Los Angeles (LAX) Stopover Tips

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This thread is a place to share tips and recommendations for stopovers at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in the United States. You can discuss things like:
  • How to get from the airport to the city
  • Things to do (both near the airport and in the city)
  • Where to stay/hotel recommendations (both near the airport and in the city)
  • Your favourite LAX airport lounges
  • Airport facilities such as luggage storage and showers
  • Any other destination-specific tips or "hidden gems" you've discovered that could be useful for someone stopping over
Do you have a great tip that other travellers might find useful when stopping over in Los Angeles? Add your suggestions to this thread, and your advice could make it into an AFF Stopover Guide article!

Update: Read the AFF guide here - The Ultimate Los Angeles Stopover Guide
 
We would always break the journey by staying at Embassy Suites North or Marriott West Century and if the arrival was too early I would go to their pool to get the kinks out of my body from the long haul flight.
 
Bus is cheapest way to move to and from airport to in and out Burger joint and walk around the airport fence can achieve some amazing views of planes landing!
 
There are steakhouses in El Segundo and Marina del Rey that are worth visiting if you deplane hungry. Go to Flemings or Houston’s in El Segundo or Ruth’s Chris in Marina del Rey in the evening.
 
If you need a prepaid USA SIM card the nearest AT&T Westchester store I found near the airport was right near In & Out Burger at
8949 S Sepulveda Blvd. Allow plenty of time in the store. I reckon it took at least half an hour of waiting to be served and the staff member had to activate the SIM card for me.
Los Angeles, CA 90045. It's probably about 1/2 an hour walk (1.2 miles from Tom Bradley according to Google Maps). Or you can get on the shuttle to the Parking Spot carpark next door to In & Out. I don't know if it's free but all the others are so it probably is.

In that area around S Sepulveda Blvd there is a bit of interesting shopping to be done without having to travel too far. There is a Ross Store which is a bit like TK Maxx. I got some bargains there. There is also a Trader Joes where you can get FRESH FOOD & nibbles if you're so inclined. These shops are entered from the rear carpark area.

I've stayed at the Hilton and Homewood Suites. Value wise Homewood wins. Free breakfast and massive rooms with kitchenettes and it cost less. Free shuttles run continuously to and from the airport. If you want better views of the runways from the roof deck and rooms on higher floors the Hilton is the one for you. There is bugger all to do near there without walking at least 15 minutes to the shops and there are no local restaurants within a short walk. There is subway and cafe downstairs in addition the hotel restaurant.

I've only flown Delta domestically out of LAX. My husband was there a few days ago and said the terminal is still in state of renovations so it's not flash.
In & Out Burger felt like luxury after eating so much processed American foods for 3 weeks. It had fresh lettuce and tomatoes! It's pretty yummy and a cool experience to sit next to the runway and eat.
If you've got more time I'd check out the Tar Pits (free in the park area where tar is oozing out of the ground, fee for Museum) and Automotive Museum (it was amazing, spring for the extra and do the vault tour).

Traffic is appalling so keep that in mind when you choose what to do.

Have fun.
 
I'll be in LA on Tuesday afternoon until my QF flight to BNE on Wed night. Does anyone have any suggestions / recommendations on sightseeing tours / activities for that period? I have considered something like the hop-on hop-off buses to get a flavour (as a first timer in LA) but they seem to have bad reviews on Tripadvisor. It doesn't necessarily need to be a tour - could even be something interesting to spend the day doing in LA. Any ideas much appreciated.
 
I went to the Getty Center on a 12 hour layover...
 
La Brea Tar pits

Ghost tour on the Queen Mary at Long Beach

Crystal Cathedral

Outback Adventure restaurant

Plane spotting at LAX. There’s a museum there and Venice Beach is just around the corner

Checkin to the closest Marriott and laze by the pool

Legoland

Universal studios

Day trip to Knotts Berry Farm and ride the Boomerang

Join the audience at a show at NBC

DAY Trip to Disneyland

If you’d do go driving a rental, the freeways are busy in morning and evening peak
 
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Thanks - I like just getting a feel of the city hence I was investigating a tour of some sort. I may check out if there are any cycling tours as I prefer activity based. The Getty Center and Venice Beach (as suggested above) looks interesting too.
 
I did a bus tour that visited the Hollywood houses and down Rodeo drive and then dropped me off at the Getty for a few hours then picked me up and took me back - I loved the Getty - well worth a visit
 
Did Transit Stopover from FAT @ LAX for QF12 recently. LAX Qantas First Lounge made life very very comfortable. Highly recommended
 
On my way to FAT from LAX, spent some time @ American Airlines Admirals Club Lounge Located in T4 Airside near Gate 40. Exceptional amenities. Access includes OW Sapphire and Emerald with qualifying boarding pass.
 
You can now walk Airside at LAX from T1 to T8 ... one way to get those steps up before taking off ...

 
You can now walk Airside at LAX from T1 to T8 ... one way to get those steps up before taking off ...

I actually looked in the “Stopover” threads to post that article but couldn’t find this thread! Anyway, it’s probably quite newsworthy by itself and one of a few more developments that will improve LAX greatly.
 
Thanks - I like just getting a feel of the city hence I was investigating a tour of some sort. I may check out if there are any cycling tours as I prefer activity based. The Getty Center and Venice Beach (as suggested above) looks interesting too.
Norton Simon gallery in Pasadena, it’s within walking distance of food.

There is also a space shuttle at the science museum.

If a tourist there is the walk of fame, hour at most and while not super exciting I think ever LA visitor should have a quick look.

Don’t try and do too much, as other have said the traffic can be a problem.
 

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