Unique Things to Do at SFO Airport, Like Seeing Thousands of Vintage Airline Artifacts

San Francisco International Airport has earned itself a well-deserved reputation as one of the best airports in the country for gourmandism. From dim sum to freshly baked sourdough, classic burgers to tapas, sports bars to wine bars, and several excellent coffee shops, there’s truly 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-end shopping, and, with just a little effort, plenty of chill vibes to cure the stress of flying. It all starts with something SFO doesn’t have—the audio assault of nonstop public address announcements. That’s because, a few years ago, SFO declared an initiative to reduce background noise—one that staff estimates has eliminated more than 90 minutes of unnecessary announcements each day in the International Terminal alone. You’ll also find outdoor terraces, yoga rooms, and, if you’re flying with status, some excellent lounges.

If non-Californians are worried about the Big One hitting while you’re waiting to board your flight to Hawaii, you can find solace in knowing that if that happens, your flight will probably be delayed, but at least you’ll still be alive since SFO has the largest base-isolated building in the world, built to withstand earthquakes up an 8 on the Richter scale.

Just don’t wait too long to book a flight and enjoy all that SFO has to offer because—in news that is decidedly not chill at all—SFO’s runaways are sinking quickly (as sea levels are doing the opposite), and in around 40 years, most will most likely be underwater. Construction on a $590 million sea wall to help stave off the flooding until 2080 begins in 2025. 

Now with that out of the way, let's dive into the good stuff, shall we?

Taking a ride share or a taxi is probably the easiest way to get to SFO, other than driving yourself, but if you do the latter, prepare to pay $25 a day for long-term parking. Public transportation is also an option. 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 terminal).
 

Find it: Pre-security, near the entrance to G Gates 

Free and open every day, the Aviation Museum focuses on the history of commercial air transport (including a model of a DC-3), the airline industry, and the airport itself. The museum holds over 162,000 objects related to the history of the airline industry, including photographs, uniform pieces, luggage labels, posters, and, yup, even airsickness bags from the 1960s and on. Plus, the museum is an architectural adaptation of the Airport's 1930s passenger lobby, so you’ll get to travel back in time to see what SFO looked like almost a hundred years ago. 

If you’re not flying internationally, you probably won’t have time to hoof it all the way to Terminal G, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on airport art appreciation. SFO has around 40 exhibitions on cultural, art, historical and scientific topics throughout its terminals every single year. A few you can see in 2024 and 2025 include Chinese Ceramics, Harvey Milk: Messenger of Hope, a Butterfly Wall, Tree Town (an interactive children’s play area), and Haitian Metal Sculptures.

Find it in: Throughout the airport 
SFO’s Wag Brigade is a crew of dogs, and a very special pig, trained to make your travel experience more enjoyable. You’ll know which ones they are because they’ll be extra adorable and wearing vests that say, “Pet Me!” 

Find it in: Terminal 2 and Boarding Area G 
If you need to escape outdoors, SFO has two cool spots to stretch your legs (or take a comfy seat) and get some fresh(ish) air. There’s the SkyTerrace atop Terminal 2, which has a view of where all four runways intersect, and the Outdoor Terrace at the end of Boarding Area G, an observation deck with more comfy seating and 180-degree views of the airfield.

Find it in: D Gates and Terminal 3 
SFO has not one, but two rooms for yoga. They’re free of charge and quiet, perfect for practicing yoga and meditation or just getting a break from the chaos that is typically ubiquitous in airports. (And don’t worry: no one will judge you if you skip all of the sun salutations and downward dogs and go straight to corpse pose.)

Find it in: Gate G 
The most stressful part of traveling is usually suffering through an agonizing delay. If that delay is making you itch (literally), and you’re in desperate need of a shower or a nap, put the cash you might be owed from that delay to good use and visit the Shower Facilities and Nap Rooms, which is open 24/7. Nap rooms start at $150 for three hours (the minimum), and you can add a shower or another person (ooh la la!) for an extra $25 each. The shower is also a great option if you have a lengthy delay or are arriving on a red-eye flight and need to head straight to a meeting.

