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SBA → SFO
Which side of the plane to sit from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (Santa Barbara) to San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers an unparalleled vantage point of the iconic California coastline, featuring the rugged cliffs of Big Sur and the vast Pacific horizon.
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Point Conception
The sharp geographical corner where the California coast transitions from East-West to North-South.
Big Sur Coast
Dramatic views of the Santa Lucia Range plunging into the Pacific Ocean along Highway 1.
Monterey Bay
A massive, crescent-shaped marine sanctuary known for its deep underwater canyons and whale sightings.
Santa Cruz Shoreline
Spot the historic beach boardwalk and the surfing breaks along the northern curve of the bay.
Golden Gate Approach
Depending on the landing pattern, you may see the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific coastline of the SF Peninsula.
Book a window seat forward of the wing to ensure your view of the coastline isn't blocked by the engines. Morning flights are best to avoid the heavy glare from the sun reflecting off the ocean in the afternoon. On clear days, the transition at Point Conception is particularly striking.
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Santa Ynez Mountains
The rugged transverse range immediately north of Santa Barbara, often shrouded in morning mist.
Salinas Valley
The 'Salad Bowl of the World,' featuring perfectly geometric agricultural fields and the Salinas River.
Silicon Valley
A dense urban view of San Jose and the tech campuses of Mountain View and Palo Alto during the descent.
South Bay Salt Ponds
Vibrant, multicolored evaporation ponds near the Dumbarton Bridge that appear in shades of red, pink, and green.
San Francisco Skyline
Views of the Transamerica Pyramid and Salesforce Tower as the plane aligns for a landing on runways 28L or 28R.
The right side is ideal for those interested in the topography of the Coast Ranges and the urban layout of the Bay Area. The salt ponds in the South Bay are a highlight during the final descent; for the most vibrant colors, fly during the middle of the day when the sun is directly overhead.
Book Hotels in San FranciscoDistance: 422 km (262 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 42 min
Departure: SBA (34.42620087, -119.8399963)
Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Route Type: Domestic
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