Exploring Sfo: Activities And Attractions At The Airport

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is one of the busiest airports in the US, with over 42 million passengers a year. The airport has been recognised for its ease of use and solid options for eating and shopping. If you have a layover at SFO, there are plenty of things to keep you entertained. From exploring the rotating art exhibits and aviation museum to practising yoga in the dedicated yoga rooms, SFO offers a range of amenities to make your layover enjoyable. For those with longer layovers, a quick trip into San Francisco is also an option, with the city's iconic sites and attractions just a short train or taxi ride away.

Eat at Emporio Rulli Gran Caffe, Lark Creek Grill, or SF Uncork'd

If you're looking for a bite to eat at San Francisco International Airport, there are several options to choose from, including Emporio Rulli Gran Caffe, Lark Creek Grill, or SF Uncorkd. Each offers a unique dining experience to cater to various preferences and tastes.

Emporio Rulli Gran Caffe is an Italian dining bar located in Terminal 3, Boarding Area F near Gate 79. Open daily from 7:30 am to 9:30 pm, they serve a variety of Italian dishes, including paninis, soups, pastries, and espresso. The reviews for the cafe are positive, with special mention of the cappuccinos, lattes, and reasonable pricing.

Lark Creek Grill, located near Gate D1, is a full-service table-service restaurant with a bar. They serve a variety of dishes, including seafood, steak, and breakfast options, using local sustainable ingredients. The restaurant is open daily from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm and has been named one of the "Top Airport Restaurants in the World" by Conde Nast Traveler.

For those who enjoy a glass of wine or a craft beer, SF Uncorkd, located near Gate F16, is a modern wine bar serving quality wines, craft beers, and small plates. They are open daily from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm and offer a creatively paired food and drink menu. You can even order ahead by giving them a call. SF Uncorkd is also a certified SFO Green Business.

Relax in an airport lounge

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has several airport lounges that you can head to for relaxation. Airport lounges are a great way to enrich your airport experience, offering all-inclusive access to unlimited food and drinks, WiFi, news and TV, and comfortable seating.

Some airport lounges at SFO cater exclusively to travellers flying specific airlines. For instance, the Delta Sky Club lounge welcomes customers flying Delta up to 3 hours before their flight. Similarly, the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge in Terminal 2, the Air France-KLM Lounge in the International Terminal A, and the American Airlines Admirals Club in the Harvey Milk Terminal 1 are exclusive to travellers flying with these airlines.

However, there are also airport lounges at SFO that offer access to any traveller, regardless of the airline or class they are flying. The American Express Centurion Lounge in Terminal 3 is one such example, offering guests access to food and drinks, high-speed WiFi, and comfortable seating. Pre-booking your visit online or using a lounge membership program can help secure entry.

Lounges provide a great opportunity to unwind and relax during a layover, so be sure to check out the options available at SFO and take advantage of their amenities to enhance your travel experience.

Visit the Aviation Museum

If you're looking for something to do at San Francisco Airport, the Aviation Museum & Library is a great option. Located in the International Terminal, it provides a unique opportunity to learn about the development of commercial aviation and its role in our everyday lives. Here's what you need to know to plan your visit:

Architecture and History

The Aviation Museum is an architectural adaptation of the Airport's 1930s passenger lobby. It showcases the history of commercial air transport, with a regional emphasis on the West Coast and Pacific region. The museum also highlights the story of the airline industry and San Francisco International Airport's role in aviation.

Exhibitions and Collections

The museum offers exhibitions, research services, and educational programs to the public free of charge. You can explore the collection, which focuses on commercial aviation history, and take advantage of the research facilities if you're interested in delving deeper into the topic.

Opening Hours and Location

The Aviation Museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, providing easy access for travellers passing through the airport. It is located in the International Terminal, pre-Security, so you don't need to worry about rushing through security checks to visit.

Planning Your Visit

While the Aviation Museum is a great option to spend time during a layover, it's important to plan your visit accordingly. Keep in mind that the museum is closed on holidays and for special events, so check their website for the most up-to-date information before your visit. Additionally, if you're interested in a more extensive exploration of San Francisco, the city centre is just a 30-minute BART ride away, but be sure to leave enough time to return to the airport and clear security.

Check out the Sky Terrace

If you're spending time at San Francisco International Airport, you might want to check out the Sky Terrace, an outdoor observation deck located on Level 3 of Terminal 2. The Sky Terrace offers amazing 180-degree views of the airfield and beyond, making it a great spot for plane spotting. The observation deck is open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and there is no entry fee.

The Sky Terrace provides a unique vantage point of the busiest section of SFO, where all four runways intersect. While you take in the action on the runways, you can also relax in the comfortable seating placed among creative landscaping. If you're travelling with children, this could be a great way to keep them entertained during a long layover.

In addition to the views, the Sky Terrace also offers an insight into the history of the airport. The SFO Museum's exhibition, "The 1954 San Francisco International Airport Terminal", is located in the Sky Terrace lobby and explores the history and architecture of the facility that previously existed in the area. This exhibition adds a layer of interest and education to your visit.

To access the Sky Terrace, you will need to undergo a security check, but you won't need a ticket or boarding pass. Food and beverages are allowed, so you can enjoy a meal or a coffee while taking in the views. Keep in mind that smoking is not permitted.

Whether you're an aviation enthusiast or just looking for a relaxing spot to pass the time, the Sky Terrace is definitely worth considering during your time at SFO. With its combination of great views, comfortable seating, and historical insights, it offers a unique airport experience that will make your layover more enjoyable.

Take a yoga class

If you're looking to stretch your legs and find some calm during a layover at San Francisco Airport, you're in luck! The airport has two yoga studios, equipped with free-to-use mats, in Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. These studios are open 24 hours a day, so you can find your zen any time you need to.

The yoga rooms are minimalist, calm spaces, free of distractions like televisions, and food, drinks, and cell phones are not allowed. The room in Terminal 2 was designed by architecture firm Gensler, who also worked on the wider Terminal 2 project. The room features dark blue walls, hardwood floors, and low, warm lighting.

The yoga room concept came from a passenger who suggested the idea to San Francisco Airport Director John Martin, himself a long-time yoga practitioner. The airport spent just $15,000 to $20,000 converting a storage room into the new yoga room and decided to add a second yoga room in Terminal 3.

So, if you're looking for a way to pass the time and find some peace during your travels, head to one of the yoga studios in San Francisco Airport. It's the perfect way to unwind and centre yourself before your flight.

Frequently asked questions