Fun Things to Do Near the San Francisco Airport: The Ultimate SFO Guide for Travelers
Whether your trip to the San Francisco Airport involves a short wait or requires a layover’s worth of entertainment, this guide will set you up to make the most of your time at the San Francisco Airport.
SFO is one of the largest airports in America, with seven concourses and four terminals. It spans 1.8 million square feet, so you’ll want to come in comfortable shoes and familiarize yourself with the layout. It was ranked the 13th busiest airport in America in 2023, with an estimated 51.3 million passengers having passed through.
In this blog, we will give you the inside scoop on how to navigate your time at the San Francisco Airport, as well as set you up with a list of the best things to do near SFO.
Our Favorite Things to do Near SFO Airport During a Layover
- Explore the SFO Museum’s art exhibits
- Lounge on the Sky Terrace
- Relax and reflect in the Yoga Room
- Take a San Francisco food tour near the airport
- Have a good meal or grab a drink and watch the game
In This Post We Unpack (Pun Intended)
- How to get to the airport and navigate your terminal
- Where you can park and what your options are for ride share
- Places to relax and reset in your terminal
- The best accommodations and hotels for your layover
- Fun things you can do near SFO
- The history of the San Francisco Airport
Table of Contents
Getting To and From SFO 🚆
Public Transit Options
The San Francisco Airport is located 14 miles outside the city proper. But even if you’re staying outside the city, there may be a public transportation option that works for you and your budget!
BART Rapid Rail
The aptly named SFO BART Station leaves you at the International Terminal (you can use the AirTrain to get from there to any Terminal)
Caltrain Commuter Rail
This train makes stops between San Francisco and San Jose. You can then transfer at the Millbrae Caltrain Station to the BART
SamTrans Public Bus Service
Route 292 brings you directly to the airport terminals (making stops at Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and the International Terminal)
Route EX or 142 makes a stop at the SFO rental car lot (after which you can get to your terminal using the AirTrain blue line)
Airporters
These privately operated buses travel to prearranged stops and take you from there to the airport. They can drop you off at the International Terminal, or Domestic Terminals 2 and 3.
These are the Airporters that come to SFO, and where you can catch them:
- Beau Wine Tours → Sonoma County and Napa Valley
- Groome Transportation → Sonoma County and Monterey
- Wine Country Airporter → Napa Valley
- Marin Airporter → Marin County
Rental Cars
SFO has rental cars onsite that you can pick up when you land and return on your way home. To get to the rental cars from your airport terminal, you can take the AirTrain Blue Line.
Ride-Share
Uber and Lyft are your friends, as long as you schedule your pickup in advance. These services can get expensive and may be unreliable depending on traffic, so scheduling in advance ensures your price doesn’t go up and your driver arrives promptly on the day.
Taxis
Taxis are offered at the airport and can be a good option if you aren’t going far. They are located at the Arrivals/Baggage Claim Level of all terminals.
Drive to the Airport and Park (more on that below)
Be sure to plan transportation ahead of time because rush hour traffic can lead to extreme unforeseen delays.
San Francisco Airport Parking 🅿️
If you are driving to the airport, be sure to book parking in advance, as it requires a reservation and space is limited. There are five different parking garages to choose from that are conveniently located near stops on the Airtrain Blue Line. You also have the option of choosing between hourly and long-term parking.
Long-term Parking is the most affordable option with a rate of $4 per minute, capping at a $25 max per 24 hours. They also offer the ability to check your baggage at the garage with SFO’s Remote Bag Check for almost any flight (see details and restrictions here).
Domestic/Hourly Parking offers more convenience at a slightly higher max price of $38 per 24 hours. These garages are connected to the center of the airport, which makes them the best choice for those going on a short trip or who have accessibility needs.
Navigating the SFO Terminals ✈️
Airtrain
Once you arrive at SFO, the Airtrain is your friend! You can easily go between the Terminals to experience the best eats and experiences the airport has to offer.
