Try Planespotting in Las Vegas
Are you looking for a fun and free way to take a break from your busy plans in Las Vegas? Head over to the runway viewing area at Harry Reid International Airport (formerly McCarran). It is one of the busiest airports in the country! You can park your car or bring your lawn chairs to watch the planes take off and land. This viewing area is a popular spot, loved by locals and visitors alike. Even if you’re not an aviation enthusiast, you’ll find it an entertaining and romantic experience.
The Las Vegas Airport Runway Viewing Lot on Sunset Road has been a community favorite for years. It’s an excellent place for families to create lasting memories and for photographers to capture stunning shots.
To make the experience even more immersive, tune your FM radio to 101.1. Listen in on the conversations between the pilots and the air traffic control tower.
For another prime spot to catch views of the planes, head to the Jack in the Box on Las Vegas Boulevard near Mandalay Bay.
Parking is free!
Regular Hours: Open daily from 9 am to 9 pm.
Winter Hours: (Starting in October) Open daily from 9 am to 7 pm.
Location: Harry Reid International Airport (formerly McCarran)
Address: Sunset Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89119
Phone: (702) 455-7968
Here are some reviews about the Airport Runway Viewing Area:
- “I have spent many hours watching planes land and takeoff at McCarran at this parking area along Sunset Road. It is great to have an airport so close to the Strip in our city, and having this pull-off parking area makes it special. Seeing planes take off and land is a fun thing to do.”
- “The LAS Sunset viewing area offers views of aircraft landing on Runway 26L. Because of the perimeter fence, you might need a ladder or a van or truck roof to get top-quality photos.”
- “The Sunset Road viewing area is a great place for tourists to watch planes take off and land at the airport. It’s located just off the airport’s longest runways on Sunset Road, just west of Eastern Avenue. The parking lot has been a popular place for airplane enthusiasts to watch operations at the airport for years. It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re interested in aviation!”
More Plane Spotting Options:
Area 51 Plane Spotting
To catch a glimpse of the military transport planes that fly to and from Area 51, head to the Janet terminal on Haven Street east of the Strip. The Janet airline, which stands for “Just Another Non-Existent Terminal,” operates six Boeing 737s (also called “Janets”) and seven smaller Beech Executive aircraft that offer commuter services between Las Vegas International Airport, Area 51, TTR, Palmdale Plant 42, and other destinations.
Although the terminal is only visible from outside the security gate of the parking lot, you may still be able to spot parked planes or watch a takeoff or landing. The Janet terminal is located near the Maverick Heliport Terminal on Las Vegas Boulevard and is part of Reid International Airport. It is a frequented mode of transportation for employees and contractors of top-secret projects at the Nevada National Security Site, including Area 51 and the Tonopah Test Range.
Military Aircraft Plane Spotting
If you want to catch a glimpse of military aircraft in Las Vegas, you should head over to Nellis Air Force Base. This base is where pilots are trained to fly various types of military aircraft, including fighters, helicopters, bombers, tankers, and stealth aircraft. You may also want to attend the annual Aviation Nation Air Show, which is held at Nellis Air Force Base.
According to Global Aviation Resource’s aviation website, Nellis Air Force Base has two parallel runways: 3L/21R and 3R/21L. Most aircraft park on the western side of the base’s main ramp and usually use 3L/21R. On the other hand, A-10s and heavy bombers are located on the eastern side in an area known as the LOLA.
To get a good view of the aircraft, park on the northwestern side of the base near Speedway Boulevard or position yourself in the final approach area along Las Vegas Blvd North. For more in-depth information, check out this Nellis Air Force Base Photography Guide.
North Las Vegas Airport Plane Spotting
If you’re looking for a spot to watch private and commercial small planes, the North Las Vegas Airport’s Open-air Viewing Deck is the ideal destination. You can unwind while enjoying delicious food or drinks at its popular café.
Henderson Executive Airport Plane Spotting
Looking for a one-of-a-kind spot to watch planes take off and land in the Las Vegas area? Visit The Landings Restaurant at Henderson Executive Airport for a unique dining experience with views of the airport’s runways and planes taking off and landing. The restaurant, which is on the second floor, up a flight of stairs from the middle of the lobby, is open from 8 am to 4 pm daily, except for Mondays.
Boulder City Municipal Airport Plane Spotting
Fifteen miles south of Las Vegas, off Highway 95, the Boulder City Municipal Airport offers excellent opportunities for observing aircraft. These include several areas around the terminal and other buildings. The facility bears a variety of aeronautical services, such as charter and air taxi flights, flight training, parachuting, emergency medical evacuation, and transport. Fixed-wing, helicopter tour, and parachute companies operate from the airport. Visitors can take advantage of public restrooms inside the terminal. Although fences may obstruct the ground-level view, plane spotters can still get up close and personal with the planes. Elevated positions on the airport’s north side provide fantastic views of the airport and surrounding area.
