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ACV → SFO
Which side of the plane to sit from California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport (Arcata CA) to San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers an unparalleled vantage point of the rugged Northern California coastline, including the remote Lost Coast and the iconic approach over the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco.
The Lost Coast
Dramatic, undeveloped cliffs where the King Range meets the Pacific Ocean in total wilderness.
Point Arena Lighthouse
A sharp white vertical landmark standing against the crashing waves of the Mendocino coast.
Point Reyes National Seashore
The iconic triangular peninsula and the Point Reyes Headlands reaching out into the sea.
Golden Gate Bridge
Unbeatable views of the world's most famous suspension bridge if the flight takes the coastal approach.
San Francisco Skyline
Aerial perspective of the Salesforce Tower, Transamerica Pyramid, and the dense urban grid of the city.
The right side is the 'spectacle' side. Choose an afternoon flight for the best lighting on the coastal cliffs. Note that summer fog often rolls in by 4 PM; a midday flight offers the best chance to see the Golden Gate Bridge without it being 'socked in' by the marine layer. Watch for the Farallon Islands on the horizon to the west.
Redwood National Forest
Dense, ancient canopy of the Six Rivers and Mendocino National Forests stretching toward the horizon.
Clear Lake
The largest natural freshwater lake entirely within California, visible as a bright blue gem in the coastal range.
Napa & Sonoma Valleys
Geometric patterns of world-famous vineyards and rolling hills of the California wine country.
San Pablo Bay
The northern reaches of the San Francisco Bay system, featuring intricate salt marshes and wetlands.
East Bay Skyline
Clear views of Berkeley and the Oakland cityscape as the plane aligns for its final descent into SFO.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the harsh glare of the Pacific sun. This side is superior for observing the transition from dense forest to agricultural valleys. Keep an eye out for the distinct V-shaped rows of vineyards in Sonoma as you pass Santa Rosa.
Distance: 402 km (250 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 40 min
Departure: ACV (40.978101, -124.109)
Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Route Type: Domestic
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