While takeoff offers good coastal views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and varied scenery—the Golden Gate Strait, Marin Headlands, and the full expanse of San Francisco Bay create a more visually compelling finale to the flight.
Flown NZY to SFO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Diego to San Francisco is 448 miles (720 km), a flight of about 1 hour.
As you fly northwest from San Diego, you'll pass over the coastal mountains and valleys of central California. The Santa Lucia Range and Big Sur coastline may be visible on the left (west) side during cruise altitude, though they're distant. The flight path generally follows the California coast northward, with the Pacific Ocean on the left and inland valleys on the right. Around the midpoint, you're over the sparsely populated central coast region with few major landmarks visible from cruise altitude.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from NZY
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of San Diego Bay and the Pacific coastline as you climb northwestward. You'll see the bay's distinctive shape, the Coronado Peninsula, and the open ocean stretching to the horizon.
Landing at SFO
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during descent into SFO. You'll see the San Francisco Peninsula, the Golden Gate Strait, Marin Headlands, and the Bay Area's urban sprawl as you approach from the south.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from North Island Nas (NZY) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Diego to San Francisco. While takeoff offers good coastal views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and varied scenery—the Golden Gate Strait, Marin Headlands, and the full expanse of San Francisco Bay create a more visually compelling finale to the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from North Island Nas in San Diego?
During takeoff from North Island Nas (NZY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of San Diego Bay and the Pacific coastline as you climb northwestward. You'll see the bay's distinctive shape, the Coronado Peninsula, and the open ocean stretching to the horizon. Notable sights include: San Diego Bay, Coronado Peninsula, Pacific Ocean, Point Loma.
What can I see when landing at San Francisco International in San Francisco?
When landing at San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during descent into SFO. You'll see the San Francisco Peninsula, the Golden Gate Strait, Marin Headlands, and the Bay Area's urban sprawl as you approach from the south. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Strait, Marin Headlands, San Francisco Peninsula.
How long is the flight from San Diego to San Francisco?
The flight from North Island Nas (NZY) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes about 1 hour. The shortest flight path between them is 448 miles (720 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Diego to San Francisco flight path pass over?
As you fly northwest from San Diego, you'll pass over the coastal mountains and valleys of central California. The Santa Lucia Range and Big Sur coastline may be visible on the left (west) side during cruise altitude, though they're distant. The flight path generally follows the California coast northward, with the Pacific Ocean on the left and inland valleys on the right. Around the midpoint, you're over the sparsely populated central coast region with few major landmarks visible from cruise altitude.