Planning your subsequent vacation? Our information to the very best cities for flying a drone may aid you decide your subsequent vacation spot, as all of those places mix loads of drone-friendly areas with photographic views. They’re splendid spots in the event you’ve acquired one of many best drones packed in your vacation bag and wish to make good use of it.
All places mentioned on this article are in unrestricted Class G airspace except in any other case famous. This means drone fans can function their drones with out acquiring particular permission — however do remember that you’re going to nonetheless need to abide by regular drone regulations.
Looking for extra drone guides? We even have articles on drone photography tips and tricks, together with an article on drone racing: everything you need to know. But if it is drone-friendly cities you are interested by, then learn on.
Best cities for flying a drone
Philadelphia, PA
This former American capital has loads to see. Start off in Fairmount Park (a part of which is proven above); a swathe of protected greenery break up in two by the Schuylkill River. Follow the river south; simply previous the Please Touch Museum there’s a sprawling complicated of statues and monuments ripe for drone images.
Further south alongside the river, however nonetheless in Fairmount Park, is the Philadelphia Museum of Art, made well-known by the enduring “steps” scene in Rocky. Linger over the effectively manicured grounds and intriguing structure earlier than leaving the Park by the southern finish. You can take Vine Street east in the direction of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge; the historic suspension bridge connects Philadelphia with Camden, New Jersey. Technically you may maintain your drone in flight as you stroll alongside Vine Street (it’s Class G Airspace), however it’s essential to adhere to FAA’s Operations Over People Rule which implies avoiding flying over any massive group or assemblage of individuals.
It could also be value it to only land your drone as soon as you allow Fairmount Park and launch once more close to the Bridge. Shooting this landmark (particularly at sundown) affords you beautiful views not solely of the bridge itself, but additionally beautiful pictures of the traditional Philly skyline. Just bear in mind to examine your B4UFLY app earlier than takeoff on the bridge to make sure that there aren’t any momentary advisories about flying round this landmark.
Pittsburgh, PA
All the very best drone accessible spots on this metropolis appear to contain river views. Located on the Allegheny River, Millvale Riverfront Park is a 1.7-mile strip of greenery that’s good for flying drones and capturing pictures of the Washington Crossing Bridge. Similarly, the Southside Riverfront Park alongside the Monongahela is without doubt one of the oldest parks in Pittsburgh; it affords drone pilots views of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail system and the Birmingham Bridge.
For one thing a bit of completely different, although, head throughout the Ohio River to Mount Washington and go to Point of View Park. This location options beautiful and panoramic views of the town (proven above), its skyline, and its river system that merely can’t be beat. But don’t simply look out throughout the river, ensure that to get some pictures of the Point of View bronze sculpture depicting George Washington assembly with Seneca chief Guyasuta and the funicular that leads up the facet of Mount Washington.
Chicago, IL
For this Midwestern metropolitan space begin within the north and work your manner south, however (relying on the time of day) there’s nothing flawed with reversing this order.
Begin at Montrose Avenue Beach close to the Uptown neighborhood; its wide-open areas and shorelines make for nice drone footage. Be aware of the seasons, nonetheless, as Montrose is a migratory hen sanctuary which implies competitors for airspace will get powerful throughout sure instances of the 12 months. From right here transfer south to the well-known Chicago Riverwalk. Located on the southern financial institution of the Chicago River, the Riverwalk gives beautiful views of downtown Chicago immediately recognizable from numerous Hollywood films.
The subsequent cease is Grant Park positioned within the central enterprise district. While the sweeping views of Lake Michigan are spectacular, don’t overlook the Buckingham Fountain, one of many largest fountains on the planet. The fountain is barely operational from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm May by means of October, however even when dry, it nonetheless provides a mannequin to excite any drone photographer.
We finish at Promontory Point — a man-made peninsula constructed of limestone. This 12-acre park gives expansive views of the Chicago skyline alongside ample flying room to keep away from vacationers and different drones.
Bar Harbor, ME
A picturesque coastal neighborhood adjoining to Acadia National Park could appear misplaced on this checklist, however its mixture of small city allure and pure enchantment make it good for drone fans. Unfortunately drones usually are not allowed contained in the park on account of National Park Service guidelines, however there are a selection of park-adjacent places close by the place the drone can fly and seize pictures of the pure panorama.
As for the city itself, it’s a quaint assortment of retailers and eating places. At low tide you may take your drone over the Bar Island Land Bridge; this uncommon land construction connects the city to Bar Island, which provides some pretty vistas of the city and the shoreline. Just be aware of environment, after excessive tide you could be caught on the island longer than you supposed!
Houston, TX
The most populous metropolis within the Lone Star State, Houston provides a shocking patchwork of drone-friendly areas. Due to metropolis ordinances, nonetheless, you may solely fly drones throughout daylight.
You’ll discover the Kemah Boardwalk in southern Houston alongside the shores of Galveston Bay. Spread out over 60 acres and stuffed with eye-catching points of interest, it payments itself as some of the well-liked boardwalks within the nation. This makes it a sizzling spot for drone flying — ensure that to not solely observe the FAA’s guidelines about flying above folks, however control drone visitors as effectively.
Next up is a visit to the Houston Zoo. Spanning 55 acres, the zoo homes over 6,000 animals from over 900 species. Unlike different zoos within the nation, you may truly fly a drone over the park itself (albeit at an altitude of no decrease than 50 ft). The zoo is in managed airspace, nonetheless, so ensure you get LAANC authorization in your B4UFLY app earlier than sending up your drone.
For these craving pictures of inviting structure ensure that to go to the Museum District, a group of museums, sculptures, and memorials laid out over a 1.5 mile greenspace in Hermann Park.
Worst metropolis for flying a drone
Washington, DC
Washington, DC is dotted with landmarks and buildings which are actually acknowledged all over the world. It’s tempting to try to get just a few pictures of its distinctive mixture of structure with its world-renowned monuments and memorials. Unfortunately you can’t. All drone flights are prohibited inside a 30-mile radius of Washington’s predominant airport which, in impact, guidelines out all leisure drone flights wherever within the nationwide capital space. Even in the event you’re tempted to push the bounds and threat sneaking in a single fast flight, we advocate in opposition to it. Among different distinctions, Washington has the best focus of regulation enforcement and safety companies within the nation — which incorporates fierce monitoring of all airborne exercise. This is one trip the place it’s higher to go away the drone at dwelling.
Wherever you fly your drone, at all times err on the facet of warning: examine all native rules and seek the advice of your B4UFLY app earlier than launching. The aim is to have enjoyable and are available away with astounding photos to impress and delight.
