Things to Do Near LAX and In the Airport: Your Guide
If you have a long layover or some spare time before your flight, there are plenty of things to do near LAX that can keep you entertained. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is a major gateway to the city of Los Angeles and its surrounding areas.
From exploring unique museums and nature reserves to shopping, dining, and enjoying live performances, LAX and its surroundings offer something for everyone.
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Things to do near LAX
1. The Zimmerman Automobile Driving Museum
First up on this list of things to do around LAX is The Zimmerman Automobile Driving Museum. This museum features an impressive collection of classic and vintage cars, with the added thrill of offering rides in these historic vehicles on Sundays. It’s a fantastic stop for car enthusiasts and families alike, providing a nostalgic journey through automotive history.
Highlight:
The museum’s Lairport showroom features over 130 unique vehicles in excellent condition that tell stories about the history and culture of automobiles.
Location:
Address:
610 Lairport St, El Segundo, CA 90245
Distance from LAX:
1.9 miles.
2. Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve
The Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve provides a tranquil escape into nature, offering visitors the chance to explore wetlands and spot diverse wildlife. It’s an ideal spot for a relaxing walk or a nature hike close to the city, perfect for those looking for a thing to do near LAX where they can unwind and connect with nature.
Highlight:
The interpretive Watershed Walk is a must-explore part of the reserve, allowing you to follow the movement of water through different locations, from the mountains to the sea.
Location:
Address:
Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
Distance from LAX:
5.3 miles.
3. Roundhouse Aquarium
Located at the end of the Manhattan Beach Pier, the Roundhouse Aquarium offers interactive marine exhibits perfect for children and adults. Visitors can learn about ocean life through touch tanks and educational displays, making it a fun and informative outing for the whole family.
Highlight:
The Touch Tank is perfect for those wanting a full-on sensory experience; the attraction allows you to feel sea anemones and starfish.
Location:
Address:
Manhattan Beach Pier, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Distance from LAX:
5.2 miles.
4. The Museum of Jurassic Technology
Image credits: Sascha PohfleppCC BY 2.0
This museum is a blend of art and science, presenting visitors with a curious mix of exhibits that challenge conventional understanding. It’s a thought-provoking and intriguing destination for those interested in the odd and unusual, offering a unique cultural experience.
Highlight:
Whilst the museum doesn’t take itself too seriously, being a form of satire, there are still some awesome exhibits to make the most of here. We recommend admiring the stunning micro art of the butterfly scales.
Location:
Address:
9341 Venice Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232
Distance from LAX:
8.5 miles.
5. Mother’s Beach
Mother’s Beach is a calm, family-friendly beach perfect for picnics, swimming, and paddleboarding. Its gentle waters and sandy shores provide a safe and enjoyable environment for families with young children.
Highlight:
Be sure to go for a dip in the calm bay waters; they’re perfect for swimming!
Location:
Address:
4101 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
Distance from LAX:
6.6 miles.
6. Santa Monica Pier
The first pier on our guide to things to do near LAX Airport – the Santa Monica Pier is an iconic landmark featuring an amusement park, aquarium, and family-friendly restaurants. It offers beautiful ocean views, vibrant entertainment, and numerous activities, making it a must-visit for tourists and locals alike.
Highlight:
Whilst there is so much to do on the pier itself, why not take a moment to pause and soak up the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the bay?
Location:
Address:
200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Distance from LAX:
13.3 miles.
7. Kenneth Hahn View Point
Kenneth Hahn View Point provides stunning panoramic views of Los Angeles, including the downtown skyline and the Pacific Ocean. The park also features hiking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds, making it a great spot for outdoor recreation.
Highlight:
One of the best trails to explore by the view point is the Kenneth Hanh Loop from Norman O Houston Park. The hike is classed as “easy” and is 3.1km.
Location:
Address:
Kenneth Hahn View Point, Los Angeles, CA 90008
Distance from LAX:
6.4 miles.
8. Redondo Beach Pier
Image credits: Kent(CC BY 2.0)
Redondo Beach Pier is a vibrant location with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. It’s a great place to enjoy waterfront dining, fishing, and scenic ocean views.
Highlight:
One of the biggest highlights of this thing to do near LAX has to be the amount of events the pier hosts. There is always something to do here, from morning yoga on Saturdays to annual festivals.
Location:
Address:
Fisherman’s Wharf, Fishermans Wharf, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Distance from LAX:
8.2 miles.
9. Rodeo Drive Walk of Style
Rodeo Drive Walk of Style is a world-renowned shopping street featuring luxury boutiques and designer stores. It’s an ideal destination for high-end shopping and celebrity spotting.
Highlight:
The most famous part of Rodeo Drive is the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. This architectural gem came to be in 1928 and has stood proudly on the corner of the drive since.
Location:
Address:
Rodeo Dr, California
Distance from LAX:
11.8 miles.
