LA has tons of exciting options for people with a layover at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). There are destinations for short, medium, or long layovers, including adventurous, peaceful, popular, and exciting activities to transform your layover into a memorable, fulfilling time! The best layover activities will depend on your time frame, mood, and the number of people in your party. Locations include the Santa Monica pier, Beverly Hills, Quest Room, Universal Studios, and more! We have gathered the best 14 things to do near LAX airport on a layover for refreshment and fun.
Travelers with short layovers have several options for nearby activities. Don't waste your time in LA scrolling on your phone. Get up and explore! Here are some of the best activities for a short layover.
The Flight Path Museum and Learning Center is the only aviation museum and research center located at a major airport. This spot is for people who are inspired by the wonder of flight. The museum is filled with many interesting exhibits and wows travelers with memories of the golden years of aviation history while showcasing the many flights going in and out of one of the world's busiest airports.
In-N-Out Burger is located just outside the LAX airport. This famous, mouthwatering restaurant does not use heat lamps, freezers, or microwaves. You can literally taste the quality of their food. Customers from all over the world stop by to try their famous burgers and fries. Sit for a bit to savor the flavors or grab a bite to go!
Travelers with around six hours to spare have quite a few activities at their fingertips. These nearby attractions are worth leaving the airport for. Pro tip: LAX Airport does not offer luggage storage onsite for security reasons. However, there are off-site companies that will arrange a luggage pick-up and drop-off at the airport, so you don't have to lug your bags around while exploring.
One of the best things to do on a layover of around five hours in Los Angeles is to play an escape game at our Redondo Beach location. As long as the traffic is not too bad, you can reach this spot in around 15 minutes from LAX Airport. Our venues feature Hollywood-quality sets and exciting challenges. Choose an escape room adventure and challenge level that fits your group, and try to finish the puzzles before the clock runs out! Escape rooms are a great option for people with both a daytime and evening layover, and are one of the best things to do in Hollywood at night. The escape rooms take around one hour to finish, so plan your layover time accordingly.
Take advantage of a medium-length layover to visit the Santa Monica Pier, which is one of the best things to do in summer in Los Angeles. Check out this iconic spot for family-friendly activities, interesting street performers, amusement park rides, mouthwatering restaurants, and shopping at the Third Street Promenade. Take a ride on the famous Santa Monica Pier Ferris wheel for some great pier and Pacific Ocean views. Or rent a bike for a ride along the beach to get in some exercise before your flight. There are fishing options to explore for those interested in a more relaxed time by the water.
Venice Beach is about 11 miles from the Los Angeles International Airport. This spot is a perfect layover getaway for people wanting to explore a unique bohemian boardwalk. Venice Beach has an eclectic outdoor shopping district, art exhibits, and dining options with bold flavors. Spend time enjoying stunning views of the beach and ocean, check out the vivid and ever-changing art, or take a walk along the beach for exercise or just to people-watch. You’ll need to be careful to keep track of time with so much to see!
Marina Del Rey is located 20 miles from LAX. This famous beach offers activities including biking, boat rentals, fishing, whale watching, jet skiing, kayaking, spas, beaches, and parks. Marina Del Rey is a perfect spot to unwind during your layover. Spend your time with a relaxed, luxury coastal experience you won't regret. Try some fresh coastal food, bike along the beach, or enjoy the many water activities. This spot is perfect for both individuals and families. You will like it so much you may want to stay…
The Getty Center is about a 30-minute drive from the Los Angeles International Airport. Catch a cab and enjoy a quick visit to this impressive art exhibit, which houses art from the Middle Ages until today. Take a walk and enjoy the modern architecture and sprawling gardens. Admission is free, but the museum is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.
A long layover is not a good thing normally. However, in Los Angeles, you have endless activities to put your time to good use. These include beaches, hotels, fabulous restaurants, shopping, and more. You and your group will have the time of your life before your plane even leaves the ground.
Beverly Hills has so much to offer travelers in search of a fun day out. Check out historic properties or public art via walking tours, quality concert series throughout the summer, art exhibits from both local and international artists, and extensive shopping and restaurant options.
Rodeo Drive is a famous area where luxury, fashion, and entertainment meet. This iconic palm tree-lined street houses over 100 of the world's leading fashion brands, notably Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Gucci, and Chanel. Legendary hotels and award-winning restaurants along Rodeo Drive include the 208 Rodeo Restaurant and the Beverly Hills Four Seasons Hotel. Leave a little extra room in your carry-on bag for the loot you’ll want to bring home.
Universal Studios is one of the best activities for you and your group to experience if you have a layover of over 8 hours. Universal Studios is located in Universal City, near Hollywood. It is considered one of the most popular activities in LA. Go behind the scenes of a real Hollywood working movie set, or ride a heart-pumping blockbuster-themed attraction. Rides include Revenge of the Mummy, Transformers - The Ride 3D, and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Hungry groups should check out Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, or the NBC Sports Grill and Brew for mouthwatering burgers, tall margaritas, or a birthday cake sundae.
Check out Hollywood Boulevard for the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame. This iconic road filled with Hollywood stars, both past and present, is just over 1 mile long and contains over 2,700 stars. This is the perfect place to stretch your legs before your connecting flight and grab some selfies with your favorite celebrity's star!
Grand Central Market is one of Los Angeles' most well-known landmarks. It opened in 1917 and contains over 40 vendors. The market is located in downtown LA and opens daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. This spot offers culinary treats from around the world, including casual Mediterranean-Israeli pitas, Mexican esquites, Japanese bento boxes, and mouthwatering pastries. Rent a car and drive to the parking garage, grab an Uber, or take the metro.
The Aquarium of the Pacific is located about 23 miles southwest of the Los Angeles International Airport. This large aquarium features over 11,000 animals. Visit this awe-inspiring aquarium for special views of sea otters, sharks, sea jellies, frogs, penguins, octopus, and so much more! Both adults and children will enjoy this special Los Angeles activity.
The best activity to do on a layover is sometimes to simply relax at a Pacific Ocean beach. Pick up a picnic lunch, a towel, and a swimsuit, and take your layover time to chill. This is a free activity with no time limit. Go for an hour, two, or take the whole day to unwind, swim, rest, or surf!
There are amazing opportunities to check out for any length of layover in Los Angeles. Don’t waste your time sitting around in boredom at your gate for hours on end. Use the time to make California memories to last a lifetime. Hollywood quality escape rooms, shopping on Rodeo Drive, eating at In-N-Out Burger, and relaxing on the beach are all great ways to spend your layover hours. Whether you are traveling alone or with a group, these Los Angeles destinations will bring excitement and life to your trip!
Ivan is an expert in escape room design and development for almost a decade. He and his team have developed dozens of 5-star escape rooms across multiple genres in the United States, focusing on amazing live experience and unforgettable storytelling.
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