Loading map...

EWR destination photo
SAN destination photo

EWRSAN

Our Recommendation
9.2

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior experience, particularly for the iconic 'urban canyon' approach into San Diego where you fly level with downtown skyscrapers.

Left Side Highlights
9.2
🗽

Manhattan Skyline

Dramatic views of the New York City skyline and the Hudson River immediately following takeoff from EWR.

🏹

Gateway Arch

The silver curve of the St. Louis Arch is often visible as the flight crosses the Mississippi River.

🏔️

Southern Rockies

Expansive views of the jagged, snow-capped peaks of the Colorado and New Mexico Rocky Mountains.

🏜️

Grand Canyon

Look for the sprawling red rock formations and deep carvings of the Grand Canyon's South Rim.

🏙️

San Diego Skyline

A legendary aviation view; you pass incredibly close to the downtown high-rises and Balboa Park on final approach.

🚢

San Diego Bay

Views of the naval fleet and Coronado Bridge just before the wheels touch the tarmac.

Book an 'A' window seat for the most dramatic arrival. On westbound flights, the left side remains in the shade during the midday hours, making it easier to take photos without window glare. For evening flights, you may catch a sunset over the Pacific during the final turn.

Right Side Highlights
8.1
⛰️

Appalachian Ridges

The distinct folded mountain ridges of Pennsylvania and West Virginia are visible early in the journey.

🌾

Great Plains

Intricate geometric patterns of center-pivot irrigation circles across Kansas and the Midwest.

🌵

Mojave Desert

The stark, alien-like landscapes of the California desert and the San Bernardino Mountains.

🌊

Salton Sea

The massive, shimmering expanse of California's largest inland lake surrounded by desert sand.

🌅

Point Loma

During the final banking maneuver, you can see the rugged coastline of Point Loma and the Pacific Ocean.

The right side is ideal for seeing the northern stretch of the Mojave Desert and the Salton Sea. Be aware that on afternoon westbound flights, the sun will be on this side of the aircraft, which can lead to significant cabin heat and screen glare.

Top Activities in San Diego
Route Information

Distance: 3,895 km (2,420 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 35 min

Departure: EWR (40.69250106811523, -74.168701171875)

Arrival: SAN (32.7336006165, -117.190002441)

Route Type: Domestic

Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.