San Francisco has always had bands playing during lunchtime in plazas throughout the downtown area — music to entertain the workforce.
But for those who want a quiet setting, there are POPOS .
“It’s an acronym for Privately Owned Public Open Spaces,” said former San Francisco Planning Director John Rahaim.
Anyone can use them, hence the word “public,” even if they are located inside a private building.
There are 200 of these public open spaces throughout the city and about 60 concentrated in the downtown and South of Market areas.
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Most are outdoor spaces where the public can eat, work and interact with others outside of the office.
They must have some kind of artwork on display, like an 86-ton boulder.
But there are some that are indoors. No need for permission. You just walk in.
So we did and enjoyed a comfortable setting.
Some may find that returning to work in person five days a week can be exhausting, so a nap is not out of the question.