Cocoa the mini pony is the newest member of the SFO pet therapy team, called the Wag Brigade.

Cocoa the Therapy Pony, a Secret Movie Theater + More Hidden Gems at SFO

17 November 2017

Apparently, SFO is brimming with convivial delights to pass the time.

After a delayed flight or an exceptionally long layover, it's easy to wonder where all the airport amenities are hiding. It only seems reasonable that the good food and best lounges are out there, somewhere. Fortunately San Francisco International Airport (SFO), our major travel hub, has received a series of renovations and expansions to improve the passenger experience and bring in more amenities in recent years; including a new addition to the therapy animal squad, Wag Brigade, Cocoa the pony. This holiday season, in between jetting off to see family and escaping to warmer climates, explore some of SFO's best hidden gems.

Hunt down more than 80 pieces of art provided to SFO by the San Francisco Arts Commission with the public art map.

The SFO public art program features a permanent collection of more than 80 pieces to reflect the city's vibrant culture. Enjoy a quiet moment in the post-security walkway connecting Terminals 1 and 2 where you can take in panoramic views of the airfield through Fred Everley's polyester resin discs, creating colorful optical illusions. At the end of the walkway you'll find Jim Melchert's mosaic designed by reassembling broken tiles to create a new pattern, and just beyond is Yayoi Kusama's "High Heels for Going to Heaven," polka dotted in bright red. // Various locations marked on the public art map, flysfo.com
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The Centurion lounge offerings a complimentary wine tasting to guests, featuring 18 bottles of California wines.

When you need a moment to relax, step into the Centurion Lounge. As a guest, all amenities of the lounge are complimentary, including a Napa Valley wine tasting area, meals designed by James Beard Award-winning local chef Daniel Patterson, and a business workspace with high-speed wifi. For those with a long layover, the lounge also offers shower suites and a family room where the kids can play. // Terminal 3 boarding area F near gate 74 post-security, thecenturionlounge.com
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LiLou, flaunting her pink pedi.

Travel can quickly turn stressful, which is why SFO introduced the Wag Brigade, a team of therapy animals trained by the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SFSPCA) to make the experience more enjoyable. The team, mostly consisting of dogs, now includes LiLou, a two-year-old Juliana breed pig, who has become a social media favorite, and recently welcomed Cocoa the mini pony. This gang will pose for selfies in exchange for a treat from their handler. // All terminals, flysfo.com
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Watch a rotating selection of short narratives and fun animations at the video arts theater in the international terminal.

SFO Museum's Video Arts program offers a festival of short films in an airport environment. Each week, four films by contemporary artists and filmmakers are featured, from short narratives to fun animations, for airport guests to enjoy. And perhaps the coolest part? The movie theatre automatically starts rolling through the videos when guests enter the space, and goes into a sort of sleep mode when it is no longer occupied. // Pre-security in the international terminal, near ticket counter Aisle 5, flysfo.com
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Step back in time to experience a replica of the SFO passenger terminal from the 1930's.

Tucked away in a quiet corner, this space is a scaled-down replica of the original 1937 passenger terminal at SFO, and features a rotation of exhibits on aviation themes and a library of over 8,000 books. Anyone can visit between 10:00am to 4:30pm daily since the museum and library are located before security. // Pre-security in the international terminal, flysfo.com
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The Yoga Room at SFO offers a dark, quiet space to relax, meditate, and practice yoga before a flight.

The next time you're feeling a little off balance before your flight, tap into your zone to find some zen. SFO was the first airport in the world to open a yoga room, and now features two facilities, open 24 hours a day. Travelers can stop by either of the spaces, equipped with mats and pillows for guests, to relax, meditate, and practice yoga. // Two locations; post-security in Terminals 2 and 3, flysfo.com
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Napa Farms Market brings some of the best bites of the Bay Area directly to the passengers of SFO.

Napa Farms Market brings local culinary favorites including Acme bread and Cowgirl creamery to SFO. It's hard to go wrong with this menu, but if you're in a rush simply grab a pre-made cheese plate or fresh salad and you'll fly full and happy. They also arguably serve one of the best bagel sandwiches at SFO, so next time you have an early morning flight, stop by for your breakfast and coffee. // Two locations: terminal 2 and international terminal post-ecurity, napafarmsmarket.com
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This article was written by Tiffany Mast at TravelBank.

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