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SAN → SFO
Which side of the plane to sit from San Diego International Airport (San Diego) to San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers iconic views of the rugged California coastline, the vast Pacific Ocean, and the scenic Monterey Bay as you fly north.
Search flights from SAN to SFO
La Jolla Coastline
Aerial views of the white sand beaches and dramatic sea cliffs of La Jolla and Torrey Pines shortly after takeoff.
Channel Islands
Visible in the distance on clear days, these offshore islands emerge from the deep blue Pacific.
Monterey Bay
The distinctive crescent shape of the bay and the deep blue waters of the Monterey Canyon.
Santa Cruz Mountains
Lush, forested ridges that mark the final approach into the San Francisco Peninsula.
Sit on the left (Port) side for the most dramatic coastal scenery. Morning flights are ideal as the sun is behind you, perfectly illuminating the cliffs and ocean. Try to sit forward of the wing to avoid glare and engine exhaust distortion when photographing the coastline.
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Transverse Ranges
Rugged views of the San Gabriel and San Bernardino mountains shortly after departure from San Diego.
Central Valley
A vast, geometric patchwork of agricultural fields that comprise California's farming heartland.
Silicon Valley
High-altitude views of San Jose, the Apple 'Spaceship' campus, and the tech hubs of the South Bay.
SF Bay Salt Ponds
Vibrantly colored red, orange, and green evaporation ponds visible during the final descent into SFO.
The right side is excellent for afternoon flights to avoid the direct glare of the setting sun. During the winter, you can often see snow-capped peaks in the distance. Keep an eye out for the Lick Observatory on Mount Hamilton as the flight begins its descent into the Bay Area.
Book Hotels in San FranciscoDistance: 719 km (447 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 12 min
Departure: SAN (32.7336006165, -117.190002441)
Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Route Type: Domestic
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