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BOI destination photo
SFO destination photo

BOISFO

Our Recommendation
9.2

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a spectacular approach into the Bay Area, featuring the Cascade peaks and a classic view of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline during clear weather landings.

Right Side Highlights
9.2
🏜️

Owyhee Canyonlands

Rugged, deeply carved basalt canyons and remote wilderness stretching across the Idaho-Oregon border region.

🌋

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Spot the distinct peak of Lassen Peak, the southernmost active volcano in the Cascade Range, typically visible to the west.

🍷

Napa & Sonoma Valleys

The world-famous wine country appears as neat rows of vineyards tucked between the rolling coastal ridges.

🌁

Golden Gate Bridge

On the common 'Bridge Visual' approach, you get an unparalleled aerial view of the iconic orange suspension bridge.

🏙️

San Francisco Skyline

As the plane banks for its final approach into SFO, the skyscrapers of the Financial District are visible across the water.

Choose the right side for the highest probability of seeing the Golden Gate Bridge during descent. Morning flights often provide the clearest views of the Cascades, while afternoon flights may encounter the iconic 'Karl the Fog' rolling over the Marin Headlands. This side is superior for photography of the SF city center during landing.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🐍

Snake River Valley

View the lush greenery of the river valley contrasting against the high desert plains immediately after takeoff from Boise.

🏔️

Sierra Nevada Range

The jagged peaks of the northern Sierras stretch along the horizon, often snow-capped well into the summer months.

💧

Lake Tahoe

Depending on the specific airway, look south to spot the deep blue waters of North America's largest alpine lake.

🌾

Central Valley Delta

A sprawling network of canals, islands, and farmland where the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers converge.

🌉

Oakland-Bay Bridge

On final approach, see the massive engineering marvel connecting the East Bay to the heart of San Francisco.

Sit on the left for the best views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and Lake Tahoe during the mid-portion of the flight. During the landing phase, you'll get a great overview of the East Bay's industrial ports and the modern span of the Bay Bridge. Evening flights offer a beautiful view of the city lights reflecting off the bay.

Top Activities in San Francisco
Route Information

Distance: 840 km (522 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 24 min

Departure: BOI (43.5644, -116.223)

Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)

Route Type: Domestic

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