Experience the San Francisco International Airport: A Historic and Modern Hub

San Francisco International Airport History and Renovations 

The history of SFO Airport is rather fascinating, as it coincides with the rise of San Francisco as a major player in the California landscape. In a sense, this airport’s beginnings (and its current renovations) are tied implicitly to San Francisco's constant changes.

In 1927, the City and County of San Francisco leased 150 acres at the current site to work on a temporary, experimental project known as Mills Field Municipal Airport of San Francisco. In 1930, the city purchased the property, added 1,112 acres, and changed the name to 1931. It wasn’t until after World War II that the International moniker was added to the facility. 

SFO Airport’s early days saw it working heavily with Western Air Express, Maddux Air Lines, Century Pacific Lines, and eventually United Airlines in 1934. Then, during World War II, it served as a Coast Guard Base and Army Air Corps staging and training facility. By 1946, it added its first international flights by pairing with Australian National Airways. Renovations and changes since then have continually pushed San Francisco International Airport into the future. 

For example, they continually perform environmental reviews to ensure their facilities are as green as possible. The groundbreaking Harvey Milk Terminal celebrates this iconic Cisco politician. At the same time, recent upgrades like improved parking facilities, extra rental car centers, international boarding areas, and a modernized baggage handling system have made it a better airport. 

SFO Airport Address

San Francisco International Airport has its own specialized mailing address (San Francisco International Airport PO Box 8097, San Francisco, CA) and is located about 13 miles south of the city itself in an unincorporated area of San Mateo County explicitly designed for the airport. If you’re in Cisco, simply follow the signs to the airport, and you should find it quickly enough.

San Francisco International Airport Art, Sculptures, and Things to See 

SFO Airport has one of California's best and most engaging art scenes and has been a leader in airport art designs for many years. It has many different permanent and temporary exhibits, making it a unique experience for people from all walks of life. For example, the San Francisco Ballet at 90 celebrates 90 years of this exciting dance company and can be seen at International Terminal, Departures Level 3, Galleries 4B and 4C, from Feb 25, 2023, to Jan 07, 2024.

The Clara Barck Welles exhibit highlights the world of Clara Barck Welles in the silver arts and crafts and is located in the International Terminal, Departures Level 3, Gallery 4D, from Jun 07, 2023, to Feb 04, 2024. It’s a unique chance to see some beautiful silver art. The Harold Bixby Collection highlights various archival art and is located in the International Terminal Aviation Museum & Library, Departures Level 3, from Sep 16, 2023, to Sep 07, 2025.

Other exhibits include To Survive on This Shore by Jess T. Dugan and Vanessa Fabbre in Terminal 2, Departures Level 2, Gallery 2E, from Dec 06, 2022, to Jan 21, 2024, and Finding Home by San Francisco State University, in Harvey Milk Terminal 1, Departures Level 2, Gallery 1A, from Oct 25, 2023, to Feb 26, 2024. Finally, Jonathan Marquis presents Downwaste, an exhibit in Terminal 3, Departures Level 2, Gallery 3A, from Apr 27, 2023, to Nov 27, 2023.

SFO Airport Parking

You can reserve a parking spot at our San Francisco off-site airport parking facility, with shuttles to the domestic and international terminals. The Parking Spot offers hospitality you can't get from the airport. You’ll get a variety of unique amenities, including:

• 24/7 service
• App-based booking that streamlines your experience 
• Spot Club membership that makes parking better 
• Comfortable shuttle transportation 
• Well-guarded parking lot protection 
• Reduced-price parking compared to the airport 
• Complimentary bottled water during your trip
• Coupons and deals that save you even more cash

Hotels Near San Francisco International Airport

Are you trying to find SFO Airport hotels where you can stay during your travel? There are many options close from your terminal. These include high-quality options with fantastic comfort amenities or more budget-friendly types that more easily suit your needs. Here are five options that you might enjoy if you’re traveling through San Francisco International Airport in the future:

• SFO El Rancho Inn
   1100 El Camino Real, Millbrae, CA
   Ph. +1.866.237.6365
   
• La Quinta by Wyndham 
   20 Airport Boulevard, South San Francisco, CA
   Ph. +1.650.583.2223
   
• The Millwood
   1375 El Camino Real, Millbrae, CA
   Ph. +1.650.583.3935
   
• Hotel 1550
   1550 El Camino Real, San Bruno, CA
   Ph. +1.650.616.9600
   
• Aloft San Francisco Airport
   401 E Millbrae Ave, Millbrae, CA
   Ph. +1.844.631.0595

San Francisco International Airport Map

If you want a map of San Francisco International Airport while you travel, view one on the airport website. This interactive map lets you zoom in to check out the terminals and concourses, examine security checkpoints, see lounges and dining options, and track gates. 

