Travel Tips

9 Fun things to do near LAX airport for a layover or a quick visit

Explore the best things to do near LAX airport like visiting Santa Monica Pier or Venice Beach. All are within walking distance or a quick car ride.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is one of the busiest airports in the world. If you’re traveling in or out of California, you’ll probably spend more time inside the airport than you’d like! But you don’t have to spend all your time stuck inside. Serving as a gateway for millions of travelers each year, plenty of things to do near LAX offer a taste of Southern California’s charm.

Whether you have a long layover, a short one-day stay, or a few hours to spare before your next flight, LAX is surrounded by exciting attractions to visit. We highlight some of the best things to do near LAX airport, including beachside escapes, a quick bite at a local favorite, and hidden gems, including walking distances and an estimated cost.

In this article

1. Visit the iconic In-N-Out Burger

Walking distance: 15 minutes, but you’ll have to cross busy streets!
Cost: Between $4-10 for a meal

Besides its legendary Animal-Style Fries, the In-N-Out Burger near LAX is famous for its prime location. Source: Pexels

No trip to LAX is complete without a stop at one of the most iconic fast-food places in California — In-N-Out Burger. Whether you’ve got a long or short layover, this fun thing to do near LAX is a must-visit for burger lovers.

It’s also situated directly underneath the flight path and offers a mesmerizing view of planes taking off and landing — perfect for those interested in commercial aviation history and photographers who want that perfect shot. Grab one of their iconic burgers in a twist on your usual fast food joint.

2. Explore the Flight Path Museum and Learning Center

Walking distance: A 45-minute walk and a quick 7-10-minute car ride in an Uber/Lyft
Cost: $5 (children under 12 go free)

Learn about aviation as you watch planes take off outside at Los Angeles International Airport. Source: Unsplash

Speaking of commercial aviation history, the Flight Path Museum and Learning Center is the best attraction near LAX for aviation lovers. Located on the south side of the Los Angeles International Airport, you can easily take a quick detour on even the shortest of layovers.

Learn about LAX’s history, walk through old aircraft models, and even step into a Boeing 727 cockpit and try your hand at piloting a plane — an exciting experience, especially for younger kids!

Ensure you have a reliable internet connection to search for curiosities and hidden gems within the museum. Most travelers opt for the best USA eSIMs, eliminating the hassle of switching physical SIM cards and the lengthy registration process.

3. Walk along Santa Monica Pier

Walking distance: Walking isn’t practical (9.5 miles from LAX airport). Instead, opt for a 25-30 minute car ride.
Cost: Entry is free. However, prices vary for eateries nearby.

Santa Monica Pier is one of the most scenic places to visit near LAX, especially if you have an evening layover. Source: Unsplash

One of the best things to do near LAX airport is soak in fresh ocean air and walk along the Santa Monica Pier. An epitome of natural beauty — in contrast to the artificial space in LAX — and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, this historical amusement park offers golden sandy beaches, a mix of attractions for all ages, and a lively coastal environment.

Take a breather from the artificial and controlled airport environment, watch surfers master the daunting waves, enjoy fresh seafood in local restaurants such as the Surfing Fox, or ride the iconic Ferris wheel.

4. Explore the lively Venice Beach and Abbot Kinney Boulevard

Walking distance: 6 miles from LAX, so walking isn’t feasible. Instead, take a quick 15-20-minute drive from LAX.
Cost: Venice Beach Boardwalk is free to explore. Dining and shopping costs in Abbot Kinney Boulevard may vary.

Take a short car ride from Los Angeles Airport to some of LA’s best attractions. Source: Unsplash

Venice Beach and Abbot Kinney Boulevard are the perfect places to visit near LAX airport and offer natural beauty, vibrant culture, and the chance to step into a place straight out of the screen; Venice Beach has been featured in TV shows and blockbuster movies like Baywatch, A Nightmare on Elm Street, and even Barbie (2024). Stroll along the famous Venice Beach Boardwalk, teeming with local talent and street artists.

Check out the iconic Muscle Beach Gym or visit the coolest block in America, a.k.a. Abbot Kinney Boulevard, for unique fashion finds and art galleries. Make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen, flip-flops for the beach, and comfortable shoes since you’re bound to spend a lot of time on your feet.

5. Have a mini beach day at Dockweiler State Beach

Walking distance: 2.5 miles from LAX and roughly a 50-minute walk. Or, take a 10-minute car ride.
Cost: Entry to the beach is free!

Witness breathtaking views of Los Angeles’ coastline from Dockweiler State Beach. Source: Unsplash

California has some of the USA’s best places to visit in December, including this nearby LAX attraction. Also offering a retreat by the Pacific Ocean, Dockweiler State Beach is famous for its windy shoreline, scenic bike paths, and iconic fire pits.

If you’re looking for a refreshing break from LAX’s busy airport crowds, this is the perfect place to visit. It offers a quieter setting than Santa Monica Beach, ideal for unwinding after a long flight.

