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SFO → CEC
Which side of the plane to sit from San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco) to Jack Mc Namara Field Airport (Crescent City)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers unparalleled views of the rugged Northern California coastline, including the iconic Point Reyes peninsula and the remote, roadless wilderness of the Lost Coast.
Search flights from SFO to CEC
Golden Gate Bridge
Aerial view of the world-famous orange suspension bridge and the Marin Headlands upon departure.
Point Reyes National Seashore
The distinct triangular peninsula and lighthouse jutting out into the Pacific Ocean.
The Lost Coast
Observe the King Range, where the mountains meet the sea in a wild, roadless stretch of California.
Bodega Bay
The scenic, shallow inlet known for its beauty and its role in cinematic history.
Pacific Horizon
Endless views of the blue Pacific, particularly stunning during golden hour or sunset flights.
Choose the left side for the best coastal photography. Watch for the 'hammerhead' shape of Point Reyes shortly after takeoff. On evening flights, the sun sets directly on this side, creating high-contrast views of the surf and cliffs. Note that coastal fog can occasionally obscure the view in the early morning.
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San Francisco Skyline
A dense view of the Financial District, Salesforce Tower, and the Bay Bridge immediately after takeoff.
Sonoma Wine Country
Bird's-eye view of the orderly vineyards and rolling hills of the Russian River Valley.
Mendocino National Forest
Vast expanses of deep green coniferous forests stretching toward the inland mountains.
Trinity Alps
In the distance to the east, the jagged, often snow-capped peaks of the Klamath Mountains.
Mount Tamalpais
The highest peak in the Marin Hills, often seen peaking above the local fog layers.
The right side is ideal for seeing the geography of the Bay Area and the transition into the agricultural and timber lands of the north. It is generally better for morning flights to avoid the glare of the sun. Keep an eye out for Clear Lake further inland if the flight path tracks slightly east.
Book Hotels in Crescent CityDistance: 489 km (304 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 49 min
Departure: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Arrival: CEC (41.78020096, -124.2369995)
Route Type: Domestic
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