Owais Crawford
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is a hub of activity, offering a range of experiences for travellers beyond just shopping and dining. The airport itself boasts an iconic theme building, with Googie-style architecture resembling a futuristic saucer, and an Observation Deck providing panoramic views of the airport and city skyline. The Tom Bradley International Terminal offers cultural delights, while the Bradley West Terminal features sleek design and the Crystal Swell, a chandelier with 7,000 lights. LAX also has a yoga room and museums to explore. Outside the airport, Venice Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Santa Monica Pier are popular destinations, with Manhattan Beach offering dining and stunning views. The Flyaway bus provides a cheap and fast connection to Union Station in downtown LA, where you'll find museums, food, and attractions like Chinatown and Little Tokyo.
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What You'll Learn
Explore the Tom Bradley International Terminal
The Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) at LAX is a hub of activity, with plenty to see and do for travellers passing through. The terminal underwent a $1.9 billion modernisation in 2013, creating a world-class experience for its millions of visitors.
The terminal features a grand "Great Hall", offering premier dining, retail therapy, and luxurious airline lounges. The Great Hall also provides essential amenities, such as pet relief areas, nursing rooms, and children's play areas. The design of the hall pays tribute to the wonders of the region and celebrates the world's diversity.
For those looking to indulge in some duty-free shopping, the Tom Bradley International Terminal has a wide range of options. You can also take care of your currency exchange needs at the ICE Currency Exchange booths located on the post-security Departure Level.
The terminal boasts an impressive 40 gates, serving more than 45 airlines, primarily foreign carriers. It is easily accessible, with skybridges connecting it to Terminals 3 and 4, and a tunnel leading to the West Gates. The West Gates, which opened in May 2021, offer a modern experience with cutting-edge technology, stunning architecture, and the latest amenities.
Whether you're looking for dining, shopping, or simply exploring, the Tom Bradley International Terminal has plenty to offer and is a great place to spend a layover.
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Visit Venice Beach
Venice Beach, known for its beach and Ocean Front Walk, is a great place to visit if you're looking for a mix of quirky happenings, artsy vibes, and a little bit of oddity. Located in Los Angeles, California, Venice Beach was originally founded as a seaside resort town by Abbot Kinney in 1905. It was designed to pay homage to its Italian namesake, with canals, piazzas, pedestrian bridges, a lagoon, and a colonnaded business district.
Today, Venice Beach is a bustling cultural hub, attracting millions of visitors annually. The iconic beachfront boardwalk and pier are filled with a unique bohemian subculture, including mimes, jugglers, musicians, and street performers. The beach itself is gently sloping and 1-mile long, offering a perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, and people-watching.
For sports enthusiasts, Venice Beach has a lot to offer. You can find some of the country's best pickup basketball games on local outdoor courts. There's also the famous Muscle Beach Gym, once frequented by Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the Venice Beach Recreation Center with handball courts, paddle tennis courts, and beach volleyball courts. If you're looking for a more relaxed activity, you can rent beach cruiser bikes to explore the 22-mile Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail, which links Santa Monica to Torrance.
In addition to its lively beach culture, Venice Beach offers a variety of culinary treats, from taco truck specialties to Michelin-starred restaurants. Abbot Kinney Boulevard, in particular, is known for its diverse and delicious food options. For those interested in film history, Venice Beach also has a rich cinematic past, including its role in Orson Welles' film "Touch of Evil" (1958). You can even sign up for a stroll with the Venice Beach & Canals Walking Tours to learn more about the area's movie history.
With its unique blend of beachfront entertainment, sports facilities, and culinary delights, Venice Beach is a must-visit destination when in the LA area.
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Head to the Observation Deck for panoramic views
If you're an aviation enthusiast, or even if you just have a long layover at LAX, head to the Observation Deck for panoramic views of the airport and its operations. The Observation Deck is located in the Theme Building, an iconic piece of architecture that has come to symbolise LAX and Los Angeles itself with its jet-age futurism and architectural modernism. The building is worth a visit for its design alone, but the Observation Deck offers a unique experience.
Take the elevator up to the sixth floor, where you'll find a circular outdoor viewing area that provides sweeping 360-degree views of the airport's runways and aircraft. From this vantage point, you can watch the choreography of takeoffs and landings from directly above, with jets of all sizes lumbering down the runways and ground crews marshalling planes to their gates. You'll gain a true appreciation for the orchestrated chaos of running one of the world's busiest airports.
The Observation Deck is the perfect spot for plane spotting, and you can spend hours watching flights come and go. It can get crowded during peak times, but sharing the space with other enthused spectators adds to the experience. Chat with fellow aviation enthusiasts about your favourite aircraft types as you watch the action unfold. The deck offers an unparalleled view, and even though it's further from the action than some other spots, it's worth the visit for the panoramic vista.
The Theme Building first opened in 1961, and for a while, it charged 10 cents for visitors to take the elevator up to the outdoor deck. Over time, the number of daily visitors settled to around 100-150. The Observation Deck was closed for security reasons from 2001 to 2010 following the September 11 terrorist attacks, and its reopening was delayed by structural issues and reinforcement work. It finally reopened in July 2010, and today, it stands as a must-visit destination for anyone looking to kill time at LAX and enjoy breathtaking views of the airport's operations.
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Enjoy a meal at the Encounter restaurant
Unfortunately, the Encounter Restaurant at LAX Airport closed down in 2013. It was located in the Theme Building, a structure considered an architectural example of the Space Age design style. The building was designed by James Langenheim of Pereira & Luckman and was designated as a historic-cultural monument in 1993.
The Encounter Restaurant opened in the late 1990s after a $4 million renovation, with a retro-futuristic interior and electric lighting designed by Walt Disney Imagineering. The restaurant offered a 360-degree view of arriving and departing planes from its Observation Level. However, after the September 11 attacks, the Observation Level was closed for security reasons, and the restaurant struggled to attract passengers due to its location outside the secure area of the airport.
Despite the challenges, some customers shared positive experiences, praising the great views and food. The Encounter hosted birthday parties and corporate events, and it was a popular spot for aviation fans.
Although the Encounter Restaurant is no longer in operation, there are other dining options near LAX Airport. Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Santa Monica offer beach vibes and a variety of food options. For those who prefer city experiences, the Flyaway bus provides cheap and fast transportation to downtown LA, where you can explore Union Station, Chinatown, Little Tokyo, and the Arts District, along with various museums and restaurants.
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Take a trip to Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach is a popular destination for those with a long layover at LAX or for those staying in the area. The beach is only about 5 miles from the airport and can be reached in about 15 minutes by taxi or rideshare for $28-$40. If you're looking for a cheaper option, you can take the Beach Cities Transit bus for just $1, which takes around 45 minutes.
Manhattan Beach is known for its surfing and beach and indoor volleyball. It offers a laid-back atmosphere, stunning views, and plenty of dining options. The beach is also within walking distance of a nice pier and spots to enjoy the views. If you're looking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, a local recommends The Kettle, where they claim to have never had a bad meal. For a sweet treat, Sidecar Doughnuts is also recommended.
If you're looking for a place to stay, the Sea View Inn offers complimentary bicycles, beach chairs, beach towels, and boogie boards, with room rates starting at $130. For a more luxurious option, the Shade Hotel is a boutique hotel located in the heart of the town and just three blocks from the beach. It features a sleek rooftop Skydeck pool, with room rates starting at $279.
Manhattan Beach is also conveniently located near other attractions, such as Hermosa Beach and Santa Monica, making it a great base for exploring the area.
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Frequently asked questions
There are plenty of things to do at LAX Airport and in the surrounding areas. You can explore the cultural delights of the Tom Bradley International Terminal, including the Art Exhibits, or head to the Observation Deck for a panoramic view of the airport and the city skyline. If you fancy a bite to eat, the Encounter restaurant offers delicious food and extravagant views. If you have more time, you can visit Venice Beach, Manhattan Beach, or Santa Monica Pier.
You can visit Rodeo Drive, which is famous for its high-end boutiques and luxury fashion houses. Alternatively, you can explore the duty-free shops at LAX, where you can often find products at more favourable prices than standard retail.
Yes, there are several entertainment venues near LAX. The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is home to the LA Opera and the Dance at the Music Center. The SoFi Stadium, home of the LA Rams and LA Chargers, is also located near the airport. LA Live, located across the street from the Staples Center, offers a mix of entertainment venues, restaurants, and retail options.
