The holy grail of airport layovers
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
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.
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.
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
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
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)
Latest News
Wendy Wu Tours ‘Wonderlust Sale’ offers the wonders of the world for less
Wendy Wu Tours opens the month of May with some very special deals across its most sought-after destinations. From Japan, China and South Korea to Southeast Asia, Central Asia and across India and Latin America, the ‘Wonderlust Sale’ sees all destinations on sale. The ‘Wonderlust Sale’ is an offer too good to resist with incredible […]
Booking.com launches AI Trip Planner in Australia and New Zealand
Booking.com has announced its AI Trip Planner (Beta) is now available for travellers in Australia and New Zealand, the first markets to launch in Asia Pacific. Until now, AI Trip Planner was only available for US and UK travellers after it was launched in the Booking.com app in June last year. Built using Booking.com’s existing […]
Voyages celebrates 40 years at Uluru with two new immersive experiences
No plans for celebrating your 40th this year? Here's a hot tip from us.
SkyDeck: The inflight entertainment you could never have imagined
Forget those external cameras you can live stream while in the air... With SkyDeck you can check it out for yourself.
Second Boeing whistleblower dies of ‘mystery infection’
Joshua Dean died from a fast-growing mystery infection on Tuesday.
Aussie winners of American Airlines ‘Sell Your Way to the USA’ announced
Show me the money! For the winners, Sell Your Way to the USA was worth getting involved in.
ANZCRO celebrates 30th with special edition of iconic New Zealand Book
Choice bro! ANZCRO celebrates its 30th with a special edition of its iconic New Zealand Book. Chur!
Room to move at Cairns Harbourside Hotel with ‘spacious’ new family package
Moody teens can eat two-minute noodles while younger brothers and sisters get to eat free with mum and dad. Win, win!
A&K unveils lavish around the world wildlife adventure in private jet
The kind of holiday that if you need to ask the cost, you probably can't afford it.
Flight Centre and Reforest hit one million trees target early
Nice one Flight Centre, we think you've earned an early Friday knockoff.
New cruise options spearhead stacked APT 2025 program
Just in case you thought you were running out of cruise itineraries, APT's here with a fresh batch.
Travel Weekly announces a new team to helm Australia’s No.1 travel trade title
Some shameless self-promotion from us, but we thought you needed to know who's bringing you the news.
IHG reveals plans for Brisbane’s first Kimpton in 2028
Just another reason to book that trip to Brisvegas. But don't jump the gun, it's not open until 2028.
Cruiseabout’s first store in five years opens in Perth
Perth gets a break from being behind the rest of the country with the addition of the first Cruiseabout store.
ATAS complaints process acknowledges non-economic loss
A High Court case win over 'disappointment and distress' on a cruise gone wrong prompts ATIA complaints change.
Cunard previews new Queen Anne
Yep, this one does exactly what it says on the tin.
Bunnik Tours unveils latest expansion to Iceland
Just as the Icelandic vikings did many years ago, Bunnik is expanding into new territories.
Australia’s first glamping retreat turns 25
25th anniversary gifts usually come in silver. Ours comes in the way of a news story.
Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun
If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]
Tourism Western Australia MD Carolyn Turnbull departs
Turnbull hints her new role will see her staying in the tourism and hospitality industry and who can blame her?
DriveAway launches Brit-Euro Blitz campaign
If agents can put the foot down quick enough and get involved, there are some great prizes to be won.
Fly and Stay Free with the Great Southern
Unlike those dodgy scam phone calls you're getting more and more of, there's no strings attached to this deal.
Sober travel and TikTok guide Australian Gen Z trips
Can you call it a sober holiday if you enjoy a few glasses of red on the flight? We think yes.
Travel DAZE Exec Agenda REVEALED: top execs to speak on airline competition
As the industry reels from Bonza's implosion, it is more important than ever to ask the big questions.
TTC: Deals are driving up demand for September trips
The latest market research from TTC Tour Brands shows interest in international leisure travel remains high for 2024, with 77 per cent of Australians over 18 still planning trips this year. Notably, 28 per cent of those travellers are eyeing September for their journeys. Europe continues to be the most popular destination, with 68 per […]
Skroo says Rex will need deep pockets to fill lost Bonza slots
The door is open for Rex, and anyone else who wants to launch a regional Aussie airline...
Sno’n’Ski Holidays unveils 2025 mega famil to Colorado!
Let the games begin - this is certainly not a famil that you will want to miss!
Walk Japan launches Kyoto: Mountains to the sea walking tour
There are two types of people, one who enjoys walking on holiday and another who enjoys sipping Mojitos by the pool.
Which destination had a 48% boost in bookings following 10 MILLION TikTok views?
Here's a clue: it's not Malabar Beach.
Asher Telford appointed General Manager of SeaLink Whitsundays
Telford has plenty of reasons to smile after SeaLink doubles down and makes him GM after buying his tourism operation.
Qantas ‘working urgently’ to fix app data leak
Qantas is looking into customer reports that passengers have this morning been able to access other passengers’ personal information on the airlines app. X user Lachlan posted that he was able log into different accounts every time he opened the app. My @Qantas app logs me in to a different person each time I open […]
Hilton Expands Presence in North Queensland with the signing of Hilton Garden Inn Townsville
Heading to a North Queensland Cowboys clash? Hilton Garden Inn Townsville is set to open, but not until 2026.
Rail Europe ANZ: making dream journeys come true
Rail Europe's running a lottery! You're not going to win millions, but you might just snag a free holiday.
UPDATE: Bonza hole deepens as administrators investigate financial affairs
Administrators dig deeper as struggling airline unlikely to be revived.
Revamped Wailoaloa Beach hotel opens as Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa
Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa is open and ready for bookings after the first phase of a multi-million-dollar transformation. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ premium collection, the transformation has seen the completion of 106 guestrooms showcasing contemporary interiors reflective of the premium Crowne Plaza brand and is a first for the […]
Nielsen Data reveals brands spending big to attract Aussie tourists
Trip A Deal, Virgin and Ignite Travel walk into a bar, blow their cash on travel advertising instead of the pokies.