This route roughly parallels the California coastline heading south, so the right (west-facing) side keeps the Pacific Ocean, Monterey Bay, and the dramatic Big Sur coast in view for most of the cruise, plus a scenic bay-view departure and channel-island approach.
Flown SFO to SBA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Francisco to Santa Barbara is 262 miles (422 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Monterey Bay, the Big Sur coastline and Santa Lucia Mountains, and Point Conception where the coast bends toward Santa Barbara
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
RIGHTDeparting SFO to the southeast then turning south, the right side offers views back over San Francisco Bay, the city skyline, and the Peninsula before the aircraft settles onto its coastal track south.
Landing at SBA
RIGHTThe approach into SBA runway 25 comes in from the northwest along the coast, giving right-side passengers a close view of the Santa Barbara Channel, the Channel Islands, and the curving coastline right before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Santa Barbara. This route roughly parallels the California coastline heading south, so the right (west-facing) side keeps the Pacific Ocean, Monterey Bay, and the dramatic Big Sur coast in view for most of the cruise, plus a scenic bay-view departure and channel-island approach.
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 to the southeast then turning south, the right side offers views back over San Francisco Bay, the city skyline, and the Peninsula before the aircraft settles onto its coastal track south. Notable sights include: San Francisco skyline, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains, San Mateo coastline.
What can I see when landing at Santa Barbara Municipal Airport in Santa Barbara?
When landing at Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA), sit on the Right side for the best views. The approach into SBA runway 25 comes in from the northwest along the coast, giving right-side passengers a close view of the Santa Barbara Channel, the Channel Islands, and the curving coastline right before touchdown. Notable sights include: Santa Barbara Channel, Channel Islands (Santa Cruz Island visible), Santa Ynez Mountains foothills, Santa Barbara coastline.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Santa Barbara?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 262 miles (422 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Santa Barbara flight path pass over?
Monterey Bay, the Big Sur coastline and Santa Lucia Mountains, and Point Conception where the coast bends toward Santa Barbara