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SAN → MIA
Which side of the plane to sit from San Diego International Airport (San Diego) to Miami International Airport (Miami)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side provides a continuous showcase of the American South's geography, featuring the rugged Sonoran Desert, the winding Rio Grande, and the intricate wetlands of the Mississippi Delta before arriving in Florida.
Sonoran Desert
Vibrant desert landscapes and craggy mountain ranges across Arizona and New Mexico.
Dallas-Fort Worth
Aerial views of the massive North Texas urban sprawl and DFW Airport.
Mississippi River
Watch the massive river system fragment into the bayous and marshes of Louisiana.
Gulf Coastline
The transition from land to the turquoise waters of the northern Gulf of Mexico.
Florida Everglades
The vast, grassy 'River of Grass' appearing just before the final approach into Miami.
Sit here for the best views of the transition from desert to lush wetlands. On evening flights, this side avoids the direct glare of the southern sun, making photography easier. Look for the distinct line where the Mississippi River silt meets the Gulf blue.
San Diego Coastline
Immediate views of Coronado, Point Loma, and the Pacific Ocean during the initial climb.
International Border
The visible geographic and urban boundary between the United States and Mexico.
Guadalupe Mountains
Texas' highest peaks rising sharply out of the Chihuahuan Desert floor.
The Gulf of Mexico
Expansive views of the deep blue sea, punctuated by offshore drilling platforms.
Biscayne Bay
Turquoise waters, coral reefs, and the northernmost Florida Keys during the descent.
The Right Side is spectacular for the San Diego departure and the Miami arrival. Be prepared for strong sunlight during the middle of the day over Texas. On the approach to MIA, look for the 'Stiltsville' houses in Biscayne Bay if the flight path comes from the south.
Distance: 3,643 km (2,264 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 17 min
Departure: SAN (32.7336006165, -117.190002441)
Arrival: MIA (25.79319953918457, -80.29060363769531)
Route Type: Domestic
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