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SEA destination photo
SBA destination photo

SEASBA

Our Recommendation
9.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side of the aircraft offers an unparalleled parade of the Cascade Range's most iconic volcanic peaks, providing close-up views of Mount Rainier, Mount Hood, and the massive Mount Shasta as you travel south.

Left Side Highlights
9.5
🌋

Mount Rainier

Shortly after departure from SEA, the massive glaciated peak of Rainier dominates the horizon to the east.

🏔️

Mount Hood

Oregon's tallest peak is clearly visible as the flight passes east of the Portland metropolitan area.

💧

Crater Lake

The deep blue waters of this volcanic caldera are a highlight when flying over southern Oregon.

🗻

Mount Shasta

This towering, snow-capped stratovolcano is a landmark feature as the flight enters Northern California.

⛰️

Santa Ynez Mountains

During the final descent into SBA, these rugged mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to the city of Santa Barbara.

Choose the left side for morning flights to have the sun behind you, perfectly illuminating the volcanic peaks. On clear days, you can see as far as the Three Sisters in Oregon. Keep your camera ready within the first 15 minutes for Rainier and around 45-60 minutes for Shasta.

Right Side Highlights
7.5
🌲

Olympic Mountains

Distant views of the rugged Olympic range are visible to the west immediately after takeoff.

🌊

Pacific Coastline

Depending on the flight path, glimpses of the rugged Oregon and Northern California coasts appear in the distance.

🌉

San Francisco Bay

On clear days, the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline are often visible to the west.

🏝️

Channel Islands

As the plane prepares to land at SBA, the Channel Islands chain is often visible across the Santa Barbara Channel.

The right side is the best choice for evening flights to witness the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. During the descent into Santa Barbara, look for the oil platforms in the channel and the silhouette of Santa Cruz Island.

Top Activities in Santa Barbara
Route Information

Distance: 1,463 km (909 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 57 min

Departure: SEA (47.449001, -122.308998)

Arrival: SBA (34.42620087, -119.8399963)

Route Type: Domestic

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