For fresh sushi: Tomokazu
Find it in: International Terminal 3, G Gates
Sit back and enjoy the serenity of the light-wood seating, clean design, and sushi chefs doing what they do best: making you fresh and delicious sashimi, nigiri, and rolls.

For classic dim sum: Koi Palace Express
Find it in: International Terminal 3, F Gates
Koi’s Palace dim sum is legendary in the Bay Area, and this kiosk is the perfect quick stop to get your fill. It’s not quite the same quality as the Daly City original, but still qualifies as delicious dim sum in an unexpected place—an airport. 

For SF Giants fans (and sports fans in general): San Francisco Giants Clubhouse
Find it in: Terminal 3, F Gates
If you’re a Giants fan or need to check on the score while you wait for your flight, hit up the San Francisco Giants Clubhouse, which has memorabilia and a huge, wrap-around digital wall showing all the games. The Clubhouse knocks it out of the, ahem, airport with a baseball-inspired menu that includes burgers, dogs, tacos, and the famous garlic fries, which is a bold choice if you’re about to get on a plane.

For killer Bloody and BBQ: Bourbon Pub SFO
Find it in: Harvey Milk Terminal 1, B Gates
Chef Michael Mina’s Bourbon Pub SFO is the perfect spot to watch the game on big-screen TVs and fill up on comfort food that will leave you sated and ready for a nap on your flight. If you’re a Bloody Mary drinker (which, isn’t almost everyone at the airport?), don’t miss Diane Mina’s famous Bloody Mary, which was initially served during 49ers parking lot tailgates, and has a perfect kick.

For fried chicken and waffles: Farmerbrown
Find it in: Terminal 2, C Gates
It was a tough day for all San Franciscans when Farmerbrown shuttered its Tenderloin locations. So, if we find ourselves flying Delta or Alaska, we make it a point to get there early to sit down and enjoy a plate of chicken and waffles and a bourbon iced tea. Pro-tip: Get a piece (or two) of the house-made honey butter cornbread to enjoy on the plane.

For California wines: SF Uncork’d
Find it in: Terminal 3, F Gates
Unfussy SF Uncork'd offers a good selection of California wines, craft beers, champagnes and sparkling wines, plus a fairly extensive menu of nibbles, salads, sandwiches, sliders, and pizzas (one of the most extensive food selections you’ll find in this terminal). You can even get a breakfast sandwich or frittata to pair with your breakfast wine.

For comforting noodle soup: Bun Mee
Find it in: Harvey Milk Terminal 1 (B3) Terminal 3 (between F11 and F22)
This local Vietnamese sandwich eatery is a fantastic choice if you want something fast, fresh, and flavorful. The playful takes on banh mi sandwiches are great to grab and go before you board the plane, and if your flight is in the AM, there are even a few breakfast options (bacon and egg banh mi—yes, please). If you have time, a comforting bowl of pho never disappoints.

For grab-and-go food (and hostess gifts): Napa Farms Market
Find it in: International Terminal G and Terminal 2 (D Gates)
This artisanal farm-to-flight market is your best option for grab-and-go food in the airport 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 gourmet chocolates, locally-made soaps, olive oil, or wine.

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge
Find it in: Terminal 2
If you like your airport lounge with a side of fresh air, this is the one you want. This secluded rooftop terrace sits four floors above the tarmac and includes a kitchen, full bar, indoor and outdoor lounges, comfy seating, and cool art. Check your eligibility here.

The Centurion Lounge
Find it in: Terminal 3
You’ll find everything you need in this lounge, as well as a few things you didn’t even realize you need: Shower suites, workspaces with high-speed Wi-Fi, a fully stocked (top shelf) bar, and even a Napa Valley wine tasting area. Check your eligibility here.

United Polaris
Find it in: International Terminal G
Spread across two floors, this is the largest of the Polaris lounges and definitely has some of the best shower suites in the airport. There is also seated a la carte dining, a buffet, a full bar, and plenty of space to work out or just chill. Check your eligibility here.

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