- The Red Line: connects all Terminals and garages, as well as the Bart Station and Grand Hyatt at SFO → travels clockwise
- The Blue Line: connects Long-term Parking, Rental Car Pickup/Dropoff, all terminals, and garages, the BART station, and the Grand Hyatt at SFO → travels counter-clockwise
Terminals
There are four terminals at SFO → the International Terminal, Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3. As well as seven concourses → A-G. The International Terminal is home to concourses A and G, Terminal 1 has B and C, Terminal 2 has D, and Terminal 3 has E and F. You can check out a the SFO map to get a visual of the airport’s layout.
You can walk between these concourses or take the airtrain for the utmost convenience.
Accessibility Information at SFO ℹ️
Wheelchairs and Guided Assistance
If you need a wheelchair at the airport, your airline will be the point person to contact when arranging this service. Your airline is required to assist you
- From the terminal entrance to the departure gate
- Through security, and up until you board your seat
- From your plane seat to any connecting flights you have on your itinerary
- From your arrival gate to the terminal exit or vehicle pickup area
SFO has ramps in all terminals and concourses.
TTY/VRS
This phone service is offered for patrons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. It can be found in every terminal and is free when calling 48 states. See exclusions.
Sensory Rooms
While open to all guests, these rooms were designed with neurodivergent travelers in mind. There are three spaces to explore, a quiet space to decompress from the overstimulating sights and sounds of the airport, an active area where you can play with regulating sensory objects, and the “Cabin Experience” where you can sit in a model airplane to practice for your flight and work through your flying anxiety.
Service Animals
Your certified furry friends are welcome at SFO! This airport has multiple “animal relief areas” where your pet can do its business or get some water. These areas are also completely accessible for travelers using wheelchairs or other accessibility devices. The TSA website breaks down how to register your service animal before your flight.
San Francisco Airport Food & Drink Options 🥘
In this section, we are going to break down:
- Where you should get your morning joe
- The best places for lunch and dinner
- The fast food options at SFO for when you’re in a rush
- Where to get a sweet treat
- And last (but certainly not least), how to get a stiff drink.
Coffee Shops ☕️
Klain’s Deli and Coffee Bar
Recommendation: Klein’s has the overall best-reviewed coffees at SFO. They also offer delicious sandwiches named after SF neighborhoods, with their “Mission Sandwich” being a customer favorite.
Black Point Cafe
Recommendation: This is the spot for you if espresso is your caffeinated drink of choice. Of the specialty lattes, the honey or lavender are especially divine!
Green Bean’s Coffee
Recommendation: Grab their fabulous breakfast burrito along with your coffee of choice at this grab-and-go stand.
Peet’s Coffee & Tea
Recommendation: If you’re going with a chain, we recommend you swap out Starbucks for Peet’s at SFO. This company started in California, and has 6 different locations in the airport.
Best Lunch and Dinner Spots 🥗
Bun Mee
Recommendation: Enjoy a heart-warming bowl of pho or a flavorful banh mi here. And if it’s breakfast you’re looking to grab, their Breakfast Bulgogi Bun is incomparable!
Starbird
Recommendation: This place is a favorite of those from the Bay Area. The most popular dish is their classic chicken sandwich, and there are many zesty sauces you can add to customize your order.
Mama Go’s
Recommendation: Mama Go’s is the first-ever Filipino restaurant in a US airport! This is a good spot if you’re traveling with anyone with dietary restrictions, because they have adapted many of their classic dishes to be vegan and gluten-free. If you have never tried this cuisine we recommend the Garlic Fried Rice with Longanisa Sausage or the Lumpia (Filipino egg rolls with pork and veggies).
Tomokazu
Recommendation: If you have the time for a nice sit-down meal, this place is a great choice. They specialize in sushi, ngiri, and noodles, at a price point that won’t break the bank. And if you don’t have the time to sit down for your flight, you can always grab a premade sushi platter!
Cat Cora
Recommendation: This is a great sit-down dinner option for those wishing for a break from the airport atmosphere. There are big TVs where you can watch the game, and reviewers consistently compliment the service they received. Ordering the Chef’s Burger and a pint (or two) is a perfect way to unwind.
Fast Food 🍔
For travelers who are in a rush or just craving something familiar, SFO has great options for you. The two big chains they have are Wendy’s in the International Terminal and Burger King in Terminal 3, but they have many lesser-known grab-and-go options as well.
