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RDD destination photo
SFO destination photo

RDDSFO

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side provides a dramatic entry into the Bay Area, featuring the Napa Valley vineyards and the iconic San Francisco skyline and bridges upon arrival.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🌲

Northern Coast Ranges

Rugged, forested mountains that separate the inland valleys from the Pacific coastline.

💧

Lake Berryessa

A large, deep blue reservoir nestled within the Vaca Mountains near Napa.

🍇

Napa Valley

Aerial perspective of world-famous vineyards and the rolling hills of California wine country.

🌉

Golden Gate Bridge

Iconic views of the orange bridge often visible as the plane maneuvers for its final approach.

🏙️

San Francisco Skyline

Unrivaled views of the Transamerica Pyramid and Salesforce Tower before touching down at SFO.

The right side is premier for evening flights as the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean. During the standard 'Point Reyes' arrival into SFO, this side offers the best chance to see the Golden Gate Bridge and the city center. Try to book a seat ahead of the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the Bay Area's geography.

Left Side Highlights
7.2
🌋

Lassen Peak

Distant views of the southernmost major volcano in the Cascades visible shortly after takeoff.

⛰️

Sutter Buttes

The world's smallest mountain range rising sharply from the flat Sacramento Valley floor.

🌾

Sacramento Valley

A geometric grid of agricultural fields, particularly vibrant during the spring growing season.

🏔️

Mount Diablo

A prominent landmark peak in the East Bay that dominates the southern horizon.

🏙️

Oakland Skyline

Views of the Port of Oakland and the urban density of the East Bay during the descent.

Choose this side for early morning flights to witness the sunrise over the Sierra Nevada range. Keep an eye out for the distinctive circular cluster of the Sutter Buttes approximately 20 minutes into the flight. This side is also better for seeing the sprawling waterways of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta.

Top Activities in San Francisco
Route Information

Distance: 321 km (199 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 32 min

Departure: RDD (40.50899887, -122.2929993)

Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)

Route Type: Domestic

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