Things to Do Near the Los Angeles Airport
Though Los Angeles International (LAX) is a gateway to the U.S. and to the Pacific, it does not contain the number and type of amenities that you expect from a major airport such as a retail mall, hotel or children's play areas. Thus, any kind of layover forces you to look away from the flight terminals to pass the time.
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Encounter Restaurant
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Often used as a symbol of LAX, this futuristic, spaceship-style building is not a control tower but a restaurant that specializes in fresh California cuisine. The structure rises from the middle of the airport's U-shaped configuration, directly across from Terminals 2 and 5. Windows on all sides of the restaurant offer 360-degree view of the surrounding urban area. Lunch, dinner and desert menus include fresh California cuisine dishes like Ahi Tuna Tartare, Peking Style Roasted Duckling and the Big Blitz Snickers Pie.
Encounter Restaurant
209 World Way
Los Angeles International Airport
Los Angeles, CA. 90045
310-215-5151
encounterlax.com
Flight Path Learning Center
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Though a map shows this museum to be on airport property, it does require a car to negotiate the twisting roads leading to it from the terminals. The effort is worth it, especially if you have kids, to view photographs, uniforms and other artifacts from the history of aviation in Southern California. Highlight exhibits are the scale model biplanes such as the Curtiss P-6E Hawk, scratch-built with a six-foot wingspan. For a flight education, browse the materials in the library, which includes aircraft manuals, airline reports and novels.
Flight Path Learning Center
6661 W. Imperial Highway
Los Angeles, CA. 90009
424-646-7284
flightpath.us
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City Tours
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If you have a long layover, try a tour of the city from L.A. City Tours, which will pick you up and drop you off at the airport. The five-hour Hollywood tour takes you through Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, past movie star homes, and through Tinsel Town landmarks like Grauman's Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Sign. You'll also get a short break for lunch, which is not included in the price. The eight hour Los Angeles tour includes sites from the shorter tour plus beaches like Venice and Santa Monica and downtown like Olvera Street and the Staples Center.
L.A. City Tours
6806 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, CA. 90028
1-888-800-7878
lacitytours.com
The Promenade
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For a quintessential L.A. experience, take a taxi to The Promenade mall, which is about three miles away. You'll find restaurants, boutiques and movie theaters spread out over two levels. A play center, arcade and miniature golf course can keep the kids amused. Grab a seat on the second level of the outdoor Center Court so you can watch everyone from wealthy socialites to penniless students window shop.
The Promenade
6081 Center Drive
Los Angeles, CA. 90045
610-641-8073
hhpromenade.com
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