SFO International Terminal G Outdoor Terrace

How cool is having an outdoor terrace at a big airport in a city with an interesting natural landscape? I had a very long layover at SFO, and even though I was traveling domestically, if you walk long enough, you can get to the international terminal from terminal 3 without having to go through security. The doors to the outdoor terrace are near Joe and the Juice. There are lots of different kinds of seating: reclining patio chairs, built-in-booths, and the seats along the edge of planters. It was a cool and crisp day when I found this terrace, and it was delightful to get fresh air and watch the planes come and go.

For a small break outside the terminal crowds, step out here.

The entrance is between Joe & the Juice and 1300 on Fillmore.
You're on the second level looking down at gates 13 and 14, and out onto to tarmac as planes taxi in and out. After sunset there's a great twinkle of the San Francisco skyline light.

Not many tables and chairs, but there seating areas of concrete benches. A couple of sculptures. A small limited electronic info board is next to the door.

Did I totally hang out for a good 20 minutes at this terminal just looking at the landscape and looking at airplanes and jets?

Maybe lol

I can't help but turn into a big kid at heart when I'm in an airport and I see a bunch of planes in a terminal.

Other than the smell of constant jet fuel, this outdoor area, which you can not smoke at, is nice to hang out while waiting for your flight. Even if you aren't flying out of this terminal you can walk from any terminal, soon, after you've gone through security. There is a terrace before security at terminal D, Terminal 2, as well but it was closed during COVID so never really got a chance to look. When I was going there not many people either knew about it or don't bother so it was usually empty and peaceful, so a great place to hang out if you don't have lounge access.

Real AIR! Succulents and sky with a smattering of art straight out of a Modern Art fairytale.

I just found my new favorite place at San Francisco International Airport! You can go outside!

It is something I've longed for! The 30 years +/- I've been going through this airport it was impossible to get any fresh air after going through the final security check. Now it has a completely different feel. I'm actually able to get a bit of sun too!

To get here walk to the end of the Terminal. Just passed Gates 97 and 100 there is a double door after the cafes. This is the gateway to the elevated terrace. This terrace faces West and a bit North. You can see the hills in the background and the huge tarmac right in front of you. The planes takeoff and land on the other side of the building (can't see them, but you can hear them).

The art and variety of succulents is perfect for San Francisco. Artsy and open. Almost like a little park.

PS: ugh I just got a whiff of airplane fuel fumes. So, are is not always fresh. Good thing the breeze is pretty strong to scrub the air

Really large and busy airport. Had a 5 hour layover and discovered an outdoor terrace there, it was quite nice as it acts like a viewing platform as well. It's nice to have the opportunity to spend some time outside enjoying the fresh air while during a layover, more airports short offer outdoor terraces.

The coolest place in the airport! Fresh breeze (no one around smoking, the airport being dead due to the COVID situation), lounge chairs to soak up the sun, cool artwork surrounded by artfully designed landscaping, and a panoramic views of the whole terminal G with its international flights jumbo jets. Don't miss it if you have time to stop by!