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✈️ Explore Near SFO: Local Favorites
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items Discover great spots near SFO whether you’re killing time before a flight, have a long layover, or just landed and want to explore. From cozy coffee shops and quick bites to hidden gems and low-key adventures, these are some of my favorite local pick...
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⏱️ Quick Stops: Under 15 Minutes from SFO
🚗 Worth the Ride: Under 30 Minutes from SFO
⏱️ Quick Stops: Under 15 Minutes from SFO
These are my go-to spots when I’ve got a short window of time before a flight or right after landing. All within 15 minutes of SFO, this list includes cozy coffee shops, local eateries, scenic strolls, and a few unique places to stretch your legs or ...
The best local restaurant near SFO - kitschy tiki bar vibe plus fantastic Hawaiian foods and often they have live music as well!
Hula Hoops Restaurant & Tiki Bar
Need to move a little before your flight? This park is quiet, breezy, and only minutes from SFO. 🌿⏳
Oyster Point Marina/Park
A cozy local cafe with fantastic sandwiches and sweet treats!
Gigi's Cafe
Famous in the Bay Area for their fantastic sandwiches, Little Lucca's is a must-try if you are a sandwich connoisseur
Little Lucca
Great coffee, comfy corners, and close enough to the airport to keep things stress-free. ☕🧳
One Love Cafe
Small, quirky, and totally doable before your flight—this place always gives me something to think about. 🖼️🧠
Fabulosity Antiques and Wondrous Things
A solid meal before your flight > airplane snacks. This spot always hits the comfort food sweet spot. 🍽️🙌
Mazra
🚗 Worth the Ride: Under 30 Minutes from SFO
If you’ve got a bit more time to spare, these gems within 30 minutes of the airport are totally worth the quick drive. Think waterfront views, standout meals, small-town charm, and spots that make you feel like you actually got to see the Bay Area. W...
Plants, handmade crafts from local artisans, quality coffee, and live music on weekends - what more could you ask for? A fantastic place to shop and hang out.
Little Green A Plant Bar
If you’ve got littles in tow, this place is a lifesaver. Hands-on, playful, and full of things to push, spin, and explore—it’s the kind of spot where time flies (in a good way). A perfect pre- or post-flight adventure. 🧪🧒💫
CuriOdyssey
Yes, it’s next to the airport—and yes, it’s actually really cool. I love popping in here for a little dose of aviation history before a flight. ✈️📸🛫
Hiller Aviation Museum
Downtown San Mateo is a super cute area with tons of shops and restaurants to explore! Check out the rose garden and Japanese garden too if you have time!
Downtown San Mateo
Best speakeasy on the peninsula! Tucked-away, moody, and totally worth the hunt. This is where I go when I want to toast the trip (or recover from it) with a perfectly made cocktail and zero airport vibes. 🍸🔐✨
Wunderbar
I love coming here after landing—good food, friendly vibes, and close enough to feel effortless. 🧡🥢
AMOUR AMOUR - Updated June 2025 - 1003 Photos & 393 Reviews
This is the kind of place you tell your friends about mid-flight. Fresh, local, and totally worth the stop. 🥗✈️
Pausa Bar & Cookery
Because sometimes the only thing that hits before (or after) a flight is a hot bowl of ramen. Cozy, flavorful, and quick enough to still make your gate with time to spare. This one’s a must. 🍜✈️💨
Taishoken Ramen