10. The Getty
The Getty Center is an architectural marvel housing a vast collection of art, including European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. Its beautiful gardens and stunning views of Los Angeles make it a cultural and visual feast.
Highlight:
The biggest must see of this thing to do near LAX has to be the “Irises” masterpiece. A Vincent van Goph painting, it dates back to 1889.
Location:
Address:
1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049
Distance from LAX:
13.5 miles.
11. Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens
The Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens is home to a wide variety of animals from around the world, set within the scenic Griffith Park. It’s a fun and educational outing for families, with engaging exhibits and lush landscaping.
Highlight:
Want to see stunning and colourful birds? The Bird Atrium is definitely worth visiting. Whilst you’re there, why not enjoy the regularly Bird Show?
Location:
Address:
5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Distance from LAX:
26.4 miles.
Things to do in LAX
1. The Theme Building
Image credits: monkeytime | brachiator(CC BY-SA 2.0)
The Theme Building is an iconic LAX landmark with its distinct space-age design. This thing to do in LAX is a great place to relax and enjoy panoramic views of the airport.
Highlight:
Something to note about this thing to do in LAX Airport is its history. Despite its futuristic look, it was built in 1961 by the Pereira and Luckman firm, who wanted to use it to connect all LAX parking and terminals.
Location:
Find the landmark in the heart of the airport, under the address: 201 World Way, Los Angeles, CA 90045.
2. Clutter’s Park
Clutter’s Park is a small park right next door to LAX, so we’ve classed it as one of the things to do in LAX Airport! popular with aviation enthusiasts for plane spotting. It offers excellent views of arriving and departing flights.
Highlight:
You not only get great views of departures here, but you can spot activity on the cargo ramp!
Location:
423 E Imperial Ave, El Segundo, CA 90245
3. Shopping
LAX offers a variety of shopping options ranging from luxury boutiques to souvenir shops. Travelers can enjoy browsing and buying gifts, travel essentials, and high-end products. If you’re looking for a way to kill time, this thing to do in LAX is perfect.
Highlight:
The best store in LAX is arguably the DFS Duty Free in Terminal 4 – Departures. Find world-class brands, special services and amazing gifts inside the store.
Location:
Check out your retail options within the official airport’s shopping directory.
4. Dining Options
LAX boasts a wide array of dining options, including fast food, casual dining, and upscale restaurants. This thing to do in LAX is not to be missed as passengers can savor a variety of cuisines from around the world without even leaving the airport.
Highlight:
There are so many must-try restaurants inside and near the airport, why not check out our blog on LAX restaurants to find the perfect spot for you?
Location:
Explore the dining options within the official airport’s dining directory.
5. Enjoy the Performing Arts
LAX features live music and performing arts programs throughout the terminals, enhancing the travel experience. These performances showcase local talent and provide cultural entertainment for passengers.
Highlight:
The highlight of this thing to do in LAX has to be the sheer talent the performers hone! From string quartets to DJs, there is superb talent waiting to be uncovered during a visit to LAX.
Location:
Uncover the spots where live performances are happening on the Los Angeles World Airports website.
FAQs
What to do at LAX Airport for five hours?
You can explore the various dining options, shop for unique gifts, relax in one of the airport lounges, and enjoy the live music and performing arts programs. If you prefer some fresh air, visit the nearby Clutter’s Park for plane spotting.
How to spend seven hours in LAX?
With seven hours, you have time to visit nearby attractions such as The Zimmerman Automobile Driving Museum or Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve. Alternatively, explore LAX’s shopping and dining.
What to do in LAX for an 11 hour layover?
An 11-hour layover allows for a more extensive excursion, such as visiting the Santa Monica Pier or The Getty. If you prefer to stay within the airport, take advantage of the dining, shopping, and live entertainment, or visit the Theme Building to unwind amongst the views.
Whether you’re spending time near LAX or within the airport itself, there are numerous activities to keep you entertained and make your layover enjoyable. From exploring unique museums and nature reserves to shopping, dining, and enjoying live performances, LAX and its surroundings offer something for everyone.
Why not make the most of your time in LAX by choosing a convenient stay at one of these LAX hotels offering free parking and shuttle service? At ParkSleepFly, we’ve created a handy guide to help you choose the perfect LAX hotel for you – check it out.
Photos by:
Paul Deetman – Unsplash | Lukas Menke – Unsplash | Tobi – Pexels | Naomi Tamar – Unsplash | Sascha Pohflepp – CC BY 2.0 | Zeca Souza – Pexels | Zany Jadraque – Unsplash | Linda Pomerantz Zhang – Unsplash | Kent – CC BY 2.0 | Caroline Hernandez – Unsplash | Lydia Koh – Unsplash | JavyGo – Unsplash | monkeytime | brachiator – CC BY-SA 2.0 | Maxence Pion – Unsplash | Lucrezia Carnelos – Unsplash | Edward Franklin – Unsplash | israel palacio – Unsplash
