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LAX → MRY
Which side of the plane to sit from Los Angeles International Airport (Los Angeles) to Monterey Peninsula Airport (Monterey)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a front-row seat to the iconic California coastline, featuring diverse landscapes from the Santa Monica Mountains to the fertile Salinas Valley.
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Santa Monica Mountains
Rugged terrain and luxury estates nestled in the hills above Malibu.
Santa Barbara
The 'American Riviera' with its distinct red-tiled roofs sandwiched between sea and mountains.
Vandenberg Space Force Base
A rare aerial view of the coastal launch pads used for satellite missions.
Central Coast Vineyards
The rolling hills of San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles covered in neat rows of grapes.
Salinas Valley
The 'Salad Bowl of the World' showing off its vibrant, geometric agricultural patterns during descent.
The right side is significantly more scenic for land-based landmarks. Book a morning flight to have the sun behind the plane, illuminating the coastline perfectly for photos. Watch for the dramatic transition from the dry coastal ranges to the lush green Salinas Valley as you approach Monterey.
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Santa Monica Bay
Expansive views of the deep blue Pacific immediately after departure from LAX.
Channel Islands
Distant silhouettes of Anacapa and Santa Cruz islands rising from the ocean.
Pacific Shipping Lanes
Watch large cargo vessels and tankers navigating toward the Port of Long Beach.
Ocean Horizon
Uninterrupted views of the horizon, spectacular during golden hour flights.
Sit on the left for a more peaceful, minimalist view of the Pacific. This side is superior for evening flights to catch the sunset over the water. Be aware that the marine layer (fog) can often obscure the water surface during summer mornings.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 429 km (267 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 43 min
Departure: LAX (33.94250107, -118.4079971)
Arrival: MRY (36.58700180053711, -121.84300231933594)
Route Type: Domestic
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