Loading map...

PVR destination photo
SAN destination photo

PVRSAN

Our Recommendation
9.2

Right Side of the Plane

While both sides offer incredible views of the Mexican coastline and the Baja Peninsula, the right side is slightly superior for its sweeping views of the Sierra Madre mountains, the diverse islands of the Gulf of California, and the iconic aerial panorama of San Diego Bay upon arrival.

Right Side Highlights
9.2
⛰️

Sierra Madre Occidental

Early in the flight, view the dramatic, jagged peaks of the mainland Mexican mountain ranges to the east.

🌵

Islands of the Gulf

Aerial views of the Mid-Drift Islands and the turquoise waters surrounding Isla Tiburón in the Sea of Cortez.

🏔️

Sierra de San Pedro Mártir

Look for Picacho del Diablo, the highest peak on the Baja Peninsula, often dusted with snow in winter months.

🌉

Coronado Bridge & Bay

The quintessential San Diego view featuring the sweeping blue bridge, the Naval base, and the Silver Strand beach.

🌳

Balboa Park

Just seconds before landing, you will soar directly over the California Tower and the lush greenery of the park's museums.

The right side is generally better for photography as it avoids the direct afternoon sun when flying North-Northwest. Keep your camera ready during the last 5 minutes of the flight; the approach into SAN is one of the most scenic in the world, and the right side captures the full curve of the Coronado Bridge and the bustling harbor.

Left Side Highlights
8.6
🌊

Banderas Bay

Immediately after takeoff from PVR, you'll get a sprawling view of the deep blue waters and the lush coastline of Puerto Vallarta.

🏝️

Baja California Coastline

As the flight crosses the Gulf, you'll see the rugged, arid western cliffs of the Baja Peninsula meeting the Pacific Ocean.

🏙️

Downtown San Diego Skyscrapers

On the final descent into SAN, the left side offers an incredibly close-up view of the city's high-rise buildings.

🌅

Pacific Horizon

Perfect for late afternoon flights to catch the sun setting over the open ocean as you head north.

Choose the left side for afternoon flights if you want to see the sunset, but be prepared for high solar glare. During the landing at SAN, look out the window about 2 minutes before touchdown to see the 'urban canyon' effect as you fly past downtown office buildings at eye-level.

Top Activities in San Diego
Route Information

Distance: 1,787 km (1,110 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 23 min

Departure: PVR (20.680099487304688, -105.25399780273438)

Arrival: SAN (32.7336006165, -117.190002441)

Route Type: International

Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.