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SFO destination photo
FAT destination photo

SFOFAT

Our Recommendation
8.2

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior panorama of the East Bay hills, the iconic Mount Diablo, and a sweeping view of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains as you descend into the Central Valley.

Left Side Highlights
8.2
🌉

SF Bay & Oakland

Views of the Bay Bridge and the industrial port of Oakland shortly after departure.

⛰️

Mount Diablo

A prominent landmark in the East Bay, visible as the plane heads toward the Central Valley.

🚜

San Joaquin Valley

Vast, geometric patchwork of orchards and fields that define California's agricultural heartland.

🏔️

High Sierra Skyline

On clear days, the distant snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains line the eastern horizon.

✈️

Fresno Arrival

Aerial view of the northern Fresno suburbs and Clovis during the final descent.

Sit on the left for the most dramatic contrast between the urban Bay Area and the rugged Sierra Nevada. On morning flights, the sun will be behind you, illuminating the mountains perfectly. Watch for the 'Checkers' patterns of the valley orchards.

Right Side Highlights
7.5
💻

Silicon Valley

See the sprawling tech campuses of Palo Alto and San Jose as you track southeast.

🔭

Mount Hamilton

Look for the white domes of the Lick Observatory perched atop the highest peak of the Diablo Range.

💧

San Luis Reservoir

A massive artificial lake nestled in the grassy hills of the Pacheco Pass area.

🏙️

Fresno Skyline

Views of the downtown Fresno area and the southern residential sprawl before landing.

The right side is excellent for spotting Silicon Valley landmarks. Mid-day flights provide the best light for seeing the deep blue waters of the San Luis Reservoir. During the winter, the hills of the Diablo Range turn a vibrant green.

Top Activities in Fresno
Route Information

Distance: 253 km (157 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 25 min

Departure: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)

Arrival: FAT (36.77619934082031, -119.71800231933594)

Route Type: Domestic

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