The left (west-facing) side tracks the California coastline for much of the route, offering views of the Pacific shoreline, coastal mountains, and Sonoma wine country on approach, while the right side mostly faces inland toward flatter, less distinctive terrain.
Flown SAN to STS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Diego to Santa Rosa is 509 miles (819 km), a flight of about 1 hour 25 minutes.
Santa Barbara coastline, Point Conception, Big Sur cliffs, Monterey Bay, San Francisco Bay Area hills
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAN
LEFTDeparting SAN on Runway 27, the plane climbs out over San Diego Bay and the Pacific before banking north, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the harbor, Coronado, and the coastline curving away to the northwest. Right-side passengers get a brief glimpse of downtown San Diego and Balboa Park before the turn puts the city behind them.
Landing at STS
LEFTOn approach to STS Runway 32 from the south, the aircraft tracks up through Sonoma County with the coastal hills and the Russian River valley visible to the west, offering a scenic patchwork of vineyards and ridgelines. The east side mainly shows the flatter Napa Valley floor with less topographic variation.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Diego to Santa Rosa. The left (west-facing) side tracks the California coastline for much of the route, offering views of the Pacific shoreline, coastal mountains, and Sonoma wine country on approach, while the right side mostly faces inland toward flatter, less distinctive terrain.
What can I see during takeoff from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld in San Diego?
During takeoff from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing SAN on Runway 27, the plane climbs out over San Diego Bay and the Pacific before banking north, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the harbor, Coronado, and the coastline curving away to the northwest. Right-side passengers get a brief glimpse of downtown San Diego and Balboa Park before the turn puts the city behind them. Notable sights include: San Diego Bay, Coronado Bridge, Point Loma, Pacific coastline.
What can I see when landing at Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa?
When landing at Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to STS Runway 32 from the south, the aircraft tracks up through Sonoma County with the coastal hills and the Russian River valley visible to the west, offering a scenic patchwork of vineyards and ridgelines. The east side mainly shows the flatter Napa Valley floor with less topographic variation. Notable sights include: Russian River valley, coastal Sonoma hills, vineyard patchwork, Santa Rosa plain.
How long is the flight from San Diego to Santa Rosa?
The flight from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS) takes about 1 hour 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 509 miles (819 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Diego to Santa Rosa flight path pass over?
Santa Barbara coastline, Point Conception, Big Sur cliffs, Monterey Bay, San Francisco Bay Area hills