How to make the most of your layover in San Francisco

San Francisco Bay is a fantastic stopover site to explore! It's the perfect chance to check out landmarks you've heard so much about, like the Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Park. The steep, winding streets are the classic sign of a city that's bursting with character and epic views.

You’ll find neighborhoods as diverse as the people who live there—from the historic Chinatown to the colorful murals in the Mission District. And let’s not forget the food! You’re bound to find something delicious here like fresh seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf, and world-class sourdough bread!

Whether you’re strolling along the waterfront or snapping photos in front of Lombard Street’s famous curves, “The City by the Bay” has many reasons to make your layover memorable! The time has finally come to check SF off your travel list!

Things to keep in mind before leaving the airport

Do you want to be totally ready for your layover in San Francisco? We've got all the info you need! For example, did you know that San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the only airport in the city? It's kinda unusual for large cities, but the airport makes up for it with its size! Keep reading to find out everything you need to know before landing at San Francisco Airport! Happy travels!

Visa requirements in San Francisco

Is the red tape giving you anxiety? You'll have everything cleared up in a jiffy! No need to get caught up in the details, but the US has something called the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). It lets people from certain countries enter without a visa for up to 90 days. So, check it out and see if you qualify! You'll still need an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), but it's much easier and faster to get.

If you're not from one of those countries, no worries! You can still apply for a tourist visa in the usual way at an embassy, but you should do it at least a month before you travel. Are you from Canada? Then, all you need is a passport that's valid for at least 6 more months!

Minimum layover times in San Francisco

1. In-airport short layover:
2. Domestic flights: 45 minutes
   Are you staying in the US? Then, the layover should take less than an hour. Pretty speedy, right? That's because you don't need to go through extra security checks, and customs won't give you a hard time. For even faster checkpoints, you can send your e-ticket through the handy MPC app!
3. International flights: 2 hrs
   Security is a bit different if you're heading out of the US, or if San Francisco is just a stop after crossing the big blue. You'll have to pass TSA and passport control and have everything spick and span for customs. Are you on a tight schedule? Don't worry, the AirTrain runs non-stop between T1, T2, and T3. You can just hop on and get to your international terminal in no time! You can also apply for a TSA PreCheck and get through much faster.
4. In-airport long layover: 3 hrs
   Is your stomach rumbling? Head on over to one of the many restaurants around the airport like Koi Palace Express (for Chinese food), The Little Chihuahua (for Mexican), and Bun Mee (for Vietnamese). You can also find handy shops like iStores that are vending machines for electronics, Gucci for some trendy fits, and DFS Watches for some bling. Need some shut-eye? You can use the Nap rooms before you explore the SFO Museums, go plane-watching at the SkyTerrace, or have a wholesome moment with your kid at one of the Kid's Spots. If you need to get some work done or charge up your device, you can use one of the quiet lounges with dedicated work spots.
5. Out-of-airport layover: 6 hrs
   Are you tired of the airport noise? Just head to the SFO BART station (Bay Area Rapid Transit) and hop on the Red Line train that'll take you straight to downtown San Francisco. The ride takes only 35 minutes, which is nothing when you’ve got the whole city to explore!

What to do in San Francisco during a layover

An airport travel agency isn't your vibe, is it? With our list of places to visit, you can spend the few hours you have in SF in style, comfort, or soaking up the culture! Are you checking off major US cities from your bucket list? You can leave anything you don't need with one of our Bounce partners and explore 20 pounds lighter! Leave your editing laptop, extra batteries, and over-ear headphones with us!

Morning layover in San Francisco

Good morning, San Francisco! There are some top spots for you to kick off your day! Check out famous landmarks and the best joints for local food:

1. Ah, the Golden Gate Bridge, a marvel of modern engineering and the city’s most famous landmark! You can bike across this iconic red bridge for fantastic views of the bay and Alcatraz Island.
2. Want to see something really wacky? The locals call Lombard Street the “crookedest street in the world.” It's a winding road that's lined with flowers! Such a fun (and slightly quirky) photo op.
3. There's nothing better than fresh pastries in the morning! The Warming Hut is near the Golden Gate Bridge and makes pastries and sandwiches for a quick energy boost before exploring.
4. Grab a table at Jane on Fillmore, it's a popular breakfast spot known for freshly baked pastries, avocado toast, and great coffee. It’s another charming spot to fuel up for your morning in SF!

Afternoon layover in San Francisco

We're just getting started! If you have some more time in SF, visit these must-see spots:

1. Have you ever seen a sea lion? You can catch a glimpse of one at Fisherman’s Wharf! It's beloved for its street performers, seafood spots, historic Ferry Building, and sea lion watching!
2. San Francisco’s Little Italy, North Beach, has charming cafes, Italian restaurants, and historical sites like the City Lights Bookstore. You can also use Powell Street Station to get to the mural-filled Mission District.
3. For the absolute best clam chowder, visit Boudin Bakery. You can also try the SF classic (sourdough bowl soup). But leave room for a pizza at?
4. At Tony’s Pizza Napoletana! This award-winning pizza place serves delicious wood-fired pizzas. The Margherita and New York-style slices are especially good!

Evening layover in San Francisco

It's time for those city lights to turn on! Check out some more sports and get dazzled by the lights:

1. Union Square is gonna knock your socks off with shopping options and city lights. It's perfect for an evening stroll and you can check out the heart sculptures all around the square! You can get there is so easy with Montgomery Station.
2. You've heard of US Chinatowns, right? In fact, SF's Chinatown is one of the largest in the country! With lantern-lit streets, shops, and historic temples, Chinatown is especially beautiful in the evening!
3. Sam Wo Restaurant is a top-notch Chinese joint in Chinatown. It has the most delicious chow mein and BBQ pork buns.
4. Just a short walk from Union Square, Tadich Grill is our favorite seafood restaurant in SF. You definitely need to try their cioppino, a tomato-based seafood stew.

Overnight layover in San Francisco

Are you staying the night in San Francisco? Our list covers that too! Check it out:

1. An evening tour of Alcatraz Island gives you a unique perspective on the former prison. The nighttime views of the city skyline and its lights are jaw-dropping!
2. Golden Gate Park deserves a few days on its own. The incredibly vast park has highlights like the Japanese Tea Garden, the Young Museum, and stunning lakes!
3. For a mid-range option, Hotel Nikko has comfortable rooms and a pool. It's close to Union Square and its rooms start around 200 bucks per night.
4. Fairmont San Francisco is a more luxurious and historic hotel with sweeping views from Nob Hill (you can laugh). The rooms start at about 400 big ones per night.

Tips to make the most out of your time in San Francisco

Don't want to look like a tourist? Here are some tips to help you blend in and feel like a true local:

• They speak English in the US, that's nothing new. But did you know that there are a lot of Italian, Chinese, and Russian communities? Their accents can be thick, but most of them speak English.
• US dollars ($) are used in the USA. But don't be surprised when you hear terms like bucks, clams, dough, or the presidents on the bills like Washington, Jefferson, and Lincoln.
• The city is generally safe, but some areas like the Tenderloin District have higher crime rates. So, watch out!
• Mid-range dining can run you from $20–50 per person, and fine dining can easily cost $75+ per person. A budget room (at hostels or budget hotels) starts around $50–100 per night and mid-range hotels in popular areas start at around $150–300 per night.

Our most valuable tip: keep an open mind! San Francisco is the ultimate hub of local and international dishes. Don't knock it till you try it, you may find a new personal favorite food! But watch out, some establishments won't let you take your luggage in, so take advantage of Bounce storage spots when you're traveling!