About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to San Diego. The left side wins overall. The SFO departure offers the most dramatic views — San Francisco Bay, the city skyline, and the Peninsula spread out clearly. During the cruise south along the California coast, the left side also tracks closer to the coastline and the Santa Lucia Range, with occasional glimpses of Morro Bay and the Central Coast. The right side wins on landing, but the departure views are the highlight of this short flight.
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, the left side gives you San Francisco Bay, the city skyline, and the Peninsula. You'll see the Bay Bridge and downtown SF clearly before turning south. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, SF city skyline and downtown, San Mateo Bridge, Santa Cruz Mountains.
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 Right side for the best views. SAN's runway 27 approach comes in from the east over Mission Valley, giving the right side a view of Mission Bay, Pacific Beach, and the ocean. The left side faces inland toward Balboa Park and downtown, but the right side's ocean and bay views are more dramatic on final. Notable sights include: Mission Bay, Pacific Beach coastline, Point Loma peninsula, San Diego Bay.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to San Diego?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) takes Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
What does the San Francisco to San Diego flight path pass over?
The flight tracks roughly south-southeast over the California Coast Ranges and the western edge of the Central Valley. Notable features include the Santa Cruz Mountains south of SFO, Monterey Bay visible to the right around the midpoint, the Santa Lucia Range running along the coast, Point Conception where the coastline bends east, and the Channel Islands visible offshore as you approach Southern California. The Transverse Ranges — including the Santa Ynez Mountains — are visible before descent into San Diego.