San Francisco - Intl

1Bayfront Park

The best location for us is at the Bayfront Park, or in any case somewhere up and down the shoreline here. Conditions are perfect here, with all runways in view and sun almost all the time in your back. However, aircraft approaching 28L and 28R still need a considerable amount of millimeters due to the distance to the runway (about 1800 meters): approximately 750mm for a B767-300. Although close by, aircraft departing runways 01L and 01R are difficult to shoot: an all new chain link fence has been erected, obscuring the first couple of meters of the runways.
From Highway 101 take exit Millbrae Avenue. Turn left (when coming from the north) or right (coming from the south) and you will drive right at it. Park your car at the Westin or Marriott hotels car parks (not free of charge) or at a lot next to the one of Marriott, across the entrance of the Westin (free, with a limit of two hours).

2West Field Road

From this position you will be able to shoot aircraft on departure from Runways 28L and 28R, are - on rare occasions - aircraft just before touchdown on Runways 10L and 10R. From Spot 1, head northwest on South McDonnell Road. After 2 miles turn right on West Field Road and drive along until you reach the gate, or park earlier and walk (whichever suits security best). Heavies will come nicely into view, smaller aircraft - on the rare occasion that they use the 28s at all for departure - will be quite high.

3West Area Drive

Pictures of aircraft on short final for Runways 10L and 10R (a rare occasion!) can be taken from this position. From spot 2 return to North McDonnell Road, turn right and take the next right (West Area Drive).

4Fishing Pier

Although farther from the airport, getting good pictures from aircraft landing at the 28L or 28R is easier here. You will still need about 400 (analogue) millimeters for a B747-400 on approach for 28L, while the same type on final for 28R will require 500mm.
From spot 1 go southeast on Bayshore Hwy. At the end, after 1.2 miles, turn left onto Airport Boulevard. Continue until you observe a sharp turn to the right after 1.5 miles. This is where you turn left: you can park & view.

5Bay View Place

The Fishing Pier closes at 5PM. For those picturesque evening shots the Bay View Place is a good alternative, albeit a little bit further away from the final approach path. From spot 4, go northwest towards the airport, cross a bridge and take the first right (Bay View Place). Continue down to the restauants parking lot, or the dirt lot which acts as an overflow parking lot.