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SNA → SFO
Which side of the plane to sit from John Wayne Airport-Orange County Airport (Santa Ana) to San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a stunning vantage point of the iconic California coastline, the Pacific Ocean, and the rugged Santa Cruz Mountains during the descent into the Bay Area.
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Pacific Coastline
Breathtaking views of the Malibu and Santa Barbara shores as the plane heads north.
Channel Islands
Distant views of Santa Cruz and Anacapa Islands dotting the Pacific horizon.
Big Sur
Dramatic cliffs and the deep blue of the Pacific along this famous stretch of wilderness.
Monterey Bay
The recognizable crescent-shaped bay and the Monterey Peninsula.
Half Moon Bay
Rugged Northern California beaches and the Mavericks surf area on final approach.
Sit on the left for evening flights to catch a spectacular sunset over the Pacific Ocean. This side is also best for viewing the coastal fog banks that frequently roll in toward the Santa Cruz mountains. If the flight circles north before landing, you may catch a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge.
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Los Angeles Basin
Sweeping views of the dense urban grid, including downtown skyscrapers and Dodger Stadium.
Tejon Pass
The rugged mountains of the Grapevine connecting Southern California to the Central Valley.
Central Valley
Intricate patterns of the world's most productive agricultural farmland.
Silicon Valley
Bird's-eye view of San Jose and the tech campuses of Mountain View and Palo Alto.
Salt Ponds
Vibrant, multi-colored salt evaporation ponds in the South San Francisco Bay.
SFO Parallel Landing
Frequent opportunities to see another aircraft landing simultaneously on the parallel runway.
Choose the right side for clear views of the San Francisco Bay and the urban centers of the East Bay, including Oakland. This side is superior for seeing the 'geometric art' of the salt ponds during the final minutes of the flight. Morning flights offer better lighting for photography on this side.
Book Hotels in San FranciscoDistance: 598 km (372 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr
Departure: SNA (33.67570114, -117.8679962)
Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Route Type: Domestic
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