Due to the size of Los Angeles International Airport, and the distance from interesting tourist destinations, most of these activities are appropriate only if you have a layover of at least four hours.
Make sure to allow an extra hour in your planning to get through security and check-in when you return to the airport. Times listed below are approximate guesses. Don't rely on these estimates for precise timing.
LAX Layover Tips - Transportation and other issues related to leaving LAX for a layover getaway. Suggestions on where to go.
Beaches near LAX (3+ hours) - When you think of Los Angeles, one image that comes to mind is that of the beach. That's why a visit the beach is a popular destination during an extended layover at LAX. Follow the link to find out how to get to Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Marina del Rey, Redondo Beach and Hermosa Beach.
Downtown LA (5+ hours) - Visit Olvera Street, Chinatown, Shopping Districts, California Market Center, LA Fashion District, LA Flower District and more. Generally the main activity in downtown LA is shopping, however you can see some historical sites and look the large buildings.
Encounter Restaurant - the futuristic dome-shaped structure that is synonymous with Los Angeles International airport.
Farmers Market / Grove Shopping District (5+ hours) - The Original Farmers Market has fresh fruit, produce, seafood, ice cream, wines, cheeses, gourmet foods, as well as gift shops. The Grove is an outdoor shopping district featuring high-end stores and restaurants, a theater, live performances.
Getty Center (8+ hours) - The public area of the Getty Center is primarily a world-renowned art museum. However there is also a nice garden to enjoy, and is a nice place to spend an afternoon.
Hollywood (6+ hours) - World-famous for the stars on Hollywood Blvd, the footprints in the Chinese Theater, and more.
Museums on Wilshire Blvd (7+ hours) - La Brea Tar Pits / Page Museum, LA County Museum of Art, and Petersen's Automotive Museum are all within walking distance from a single bus stop.
LA City Guided Tour (3 to 7 hours) - Go on a guided tour of the city, or just Hollywod. The tour company will pick you up at LAX.
Shopping Malls and Shopping Districts (15-120 minutes plus time to shop) - There are quite a few shopping malls and shopping districts within reach of LAX. This list includes Rodeo Drive and Robertson Blvd.
Sony Pictures Studios Tour (5+ hours) - Sony Studios is one of the world's most famous studio lots, this walking tour gives you a rare glimpse of old Hollywood's glory days and an insider's view of a state-of-the-art motion picture studio.
Theme Parks (12+ hours) - Do you have A LOT of extra time on your layover? If so, try a theme park like Disneyland, Universal Studios or Knott's Berry Farm.
Wilshire Blvd Bus Tour (5+ hours) - Wilshire Boulevard spans 15.8 miles from Grand Avenue in Downtown L.A. to Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica.
