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SNA → SMF
Which side of the plane to sit from John Wayne Airport-Orange County Airport (Santa Ana) to Sacramento International Airport (Sacramento)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a spectacular vantage point of the Southern California coastline immediately after takeoff, followed by a panoramic view of the Los Angeles basin and the dramatic transition from the coast to the Central Valley.
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OC Gold Coast
Immediate views of Newport Beach and Huntington Beach during the steep climb out of SNA.
LA Skyline
A distant but clear view of the Downtown Los Angeles skyscrapers and the surrounding urban grid.
Port of Long Beach
The massive scale of the twin ports of LA and Long Beach with hundreds of cargo ships in the harbor.
Santa Monica Mountains
The rugged coastal range that divides the LA basin from the San Fernando Valley.
San Francisco Bay
On clear days, as you begin your descent, you can often spot the Bay Area and even the Pacific coastline to the west.
Sit on the left for the best views of the Pacific Ocean and the sunset if flying in the evening. The steep 'noise abatement' takeoff from SNA provides a thrilling view of the coast. Choose a seat ahead of the wing to avoid engine heat haze obscuring the LA sprawl.
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San Gabriel Mountains
Impressive views of Mt. Baldy and the high peaks of the Angeles National Forest.
Tehachapi Pass
The southern gateway to the Central Valley featuring thousands of spinning wind turbines.
San Joaquin Valley
A geometric tapestry of California's agricultural heartland stretching to the horizon.
Sierra Nevada Range
The jagged, often snow-capped peaks of the high Sierras visible in the far distance to the east.
Folsom Lake
A prominent reservoir often visible as the plane maneuvers for its final approach into Sacramento.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid direct sun glare. It offers the best views of the mountain ranges that border the Central Valley. Keep an eye out for the 'Grapevine' section of I-5 as you transition out of the Los Angeles area.
Book Hotels in SacramentoDistance: 650 km (404 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 5 min
Departure: SNA (33.67570114, -117.8679962)
Arrival: SMF (38.69540023803711, -121.59100341796876)
Route Type: Domestic
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