Loading map...
SAN → BOS
Which side of the plane to sit from San Diego International Airport (San Diego) to General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport (Boston)?
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.
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.
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.
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
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.