Oakland to San Diego is 446 miles (718 km), a flight of about 1 hour 20 minutes.
The right side dominates the bulk of the flight: a scenic San Francisco Bay departure followed by roughly an hour of California coastline cruising past Big Sur, the Channel Islands, and the Orange County coast, far outweighing the brief but pretty downtown San Diego view on the left during landing.
Flight Path
Monterey Bay, the Big Sur coastline and Santa Lucia Mountains, Point Conception, the Santa Barbara Channel Islands, and the Los Angeles basin coastline near Palos Verdes
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from OAK
RIGHTOAK departures on the 28-side runways climb out westward directly toward San Francisco before banking left toward San Diego, swinging the skyline, Bay Bridge, and Alcatraz into view on the right side during the turn.
Landing at SAN
LEFTArrivals on SAN's Runway 27 descend from the east directly over Balboa Park and pass just north of downtown, putting the San Diego skyline and bay squarely on the left side in the final minutes before touchdown.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Metropolitan Oakland International (OAK) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Oakland to San Diego. The right side dominates the bulk of the flight: a scenic San Francisco Bay departure followed by roughly an hour of California coastline cruising past Big Sur, the Channel Islands, and the Orange County coast, far outweighing the brief but pretty downtown San Diego view on the left during landing.
What can I see during takeoff from Metropolitan Oakland International in Oakland?
During takeoff from Metropolitan Oakland International (OAK), sit on the Right side for the best views. OAK departures on the 28-side runways climb out westward directly toward San Francisco before banking left toward San Diego, swinging the skyline, Bay Bridge, and Alcatraz into view on the right side during the turn. Notable sights include: San Francisco skyline, Bay Bridge, Alcatraz Island, San Francisco Bay.
What can I see when landing at San Diego International Lindbergh Fld in San Diego?
When landing at San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Arrivals on SAN's Runway 27 descend from the east directly over Balboa Park and pass just north of downtown, putting the San Diego skyline and bay squarely on the left side in the final minutes before touchdown. Notable sights include: Downtown San Diego skyline, San Diego Bay, Coronado Bridge, Balboa Park.
How long is the flight from Oakland to San Diego?
The flight from Metropolitan Oakland International (OAK) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 446 miles (718 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Oakland to San Diego flight path pass over?
Monterey Bay, the Big Sur coastline and Santa Lucia Mountains, Point Conception, the Santa Barbara Channel Islands, and the Los Angeles basin coastline near Palos Verdes