I always try and get the left side. For single seat on the AE RJ and the view of either VA or DC. Coming from the southern approach, if they hit it right, you can see Mt. Vernon and the George Washington Memorial (Mason). Coming in from the north, you see the Potomac, Georgetown, the National Catherdal, the Kennedy Center, the DC memorials on the Mall and then the 14th St Bridge. At night you should be able to see a lot. I have trips where they take you for a tour of DC out the left side for the approach onto 19 but I have not had that approach since 9/11. They used to fly the river coming from the north (due to noise constraints) but due to the security restrictions they cut corners now to stay father away from lining up with the White House-I used to enjoy the flying skills of the pilot in these circumstances-like driving a sports car on a windy road.