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SFO → PSP
Which side of the plane to sit from San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco) to Palm Springs International Airport (Palm Springs)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides offer stunning California vistas, the right side provides a dramatic perspective of the Pacific coastline shortly after takeoff and an unparalleled, close-up view of the massive Mount San Jacinto during the descent into the Coachella Valley.
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Pacific Coastline
Breathtaking views of the rugged San Mateo coast and the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean.
Santa Cruz Mountains
Densely forested ridges that separate the San Francisco Bay from the Pacific coast.
Salinas Valley
Known as the 'Salad Bowl of the World', this valley is framed by the beautiful Santa Lucia Range.
Mount San Jacinto
A spectacular 10,834-foot granite peak that looms directly outside your window as you land in Palm Springs.
San Gorgonio Pass Wind Farm
Thousands of massive white wind turbines spinning in the narrow pass between the mountains.
The right side is the clear winner for the final approach into PSP, as you fly directly past the sheer north face of Mount San Jacinto. For the best photos of the mountains and wind farms, choose a seat behind the wing. Afternoon flights offer beautiful golden hour lighting on the mountain faces.
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San Francisco Bay
Aerial views of the Bay Bridge, Oakland skyline, and the busy Port of Oakland immediately after departure.
Silicon Valley
Look down at the tech campuses of Mountain View and San Jose as you head south over the Peninsula.
Central Valley
The geometric patterns of California's agricultural heartland stretching toward the distant Sierra Nevada.
San Bernardino Mountains
Rugged peaks including San Gorgonio Mountain, the highest point in Southern California, during the descent.
Coachella Valley Greenery
The striking contrast of bright green golf courses and swimming pools against the arid desert floor.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. This side is excellent for seeing the urban density of the Bay Area and the vast scale of the San Joaquin Valley. Keep an eye out for the San Andreas Fault line which often parallels the flight path through central California.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 677 km (421 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 8 min
Departure: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Arrival: PSP (33.829700469970696, -116.50700378417967)
Route Type: Domestic
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