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LAX → OAK
Which side of the plane to sit from Los Angeles International Airport (Los Angeles) to Metropolitan Oakland International Airport (Oakland)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the stunning California coastline, featuring the rugged cliffs of Big Sur and the iconic Monterey Bay before descending into the San Francisco Bay Area.
Search flights from LAX to OAK
Santa Monica Bay
Aerial views of the iconic coastline and the Pacific Ocean immediately following the westward departure from LAX.
Channel Islands
Spot the volcanic peaks of Anacapa and Santa Cruz Islands rising out of the blue water to the west.
Big Sur Coastline
The most scenic part of the flight featuring dramatic cliffs where the Santa Lucia Range meets the Pacific.
Monterey Peninsula
View the famous Pebble Beach golf courses and the deep blue waters of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
San Francisco Peninsula
As the plane banks for the OAK approach, catch views of the San Francisco skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance.
San Mateo Bridge
A low-altitude view of the massive bridge span crossing the southern portion of the San Francisco Bay during final descent.
For the most dramatic views, book a window seat on the left side during a late afternoon flight to witness the sunset over the Pacific. Be aware that morning flights often face 'May Gray' or 'June Gloom' marine layers which can obscure the coastline until mid-day.
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Los Angeles Basin
Watch the sprawling urban grid of LA and the San Fernando Valley unfold against the backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains.
The Tejon Pass
Follow the path of Interstate 5 as it climbs 'The Grapevine' through the rugged mountains into the Central Valley.
San Joaquin Valley
View the vast geometric patchwork of California's agricultural heartland, including almond orchards and vineyards.
Mount Hamilton
Look for the white domes of the Lick Observatory perched atop the highest peak in the Diablo Range.
Downtown Oakland
Get an excellent view of Lake Merritt and the Oakland city center just seconds before touchdown at OAK.
The right side is preferable for morning flights to see the sun illuminate the coastal ranges without glare. It also offers a better view of the Sierra Nevada mountains on extremely clear winter days when snow caps are visible in the far eastern distance.
Book Hotels in OaklandDistance: 543 km (337 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 54 min
Departure: LAX (33.94250107, -118.4079971)
Arrival: OAK (37.721298, -122.221001)
Route Type: Domestic
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