The San Francisco International Airport is full of world-class dining and lots of other hidden gems.
San Francisco International Airport has earned itself a well - deserved repute as one of thebest drome in the countryfor gourmandism . From dim sum to fresh bake sourdough , classic burgers to tapas , sports bar to wine ginmill , and several excellent deep brown shops , there ’s genuinely something for every palate at this airport .
But SFO is more than just a pretty plate of food — it ’s also home to a profusion of art , high - remnant shopping , and , with just a little drive , plenteousness of quiver vibes to cure the stress of flying . It all start with something SFO does n’t have — the audio rape of nonstop public savoir-faire announcement . That ’s because , a few years ago , SFO declared an initiative to cut down background noise — one that staff estimation has eliminated more than 90 minutes of unneeded announcements each mean solar day in the International Terminal alone . You ’ll also find outside terraces , yoga room , and , if you ’re flying with condition , some fantabulous lounges .
If non - Californian are worried about the Big One hitting while you ’re wait to board your flight to Hawaii , you could incur comfort in know that if that happens , your flight will believably be hold up , but at least you ’ll still be alive since SFO has the great base - isolated construction in the world , built to withstand temblor up an 8 on the Richter scale .
Photo courtesy of San Francisco International Airport
Just do n’t expect too foresightful to book a flight and delight all that SFO has to offer because — in news that is unquestionably not cool at all — SFO ’s shoo-in are slump quickly(as sea levels are doing the opposite ) , and in around 40 age , most will most likely be submerged . Construction on a $ 590 million sea bulwark to help stave off the flooding until 2080 start in 2025 .
Now with that out of the agency , let ’s plunge into the good stuff , shall we ?
Getting there
Taking a ride share or a taxi is plausibly the easiest way to get to SFO , other than driving yourself , but if you do the latter , prepare to devote $ 25 a day for foresightful - condition parking . Public transportation is also an choice . BART ’s Yellow Line arrives and departs directly from the International Terminal ( from there , you ’ll transfer to the Air Train to get to your pole ) .
If you only have time for one thing: visit theAviation Museum & Library
Find it : Pre - security , near the entrance to G Gates
destitute and undefended every day , the Aviation Museum sharpen on the history of commercial air tape drive ( including a example of a DC-3 ) , the airline industry , and the airport itself . The museum carry over 162,000 objects link to the history of the airline industry , including pic , uniform piece , luggage labels , bill sticker , and , yup , even airsickness bags from the sixties and on . Plus , the museum is an architectural adaptation of the Airport ’s 1930s passenger lobby , so you ’ll get to travel back in sentence to see what SFO looked like almost a hundred years ago .
If you ’re not fly internationally , you in all likelihood wo n’t have sentence to foot it all the way to Terminal G , but that does n’t stand for you have to miss out on airport art appreciation . SFO has around 40 exposition on ethnical , artistic production , historic and scientific topics throughout its end every single year . A few you may see in 2024 and 2025 admit Chinese Ceramics , Harvey Milk : Messenger of Hope , a Butterfly Wall , Tree Town ( an synergistic minor ’s play region ) , and Haitian Metal Sculptures .
Vintage airline travel posters at the SFO Museum Gallery.|Courtesy SFO Museum
If you’re a nervous flier: SFO’s Wag Brigade
determine it in : Throughout the airportSFO’sWag Brigadeis a crew of hot dog , and a very special pig , trained to make your travel experience more pleasurable . You ’ll cognise which 1 they are because they ’ll be extra endearing and wear out vests that say , “ Pet Me ! ”
If you need fresh air: SFO’s terraces
regain it in : Terminal 2 and Boarding Area GIf you need to run outdoors , SFO has two nerveless stain to stretch your leg ( or take a comfy seat ) and get some fresh(ish ) air . There ’s theSkyTerraceatop Terminal 2 , which has a view of where all four runway intersect , and theOutdoor Terraceat the end of Boarding Area G , an observance deck with more comfy seating and 180 - degree view of the landing field .
If your muscles are screaming: yoga rooms
Find it in : D Gates and Terminal 3SFO has not one , but two rooms for yoga . They ’re free of boot and placid , perfect for exercise yoga and meditation or just getting a break from the bedlam that is typically ubiquitous in aerodrome . ( And do n’t worry : no one will judge you if you jump all of the sun greeting and down weenie and go straight to corpse pose . )
If you’re dying for a shower: Shower facilities and nap rooms
chance it in : Gate GThe most stressful part of traveling is usually suffering through an harrowing delay . If that delay is making you itch ( literally ) , and you ’re in desperate need of a shower or a nap , putthe cash you might be owedfrom that delay to good use of goods and services and jaw theShower Facilities and Nap Rooms , which is open 24/7 . Nap room start at $ 150 for three hours ( the minimum ) , and you’re able to add a exhibitor or another person ( ooh la la ! ) for an special $ 25 each . The shower is also a dandy choice if you have a lengthy holdup or are arriving on a red-faced - eye flight and need to channelize straight to a meeting .
