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MRY → LAX
Which side of the plane to sit from Monterey Peninsula Airport (Monterey) to Los Angeles International Airport (Los Angeles)?
Left Side of the Plane
While the right side offers stunning ocean vistas, the left side provides a comprehensive tour of the California Central Coast terrain, the Santa Ynez mountains, and a superior view of the Los Angeles skyline and Hollywood Hills during the typical approach into LAX.
Search flights from MRY to LAX
Salinas Valley
Witness the patchwork of green fields known as the Salad Bowl of the World shortly after takeoff.
Santa Lucia Range
Fly parallel to these rugged mountains that form the backdrop of the Big Sur coast.
Paso Robles Wine Country
Look down at the rolling hills and orderly rows of vineyards in this premier viticulture region.
Santa Barbara Coast
A beautiful view of the 'American Riviera' nestled between the mountains and the sea.
Hollywood Hills
Spot the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory as the plane descends into the LA basin.
Downtown Los Angeles
Get a front-row seat to the skyscrapers of DTLA as the aircraft aligns for its final approach.
Sit on the left for the best sunrise views on morning flights and for the iconic city lights of Los Angeles during night arrivals. If the flight approaches LAX from the east (as is common), the left side offers the best views of the San Gabriel Mountains and the urban sprawl. Check the weather; if it is foggy (the 'May Gray' or 'June Gloom'), the inland views on the left remain visible while the coast may be obscured.
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Big Sur Coastline
Catch glimpses of the dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters where the mountains meet the Pacific.
Morro Rock
Identify the ancient volcanic plug standing guard over Morro Bay as you pass San Luis Obispo.
Channel Islands
Look out toward the horizon to see Santa Cruz, Anacapa, and Santa Rosa islands rising from the sea.
Malibu & Point Dume
See the famous surfing beaches and high-end celebrity estates lining the Malibu coast.
Santa Monica Pier
Spot the iconic solar-powered Ferris wheel as the plane crosses the coastline near Santa Monica Bay.
The right side is unbeatable for sunset views on afternoon or evening flights. It provides a more 'coastal' feel, though you may be further out at sea depending on the specific flight path. Keep an eye out for whales during migration seasons (December–May) as the plane crosses the Santa Barbara Channel. Request a window seat forward of the wing to ensure your view of the Channel Islands isn't blocked by the engine or wing structure.
Book Hotels in Los AngelesDistance: 429 km (267 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 43 min
Departure: MRY (36.58700180053711, -121.84300231933594)
Arrival: LAX (33.94250107, -118.4079971)
Route Type: Domestic
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