Los Angeles International Airport is the primary airport serving the United States.

In 2014, LAX handled 70.6 million passengers, far exceeding its previous record of 67.3 million travellers in 2000.

The airport has held the claim for “the world’s busiest origin and destination airport” since 2011, boasting the most non-connecting passengers. It also pulls rank as the third busiest in the world by aircraft movements.

With all of these claims, it’s no wonder LAX gets busy, but as the gateway to America, it’s also a highly popular airport for a layover. Whether it’s six, 12 or 24 hours, you can thank your lucky stars when you find yourself with time to kill in this vibrant ‘city of cities’.

To prove why LAX is truly airport nirvana, we’ve gone ahead and listed all the ways you can spend a stopover in Los Angeles.

Six hours

Welcome Hall at Tom Bradley International Terminal. Image credit: Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA)

You may have heard that LAX is undergoing some pretty impressive revamps. From upping the sophistication of the airport’s immigration processes to bringing in the Westfield franchise in all its glory, it’s a place to be when you’re en route to somewhere else.

Image credit: Westfield

If you’re a fan of staying in the airport, LAX has got the goods. Wander around the Tom Bradley International Terminal, the crown jewel of the airport. With a billion dollar overhaul, it now boasts beautiful sculptures and digital artworks, 42 new shopping options thanks to Westfield, a Beach Children’s Play Area and 27 fresh, L.A.-inspired dining options.

Children’s play area in Tom Bradley International Terminal. Image credit: Westfield

If you fancy stepping foot outside the airport, the beach city neighbourhoods of Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Manhattan Beach and Marina del Rey are a short ride away.

A trip to Manhattan Beach is a great way to unwind. Jump in a cab and make the short eight kilometre trip to a little slice of paradise to see how locals unwind beachside. Tell the driver you want to go to Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Highland Avenue (the heart of this neighbourhood), and it shouldn’t cost more than USD$30.

Once at Manhattan Beach, stroll around the Strand and the pier, or rent a bike and cruise down the boulevard. Grab a bite at one of the many foodie pit stops along the way, like Simmzy’s or or Manhattan Beach Post.

12+ hours

Hermosa Beach. Image credit: L.A. Tourism

More than 10 hours in L.A.? No problem – you’ve just landed in the world’s best layover airport and have one of the most diverse and exciting cities right on your doorstep to explore.

There’s a number of things you can do with 12 hours that maximise your time spent here. So to slip in a mini holiday on your stopover, try these ideas:

* Take a tour: There are plenty of tours that will pick you up from the airport and take you to Hollywood, Beverly Hills, the Sunset Strip and more. LA City Tours runs you around Downtown L.A. for 5.5 hours to show off movie stars’ homes, the Hollywood sign and all the iconic sites. In addition, Starline Tours offers several different bus tour options including a Grand Tour of L.A. and a TMZ Hollywood Tour: ‘Secrets and Celebrity Hotspots’.

* Rent a car: Pick up a car from the airport, stow your luggage in the back, and go explore all of these places yourself. With a little prior research, you can see all of the hot spots at your leisure.

* On that note, try visiting Will Rogers State Historic Park: It should take around 40 minutes to drive, plus $8 to park, but it’s well worth it to see the stunning views of L.A. and the Pacific Ocean beyond it.

* Visit Farmers Markets: The Original Farmers Market has fresh fruit, produce, seafood, ice cream, wines, cheeses, gourmet foods, and gift shops, and makes for the ideal place to spend a few hours in between flights. A shuttle from LAX takes between 60-90 minutes.

* Book a room: Jetlagged and keen for some decent shuteye? If you’ve got more than 12 hours, you can also sneak a sleep into your stopover. Aloft Hotel is opening up at LAX in March 2016, making it the perfect place to rest your head.

24 hours

Warner Bros. Studio Tour. Image credit: L.A. Tourism

Overnight in L.A., hey? Well with so many things to do in the City of Angels, it makes sense to book a hotel and see some sights!

If you’re new to L.A., there are a few bucket list items to tick off, including a visit to the Hollywood Sign (and a token selfie), a stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and a daytrip to Santa Monica, strolling down to Venice Beach.

An overnight layover also means you can get dolled up and check out some of the hottest bars on the planet. Be sure to stop in at High Rooftop Lounge at Hotel Erwin on Venice Beach for some sunny people watching by the sea. Or for your chance to spot a celeb, try Perch for a swanky cocktail overlooking Central Library or the Ace Hotel Downtown.

And if you’re after a taste of authentic Hollywood, you can pass the time exploring Warner Bros. Studio Tour or Universal Studios Hollywood.

For more information on LAX, please visit www.LAXisHappening.com.

Main image: South Concourse at Tom Bradley International Terminal

Credit: Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA)