While the takeoff offers Appalachian views, the landing approach provides more dramatic and distinctive scenery—Monterey Bay and the Santa Lucia Mountains are visually striking and geographically unique. The right side captures the most memorable portion of this cross-country flight.
Flown ATL to MRY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Atlanta to Monterey is 2,111 miles (3,398 km), a flight of about 4 hours 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Mississippi River valley (visible around 2.5 hours into flight), the Great Plains with sparse settlement patterns, the Rocky Mountain front near Colorado-Wyoming border, the Great Basin's high desert terrain, and finally the Sierra Nevada range before descending into California's coastal valleys.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ATL
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Appalachian foothills and the Tennessee River valley as the aircraft climbs westward out of Atlanta. Right side faces toward the Atlantic coastal plain with less dramatic terrain.
Landing at MRY
RIGHTRight side provides excellent views of the California coast, Monterey Bay, and the Santa Lucia Mountains as the aircraft descends toward Monterey Regional Airport from the east. The bay's distinctive shape and coastal features are prominent on approach.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) to Monterey Regional Airport (MRY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Atlanta to Monterey. While the takeoff offers Appalachian views, the landing approach provides more dramatic and distinctive scenery—Monterey Bay and the Santa Lucia Mountains are visually striking and geographically unique. The right side captures the most memorable portion of this cross-country flight.
What can I see during takeoff from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International in Atlanta?
During takeoff from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Appalachian foothills and the Tennessee River valley as the aircraft climbs westward out of Atlanta. Right side faces toward the Atlantic coastal plain with less dramatic terrain. Notable sights include: Appalachian Mountains (distant ridgelines to the northwest), Tennessee River valley, Lake Lanier (north of Atlanta), Atlanta's downtown skyline.
What can I see when landing at Monterey Regional Airport in Monterey?
When landing at Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides excellent views of the California coast, Monterey Bay, and the Santa Lucia Mountains as the aircraft descends toward Monterey Regional Airport from the east. The bay's distinctive shape and coastal features are prominent on approach. Notable sights include: Monterey Bay (large crescent-shaped inlet), Santa Lucia Mountains (dramatic coastal range), Pacific coastline with rocky headlands, Salinas Valley (agricultural flatlands to the east).
How long is the flight from Atlanta to Monterey?
The flight from The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) to Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) takes about 4 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,111 miles (3,398 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Atlanta to Monterey flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Mississippi River valley (visible around 2.5 hours into flight), the Great Plains with sparse settlement patterns, the Rocky Mountain front near Colorado-Wyoming border, the Great Basin's high desert terrain, and finally the Sierra Nevada range before descending into California's coastal valleys.