I have a layover in San Francisco for just 6 hours.....from 3 to 9 PM. Is there anything I can do or see nearby, or am I stuck in the airport?

That's a toughie, Melissa. It'd cost a few bucks just to shuttle back and forth from the airport to the City. And since you've broken the airport security connection, you'd have to be back in time to get screened again.

Maybe some of the natives have some thoughts....

Melissa,

I'd say you definitely don't have enough time to go in to San Francisco, and the cab fare each way would be at least $30. You could go to Burlingame which is nearby for a couple of hours. There's a cute downtown area with some nice restaurants and good shopping. But just make sure to get back in time to go through security!

Melissa,

You would be better off staying at the airport, since heading to the San Francisco area could cuase you to miss your flight. Taking the Cal Train Shuttle to the Milbrae train station would be a good option. There are a number of shops and restaurants along Millbrae Avenue to keep you occupied. If you like Chinese food, especially dim sum, I would suggest you stop at Hong Kong Flower Lounge on El Camino, right across from the Cal Train station.

I'd hang at the airport. It's a madhouse trying to get in and out of SFO. Anyway, there are a number of decent places to eat and drink there.

If you are leaving on an international flight you are in luck! The new international terminal is super nice with good shopping/browsing. All the restaurants in this terminal are SF restaurant, not chains and the food is interesting and good. You can easily spend 6 hours at the airport, browsing bookstores and eating. Even if you're not leaving from the international terminal, go over and have a good meal. Since you're there just at rush hour, I wouldn't gamble on going up to the city or even to Burlingame.

You could conceivably get the BX shuttle bus and BART to downtown SF for a total price of less than $4 each way but you'd have to allow an hour or more each way (it's about a 40-50 minute trip in total but there's the waiting for the bus or train that night occur). Add at least an hour to 90 minutes prior to departure as your latest time to get back to the airport and you're left with three hours tops in SF - more like two if you play it safe. I'd follow the other suggestions here.

Thanks everyone! Wow, I knew I could count on a response but not so many, and very good advice. One of my offline friends suggested dinner in the Mission......?

Everyone's suggestions to stay at SFO are good. You definitely would NOT have time for dinner in the Mission or anywhere else in the city. Remember - the rush hour lasts from around 3 PM to after 6PM so you will befighting crowd and traffic.

SFO is a great airport for killing time, but not a good airport for on-time flights or short security lines. So don't risk it and hang at SFO - good food and shopping, and some good views.

In college, a girlfriend and I once flew from San Diego to Portland with a 4 hour layover in SFO. Her dad had fond memories of Tadish(?) grill and gave us money for lunch. We took a bus into downtown, had a wonderful lunch, then a taxi back to the airport. Your problem may be that you'll be in town by 4, but dinner won't be served in many places till 5 pm.

Guess what! My friend picked me up at the airport....we went to the Mission district for crepes and things......then down to the Union Square area to buy some last minute things. She got me back to the airport waaaaaay ahead of time. I should have stayed out longer! Anyway, thanks for your posts. I just posted to let you know that it was do-able.