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PHX → SBP
Which side of the plane to sit from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (Phoenix) to San Luis County Regional Airport (San Luis Obispo)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior mix of desert landmarks and a stunning approach featuring the Pacific coastline and the Santa Barbara Channel.
Search flights from PHX to SBP
Phoenix Skyline & South Mountain
Aerial views of downtown Phoenix and the massive desert preserve of South Mountain Park immediately after takeoff.
Kofa National Wildlife Refuge
A view of the sharp, jagged volcanic peaks and deep canyons of the Arizona desert.
Mount San Jacinto
The dramatic 10,834-foot peak that towers over Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley.
Santa Barbara Coast
As the plane nears its destination, you see where the Transverse Ranges meet the sparkling Pacific Ocean.
Channel Islands
Clear days offer views of Santa Cruz and Anacapa Islands sitting off the California coast.
Sit on the left side for morning flights to avoid the harsh glare of the southern sun. This side is particularly rewarding during the final 20 minutes of the flight as you transition from the arid desert to the lush California coastline. Keep your camera ready as you pass over the Banning Pass near Palm Springs for dramatic mountain photography.
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Joshua Tree National Park
Look for the unique rock formations and high-altitude desert ecosystems of this iconic park.
Big Bear & San Bernardino Mtns
High-altitude views of the San Bernardino National Forest, often snow-capped during winter months.
Tehachapi Pass Wind Farm
A vast array of thousands of white wind turbines dotting the ridgelines between the Mojave and the Central Valley.
Carrizo Plain National Monument
A vast, open grassland that features the clearly visible scar of the San Andreas Fault line.
The right side is best for geology enthusiasts. In the spring (March-April), keep a close eye on the Carrizo Plain area for massive 'superbloom' wildflower displays that are visible from cruising altitude. During sunset flights, this side will experience direct sunlight, so a window shade might be necessary until the descent begins.
Book Hotels in San Luis ObispoDistance: 817 km (508 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 22 min
Departure: PHX (33.43429946899414, -112.01200103759766)
Arrival: SBP (35.2368011475, -120.641998291)
Route Type: Domestic
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