Loading map...
MRY → SFO
Which side of the plane to sit from Monterey Peninsula Airport (Monterey) to San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a front-row seat to the stunning California coastline, featuring Monterey Bay and the rugged Pacific cliffs as the aircraft heads north.
Monterey Bay
Immediately after takeoff, enjoy panoramic views of the deep blue bay and the marine sanctuary.
Santa Cruz Coastline
Spot the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and the historic wharf as you pass the northern edge of the bay.
Coastal Bluffs
Detailed views of the rugged cliffs and secluded beaches near Pescadero and Half Moon Bay.
Pacific Horizon
Expansive views of the Pacific Ocean horizon, often dotted with cargo ships heading toward the Golden Gate.
Choose the left side for the most iconic California scenery. For the best photography, morning flights offer clear light on the waves, while evening flights capture the sunset over the ocean. Keep your camera ready immediately after departure from MRY.
Salinas Valley
Aerial views of the 'Salad Bowl of the World' with its intricate patchwork of agricultural fields.
Santa Cruz Mountains
Fly over the dense redwood forests and winding mountain roads of the coastal range.
Silicon Valley
As you descend, look for the 'Spaceship' Apple Park campus and the dense urban sprawl of San Jose and Palo Alto.
Salt Ponds
The vivid red, orange, and green hues of the salt evaporation ponds at the southern tip of the SF Bay.
The right side is ideal for passengers interested in geography and urban planning. It offers a unique perspective on the tech hub of the world. Look out for the colorful salt ponds during the final approach into SFO, which are most vibrant during the midday sun.
Distance: 124 km (77 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 12 min
Departure: MRY (36.58700180053711, -121.84300231933594)
Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.