Here are your options broken down by the Terminal they’re in and the Gate they’re nearest to:
- Terminal 1: 49 Mile Market (C2) Dogpatch Bakehouse & Cafe (C7), Dolores Park Cafe (C5) Little Skillet (C6)
- Terminal 2: Andale (D16), Burger Joint (D15), Napa Farms Market (D Gates)
Sweet Treats 🧁
Pinkberry
Recommendation: The West Coast never got tired of frozen yogurt, and why should they? This health-conscious frozen treat will be a hit if you’re working up a sweat running around the airport all day.
Boudin Bakery
Recommendation: If you are craving a cookie or brownie, be sure to stop by Boudin. This bakery is renowned for its sourdough bread, which is central to its menu, but its baked goods should not be overlooked.
GR Chocolate Boutique
Recommendation: This upscale chocolatier is sure to have something to assuage your sweet tooth. We recommend trying their variety boxes that give you a taste of all their best confections, and also make great gifts for the folks back home.
Dogpatch Bakehouse & Caffè
Recommendation: This Bakehouse is a highly convenient place to grab a muffin or a danish when you’re in a rush to get to your gate. If you’re looking for a breakfast-appropriate sweet treat, Dogpatch is the place for you.
Grab a Drink 🥃
Bourbon Pub
Recommendation: Bourbon Pub has an incredible selection of Bourbon, Whiskey, Rye, and Scotch. You can either enjoy this selection straight up or in one of their delicious classic cocktails.
1300 on Fillmore
Recommendation: Check out their Happy Hour from 5:30-7:30 Tuesday-Friday (and all night on “Twilight Thursdays”). You can enjoy a selection of beer, wine, and their cocktail, the “ Orchard Mule” for just $5. They also offer small bites like cornmeal fried oysters and fried chicken sliders for $5 during this time.
SF Giants Clubhouse
Recommendation: This is the best place to catch the game and enjoy a beer. They also serve up craft cocktails and wine on tap. Big TVs line the walls so you can catch the game from any angle.
Vino Vilo
Recommendation: If you’re craving a good glass of wine, Vino Vilo is the place to go. They offer high-end options like select reserve wines by the glass, as well as the option to taste their three Sonoma Legacy wines at a reasonable price. They provide many tastings by region of fine wines and have a menu of small plates you can add on as well.
SFO Airport Shopping and Stores 🛍️
Whether you forgot your neck pillow you can’t fly without, or you’re looking to grab a last-minute gift on your way home, SFO has many places where you can purchase necessities and souvenirs.
Travel Necessities, Books, Souvenirs
Here we have broken down one-stop shops in every Terminal for your travel needs.
- Terminal 1: Mills Cargo, The Scoop
- Terminal 2: Compass Books, SFO News Express
- Terminal 3: Silicon Valley News & Gift, Compass Books, Skyline News + Gifts, District Market
- International Terminal: Hudson News, San Francisco Chronicle News
Vending Machines
Airport vending machines have evolved past simply offering food and beverages. Now you can buy everything from phone chargers to painkillers. For your electronic needs, head to the Istore in Terminal 2. For over-the-counter health and wellness products, the Better+ machine in Terminal 2 has you covered. Therabody in Terminal G offers specialty products like massage guns and sleep masks. Or, if you need to touch up your makeup, there is an Anastasia Beverly Hills vending machine in the International Terminal.
Designer Shops
If you’re looking for skin care items, you should check out L’Occitane in Terminal 1. For designer bags and clothing, you can go to Saint Laurent Boutique, Hermes, Coach, and Burberry in International Terminal A, Gucci in International Terminal G, or Jo Malone/Tom Ford in Terminal 3. For designer jewelry, head to APM Monaco and Swarovski in International Terminal A.
Duty Free
The airport is a great place to save some money by shopping duty-free, meaning that the goods you purchase will be exempt from state taxes and fees. DFS is the Duty Free Retailer of SFO. They have storefronts in International Terminal A and G and a smaller shop in Terminal 2.
