A short stopover in LA can be more challenging than places like New York, Singapore or London, because the city is so spread out. Its must-dos and have-to-sees are far apart, and public transportation isn’t exactly world-class. If you’ve got less than a day to spare, you’ll probably want to pick the three or four things that most appeal.
That said, a motivated traveller could fill this eight-item bingo card with the right timing and a little luck. You’ll have to forget the big draws like the Universal Studios Tour or a Disney trip, and instead focus on visiting the most iconic sites, scenes and restaurants in the city. And make sure to book a rental car before you arrive – it’ll save you valuable time and effort.
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1. Grab a bite at In-and-Out
Yes, LA has fine dining galore and your pick of ethnic foods from every country on the globe. Yes, you’re an experienced traveller who usually avoids fast food and chain restaurants. No, neither of those are legitimate excuses to not hit In-and-Out for your first or last meal in the city. There’s one on the way in and out of the airport, so swing through for a Double Double and a mess of fries.
2. Hit the Manhattan Beach Pier
You’ve seen it in Point Break, Tequila Sunrise and dozens of TV episodes. The pier is a photo op waiting to happen, just 10 minutes from LAX and surrounded by top-shelf ocean views with paved walkways running parallel to the surf. You can walk for a while, or rent a cruiser bike for $10 an hour.
3. Cruise the Venice Boardwalk
For a different kind of beach experience, find a place to park at the Venice Boardwalk and cruise the bohemian scene. While not the prettiest beach in California, it’s a must-do for the people-watching, and the chance to check out the famous Muscle Beach Venice platform. Plan on 30 minutes from LAX, including traffic and parking.
4. Visit the Getty Museum
Even if you’re only a little into art, LA’s Getty Museum is worth a look. Even strolling around outside gives you an education on sculpture and architecture you won’t find by going inside many other art museums. Admission is free, but parking costs 15 bucks. Check the website before you go – featured exhibits change frequently, and are always a better experience if you show up a little prepared. The Getty is 30 to 60 minutes north of LAX, making it a good first stop so you can pick up other activities on your way back to the airport.
5. Shop Santa Monica Place
Casual shoppers will get all the retail therapy they need from the on-location stores and gift shops at the other locations on this list, but for serious shoppers, there’s no substitute. This glitzy, medium-end mall offers every kind of spending experience you could hope for, with plenty of air-conditioned sitting spaces and restaurants for breaks between rounds. Non-shoppers roped into a stop here can amuse themselves with the street performers and people-watching available in the surrounding streets. It’s about 20 minutes north of LAX, with ample parking even in busy seasons.
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6. Hang out at Dockweiler State Beach
If you only do one thing during your layover at LAX, make this that thing. It’s a pleasant park space seven minutes from the airport, where you can see the beach, stroll the shoreline and sit at a picnic table outdoors. The concession stand food is reasonably good, and the restrooms and showers are clean. You’re not going full LA with a stop here, but getting outdoors for a few hours in the middle of your vacuum-packed air travel experience is hard to overrate.
7. Ride the Ocean Express Trolley
Take the Lot C bus and walk three blocks to the Gateway hotels to buy tickets and board this green, community-based streetcar for a $5 round trip into and along the Manhattan Beach and El Segundo shorelines, along with plenty of other stops for shopping and dining. If you don’t want to rent a car and don’t mind missing most of the other items on this list, the Ocean Express is your best choice to see as much of LA as possible. Fares are all-day, so you can hop on and off at your leisure, and trips go out every hour on the hour from the hotel.
8. Visit the Flight Path Learning Center
Always arrive early for any flight, but arrive early in LAX and swing by this free aviation museum in the LAX Imperial Terminal. You can see scale models of famous planes, get elbow deep in hands-on exhibits, and spend some time with charts and books on aviation and aerospace. An educational and relaxing way to spend the remainder of your time in Los Angeles.
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