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SAN destination photo
BOS destination photo

SANBOS

Our Recommendation
8.7

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers more consistent highlights, including the San Diego skyline upon departure, the Grand Canyon, the southern shores of the Great Lakes, and a higher chance of seeing the Boston city skyline during the descent.

Left Side Highlights
8.7
🏙️

San Diego Skyline

Breathtaking views of downtown San Diego, Balboa Park, and the North Bay immediately after take-off if departing to the West/North.

🏜️

Grand Canyon & Colorado Plateau

Spectacular vistas of the northern rim of the Grand Canyon and the jagged red rock formations of southern Utah and northern Arizona.

🏔️

The Rocky Mountains

Dramatic aerial perspectives of the snow-capped peaks in the Colorado Rockies as the flight transitions over the Continental Divide.

🌊

Lake Erie & Ontario

Clear views of the southern shorelines of the Great Lakes while traversing New York and Pennsylvania.

⛵

Boston Harbor Islands

A scenic approach over the historic harbor islands and the city skyline when landing on certain runway configurations at Logan.

The left side is preferable for morning flights as the sun remains to the south, reducing glare. Look out for the Grand Canyon approximately 75-90 minutes after takeoff. In winter, keep an eye out for the frozen Great Lakes which create stunning geometric ice patterns.

Right Side Highlights
7.4
💧

Salton Sea

A massive, shimmering blue saline lake located in the California desert shortly after departure.

🌵

Joshua Tree National Park

The unique high-desert landscapes and rugged rock formations of southeastern California.

🛶

Mississippi River

The wide, meandering curves of the Mississippi River as it carves through the American heartland.

⛰️

Appalachian Ridges

The distinctive parallel ridges and lush valleys of the Appalachian Mountains through Pennsylvania.

🏖️

Cape Cod & Islands

Stunning views of the hook-shaped Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket during the final descent into Boston.

Expect direct sunlight on this side for the majority of the flight; sunglasses are recommended. This side is specifically better for spotting the unique geography of Cape Cod and the South Shore of Massachusetts during the landing phase. If the flight path is more southerly, look for the Painted Desert in Arizona.

Top Activities in Boston
Route Information

Distance: 4,156 km (2,582 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 53 min

Departure: SAN (32.7336006165, -117.190002441)

Arrival: BOS (42.36429977, -71.00520325)

Route Type: Domestic

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