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ATL destination photo
SFO destination photo

ATLSFO

Our Recommendation
9.2

Right Side of the Plane

The right side is the definitive choice for this transcontinental route, offering a front-row seat to the Great Salt Lake and the iconic San Francisco skyline during the standard approach into SFO.

Right Side Highlights
9.2
🌊

Mississippi River

A massive geographical milestone as the plane crosses the border between Tennessee and Arkansas.

🌽

Midwestern Mosaic

The geometric precision of the Great Plains' center-pivot irrigation circles creates a mesmerizing green and gold patchwork.

🧂

Great Salt Lake

The stunning contrast between the white salt flats and the turquoise waters near Antelope Island is a route highlight.

🏔️

Sierra Nevada Crest

Rugged, jagged peaks and alpine lakes as the flight crosses the California border near Lake Tahoe.

🌉

San Francisco Skyline

The ultimate prize: views of the Transamerica Pyramid, Salesforce Tower, and often the Golden Gate Bridge on the final turn.

Sit on the right side for the 'Bridge Visual' arrival, which is the most common landing pattern for runways 28L/R. About 15-20 minutes before landing, look for the stark color divide in the Great Salt Lake. Note that afternoon flights may experience some glare, so a window shade adjustment might be necessary until the descent begins.

Left Side Highlights
8.4
🏙️

Atlanta Skyline

Clear views of Downtown, Midtown, and the Mercedes-Benz Stadium shortly after takeoff if departing to the west.

🏔️

Southern Rockies

Spectacular vistas of the snow-capped Front Range peaks in Colorado, including the prominent 14,115-foot Pikes Peak.

🏜️

Moab & Canyonlands

The deep red hues and winding carved canyons of eastern Utah are highly visible along the southern flight corridor.

🌲

Yosemite National Park

On a clear day, the granite domes and high-altitude wilderness of the Sierra Nevada are visible to the south.

🏢

Silicon Valley

During the descent, look for the 'spaceship' Apple Park campus in Cupertino and the tech hubs of the South Bay.

Choose the left side for morning departures to avoid the harsh southern sun. It offers superior views of the Southwest's red rock geology. As you approach SFO, keep your eyes peeled for the distinctive salt ponds in the South Bay, which appear in vibrant shades of pink and orange.

Top Activities in San Francisco
Route Information

Distance: 3,435 km (2,134 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 2 min

Departure: ATL (33.6367, -84.428101)

Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)

Route Type: Domestic

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