Summary
California is a place of travel, industry and business, and one of the most populous parts of the United States.
As a result, the state is full of interesting airports and aviation operations which, combined with good sun and warmth, make it a great place for plane spotting.
Here are the best airports for plane spotting in California…
Los Angeles International
Undoubtedly the busiest and most popular airport for spotting in California. LAX, as it is usually known, is a mega hub for major US airlines and also on the route networks of most major international carriers.
The airport has four runways running east-west, and a large central area of terminals. Cargo and executive aircraft use facilities on the south.
For spotters, the Jim Clutter Park off Imperial Highway along the southern perimeter is a great place for watching and photographing aircraft.
Other spots include the famous In ‘n’ Out Burger on the north-east corner, and the Proud Bird Restaurant to the east.
Van Nuys Airport
Van Nuys spotting area
The busiest airport in the United States for executive aircraft and biz jets, Van Nuys is in the San Fernando Valley in northern Los Angeles.
The airport has a pair of parallel runways, and can see around 700 movements per day.
Thankfully a spotting area exists at Waterman Drive on the eastern side of the airport, with views across the runway and aprons.
San Francisco International
Photo (c) Erik Ritterbach
Another major airport in California, San Francisco International has a cross pattern of four runways built out into the famous San Francisco Bay.
It is a major hub airport for US carriers, and sees plenty of international services from Asia, Europe and South America.
Spotting is not as easy, but many congregate at Bayfront Partk to the south of the airport (off Hwy 101) where there are good photographic opportunities.
San Diego Airport
A JetBlue Airways Airbus A321-231 Registration N977JE named The Limint Does Not Exist at San Diego International Airport, United States of America on 13.11.23 arriving from New York John F. Kennedy International Airport, United States of America.
At the southern border of California is the sun-drenched city of San Diego.
Its airport is popular with US and international carriers, but its location mean it’s somewhat hemmed in with no room to grow or extend its runway.
Spotters often use the multi-storey parking garage to the south which sees airliners approaching almost at eye level before landing on the runway which stretches below. Certainly one of the world’s most spectacular spotting locations.
Victorville Southern California Logistics
FedEx A310 stored at Victorville. Photo (c) Alan Wilson
Victorville is a public airport which has carved a niche in the storage and scrapping of airliners. Southern California Logistics are the company behind this operation. A number of airliners spend long periods of time here before the scrap man moves in, giving the enthusiast time to come and catch up on gaps in their logs.
As many enthusiasts have found out with US desert storage airports, hiring a light aircraft to take an overflight is often the best way to get close to parked aircraft, taking pictures as you go to identify later.
Alternatively, Phantom Way runs from Air Expressway past the various central aprons or the logistics side. There are various places to stop and note visible aircraft.
Mojave Air & Space Port
While not as busy as it once was, Mojave, in the desert north of Los Angeles, is well known as a storage airport and is still worth a visit to see the lines of elderly airliners parked up for scrapping or awaiting onward sale. Mojave has also reinvented itself as an air and space port and is home to development and testing programmes.
Driving around the perimeter roads will usually ensure you can see everything stored at Mojave. Heading away from the airport buildings on Route 58, turn right onto Route 14 and then explore the streets on your right. Some have views over the airfield, allowing you to log what’s in with a good pair of binoculars or scope.
Palm Springs International
Southwest Airlines 737-700 departs Palm Springs
A modest-sized airport with links from around the country through all of the major airlines, plus international flights.
The passenger terminal with its circular main concourse is in the south-west corner of the airport, off Cielo Rd. To its north are parking areas for corporate and light aircraft. Atlantic Aviation FBO is situated on the opposite side of the two runways to the terminal.
The Park and Call cell phone lot to the south of the terminal is a good place to watch movements, especially if on runways 31L/R. The Palm Springs Air Museum is also a good place to watch movements from (and visit!).
Santa Monica Airport
Constantly threatened with closure, this historic aircraft where many Douglas aircraft were built is surrounded on all sides by busy city streets and residential areas. The latest plan involved truncating its already short runway in order to deter jet traffic and restrict airport use to light aircraft and twin props.
It is still fairly busy, and easy to reach from LAX and other attractions in the city. You can view from Airport Ave, where a preserved Douglas DC-3 is on display. Clover Park, on the north side, also has views.
Airport Spotting Guides USA
Our spotting guidebook to the USA covers over 400 airports across all 50 states.
In it you’ll discover descriptions, maps and details of where to spot and what you’ll see, plus tips on the best aviation museums and spotting hotels.
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