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LAX → SJC
Which side of the plane to sit from Los Angeles International Airport (Los Angeles) to Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (San Jose)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers stunning, continuous views of the California coastline and the Pacific Ocean, culminating in a beautiful approach over Monterey Bay.
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Santa Monica Bay
Immediate views of the Pacific coastline and Southern California beaches right after departure.
Channel Islands
Visibility of Santa Cruz and Anacapa islands rising from the ocean to the west.
Morro Rock
The massive volcanic plug standing at the entrance to Morro Bay is often visible mid-flight.
Monterey Bay
A sweeping view of the deep blue crescent-shaped bay as the plane prepares for its final descent.
Santa Cruz Mountains
Lush evergreen forests and rugged ridges providing a green backdrop just before landing.
Book a window seat on the left for afternoon flights to enjoy the best lighting on the coastline. Keep an eye out for the marine layer—a thick blanket of clouds that often hugs the shore, creating a surreal 'sea of clouds' effect. This side is superior for seeing the transition from the sandy SoCal beaches to the rugged cliffs of the Central Coast.
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LA Basin Sprawl
The vast urban expanse of Los Angeles, including the Hollywood Hills and San Fernando Valley.
Tejon Pass
The 'Grapevine' section of the San Andreas Fault area where the mountains meet the Central Valley.
Central Valley
The geometric patchwork of California's agricultural heartland extending to the horizon.
Lick Observatory
The historic white domes atop Mount Hamilton are visible on the eastern ridge during the SJC approach.
Apple Park
The iconic 'spaceship' campus in Cupertino is often visible depending on the specific landing pattern.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid the glare of the sun over the ocean. It provides a better perspective of California's massive infrastructure, including the California Aqueduct. On the final approach into SJC, look for the brightly colored salt ponds at the southern tip of the San Francisco Bay.
Book Hotels in San JoseDistance: 496 km (308 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 50 min
Departure: LAX (33.94250107, -118.4079971)
Arrival: SJC (37.362598, -121.929001)
Route Type: Domestic
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