Have an 8 hour layover in SFO Airport. What is close and what is there to do?

Question

Have an 8 hour layover in SFO Airport. What is close and what is there to do?

Answer 1

I've never heard of not being allowed to leave the airport. You will need a boarding pass or ticket to get back through security, but there is no "exit pass" to leave.

Like everyone else said, just watch your time.

Answer 2

before you go cruising round San Fran you need to check that you ticket allows you to leave the airport! Some tickets if you are in transit will not allow you to leave the airport.

Answer 3

Head over to Fishermans Wharf for a couple of hours...visit Alcatraz...go to Golden Gate Park...just remember you will have to go through security again so get back in time.

Answer 4

You're kidding me right?

SAN FRANCISCO!!!???

You can't walk 20 feet without finding something fun to do.  SFO is about 15 minutes south of the city, but there are buses, and I think BART from the airport.

I would suggest going here:  http://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/

Answer 5

While the airport is a bit a way from the downtown area San Fran is amazingly easy to get around.  

BART which is the local commuter train stops right in the airport - you can take that to the downtown. You take that to Powell & Market streets the end of the line and you are right at the end of the cable car lines (a$3 for one ride or $10 for an all day pass) you can hop on that and ride around the city or get on and jumpr off at places that look interesting. or across the street is are the historic street cars which you can ride right to fisherman's warf (great restaurants) or Pier 39 major tourist area - restaurants, cute shops, entertainment.

It has been about three years since I have done this so pay attention to the timeing.  But from what I recall the

Trains run about every hour and takes about 35 - 40 minutes to get to the airport  so make sure  you grab a schedule and allow your self about 2 and half hours to get back to the airport because of commute time and you will have to go back through the airport.   Also make sure your carry on is packed light - it will get heavy hauling that around all day.

IF you wanted to take a boat from Pier 39 to tour Alcatraz Island you have to order those tickets online ahead of time otherwise it sells out.

Answer 6

If this destination is not mentioned on your ticket ,you will not be able to exit the air port,,,

stay overs are a pain,,but is all part of the price you paid,,,