Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Monterey to San Diego. Right side dominates the outbound leg with Monterey Bay and the Pacific coast, while left side captures San Diego Bay and the city during descent. Right wins slightly for the more dramatic coastal scenery during the longer climb-out phase.

During takeoff from Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers immediate views of Monterey Bay and the Pacific coastline as you climb out. The left side faces inland toward the Santa Lucia Mountains with less dramatic scenery during initial climb. Notable sights include: Monterey Bay, Pacific Ocean coastline, Santa Lucia Mountains (distant inland), Monterey Peninsula.

When landing at San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides excellent views of San Diego Bay, downtown San Diego's skyline, and the Coronado Peninsula as you descend toward Lindbergh Field. The right side faces less populated areas and the inland foothills. Notable sights include: San Diego Bay, Coronado Peninsula, Downtown San Diego skyline, Point Loma.

The flight from Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) takes Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.

The flight path follows the California coast southbound at 15,000-25,000 feet. Notable features include Big Sur's dramatic cliffs and rugged coastline (visible from right side around 20 minutes into flight), the Santa Lucia Mountains running parallel to the coast, and the transition from central California's rocky coastline to San Diego County's more developed coastal areas. The Los Padres National Forest and Ventana Wilderness appear inland on the left. As you approach San Diego, the Peninsular Ranges become visible inland on the left side, while the coast becomes increasingly developed with beach communities.