The right side delivers a strong departure view of the Sonoma coastline, a cruise phase that tracks near the Central California coast and Channel Islands, and a landing sequence with an excellent view of downtown San Diego and Balboa Park — a much stronger sequence than the inland valley and mountain views on the left.
Flown STS to SAN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Santa Rosa to San Diego is 509 miles (819 km), a flight of about 1 hour 45 minutes.
Central California coastline near Point Conception, Santa Barbara Channel, and the Channel Islands visible to the west of the flight path
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from STS
RIGHTDeparting STS on Runway 32, the aircraft climbs northwest then banks south toward San Diego, putting the Sonoma County coastline and the Pacific Ocean on the right side while the left shows the inland Mayacamas hills and Santa Rosa valley. The ocean and Point Reyes headlands give the right side more visual variety during climb-out.
Landing at SAN
RIGHTOn the Runway 27 approach into SAN, the flight path passes just north of downtown San Diego, so the skyline, Balboa Park's green canopy, and San Diego Bay are all clearly visible on the right side of the aircraft during final descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Santa Rosa to San Diego. The right side delivers a strong departure view of the Sonoma coastline, a cruise phase that tracks near the Central California coast and Channel Islands, and a landing sequence with an excellent view of downtown San Diego and Balboa Park — a much stronger sequence than the inland valley and mountain views on the left.
What can I see during takeoff from Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa?
During takeoff from Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing STS on Runway 32, the aircraft climbs northwest then banks south toward San Diego, putting the Sonoma County coastline and the Pacific Ocean on the right side while the left shows the inland Mayacamas hills and Santa Rosa valley. The ocean and Point Reyes headlands give the right side more visual variety during climb-out. Notable sights include: Russian River mouth, Bodega Bay, Sonoma coastal bluffs, Santa Rosa valley floor.
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. On the Runway 27 approach into SAN, the flight path passes just north of downtown San Diego, so the skyline, Balboa Park's green canopy, and San Diego Bay are all clearly visible on the right side of the aircraft during final descent. Notable sights include: Downtown San Diego skyline, Balboa Park, San Diego Bay, Coronado Bridge.
How long is the flight from Santa Rosa to San Diego?
The flight from Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) takes about 1 hour 45 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 Santa Rosa to San Diego flight path pass over?
Central California coastline near Point Conception, Santa Barbara Channel, and the Channel Islands visible to the west of the flight path