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LGB → SFO
Which side of the plane to sit from Long Beach /Daugherty Field/ Airport (Long Beach) to San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco)?
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.
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.
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.
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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