Check SFO Airport Wait Times and Flight Status

San Francisco International Airport provides a simple flight status tool to track your wait times easily. It lets you sort through airlines, terminals, and locations and provides an immediate and easy-to-understand listing of all flights. It will list the airline, departure destination, flight number, scheduled arrival, estimated arrival, remarks about its status, and its terminal and gate information.

SFO Airport Restaurants and Dining Options

San Francisco International Airport provides 77 different current restaurants and often adds more options throughout the year. If you’re looking for food at SFO Airport during a layover or to keep your kids from getting hangry, here are some of the most popular options: 

• Klein’s Deli and Coffee Bar: Stop at this local favorite to get a delicious coffee, espresso, or cappuccino, as well as sandwiches, snacks, and tasty desserts in Terminal 3.
• 24th & Mission Taco House: Just about everybody loves tacos, and this Ed Lee International Main Hall taco joint will provide tasty and healthy meal options.
• Koi Palace Express: If you’re interested in Asian food, try this restaurant in Terminal 3. It provides tasty and ready-to-go Asian meals for the whole family.
• San Francisco Giants Club House: if you’re a Giants Fan, head down to Terminal 3 and try various sandwiches and beers. Note: military members get a discount here!
• Sidewalk Juice: If you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to order a full meal, pick up a delicious and healthy juice to satisfy your hunger and improve your health.

San Francisco International Airport Amenities and Pet Services

During your trip through SFO Airport’s terminals, all pets must be kenneled and ready for travel unless they’re service animals. However, you can leash your pet and take them to one of the many pet relief areas located throughout the airport. These include outdoor options in Terminal 1, Courtyard 2, near the baggage claim and in Terminal 3, Courtyard 4. Indoor options include: 

• International Terminal, A Gates, Post-security
• Terminal 1, B Gates, Post-security
• Terminal 1, C Gates Near Gate C5, Post-security
• Terminal 2, D Gates, Post-security
• Terminal 3, F Gates at the entrance to Gates F11 - F22

San Francisco International Airport also includes amenities and services like a shoeshine facility in Terminal 2, lost and found stations, CLEAR terminals, traveler’s workstations, automatic external defibrillators, paging options, a yoga room, self-service mail areas, changing tables, companion care restrooms, and nursing areas for mothers with very young little ones.

SFO Airport Fun for Kids and Teens 

San Francisco International Airport provides a Kids’ Play area. Here, young ones can enjoy hands-on activities, various equipment, soft play areas, and much more. It’s a great way to let your kids work off a little steam while traveling. For older kids and teens, you can try visiting areas like:

• The extensive SFO Museum, with art and history exhibits
• The SkyTerrace, where you can watch planes take off with your kids
• A video hall that shows documentaries and other fun movies 
• Various Sunglass Hut destinations throughout the terminals
• Compass Books, where you can buy books, magazines, and gifts

San Francisco International Airport Lounges

SFO Airport has multiple lounges where you can relax on your trip, including but not limited to:

• Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge at Terminal 2, Post-Security
• Air France - KLM Lounge at the International Terminal A, near Gate A1, Level 4, Post-Security
• Alaska Airlines at Terminal 2, Retail Street, Level 2, Post-Security
• American Airlines Admirals Club at Harvey Milk Terminal 1, Near Gate B13, Level 2, Post-Security
• American Express. The Centurion Lounge at Terminal 3, near Gate F2, Level 2, Post-Security
• British Airways Lounge at the International Terminal A, between Gates A5 and A9, Post-Security
• Emirates Lounge at the International Terminal A, between Gates A2 and A6, Level 3, Post-Security
• Golden Gate Lounge at the International Terminal A, Level 4, Post-Security
• Virgin Atlantic Club House Lounge at the International Terminal A, near Gate A1, Level 5, 

SFO Airport Moving Walkways, Lightrails, and Wheelchair Assistance

There are multiple moving walkways throughout the airport that can help you travel between different terminals with ease. Furthermore, the airport has multiple transportation options, like SFO Shuttle, charters, hotel shuttles, and AirTrain, a 24/7/365 train service that includes departures every four minutes to whisk you through the facility. SFO Airport also has a Disabilities Bill of Rights that leads their accessibility services, including wheelchair access and support for those who need it.

Security at San Francisco International Airport

SFO Airport has streamlined security check-ins at every terminal and gate, ensuring your protection. F3 offers TSA Pre-Check, while international options may offer Global Entry. Global Entry and TSA Pre-Check are similar in some ways but still quite different. Note that CLEAR terminals are also spread throughout the facility, and if you join this program, you can significantly speed up your processing times. 

Wi-Fi Services at SFO Airport

San Francisco International Airport provides free Wi-Fi services in all of its terminals. Select “#SFO FREE WIFI” from your options and open a web browser.