San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is a large, modern airport with a wide range of amenities, but how enjoyable your layover feels will depend on your timing, terminal, and energy level. If you’re facing a long wait, an overnight stay, or just need something to do between flights, there are a few low-stress ways to pass the time — from food and art to quiet corners and short breaks from the terminal.
This guide focuses on practical, realistic things to do at SFO, especially for tired, bored, or anxious travellers. Not everything is open around the clock, and comfort can be limited overnight, but knowing what’s available — and where — can make your layover more manageable.
1. Enjoy a meal
SFO has a large and evolving mix of food options in every terminal — from grab-and-go snacks to full meals. In Harvey Milk Terminal 1, SF Eats brings local Bay Area favorites such as Tony’s Pizza Napoletana (classic pizza) plus spots like Equator Coffees and Kona’s by Pacific Cocktail Haven.
You’ll also find familiar cafés and quick bites — coffee shops, sandwiches, salads, and pastries — though not all terminals have 24-hour service. Vending machines with drinks and snacks are available throughout. [ read more ]
2. Relax in a lounge
Several lounges at SFO offer quieter seating, WiFi, snacks, and sometimes showers. Some are airline-specific (Delta Sky Club, United Polaris/United Club, American Airlines Admirals Club), while others — including certain pay-per-use lounges — may admit travellers regardless of airline or class of service if you book in advance or use a lounge membership program.
For example, the American Express Centurion Lounge in Terminal 3 recently reopened with expanded seating and food/drink options for eligible cardholders (AmEx Centurion/Platinum and some Delta AmEx cards). Details are available in our San Francisco Airport Guide. [ read more ]
3. Shop
With more than five dozen shops, both window shoppers and serious spenders can pass the time easily! You’ll find a wide range of shops, from convenience stores and technology shops to local booksellers and high-end boutiques. There are several locally-owned shops, too, like San Franpsycho for community-minded clothing, and Socola Chocolatier selling locally made chocolate truffles, confections and merchandise.
4. Take a shower
If you want to freshen up, the appropriately named Freshen Up! in the International Terminal (landside/before security) offers paid showers and hourly nap rooms.
Certain lounges (e.g., Delta Sky Club, United Polaris, AmEx Centurion Lounge) also have showers for guests if you have access. [ read more ]
5. Stretch or do yoga
Whether you’re a true yogi or need full-body stretches after a long flight, check out the airport yoga studios, equipped with free-to-use mats. Hours and exact locations change; look for “Yoga Room” signage or ask airport staff when you arrive.
6. Pet a pup
The airport’s Wag Brigade is a group of 20+ trained therapy animals (mostly dogs, sometimes other animals) that walk through the airport (with their guardians) to help travellers de-stress travellers. You’ll know them thanks to their vests that say “Pet me!” Locations vary day-to-day, but they are often seen in public areas of the terminals.
7. View the art
The airport is home to the SFO Museum, one of the first airport-based museum programs in the world. Throughout the terminals, you’ll find rotating exhibitions and permanent installations featuring fine art, photography, design, and cultural history — often with a local or California focus.
In addition to large sculptures and murals along the concourses, the museum operates small gallery-style exhibition cases near gates and walkways. These displays are curated and labelled, making them easy to browse even if you only have a few minutes. This is a low-effort way to stretch your legs and see something interesting between flights.
8. Plane watching
If you want some fresh air and a change of scenery, head to the SkyTerrace Observation Deck in Terminal 2 (landside, before security). This outdoor terrace offers runway views, seating, and a bit of open space away from the crowds. On clear days, you may see aircraft takeoffs and landings, as well as distant views toward the Bay.
It’s a simple, no-frills spot — more of a quiet break than a destination — and a good option if you’re landside with time to spare. (Hours and weather access can vary; the terrace may close during poor conditions.)
9. Pick up some local history
The Aviation Museum and Library in the International Terminal is free to visit and focuses on the history of aviation in the Bay Area and the development of San Francisco International Airport. Exhibits typically include historic photographs, aircraft models, uniforms, and memorabilia from early commercial aviation, as well as rotating displays tied to SFO’s past.
It’s small and low-key, but interesting if you enjoy aviation history or want a quiet, educational break from the terminal crowds. Hours are generally mid-day and can vary with holidays and staffing.
10. Go sightseeing
If your long layover feels a little (or a lot) too long to stay inside the airport, public transit makes it easy to reach downtown San Francisco for some exploring. If you have at least 7 hours before your next flight, a San Francisco adventure is the best way to pass your layover.
Hop on BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), which departs from the airport station every 10-15 minutes and has you downtown in about 30 minutes. You could opt for a taxi, but these are pricier and can take longer, thanks to notorious Bay Area traffic.
For a whistle-stop tour, swing by Golden Gate Bridge for an iconic photo, walk or ride down Lombard Street, the crookedest street in the world, ride a cable car from Ghirardelli Square, and eye the seals at Fisherman’s Wharf – you may even see Alcatraz Island on a clear day. Do you prefer wandering a neighbourhood or two? The Mission has plenty of cafes, eateries, and bars, and Lower Haight is within walking distance of the famous Victorian homes known as the Painted Ladies, plus the 1960s hotspot of Haight-Ashbury. Check out the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), the Legion of Honor, and the Conservatory of Flowers at Golden Gate Park for world-class museums. Visit Tripadvisor for more things to Do in San Francisco.
Be conservative with time — traffic and security can take longer than expected.
11. WiFi
SFO offers free, unlimited WiFi throughout the terminals. Use it to catch up on messages, stream shows, or plan the rest of your trip. Charging stations and outlets are available in most concourses near gates.
12. Sleep
Just want to get some sleep? While you shouldn’t have any problems with airport staff, you may have difficulty finding a decent sleep spot. Seating varies depending on your terminal, but if you’re lucky, grab one of the new padded benches scattered throughout. Try moving furniture into a makeshift bed, or plan to sleep directly on the floor. Noise and bright lights are frequent complaints, so bring eyeshades and earplugs to cope. [ read more ]
If you prefer a hotel, check out the three nap rooms available hourly at Freshen Up, located in the pre-secure zone of the International Terminal, near the entrance to Gates G1-G14. Otherwise, several hotels are within a 5-minute drive of the airport, and most offer frequent free shuttles. See our San Francisco Airport Guide for details and locations. [ read more ]
Updated 12 December 2025
These are just a few things to do on a layover at San Francisco Airport. Visit our San Francisco Airport Guide for more information about services and facilities, such as food, WiFi, mobile charging, luggage storage, nearby airport hotels, and much more.