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SNA → OAK
Which side of the plane to sit from John Wayne Airport-Orange County Airport (Santa Ana) to Metropolitan Oakland International Airport (Oakland)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is the clear winner for this route, offering spectacular views of the California coastline, Monterey Bay, and a panoramic perspective of the San Francisco skyline and Golden Gate Bridge upon arrival.
Search flights from SNA to OAK
Newport Beach Coastline
Immediate views of the Balboa Peninsula and the Pacific Ocean right after the steep SNA departure.
Channel Islands
On clear days, look out west to see the rugged outlines of Anacapa and Santa Cruz islands.
Monterey Bay
The deep blue crescent of the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary and the Santa Cruz shoreline.
SF Skyline & Bay Bridge
As the plane aligns for OAK, you get a direct view of the Salesforce Tower and the San Francisco city center.
Golden Gate Bridge
Visible in the distance to the west during the descent into the East Bay.
Sit in an 'A' seat for the best experience. Morning flights provide the best lighting as the sun is behind the aircraft, illuminating the coastline. During the OAK approach, keep your camera ready as the plane passes the San Francisco Peninsula for iconic city shots.
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San Gabriel Mountains
Rugged peaks including Mt. Baldy visible as the flight heads north from the Orange County basin.
The Grapevine
The famous Tejon Pass where the I-5 corridor cuts through the mountains into the Central Valley.
San Joaquin Valley
A vast patchwork of orchards and agricultural fields stretching toward the distant Sierra Nevada.
Mount Hamilton
Look for the white domes of the Lick Observatory atop the highest point in the Diablo Range.
East Bay Hills
A close-up view of the rolling hills and residential neighborhoods of Hayward and Castro Valley on final approach.
Choose an 'F' seat for mountain views. This side is particularly scenic during sunrise flights when the Sierra Nevada range (visible in the distance) catches the first light. It offers a great perspective of the dense urban sprawl of the East Bay during the landing sequence.
Book Hotels in OaklandDistance: 597 km (371 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr
Departure: SNA (33.67570114, -117.8679962)
Arrival: OAK (37.721298, -122.221001)
Route Type: Domestic
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