Here’s how to make the most of your LAX stop over

Los Angeles, California, USA - August 20, 2015: In-N-Out Burgers, Inc. is a regional chain of fast food restaurants that started in California. Two of their most popular menu items are the

If airport stopovers are enough to make you rethink your choice to travel in the first place, we totally empathise.

But it doesn’t have to be all about waiting around in cramped areas with overpriced food options.

Depending on the length of your stopover, it’s worth considering stepping out of the airport and exploring your surroundings to make the most out of your waiting time.

Plus, you get to explore an extra destination on your trip and we think that’s a serious plus.

Considering LAX is the gateway to the US for more than 60 per cent of Australians, we’ve put together this handy guide on how to make the most of your stop over there.

Whether it’s a 3 or 24-hour stopover, there are a range of activities available within a 20-minute drive of LAX to stretch your legs and explore some of L.A.’s most iconic neighbourhoods.

Top 10 LAX layover activities include:

1. Venice Beach

Only a short 20-minute drive from LAX, take a stroll along the famous promenade “or boardwalk” that runs parallel to the beach.

Big mural in Winward Avenue at Venice Beach in California

Hire bikes for the whole family, or take in the many street performers, gift shops, restaurants and ocean views, before people-watching at the famous Muscle Beach.

2. Take a Shopping Excursion at Abbott Kinney

If you have 4 hours or more, and want to experience some high-end shopping in L.A, Abbott Kinney offers a mix of designer fashion and old-school vintage shopping options. As one of L.A.’s best areas for unique shopping you cannot go past this eclectic strip with shops that eat, sleep and breathe the Venice Beach spirit.

3. Indulge in In-N-Out

In-N-Out Burger

For those wanting a last minute L.A. fast food pick up or can’t wait to get started on the US burger train, California’s all time favourite burger joint that is on most Aussie’s bucket-list is the perfect place that satisfies all your burger needs.

Pop in to In-N-Out Burger right next to LAX Airport during that short layover.

4. Marina Del Rey

As L.A.’s largest man-made small boat harbour, Marina Del Rey is the perfect place to take a refreshing break from the bustling airport.

Only a 10-minute drive away from LAX, Aussie travellers can walk around the Marina to get a breathtaking view of the ocean, explore the free Roundhouse Aquarium or even take on paddle boarding lessons.

5. Flight Path Museum and Learning Center

Located inside the LAX Imperial Terminal, the hand-on museum is the perfect place to get out those plane jitters.

Aussie travellers have the opportunity to check out showcased scaled models of various aircrafts and LAX’s aviation history. The Flight Path Museum is free and is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10am to 3pm.

6. Eat at Plant Food and Wine

Located in Venice Beach, Plant Food and Wine presents an innovative approach to plant-based cuisine through an evolving menu guided by locally-sourced ingredients.

Their beautiful selection of foods and seasonally crafted menu is enriched by an extensive wine list of organic and biodynamic varietals. It’s the perfect place for Aussie travellers in need of that classic L.A. health kick.

7. Manhattan Beach Pier

Manhattan Beach, California

Manhattan Beach pier regularly attracts families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Aussie travellers can join in the fun by taking in the California sunshine and walk along the pier to get a breathtaking view of the ocean, or pedal the strand coastal path with rented cruiser bikes.

There are also plenty of boutiques, brunch cafes, pubs and creative upscale eateries too.

8. Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area

Aussie travellers can get outside and enjoy some fresh air before or after a flight by experiencing one of L.A.’s hidden gems.

The family-friendly recreation area offers oodles of hiking trails, a lotus pond and plenty of scenic views. Open 6am to sunset, it’s also the perfect place to grab some lunch or enjoy an outdoor picnic.

9. Hermosa Beach

With 292 sunny days per year, this L.A. suburb is the perfect place for Aussie travellers to visit during a layover.

Explore the long stretch of beach enjoyed by walkers, joggers, rollerbladers and bikers alike or even take part in a beach volleyball tournament. The Hermosa Beach Pier and Pier Avenue are also home to many restaurants, bars and shops.

10.Westchester Golf range

A common hub for travellers to visit who have a 3-4 hour layover, this 18-hole, par-64 golf course and driving range is only a 10 minute drive from LAX.

Open daily until 10pm. Travellers who do not have golf bags, or clubs can easily hire these from the club itself.

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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