Due to the fact that the City by the Bay is located on a hilly peninsula, traveling around San Francisco, California requires some strategic preparation, unless you’ve cashed in your startup stock options and now fly entirely by private jet.
For those of us without stock in a multibillion-dollar firm, proper preparation makes it simple to reduce commuting time beyond the airport.
While San Francisco is just 49 square (and mountainous) miles in size, the Bay Area as a whole comprises eight vast counties, each of which offers a veritable buffet of diversions, distractions, and day excursions.
North of Silicon Valley’s massive tech industry in San Jose, there are a plethora of museums for those seeking culture, pristine redwood forests in Marin County just over the Golden Gate Bridge for those seeking nature therapy, and, of course, approximately 400 wineries for those who tire of sightseeing (and hill-climbing).
That is why we have highlighted the best airports to travel into based on the activities you wish to participate in while in the region.
International Airport of San Francisco (SFO)
Located in: Technically, it is located in San Mateo County, some 13 miles south of the city.
Choose it if: your itinerary involves a visit to San Francisco, Alcatraz, Sonoma, or Napa Valley, or a large technology gathering in Menlo Park or Palo Alto.
Think again if: You’re searching for a quick route to Yosemite National Park. You’ll need to cross the water, which can add significant time. Likewise, individuals seeking to live out their “Big Little Lies” dreams in Monterey may do so.
The worst thing about the airport: The airport’s worst feature is the fog, which is so common in the Bay Area that it has a name — Karl — and a Twitter account dedicated to documenting all of his foggy crimes. Combine Karl’s continual presence with the record 55 million passengers that flew into SFO in 2017, and you have the makings of a crowded, irritable terminal scenario. Karl was responsible for a record 25,061 delays in 2016.
The best thing about the airport: The airport’s best feature is that it runs less like an airport and more like a startup. Throughout the hotel, complimentary wireless Internet access is available (of course). Terminal 2 is home to the world’s first in-flight yoga studio and a museum with rotating exhibitions celebrating the Bay Area’s art and history.
Grape expectations: Expect more than standard airport cuisine here; instead, travel to Terminal 2, where Iron Chef Cat Cora’s namesake restaurant serves up locally sourced small dishes and inventive drinks. If you’d rather get a taste of Napa before you visit, make your way to Vino Volo for local wines, cheeses, and hors d’oeuvres.
Distance to the Golden Gate Bridge: The 18-mile journey to the Golden Gate Bridge may take as little as 25 minutes in a vehicle or as much as an hour if you’re battling crowds of commuters. BART, the much-criticized public transportation system, can bring you to downtown San Francisco in 30 minutes for $9.65, but it will require a transfer and an additional 30 minutes or so to reach your goal.
International Airport of Oakland (OAK)
Located in: Oakland, around ten miles from downtown.
Choose it if you’re headed to Yosemite National Park or Lake Tahoe, or if you’re looking to save a few minutes on your way to Napa or Sonoma. Concerned about Karl’s snarled air traffic? Have no fear; Oakland is virtually immune to San Francisco’s famed fog. Additionally, you can locate a flight here that is less expensive than one to SFO (OAK has considerably fewer flights and airlines, but many of them are budget-friendly).
Think again if: You’re planning to visit some of the picturesque places along Route 1 in the peninsula’s southern section, such as Half Moon Bay. The tranquillity of the seashore is little compensation for battling city traffic.
The worst thing about the airport: The airport’s worst feature is its lack of diversity. While Oakland has long been one of the most varied cities in the United States, the same cannot be said of its airport. Its two terminals are largely crammed with subpar chain eateries, and clearing customs may be a time-consuming affair.
Grape expectations: Vino Volo, situated in Terminal 2 at Gate 26, serves wine samples, small appetizers to munch on prior to your flight, and bottles to go.
Distance to the Golden Gate Bridge: The distance to the Golden Gate Bridge is approximately 25 miles by I-880 (which takes you across the Bay Bridge) or a beautiful drive via I-580, which passes through the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and the gorgeous Muir Woods.
San Jose International Airport Norman Y. Mineta (SJC)
Located in: San Jose, the Silicon Valley epicenter
Choose it if: If you’re on your way to San José, wish to travel through parts of the peninsula’s southern Redwood forests, or are headed south to Monterey and Carmel, this is the route to take. It’s also a viable option for passengers heading to San Francisco who want a smaller, less hectic airport.
Think again if: You’re looking for a straightforward route to wine country since you’re headed in the opposite way.
The worst thing about the airport: Despite the fact that SJC was the first in the country to deploy customer service robots, it seems pointless to have droids like Norma ask you for a cheeseburger while you search for your gate.
The best thing about the airport: The airport’s best feature is the reasonable number of domestic and foreign carriers, including nonstop flights to growing business centers like Tokyo, London, and New York. Additionally, there is powerful – and complimentary! – Wi-Fi everywhere.
Distance to the Golden Gate Bridge: 50 miles and an hour or more in various traffic conditions; 2+ hours on public transit.