6. Explore Westchester and Westchester Golf Course

Walking distance: 1-2 miles from LAX and roughly a 20-40 minute walk
Cost: Entry to Westchester is free, but prices vary for dining and other activities.

Head to Westchester Golf Course, near LAX airport, and try to get as many holes as possible before your next flight. Source: Unsplash

Don’t waste your layover in Los Angeles. If you’re looking for things to do near LAX airport that offer a blend of relaxation, fine dining, and local charm, head to Westchester. This neighborhood is conveniently located on the eastern side of Los Angeles International Airport and features plenty of green spaces – there’s even the Westchester Golf Course f you have time to squeeze in a quick front 9. And yes, you can rent clubs at the clubhouse!

It’s crucial to have reliable mobile internet as you tour nearby attractions. You’ll also want to receive updates on your flight, such as when check-in starts or if there are any delays.

7. Tour El Segundo’s hidden gems

Walking distance: 2.5 miles from LAX and a 45-50 minute walk. Taking a car ride might be a more feasible option!
Cost: There are no entry fees in El Segundo, but prices may vary for eateries, brewery tastings, and museums.

Located on the scenic Santa Monica Bay, El Segundo has many underrated spots to visit on your layover at LAX Airport. Source: Unsplash

Visiting El Segundo is one of the best fun things to do near LAX beyond the typical tourist spots. This beachside city teems with vibrant local culture and has many hidden gems to explore, from craft breweries to scenic coastal trails. You can also make a quick visit to the Zimmerman Automobile Driving Museum, which is full of period automobilia for true motorheads, or the El Segundo Museum of Art, which has fascinating rotating exhibits.

El Segundo has a wide range of local eateries, from authentic Italian cuisine at North Italia to flavor-packed Mexican food at Sausal. If you’re visiting from abroad, you’ll need to make sure your phone is unlocked. If not, you won’t be able to check maps to find other top spots and make your final decision.

8. Take a short Marina del Rey cruise

Walking distance: 4.5 miles from LAX, so walking there isn’t ideal. Instead, take an Uber or Lyft.
Cost: Exploring the marina is free, but short cruises cost $18-45 per person.

Stroll along Fishermen’s Village in Marina del Rey on your layover at Los Angeles Airport. Source: Unsplash

Visiting Marina del Rey is a must when you’re in Los Angeles, even if it’s just for a layover. It’s one of the largest man-made small boat harbors in the world and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Explore Marina del Rey, especially if you want to relax at a scenic waterfront destination and even take a quick cruise along the coast.

9. Visit the LAX Theme Building and Observation desk

Walking distance: A 5-10 minute walk from most LAX terminals.
Cost: There are no entry fees to explore the LAX Theme Building and Observation Desk

Enjoy views of Downtown Los Angeles like these from the LAX Theme Building and Observation Desk. Source: Unsplash

The final best thing to do near LAX airport is to visit the LAX Theme Building and Observation Desk. This historic landmark offers one of the best vantage points to watch planes land and take off, perfect for flight fanatics. It’s been one of the airport’s defining features since the 1960s and is a prime spot for photos.

The Observation Deck offers 360-degree views of the airport, the Pacific Ocean, and even Downtown Los Angeles. Overall, these nearby attractions are the perfect place to visit, especially if you have a short layover.

Things to do in LAX

If you’re not keen on leaving Los Angeles Airport during your layover but still want to kill some time, there are plenty of ways to entertain yourself and stay well-fed.

Here are a couple of things to do in LAX:

Relax in airport lounges

LAX offers a wide range of premium and luxury airport lounges, perfect for recharging before your next flight. Head to Alaska Lounge (T6) for a cozy atmosphere and great runway views, Delta Sky Club (T3) for a quick shower and a walk on their Sky Deck, or The Centurion Lounge (TBIT), where Amex Platinum and Centurion cardholders can avail drinks, gourmet dining, and showers.

Grab a bite to eat

Los Angeles Airport is scattered with delicious eateries. For LA’s classic, juicy burgers, head to Cassell’s Hamburgers (T6) or SeaLegs Wine Bar (T2) for great seafood and wine. If you’re craving Asian cuisine, head to everybody’s favorite — P.F. Chang’s (TBIT).

Recharge at a spa

If you need a boost before your next flight, visit LAX’s spas and wellness centers. Be Relax Spa (TBIT and T1) offers relaxing massages and facials, while XpressSpa’s (T5 and T6) manicures and pedicures will make your hands and feet look brand new!

Get connected with Holafly

While LAX offers free WiFi, it can be slow and unreliable, making it difficult to navigate, browse, or book rides smoothly. An unreliable internet connection is a huge convenience, especially when you’re trying to watch a film, FaceTime a friend, or work on your laptop. Instead of dealing with an unreliable internet connection, ensure peace of mind during your travels with a Holafly USA eSIM.

With instant activation right as you land, you’ll be able to conveniently reach your destination and stay connected without any hassle.

If you’re a US citizen traveling abroad, Holafly offers eSIMs for over 200 destinations, ensuring reliable internet wherever you go.

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Mahnoor Bangush

SEO Content Writer

Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!

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