Welcome to the city by the bay, San Francisco. We all know it’s famous for the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and those pesky seagulls trying to steal your lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf. But did you know that the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has its own quirky secrets? Buckle up, because here are 10 things you didn’t know about SFO that will leave you saying, “Well, I’ll be.”
1. Yoga on the Fly:
If you’ve ever found yourself stressing about your flight or stuck in a long layover, SFO’s got your back. You can de-stress with a little yoga. They have yoga rooms in Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. Strike a pose, find your inner Zen, and keep that pre-flight meltdown at bay.
2. The Wag Brigade:
Traveling can be a bit ruff, but SFO’s got a cuddly cure for that. Meet the Wag Brigade, a team of therapy dogs that roam the terminals to bring you some four-legged comfort. So if you’re feeling doggone stressed, give these pups a pat.
3. SFO’s Adorable Farm:
Yes, you read that right, there’s a farm at the airport. The SFO T2 Community Garden is home to veggies, herbs, and even beehives. It’s not your typical airport view, but it’s pretty un-bee-lievable.
4. The Louis A. Turpen Aviation Museum:
Ever wondered how we got from the Wright Brothers to jumbo jets? Well, you can learn about it at SFO’s aviation museum. They’ve got vintage planes, flight gear, and lots of aviation history.
5. It’s Pretty Artsy:
SFO is a true art lover’s dream. You can admire over 80 works of art, including sculptures, paintings, and even a giant dinosaur skeleton in Terminal 2. Who says airports can’t be fancy?
6. The Best Water You’ll Never Drink:
SFO has its own water treatment plant. The water fountains provide Hetch Hetchy water, known for being some of the purest tap water in the world. Go ahead, fill up your water bottle – it’s like sipping from the Fountain of Hydration.
7. BART Direct:
SFO is a breeze to get to using BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit). So if you’re coming from the city or the suburbs, just hop on the train, and you’re practically at the gate. It’s so easy, it’s like a walk in the park, a concrete park called an airport.
8. Close Encounters:
SFO was the backdrop for the sci-fi classic “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.” The scene where the aliens make contact? That was SFO’s very own runway. So next time you’re there, keep an eye out for E.T. or his pals.
9. Four-Leaf Clovers:
You don’t need the luck of the Irish to find a four-leaf clover at SFO. The airport’s “green” features include living roofs with clovers that help with insulation. They’re like tiny, natural air conditioners.
10. The Weather Whisperer:
SFO has its own weather radar, which helps pilots dodge bad weather. They know if it’s sunny, cloudy, or if that infamous San Francisco fog is about to roll in. So don’t worry, you won’t be landing in Narnia by mistake.
So there you have it, 10 things you didn’t know about SFO. From yoga to therapy dogs to water treatment plants, this airport’s got it all. The next time you’re passing through, you’ll be armed with more airport trivia than you ever thought you needed. And remember, the only thing you should lose at SFO is your baggage (but hopefully just temporarily). Happy travels.