It’s surreal. We observed from the Canaveral AFB entrance observation bleachers, and I think it’s easier to appreciate if you can get closer to the landing zone pads (either with KSC’s “Feel The Heat” tour tickets or being a SpaceX employee).
Oooo, I haven't tried the AFB entrance location yet.
My first launch/landing was an F9 which I saw from the Port Canaveral causeway, and I've now seen FH launches/landings from both the "feel the heat" banana creek viewing area, and from the employees-and-friends bleachers at the turning-basin next to the VAB.
The "Feel the Heat" tickets are fairly close to the launch, but pretty far from the landing. Even the turn basin is equidistant from the launch, and only a smidge closer to the landing.
LZ1 is just really far away no matter what, but I think the causeway actually affords a better view of the landing. It's definitely worse for the launch, though.
Bein' a Detroiter and only catching a launch when I'm able to travel for it, I think I've been lucky so far!
It's hard to appreciate the scale in person too, it doesn't look real (I was there). Like the other poster said, it's surreal. But the sonic booms help remind you the boosters are large and moving very fast.
The sonic booms are just... breathtaking. One of the coolest things I've ever witnessed. (Was there for the first night launch of the FH. Just amazing.)