SFO is one of the largest airports in California, serving as an ideal starting point to explore the Bay Area and various other fascinating destinations. Whether you are on a layover, have a few hours in the morning before your flight, or after your flight, there are plenty of enjoyable activities nearby. Here is a list of things to do near San Francisco Airport in 2024.
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Things To Do Near San Francisco Airport
1. Go to Millbrae Farmers Market
Location: 200 Broadway, Millbrae, CA 94030
Distance from SFO: 2 miles
Every Saturday, Millbrae Farmers Market delivers fresh produce, artisanal goods, and great eating locations. It is an ideal spot for immersing in local culture while strolling around. Try fruits that are in season; buy hand-made crafts and engage in conversations with sellers to feel the community spirit.
2. Coyote Point Recreation Area
Location: 1701 Coyote Point Dr, San Mateo, CA 94401
Distance from SFO: 5 miles
Coyote Point Recreation Area offers views of the Bay, picnic areas, and walking trails. The park has Cur Odyssey, which is a science museum and zoo that suits families perfectly. You can explore interactive exhibits all day long here; watch animal presentations and enjoy outdoor spaces that are stunningly beautiful too. The marina also provides windsurfing and sailing opportunities for visitors.
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3. Downtown Burlingame
Location: Burlingame Ave, Burlingame, CA 94010
Distance from SFO: 3 miles
The main street of downtown Burlingame is charming with its boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants. This location is great for an easy-going meal or a bit of shopping. For people of all ages, the place to visit is the Burlingame Museum of Pez Memorabilia which is oddball and fun. Walk along streets lined by trees, get yourself a cup of coffee in one of the local cafes, and put into practice some retail therapy.
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4. San Bruno Mountain State Park Awaits You
Location: 555 Guadalupe Canyon Pkwy, Brisbane, CA 94005
Distance from SFO: 8 miles
San Bruno Mountain State Park gives amazing views over the Bay Area. Hiking on some of its trails lets you experience some natural beauty and peace in this area. It is such a hotspot for biodiversity offering shelter to unique species at risk of extinction. It offers great bird-watching opportunities and nature enthusiasts will find many things worth their attention here. The top offers an all-around view over the city that makes it an appealing destination for those who love hiking too much as well as a more exciting one than before sentence structure.
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5. Relax at Bayfront Park
Location: 1 Bayshore Hwy, Millbrae, CA 94030
Distance from SFO: 2 miles
Bayfront Park is peaceful, perfect for a quiet stroll alongside the waterfront. The view of the San Francisco Bay from the park will surely take your breath away. Have a picnic here while watching planes take off and land on the bay. Otherwise, enjoy the gust of light breeze and the sound of the waves in the bay. The park is good for kite flying and as well as for photography.
6. Pass by the South San Francisco The Industrial City Sign
Location: Sign Hill Park, South San Francisco, CA 94080
Distance from SFO: 6 miles
The historic “South San Francisco The Industrial City” sign located in Sign Hill is a landmark with panoramic views of the Bay Area. This is going to be a quick stop but with a photo opportunity; the sign only vindicates the background industrial heritage it represents of the city seen several miles off. A small hike up Sign Hill offers even greater panoramic views and shakes off that jetlag after a long flight.
7. One Should Visit the Shops at Tanforan
Location: Phone 1150 El Camino Real, California 94066, San Bruno
Distance from SFO: 3 miles
The Shops at Tanforan is a shopping center that contains different shops, places for eating, and a cinema. It’s a one-stop shop, a place where people go to dine and watch a movie among others. The mall has a past real estate use as the racetrack and it became an internment camp during World War II. Today it includes such announced shops and cafes as Bershka, Jack & Jones, Levi’s, Creative, Colours, Benetton, Bata, New Yorker, Promod, Springfield, Deichmann, Lizzie, Cybele, Platin Salon, Ella, Gloria Jeans, as well as Ukrainian stores and cafes for snacks Fast Food, Kipling, Hair Avenue, Sbarro, T. G. I.
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8. A Must-Do is to Take the Bay Trail for a Spin
Location: Howard Suite, Shoreway Court, Millbrae San Andreas, California 94030
Distance from SFO: 2 miles
The Bay Trail is a beautiful trail in which one can go for a walk, jog, or ride a bicycle. It remains a beautiful experience that generates excitement for nature lovers since you get to enjoy the fresh air and calm views found near the shoreline. The trail goes for many hundreds of miles all around the bay, and there are numerous possibilities for hike. From fast 5-mile sprints to leisurely bike rides with the family, this trail has every angle of the bay covered. On your way, you can view many types of birds and lush nature in the wonderful zone of the Bay Area.
9. Visit SFO Museum
Location: Museums of San Diego, San Diego, California 92101
Distance from SFO: Within the terminal
Housed in the airport facility, the SFO museum has temporary exhibitions in arts and culture. It is always useful to pass the time and at the same time rediscover the beauty in ART, history, and Aviation. Within a year the displays have been changed and you can find anything from the history of the city or the country to international art. Even if you do not have much time on your hands, it is worth at least sparing a couple of minutes at this museum. It also has collections of reading and aviation documents and is friendly for those with an interest in aviation.
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10. Explore Oyster Point Marina/Park
Location: 95 Harbormaster Rd, South San Francisco, CA 94080
Distance from SFO: 5 miles
Oyster Point Marina/Park is a delightful destination to pause and relish the breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay area. The park offers PGBOC (Public Gardens and Botanical Organizations Council) trails for walking, diverse recreational areas with picnic spots, and opportunities for boating and fishing. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk along the waterfront, have a picturesque lunch, or simply watch yachts sail by. It is indeed an ideal location to relax and appreciate the tranquil ambience of the Bay Area.
Wrapping Up
The places and events around San Francisco International Airport create a relaxing atmosphere and inspire people to explore and entertain themselves. Whether you have just a few hours or an entire day to spare, there is always something to do in the vicinity of SFO. From stunning parks and hiking trails to appealing shopping and business districts, cultural landmarks, and much more, there is something for everyone.
