While the left side wins at takeoff with the SF Bay views, the right side delivers consistently better scenery for the majority of the flight. Flying south along the California coast, right-side passengers see the Santa Cruz Mountains, the Big Sur coastline in the distance, the Channel Islands off the Southern California coast, and the spectacular San Diego Bay arrival. The right side edges it out overall.
Flown SFO to NZY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Francisco to San Diego is 448 miles (720 km), a flight of about 1 hour 25 minutes.
The flight tracks roughly south-southeast along the California coast. Key features along the route include Monterey Bay and the Santa Cruz coastline, the Santa Lucia Range and Big Sur coast visible to the right, the broad agricultural Salinas Valley below, Point Conception where the coast bends eastward, the Santa Barbara Channel with the Channel Islands visible offshore to the right, the Los Angeles Basin and its sprawl, and finally the Santa Ana Mountains before descending into San Diego.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTSFO typically departs south on runways 28L/28R or north on 01L/01R. On a southbound departure toward San Diego, a left-side seat gives you San Francisco Bay, the city skyline, and the Peninsula coastline as you climb out over the water. Right side faces inland toward the East Bay hills with less dramatic scenery.
Landing at NZY
RIGHTNZY is on Coronado Island and approaches typically come in from the north or northwest over the ocean. A right-side seat on final approach gives you San Diego Bay, the Coronado Bridge, downtown San Diego skyline, and Point Loma. Left side faces mostly open Pacific Ocean on approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to North Island Nas (NZY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to San Diego. While the left side wins at takeoff with the SF Bay views, the right side delivers consistently better scenery for the majority of the flight. Flying south along the California coast, right-side passengers see the Santa Cruz Mountains, the Big Sur coastline in the distance, the Channel Islands off the Southern California coast, and the spectacular San Diego Bay arrival. The right side edges it out overall.
What can I see during takeoff from San Francisco International in San Francisco?
During takeoff from San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Left side for the best views. SFO typically departs south on runways 28L/28R or north on 01L/01R. On a southbound departure toward San Diego, a left-side seat gives you San Francisco Bay, the city skyline, and the Peninsula coastline as you climb out over the water. Right side faces inland toward the East Bay hills with less dramatic scenery. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, SF city skyline and downtown, San Mateo Bridge, Peninsula coastline along Highway 1.
What can I see when landing at North Island Nas in San Diego?
When landing at North Island Nas (NZY), sit on the Right side for the best views. NZY is on Coronado Island and approaches typically come in from the north or northwest over the ocean. A right-side seat on final approach gives you San Diego Bay, the Coronado Bridge, downtown San Diego skyline, and Point Loma. Left side faces mostly open Pacific Ocean on approach. Notable sights include: San Diego Bay, Coronado Bridge, downtown San Diego skyline, Point Loma peninsula.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to San Diego?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to North Island Nas (NZY) takes about 1 hour 25 minutes. 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 Francisco to San Diego flight path pass over?
The flight tracks roughly south-southeast along the California coast. Key features along the route include Monterey Bay and the Santa Cruz coastline, the Santa Lucia Range and Big Sur coast visible to the right, the broad agricultural Salinas Valley below, Point Conception where the coast bends eastward, the Santa Barbara Channel with the Channel Islands visible offshore to the right, the Los Angeles Basin and its sprawl, and finally the Santa Ana Mountains before descending into San Diego.