San Francisco International Airport: Difference between revisions

Bayfront Park is by far the most iconic spot SFO has to offer. The spot is located at the end of Millbrae Ave., along Bayshore Hwy.  It affords great views of all four runways, but it is somewhat distant (about one mile) from 28L/10R and 28R/10L, so you'll need a long lens for photos (about 700mm to get close to regional jets, 450mm should be good for the heavies). 1R/19L and 1R/19R are closer, however, a chain link fence was recently built next to the runways that limits photography.

To reach the park, take the Millbrae Ave. exit off US-101, and head north-east, towards the bay.  At the end of Millbrae Ave., make a right turn.  You will see the park on your left; the first left turn you can make takes you into the park's small, free parking lot.  The large, divided section of the lot is a pay lot for the Marriott Hotel.  There is alternate free parking across the street at the Westin, though it is only a few spaces (turn into the Westin parking lot, and take an immediate left before the lobby circle).  If all else fails, you can park nearly anywhere on the side-streets.

Once you have parked your car, you may want to walk towards the airport to the north end of the park for good views of 1L/19R and 1R/19L.  If your objective is to watch 10R/28L and 10L/28R, you can go pretty much wherever you like in the park.  If you want the San Francisco skyline in your photos, try walking south on the Bay Trail beyond the Marriott; at least 400mm (1.6x crop factor) will be required to get good skyline photos.  

If you are traveling by BART or Caltrain, get off at Millbrae Station and walk east approximately one mile on Millbrae Ave (about 15 minutes walk).  Use the south side of the street, as the north side has no sidewalk across the US-101 over-crossing; be cautious of traffic, this is not a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood.