Ruth Haines
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) offers a wide range of attractions and amenities for travellers. From exploring the nearby beaches and neighbourhoods to visiting museums and art exhibitions, there's something for everyone. LAX also boasts a variety of dining options, ranging from fast food to sit-down restaurants, and unique shopping experiences, including Hollywood-themed souvenir shops and boutiques. Travellers can also take advantage of the airport's proximity to iconic Los Angeles destinations such as Venice Beach, Santa Monica, and Downtown LA. Whether you're looking for relaxation or exploration, LAX and its surroundings have plenty to offer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dining | LA favorites include Lemonade and The Border Grill for Mexican food. Plenty of healthy juice and salad options are also available. Encounter restaurant offers a unique dining experience with retro-futuristic decor and extravagant views of the airport and city skyline. |
| Shopping | Typical airport stores like bookstores, technology shops, skincare, makeup, and travel luggage. Hollywood-themed souvenir shops, surf and sports stores, boutiques, and duty-free stores are also available. |
| Relaxation | XpressSpa and Be Relax Spa offer various treatments, including massages, mani/pedis, facials, and reflexology. |
| Art | The LAX Art Program features permanent public art and rotating exhibitions. |
| Music | Live music, including individual singers and bands, can be found throughout the airport. |
| Plane spotting | Free activity to watch the flights come and go. |
| Yoga | Yoga rooms are available for a small fee. |
| Museums | The Flight Path Museum & Learning Center, an aviation museum with hands-on exhibits, is located in the LAX Imperial Terminal. |
| Golf | Westchester Golf Course, an 18-hole, par-64 golf course, is located just north of LAX. |
| Nearby beaches | Manhattan Beach, Playa del Rey Beach, Venice Beach, and Santa Monica offer beach vibes, dining, and shopping options. |
| Nearby cities | Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Downtown LA, Chinatown, Little Tokyo, and the Arts District are easily accessible from LAX. |
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What You'll Learn
Explore the art and culture
Los Angeles International Airport, or LAX, is not just an airport—it offers a wide range of cultural experiences to enhance your travel journey. The airport has an Art Program that aims to present diverse and memorable art experiences to humanize the travel experience. The program features local and regional artists through temporary exhibitions, permanent art installations, and cultural performances. Nearly all of the artworks come from Los Angeles artists, reflecting the region's creative calibre.
LAX is commonly associated with Mid-Century Modern design, thanks to the iconic atomic-style Theme Building by noted architect Paul Revere Williams. The building, situated near the parking structures, offers a unique dining experience at the Encounter restaurant, which boasts retro-futuristic decor and extravagant views of the airport and city skyline.
Art exhibitions have been a part of LAX since the 1990s, but it wasn't until the early 2000s that the Art Program took shape with regular showings and commissions of public art. Today, art can be found in most terminals, with plans to eventually have exhibits in all of them. From impressive sculptures to exquisite paintings, the art on view provides a moment of joy for travellers and a connection to the city they are entering or leaving.
Some notable artworks include the permanent installation by Jamie Scholnick at the Metro K Line Expo/Crenshaw Station, offering travellers a glimpse of the city before they depart. In the Connecting Hallway of the Departures Level, Erin Miller Wray's "Bird's Eye View" mural, inspired by landscapes visible from airplane windows, can be viewed through 2024. At Gate 9, Lia Halloran's "Your Body is a Space That Sees" pays tribute to women astronomers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries through a series of large cyanotypes.
Other highlights include Mark Bradford's massive Bell Tower sculpture hanging over the TSA screening area at the Tom Bradley International Terminal, and Peter Wu+'s "Wonderland II" in Terminal 1, featuring videos and prints on view until the spring of 2024. With art spread throughout the airport, you're sure to stumble upon some creative surprises during your visit to LAX.
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Relax at the spa
If you're looking to relax and rejuvenate at LAX Airport, there are spa services available to help you unwind and de-stress. XpressSpa offers a range of treatments to melt away your travel jitters and leave you feeling refreshed. You can choose from various wellness treatments, such as full-body massages, innovative loungers, and signature chair massages.
Be Relax Spa, located in Terminal 1, provides a tranquil escape with a range of treatments. You can opt for a 15-minute back massage, a 30-minute massage, a polish change with a hand massage, or a 10-minute foot treatment with oxygen therapy. These treatments are available at a reasonable price, and you can access them after the security checks.
In addition to the spa services, LAX also offers a serene space called the Great Hall, where you can find a quiet moment to gather your thoughts and relax. The airport's proximity to the city and various neighbourhoods also allows you to explore wellness experiences beyond the airport. You can research reputable spas and wellness centres nearby and take advantage of the airport's shuttle bus services or ridesharing options for easy transportation.
Remember to plan ahead and make reservations, especially during peak travel times, to secure your spot at your chosen spa. With these options, you can transform your layover into a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
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Plane spotting
Spot A: In-N-Out Burger Area
If you want proximity to the planes, this is the spot. The In-N-Out Burger Area offers a unique atmosphere for plane spotting, with the added bonus of being able to grab a bite from the iconic burger joint. You can witness Runway 24R arrivals and the rare Runway 6L/R departures. To get to this spot, head to the In-N-Out Burger on the corner.
Photography Tips
For plane spotting at LAX, it is recommended to use a 250-400mm lens to capture fully framed photos. The planes usually go right to left, providing a good side view. For wider shots, a lens with a range of 70-100mm on the wide end is ideal for framing arriving wide-body aircraft. For approach, touchdown, close-up, and climb-out shots, a 300-400mm lens is preferable, although a 200mm lens will suffice for side shots. The light conditions are generally favourable throughout the day, and the elevated vantage points offer great opportunities for long exposures after dark.
Spot B: Westchester Park
For another excellent plane spotting location, head to Westchester Park. This spot is ideal for viewing 24R arrivals as they touch down and 24L departures as they rotate. To get there, pass under the Westchester Parkway Bridge after the In-N-Out area, and then turn right into the parking lot at La Tijera Blvd.
Timing
The best time to visit Spot B is from late spring to early fall, particularly for evening arrivals and departures on Runways 24L and 24R. The light conditions are most favourable during this period, especially in the late afternoon or early evening when the sun is setting.
With these tips in mind, you are ready to embark on a plane spotting adventure at LAX! Remember to carry your ID and wear a smile, and you'll be all set to capture some incredible aviation memories.
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Shopping
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) offers a wide variety of shopping options across its nine terminals. From essential items to luxury goods, the shopping landscape at LAX is diverse, with options ranging from clothing and accessories to souvenirs, food, electronics, and travel necessities.
Terminal B
LAX's Terminal B, also known as the Tom Bradley International Terminal, features the broadest and most diverse selection of shops. Here, you can find several DFS Duty Free shops offering tax-free products such as perfumes, cosmetics, alcoholic beverages, and chocolates from international brands. The Gucci Boutique and Hermes Boutique are also located in this terminal, offering high-end fashion and accessories.
Other Terminals
While Terminal B boasts the most extensive shopping options, other terminals at LAX also offer a variety of stores. "I Love LA", located in Terminal 5, is a popular spot for buying souvenirs like t-shirts, magnets, snacks, and drinks. Chocolate shops like See's Candies, present in several terminals, are perfect for gift-giving or indulging in a pre-flight treat.
If you're looking for clothing, accessories, and souvenirs that reflect LA's unique culture, Larchmont Junction (Jct) carries high-end brands such as Tom Ford and Le Labo fragrances, Tumi Luggage, and vintage luxury designer handbags. The LEGO Store is also a fun option for both children and adults, offering a wide variety of creative toys.
For travellers seeking the latest trends and a taste of LA culture, Evolve by Hudson showcases exclusive goods from local artisans. Additionally, the PGA TOUR Fan Shop offers a range of clothing and collectibles for golf enthusiasts. Pier Provisions celebrates Los Angeles' vibrant beach culture with a selection of travel essentials and gifts, while POP SOX in Bradley West Gates offers a unique collection of stylish and comfortable socks.
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Visit Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach is just south of LAX, only about 7 miles away. It's the perfect spot to visit if you have a long layover at LAX, or if you're staying in the area.
The easiest way to get to Manhattan Beach from LAX is by taxi, Lyft, or UberX. Tell your driver to take you to Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Highland Avenue, the heart of downtown Manhattan Beach. It should cost no more than $35 by taxi or $30 by UberX. You can also take a shuttle for $35-45, or a bus for $11-$12.
Manhattan Beach is a surfing hotspot, with plenty of opportunities to catch some waves or watch the surfers below the pier. The pier is a popular spot for locals, tourists, photographers, and artists, and it's been featured in many movies. It also includes the "Volleyball Walk of Fame," honouring past winners of the Manhattan Beach Open beach volleyball tournament. If you're feeling active, you can join a game of beach or indoor volleyball, or rent a bike from the Sea View Inn.
There are plenty of dining and shopping options in Manhattan Beach as well. The Sea View Inn offers complimentary beach chairs and towels, and rack room rates start at $130. The Belamar Hotel is located just a few miles from LAX, and The Westdrift, part of the Marriott hotel chain, is located three miles south of LAX and features a par-3 golf course in the backyard.
Manhattan Beach is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the California coast during your LAX layover. So, the next time you're passing through LAX, consider spending a few hours in this vibrant beach community.
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Frequently asked questions
LAX offers a variety of activities beyond shopping and dining. You can go plane spotting, visit museums, or relax in a yoga room.
Yes, there are several beaches near LAX. Manhattan Beach, Dockweiler State Beach, and Playa del Rey beach are all within a short distance of the airport. Venice Beach and Santa Monica Beach are also popular spots, but they are a bit further away.
Yes, the Flight Path Museum & Learning Center, located in the LAX Imperial Terminal, is an aviation museum with hands-on exhibits and a library.
Yes, the Encounter restaurant, located in the iconic Theme Building, offers a retro-futuristic dining experience with extravagant views of the airport and the city skyline.