Best restaurants and bars in SFO for trying quality Bay Area dishes:
For fresh sushi : TomokazuFind it in : International Terminal 3 , G GatesSit back and enjoy the tranquility of the easy - wood seating , sporty excogitation , and sushi chefs doing what they do better : making you smart and yummy sashimi , nigiri , and paradiddle .
For classic slow centre : Koi Palace ExpressFind it in : International Terminal 3 , F GatesKoi ’s Palace dim totality is legendary in the Bay Area , and this kiosk is the staring straightaway stop to get your filling . It ’s not quite the same quality as the Daly City original , but still characterise as delicious dim sum in an unexpected place — an airport .
For SF Giants fans ( and sports fans in general):San Francisco Giants ClubhouseFind it in : Terminal 3 , F GatesIf you ’re a Giants buff or need to check on the grade while you wait for your flight , hit up the San Francisco Giants Clubhouse , which has memorabilia and a huge , wrapper - around digital wall showing all the games . The Clubhouse knock it out of the , ahem , airdrome with a baseball game - inspired menu that admit burgers , blackguard , tacos , and the famous garlic tiddler , which is a bold option if you ’re about to get on a airplane .
San Francisco International Airport|Shutterstock/Anton_Ivanov
For killer Bloody and BBQ : Bourbon Pub SFOFind it in : Harvey Milk Terminal 1 , B GatesChef Michael Mina ’s Bourbon Pub SFO is the perfect blot to ascertain the game on big - CRT screen television set and take up on ease intellectual nourishment that will leave you sated and ready for a pile on your flight of stairs . If you ’re a Bloody Mary drinker ( which , is n’t almost everyone at the airport ? ) , do n’t overleap Diane Mina ’s famous Bloody Mary , which was ab initio served during 49ers parking spate tailgates , and has a arrant kick .
For fried chicken and waffles : FarmerbrownFind it in : Terminal 2 , C GatesIt was a tough Clarence Day for all San Franciscans when Farmerbrown shutter its Tenderloin positioning . So , if we find ourselves flying Delta or Alaska , we make it a compass point to get there too soon to sit down and enjoy a plate of crybaby and waffle and a bourbon ice tea . Pro - gratuity : Get a slice ( or two ) of the star sign - made honey butter cornbread to enjoy on the planer .
For California wines : SF Uncork’dFind it in : Terminal 3 , F GatesUnfussy SF Uncork’d offers a good selection of California vino , slyness beers , Champagne and sparkling wines , plus a fairly extensive menu of nibble , salad , sandwiches , sliders , and pizzas ( one of the most extensive food for thought selections you ’ll find in this terminus ) . you may even get a breakfast sandwich or frittata to pair with your breakfast wine .
United Airlines Polaris Lounge at SFO.|Shutterstock/EQRoy
For comfort noodle soup : Bun MeeFind it in : Harvey Milk Terminal 1 ( B3 ) Terminal 3 ( between F11 and F22)This local Vietnamese sandwich restaurant is a wondrous choice if you want something fast , fresh , and flavourful . The playful takes on banh mi sandwiches are great to grab and go before you room the plane , and if your flight of steps is in the AM , there are even a few breakfast choice ( Baron Verulam and testicle banh mi — yes , please ) . If you have time , a comforting bowl of pho never disappoints .
For catch - and - go solid food ( and hostess gifts):Napa Farms MarketFind it in : International Terminal G and Terminal 2 ( D Gates)This artisanal farm - to - flight of stairs market is your best option for catch - and - go food in the aerodrome with offerings from local purveyors such as Equator Coffee , Tyler Florence Fresh , Cow Girl Creamery Cheese , Acme Bread , Vino Volo , and Kara ’s Cupcakes . This is also the perfect place to pick up a gift for your host , like gastronome hot chocolate , locally - made soaps , olive oil , or wine .
Airport lounges and nearby hotels to rest:
Air Canada Maple Leaf LoungeFind it in : Terminal 2If you like your airport lounge with a side of invigorated gentle wind , this is the one you need . This secluded rooftop patio sits four floors above the tarmacadam and include a kitchen , full legal community , indoor and out-of-door sofa , comfy seating , and coolheaded graphics . Check your eligibilityhere .
The Centurion LoungeFind it in : Terminal 3You’ll find everything you need in this lounge , as well as a few thing you did n’t even realize you take : Shower suite , workspace with high - f number Wi - Fi , a fully stocked ( top ledge ) cake , and even a Napa Valley wine tasting area . Check your eligibilityhere .
United PolarisFind it in : International Terminal GSpread across two floors , this is the largest of the Polaris lounges and definitely has some of the well shower rooms in the airport . There is also sit a la carte dining , a buffet , a full legal profession , and plenty of space to work out or just chill . Check your eligibilityhere .
