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SBP → SFO
Which side of the plane to sit from San Luis County Regional Airport (San Luis Obispo) to San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides an unparalleled front-row seat to the iconic California coastline, featuring Morro Bay, the rugged Big Sur cliffs, and the Monterey Bay marine sanctuary.
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Morro Rock
A massive 576-foot volcanic plug standing at the entrance to Morro Bay, visible shortly after departure.
Big Sur Coastline
Stunning views of where the Santa Lucia Mountains drop abruptly into the Pacific Ocean.
Monterey Bay
A massive crescent-shaped bay known for its deep marine canyon and frequent whale sightings.
Santa Cruz Boardwalk
The historic seaside park and its iconic wooden roller coaster are visible as you cross the northern edge of the bay.
Pacific Coast Highway
The winding Highway 1 can be seen hugging the cliffs throughout much of the northern transit.
Choose the left side for morning flights to keep the sun behind you for better photography. Watch for the dramatic transition from the wild coast to the urban sprawl of the San Francisco Peninsula. On clear days, the turquoise waters of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary are exceptionally vibrant.
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Santa Lucia Range
Rugged mountain ridges that run parallel to the coast, often dusted with snow in winter.
Salinas Valley
Known as the Salad Bowl of the World, the vast, neon-green agricultural fields create a striking patchwork.
Silicon Valley Tech Hubs
During the descent, look for the 'Spaceship' Apple Park campus in Cupertino and other major tech headquarters.
SF Bay Salt Ponds
The vibrant red, pink, and yellow salt evaporation ponds near the southern end of the San Francisco Bay.
San Mateo Bridge
The longest bridge in the Bay Area, stretching across the water as you line up for final approach.
The right side is ideal for afternoon or evening flights to catch the 'Golden Hour' glow over the mountains and tech corridor. As you descend into SFO, keep your eyes peeled for the distinctive circular Apple Park campus near San Jose. This side also offers a better view of the San Francisco Bay's unique salt pond ecosystems during the final minutes of flight.
Book Hotels in San FranciscoDistance: 307 km (191 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 31 min
Departure: SBP (35.2368011475, -120.641998291)
Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Route Type: Domestic
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