5 things to do and see on a long layover at LAX

Santa Monica is about 30 minutes drive north of LAX. It is a huge tourist destination because it has everything you might want to see.  Great shopping both luxury and mainstram, dining, many coffee houses, and a number of bars and lounges. You will also get to visit the world-famous Santa Monica Pier (appearing in hundreds of movies). It is one of the most visited areas in Los Angeles. It will take you about 30 minutes drive from the airport to SM, and another 30-45 minutes back to the airport depending on traffic. So plan accordingly.

Santa Monica 3rd street promenade is a great place to spend the day. You can also rent a bike and bike all the way south to Venice Beach. 

The city offers free Wifi.

The best pizza in Santa Monica is Joe's NY pizza. Make sure to get yours before heading  down to the beach.

2- Griffith Observatory And Hollywood Sign | Time needed 3 hours 

Griffith Observatory is one of L.A.’s greatest  attractions, offering spectacular views (on clear days) from the Pacific Ocean to Downtown L.A. from its perch on Mt. Hollywood in Griffith Park. The observatory and accompanying exhibits are opened to the public for free. The Griffith Observatory is renowned as a national leader in public astronomy (It is also a filming location for many movies including Lala Land It is a beloved gathering place for visitors and Angelenos alike. We typically drive to Griffith Observatory after visiting the Hollywood star walk of fame. We recommend this stop because you check many must-see landmarks on your way here, such as

1- The Hollywood Sign

2- The Observatory itself for free

3- Amazing views of LA from one of the highest peaks around

4- You get to see one of the most prominent neighborhoods in LA on the way there.

5- You will pass by the Greek Theater, an iconic open concert hall that until now hosts the biggest names in the music industry.

 If you want to say that you visited L.A. on your stopover, we highly recomend those long transit tours for people traveling through LAX.

3- South Bay beaches | 2 hours

This should be easy for those interested in soaking up in the everlasting California sun-drenched beaches. Los Angeles international airport is close to the west side of the city, i.e close to the pacific and the amazing stretch of beaches (called the South Bay area) which is a strech of 3 AMAZING beach cities. Manhattan beach is the birthplace of beach Vollyball and is our favorite. We recommend remting a bike by the pier and bike the boardwalk that connects the three beaches. 

4- Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive | 3-4 hours

If you are interested in luxury shopping with some sightseeing and maybe celebrity spotting while on a short visit to L.A. BeVerly Hills and Rodeo drive is for you. Beverly Hills is a drive from LAX (about 45 minutes in the car) there is no way to get to Beverly Hills using public transportation or a bus (maybe there is a way but locals never really consider it). There are some 90 minutes free parking around the area. And if you google Urth Cafe in Beverly Hills then you are in for a treat (organic coffee, salads, and  pizza) it is an excellent place to eat in the patio (Covid-19 updated). If you have more time to spare, consider visiting the amazing Greystone Mansion.  A spectacular (and free) visit up the hills through celebrity homes. The mansion has a mysterious (unsolved) murder story around the rich and famous Oil-rich Dohen family during the 20s. It is one of our favorite places to visit because of its beauty, free entry, and amazing historical significance.

5- Venice Beach | 3 hours

Nested perfectly between the airport and Santa Monica, with an estimated 25 minutes to drive north of LAX. There is so much to see and do on a layover sightseeing tour, this tourist attraction has five absolutley must-see destinations spots

1. Venice Canals
2. Abbot Kinney boulevard
3. Muscle beach
4. Sunset drum circle
5. The board walk shops and restaurants

If you dont want to risk missing your flight. Venice bech is very close and has a lot to entertain you on your layover tour.

Before you plan on leaving LAX on a layover . Here are some very important points to consider.

• Entrance (and exists) from and to the terminals has been a nightmare.  Locally known as the 'horse shoe" trap. It traps cars, taxies, busses, and shuttles in a carousol of traffic that you can not espcape. So if you are serious about your sightseeing expidition. Consider taking the stairs down to the "departure' terminal. Its faster and easier to get around from there.
• You can no longer be picked up by the ride-sharing drivers at the terminal, you will have to take a free shuttle, and then get your ride off and away from the terminal. This is a hassle if you have a big family or several luggage pieces.
• Don't leave the airport if you have less than 5 hours, just don't do it. Unless you are craving a burger at the in-n-out just outside the terminal
• Pack everything in your checked-in luggage. Carry-on luggage will slow you down and will be a hassle to deal with as there is no storage facilities at the airport.
• Pack a jacket; nights are a bit chilly specially during winter monthes. Days are sunny and nice.
• Get your boarding passes for the next leg of the flight. Never leave the airport without them. We've seen it happen, travellers get so excited to see L.A. on their layover but they forget to get the information regarding the next terminal. We can help with that. But just be on the safe side.
• If you are arriving from an internation flight or through the Tom Bradley TB terminal at LAX, give yourself at least an hour to 70 minutes to clear custom and immigration. And another hour to get back into the terminal to clear security. The less you carry the faster you will go through security. 
• Ask us! or visit our FAQ page to know more. We will answer any question you might have.