With international and domestic flights in and out of the state, California lays in wait.
Flights to California come in all shapes and sizes. With nine international airports and more than a dozen major domestic equivalents, the Golden State is readily accessible from the rest of the United States and worldwide locations alike.
Whether electing the sunny climes of the south or the scenic coasts of the north, visitors to the state will find an airport serving their destination area wherever their destination may be.
The largest and most visited airport serving Northern California is San Francisco International Airport (SFO), which is the second busiest in the state (behind Los Angeles) and the 26th busiest in the entire world.
Terminals 1 to 3 at the airport serve the United States whilst a fourth terminal acts as an international gateway to the likes of Europe, Asia and Oceana.
Another airport that serves San Francisco and the Bay Area is Oakland International Airport (OAK). Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) is also within a comfortable distance of the Golden Gate City. Both of these also serve their local areas, Oakland and San Jose respectively.
Other transnational airports that serve Northern California include Sacramento International Airport (SMF) and Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT).
Those visiting California’s northern most counties though may find it quicker to commute from Oregon. Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport (MFR) is the closest global facility to the state border.
The busiest destination for flights to California is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) which is the second busiest airport in the USA and the sixth busiest in the world.
This Southern California landing base lies about 24km south-west of downtown Los Angeles. The airport itself has nine individual terminals that appear in a horseshoe shape. The control tower and illuminated theme restaurant provide a somewhat iconic image to visitors at the building. LAX, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean, links to the likes of Culver City and Inglewood via Interstate 405.
For those wondering, the ‘X’ in LAX has no significance. It was merely added for convenience when designations altered from two characters to three in the 1940s.
Due to the city’s sprawled layout, a number of other airports are frequently used for international and domestic flights. The Bob Hope Airport (BUR) at Burbank is the closest airstrip to downtown Los Angeles and Hollywood, and is thus useful for internal passengers. John Wayne Airport (SNA) and Long Beach Airport (LGB) similarly serve Orange County and the south of the city. Ontario International Airport (ONT) is the city’s other intercontinental launch-pad.
Other Southern California entrance points include Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) and San Diego International Airport (SAN). The latter is the third busiest airport in the Golden State. It’s also conveniently positioned for those looking to enjoy the marine-influenced attractions of border city.
With flights to California being readily available to worldwide travelers and carrier companies seeming to grow by the year, the many sights, sounds and attractions of the Golden State are at the fingertips of anybody that wishes to head to the West Coast.