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LGB destination photo
SFO destination photo

LGBSFO

Our Recommendation
8.7

Left Side of the Plane

The left side provides an unparalleled vantage point of the Pacific coastline upon departure and the tech landscapes of Silicon Valley during the final approach.

Left Side Highlights
8.7
🌊

Palos Verdes Peninsula

Dramatic coastal views and cliffs shortly after takeoff from Long Beach.

⛰️

Santa Lucia Range

Rugged mountains between the coast and the valley as you fly north.

💻

Silicon Valley

Aerial view of major tech campuses in Mountain View and Cupertino.

🏟️

Stanford University

Identify the campus by its distinct red-tiled roofs and the Hoover Tower.

🧂

South Bay Salt Ponds

Vibrant hues of red and orange in the shallow waters during final descent.

Morning flights are ideal on the left side to avoid direct sun glare. During the descent into SFO, look for the San Andreas Fault line running along the peninsula and keep your camera ready for the colorful salt ponds just before touchdown.

Right Side Highlights
7.5
🏔️

San Gabriel Mountains

High peaks of the Angeles National Forest visible during the initial climb.

🌾

Central Valley

The massive agricultural heart of California with its distinct geometric fields.

🏔️

Sierra Nevada

Distant, often snow-capped peaks including the high country of the Sierras to the east.

🌉

Dumbarton Bridge

The first major bridge seen when entering the San Francisco Bay area from the south.

🏙️

East Bay Hills

Rolling golden hills and the urban sprawl of Fremont and Hayward.

Afternoon flights benefit from the sun being on the opposite side, perfectly illuminating the Central Valley and Sierra Nevada peaks. On clear winter days, look for snow caps on the distant eastern horizon and watch for Mount Diablo as you enter the Bay Area.

Top Activities in San Francisco
Route Information

Distance: 569 km (354 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 57 min

Departure: LGB (33.81769943, -118.1520004)

Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)

Route Type: Domestic

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