San Francisco International Airport (SFO) opened a new outdoor observation deck, the SkyTerrace, on Friday, February 14, 2020.
Located pre-security in Terminal 2, the SkyTerrace is open to the general public and offers 180° views of the busiest section of SFO, where all four runways intersect.
“We are very excited to open an outdoor observation deck that everyone can enjoy,” said airport director Ivar C Satero. “For many of us, coming to SFO with family to watch airplanes helped inspire our love for aviation. With the SkyTerrace we hope to bring that same passion and excitement to new generations of families.”
The SkyTerrace will be open seven days a week from 7:00am to 10:00pm. Access is free. No ticket or boarding pass is required to access the deck, but visitors will undergo a security check as they enter the space. They may bring food and beverages to the area, but smoking is not permitted at any time. Later this year, a café will open in the vicinity of the observation deck.
The SkyTerrace includes an SFO Museum exhibit – The 1954 San Francisco International Airport Terminal – which explores the history and architecture of the 1950s-built seven-story building that originally occupied the site.
The 1,460ft² (135m²) SkyTerrace features wooden chairs and benches set in drought-tolerant landscaping. Bird-safe glass panels protect visitors from the wind while providing open views.
The SkyTerrace was constructed at a cost of US$6.3m, as part of a larger US$59m project that will create additional employee, airline and lounge space above Terminal 2. It was built by Turner Construction Company and designed by a Woods Bagot/AE3 joint venture. The deck was constructed to LEED Gold standards (certification pending) using standard materials.