Arts, Culture, & Entertainment at SFO 🖼️
The SFO Museum
The SFO Museum holds the honor of being the only ever accredited museum in an airport. To receive accreditation, a museum must prove that it can safely and ethically handle, collect, preserve, and present artistic and cultural exhibits. The SFO museum is composed of 40+ rotating exhibits stationed throughout the airport terminals.
The museum has a Public Art collection, comprising 165 works of art celebrating the Bay Area. This collection is diverse, featuring both local and international artists, as well as works in mediums such as sculpture, mosaic, paintings, and environmental works.
They are also home to the Aviation Museum and Library. You can learn about the history of commercial aviation and the evolution of the airplane. All exhibits, research materials, and events are free to the public.
If you are traveling with children, you should stop by one of their interactive exhibits. These offer sensory and optical experiences that engage kids, such as a simulated weather exhibit as well as a musical learn and play section. You can find these “Kids Spots” in Terminal 1 and 2.
Yoga Room
For travelers seeking relaxation, SFO provides a dedicated Yoga Room in Terminals 1 and 2. These serene spaces are open daily from 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM and are equipped with yoga mats and sanitizing wipes, offering a quiet retreat for stretching and meditation.
SkyTerrace Observation Deck
Located pre-security in Terminal 2, the SkyTerrace offers panoramic views of the airfield, making it an ideal spot for plane spotting. Open to the public on Fridays through Mondays from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, visitors can enjoy the sights without needing a boarding pass.
Fun Things to Do Near SFO During a Long Layover 🎉
If your layover leaves you with enough time to venture outside, there are a few fun things to do near SFO airport right in the area that can turn your layover into a mini-vacation!
Take an SF Food Tour
Stretch your legs and your palate on a San Francisco food tour! The best way to explore the cuisine of a new area is with an expert, and we here at Avital Food & Drink Experiences have been giving tours in San Francisco for the last 14 years. On our food tours, we will take you to four different restaurants, where you will eat the equivalent of two appetizers, an entrée, and a dessert, all the while hearing quirky and revealing stories about this fabulous city.
North Beach Food Tour
Join us for a North Beach food tour! This is the perfect experience for lovers of Italian food. While we bring you between each of the four mouthwatering restaurants, we will tell you the history of this area, the Barbary Coast, which was one of the most notorious spots in all of America during the Gold Rush.
If you would like to upgrade your experience, we have three perfect beverage pairings on offer. Without spoiling the surprise, some dishes you might get to sample on this tour would be: cioppino (tomato-based seafood stew), wood-fired pizza, or cannolis!
Mission Food Tour
You can’t leave San Francisco without tasting the incredible Latin cuisine this city has to offer. We can guide you to all the best gems on our mission district food tour.
The Mission District is incredibly rich in culture and history, as well as excellent food. There is street art everywhere, and many photo opportunities that your Avital guide will make sure you don’t miss. You might be tasting dishes like: Peruvian Tamal, Tunisian Kromb, or Black Sesame Dessert Buns on this tour.
Catch Ocean Views at Pacifica State Beach
About 20 minutes from SFO, this laid-back beach is perfect for a quick coastal escape. Watch surfers ride the waves, grab a coffee at the nearby cafes, or stroll along the scenic promenade. It’s a peaceful break before your next flight.
Visit Burlingame Avenue for Shopping & Dining
Just 10 minutes from SFO, downtown Burlingame offers charming boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants. It’s a relaxing spot to stretch your legs, grab a bite, or pick up a last-minute gift. Try Alana’s Café for brunch or stop by Copenhagen Bakery for a sweet treat.
Visit the CuriOdyssey Science & Wildlife Center (Perfect for Families)
Located in nearby San Mateo, this hands-on science museum and zoo is great if you’re traveling with kids. It’s small enough to explore in a few hours and just a short Lyft ride from the airport.
Relax at a Local Spa or Lounge
If you’re jet-lagged or just need a reset, there are several spas near the airport, like the XpresSpa inside SFO or Serenity Spa in Millbrae. Some airport hotels also offer day passes to their lounges or wellness centers, perfect for a quick recharge.
Best Hotels to Stay at Near SFO 🏨
There are many options for where you can sleep away your layover. Here we will break them down and talk about the convenience and amenities offered by each hotel.
Most Convenient: Grand Hyatt at SFO
When we talk about convenience, nothing ranks higher than the Grand Hyatt at SFO. You don’t have to even leave the airport to catch some zzzs at this beautiful hotel. It is one of the best-rated hotels in the area, coming in with a 4.8 on TripAdvisor. You can enjoy their bar, coffee shop, business center, and laundry services during your stay. This convenience is reflected in the price point, where a single person staying the night is looking at a bill starting at $400.
Best Affordable Option: Aloft San Francisco Airport
This hotel has rooms starting under $200 for single travelers. They also offer a free shuttle to the airport, which cuts out the cost of having to use rideshare or public transportation. You can blow off some steam and recharge at their restaurant, gym, or pool during your stay.
Luxury Accommodation: 1 Hotel San Francisco
This hotel is located in the heart of downtown San Francisco. You will need to take a car to the airport, but it’s a great place to stay if you have enough time to explore the downtown area and enjoy the luxurious accommodations. They are consistently lauded for their environmentally friendly practices and hailed for their incredible Bamford Wellness Spa. Reviewers consistently shout out the high-quality service, spotless accommodations, and relaxing atmosphere. These rooms start at $450, but may trend higher, depending on the time of year and day of the week you want to stay.
San Francisco Airport Travel Tips ✅
- Sign up for Clear or TSA Pre-Check and skip the line at security
- Download movies and TV shows for the plane before you leave for the airport
- Save your digital airline pass to your digital wallet for easy access
- Use the #SFO FREE WIFI network so you don’t waste your cellular data
- Get some fresh air up on the Sky Terrace, a rooftop lounge area on top of Terminal 2
- If someone arrives early to pick you up, they should take advantage of free parking at the Free Cell Phone Waiting Lot
History of SFO Airport 📖
1927: Mills Field Municipal Airport opened. It was barely more than an airstrip in a cow pasture.
1930: The city of San Francisco purchased more land in the area in order to make the airport a permanent fixture.
1931: The airport is renamed and became the San Francisco Airport.
1935: Pan American Airways started operating out of SFO. This was the first recurring scheduled flight by seaplane over the ocean. The route goes from SFO to Asia.
SFO During World War II: The war required the airport to become an Army training corps and a Coast Guard Base.
SFO Post-War: Passenger traffic boomed when airport activities returned to normal. The airport saw 1 million passengers pass through in the year 1947 alone.
1954: SFO opened its “Central Terminal,” which we know today as Terminal 2.
1959: The airport claimed another “first.” They installed the first working Jet bridges in the USA and started to offer commercial Jet services to the public.
1960s: The first iteration of Terminal 1 was built. It would be expanded upon and revamped in the decades to come as traffic at the airport increased exponentially.
1970-1980: Terminal 3 is added. Terminal 1 and 2 received their first revisions and upgrades since opening. The Airport Commission created the SFO Museum during this period.
1990: The airport planned a massive expansion and renovation. The plans faced significant environmental and political opposition, which prolonged the timeline. These updates would not occur until the new millennium.
2000s: Plans for expansion would finally see success. The International Terminal was added, and an automated shuttle was created between the Terminals. Public transit options to get to SFO massively improve with a stop added on the BART that takes you right to the station.
2010-Today: The International Terminal opened in late 2000 at a cost of 2.4 billion dollars. In 2012, the airport began constructing a new control tower, which was completed in 2016. Terminal 1 began a massive overhaul to transform it into the Harvey Milk Terminal 1 as it is known today. The first section of the new terminal would open in 2019, and it would see completion in 2024.
Bon Voyage 👋
We wish you happy travels and a safe flight. We hope this guide helps you enjoy your time at the San Francisco Airport and find fun things to do in the area. Layovers don’t have to be a drag when you prepare an itinerary beforehand, and SFO has so much to offer; finding an activity to fill your time shouldn’t be hard. After reading this, your most challenging job might just be paring down all the exciting options SFO has to offer. Safe travels, everyone, and be well!
For those with a long layover looking to explore SF and eat incredible food, book a food tour with us! Our tours are hosted by experts and you’ll visit the best restaurants in San Francisco, all in 3 hours.
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