Most of this flight is spent cruising down the California coastline, and the right side keeps that scenery in view continuously - beaches, cliffs, and the Santa Barbara Channel - while the left side only gets a strong payoff during the final minutes of landing.
Flight Path
Big Sur coastline and Santa Lucia Mountains, Point Conception, Santa Barbara Channel Islands (Santa Cruz and Anacapa Islands), Los Angeles coastline near Palos Verdes
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
RIGHTDeparting SFO's eastern runways, the aircraft banks south along the San Francisco Peninsula, putting the Pacific coastline - cliffs, coves, and Devil's Slide near Pacifica - right outside the west-facing windows. The left side only shows the flatter East Bay suburbs and hills.
Landing at SAN
LEFTOn the runway 27 approach into SAN, the flight path passes just north of downtown before turning to land, putting the San Diego skyline, Balboa Park, and the bay squarely on the left side. The right side mostly faces Mission Bay's flatter terrain.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
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 Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to San Diego. Most of this flight is spent cruising down the California coastline, and the right side keeps that scenery in view continuously - beaches, cliffs, and the Santa Barbara Channel - while the left side only gets a strong payoff during the final minutes of landing.
What can I see during takeoff from San Francisco International in San Francisco?
During takeoff from San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing SFO's eastern runways, the aircraft banks south along the San Francisco Peninsula, putting the Pacific coastline - cliffs, coves, and Devil's Slide near Pacifica - right outside the west-facing windows. The left side only shows the flatter East Bay suburbs and hills. Notable sights include: Pacifica coastal cliffs, Half Moon Bay, Montara Mountain, Pacific Ocean shoreline.
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. On the runway 27 approach into SAN, the flight path passes just north of downtown before turning to land, putting the San Diego skyline, Balboa Park, and the bay squarely on the left side. The right side mostly faces Mission Bay's flatter terrain. Notable sights include: Downtown San Diego skyline, Balboa Park, San Diego Bay, Coronado Bridge.
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 1h 25m.
What does the San Francisco to San Diego flight path pass over?
Big Sur coastline and Santa Lucia Mountains, Point Conception, Santa Barbara Channel Islands (Santa Cruz and Anacapa Islands), Los Angeles coastline near Palos Verdes