here! Where else can you have a front-row seat to watch airplanes take off and land on the Charlotte Douglas runways? It is rare for an airport to offer public viewing areas and Charlotte’s overlook is a popular one for people of all ages, photographers and, of course, plane enthusiasts.

While visiting one of the families who I sold a home to a few months ago, the children couldn’t contain their excitement of the ‘show’ they saw at the overlook the night before! It’s a very popular place to take the children…and it’s free! Well, unless you partake in something delicious, served by one of Charlotte’s food trucks – the airport’s newest addition to the overlook area.

Overlook Food Trucks

Looking for something ‘cheap’ or free to do in Charlotte, check out the Charlotte Douglas International Airport Overlook. Want a snack while you’re there? Here is the upcoming food truck schedule for the overlook area.

Directions

Click the map below to find your way to the overlook area. It’s easily accessible and traffic is not bad in the area on this side of the airport.