Raleigh-Durham International Airport Observation Park

Have always loved plane watching since I was a kid, so always enjoy going to the Observation Deck at RDU. Grateful they finally have a cell lot for waiting to pickup passengers. This day, instead of waiting at the cell lot, I decided to wait at the Observation Deck for my friend's arrival, which I got to actually see. Have a good little play area for kids, as well as enjoy the air traffic control communications being played in the seating area. A nice place to unwind and watch some planes. Only downside is that the buildings do tend to partially block some of the landings and take offs.

It's a cool lil hang out spot. You get to listen to the control tower coms while planes takeoff and land. Count on it being hella busy on the weekends - seems to be a family favorite. Great for all ages and you can bring a lil picnic if you choose. Parking can be quite the challenge, but most only see to be here waiting to watch loved ones come in or head out. There's a shaded area on the upper deck along with a few seats, but count on bringing your own chair if you want some added comfort. There are drink machines and restrooms if you need them. Bring sunblock if you burn easily lol. It's a good way to spend a lazy weekend day for sure.

Awesome place to watch the planes take off and land and they even have a little play area for kids

Amazing view of arrivals and departures! Great place for kids and adults. ❤️😊

Need better signage. For terminals in parking garage as it starts its spirals each level and from the road leading in. It was so confusing for the first time coming in for a flight. Is way got 3 stars. I was a hour early but no parking spot but the very top 5th level and had to run through to elevator hoping i would miss my flight and I went through the wrong terminal not knowing till after going through security and looking at boarding sign. We'll that was wrong. Had to turn around me and my son and I had to run out that terminal back through parking garage to terminal 1 and go back through security, which they were great from both side they get 5 stars. Once through terminal 1, I was late, and the ane was already boarding, which I barely got in my group spots to board for a 4-hour flight. So I had no time to get snacks nor drink or the time to relax b4 getting on a plane. The ones for my flight were super nice and would give 5 stars.
I would have to say anyone that is heading to This Airport do better homework and study where the terminals are located for which plane you're going to be flying. Don't make the mistake I made. Be better prepared. I was going off what my wife booked and told me where to go to start.