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CVG destination photo
SFO destination photo

CVGSFO

Our Recommendation
8.8

Right Side of the Plane

The Right Side (North) offers the most iconic landmarks, including the Great Salt Lake, the stunning blue expanse of Lake Tahoe, and a higher probability of seeing the San Francisco skyline and Golden Gate Bridge during the standard SFO arrival sequence.

Right Side Highlights
8.8
🌽

The Heartland

Vast geometric patterns of the Great Plains farms across Iowa and Nebraska.

🌊

Great Salt Lake

The striking contrast between the turquoise water and the white salt flats of Utah.

🏔️

Lake Tahoe

A clear view of the massive alpine lake nestled in the Sierra Nevada range.

🌉

San Francisco Skyline

Dramatic views of the Salesforce Tower and downtown skyscrapers during the descent.

🌁

Golden Gate Bridge

Often visible if the flight patterns require a loop over the Pacific before landing.

The right side is the clear winner for the final 30 minutes of the flight. As you approach SFO, sit here for views of the Bay Bridge and the city. In winter, the snow-capped Sierras are breathtaking on this side. If the aircraft approaches from the north, you will get the best view of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Left Side Highlights
7.5
🏙️

St. Louis Skyline

Visibility of the Gateway Arch and the Mississippi River confluence as you cross into Missouri.

🏔️

Colorado Rockies

Views of the high peaks of the southern Rockies and the Continental Divide.

🏜️

Canyonlands

Look down for the winding Colorado River and the red rock canyons of southern Utah.

🌲

Yosemite National Park

On a southerly descent, catch the granite faces of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

🏢

Silicon Valley

Direct views of the tech campuses in San Jose and Palo Alto during the final approach.

The left side is excellent for viewing the desert southwest landscapes. For late afternoon flights, be aware that the sun will be on this side, which can cause significant glare and heat; choose a morning flight for the best photography conditions on this side.

Top Activities in San Francisco
Route Information

Distance: 3,269 km (2,031 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 51 min

Departure: CVG (39.0488014221, -84.6678009033)

Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)

Route Type: Domestic

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