Top Things to Do in LA During a Layover

Photo by Marco López on Unsplash

Ugh, a layover in Los Angeles. Stuck in an airport terminal, endless announcements echoing through the halls, and only overpriced snacks to add some excitement. Sounds less than thrilling, right? But fear not, weary traveler! The City of Angels has a secret weapon: it’s loaded with hidden gems that can transform your layover from a boring pitstop into an adventure you won't forget.

Whether you have a quick one-hour connection or a whole day to kill, we’ve got the perfect activities to suit your timeframe. This guide will help you find the best ways to spend your layover and maximize your time in the Golden State. So ditch the neck pillow and get ready to embrace the unexpected!

Short Layover (1–3 Hours)

If you’ve only got a few hours to kill, here are the best ways to spend your time:

Nobody in their right mind would suggest leaving LAX at all if your layover is less than an hour and a half. In such a case, try exploring LAX Itself, as the airport offers a surprising amount to do within the terminals. Check out the extensive LAX Art Program showcasing local and international artists. If you’ve been flying for an unfortunate amount of time, get a massage to work out those neck kinks at one of the spas inside the airport. Feeling peckish? LAX is one of the biggest airports in the country, so it has a wide range of restaurants sure to appeal to any traveler. Most of these options are within walking distance of your gate, perfect for a tight timeframe.

Photo by Erik Odiin on Unsplash

On the other hand, if you’re on a cruise and have a short port stop in LA, you can certainly get away with checking out some nearby attractions!

You may not have enough time to venture far, but here are some options within 15 minutes from the Port of Los Angeles:

• USS Iowa Museum: Explore the historic battleship USS Iowa and learn about its rich history through the various exhibits on board.
• San Pedro Fish Market: Indulge in some delicious seafood at the renowned San Pedro Fish Market. It's located nearby and offers a variety of fresh seafood options and waterfront dining.
• Los Angeles Maritime Museum: Learn about the maritime history of Los Angeles, explore the various exhibits, and discover the city's seafaring past.

Medium Layover (3–6 Hours)

Have 3-6 hours to fill? Look no further than these “medium-length” activities.

Explore the Santa Monica Pier

Craving some California sunshine? Hit the Santa Monica Pier to soak in the views and check out the top attractions.

Here are a few things on the pier worth checking out:

• The Pacific Wheel: Take a spin on the Ferris wheel and enjoy panoramic views of the coastline.
• Enjoy an oceanfront meal: Grab a bite at one of the many oceanfront restaurants offering fresh seafood and stunning views.
• Third Street Promenade: Explore the trendy shops and cafes along the lively Third Street Promenade. There’s also a good chance you’ll catch a street performance or two!

Santa Monica Pier is 36 minutes from LAX or 1 hr 6 mins from the Port of Los Angeles, so remember to factor in the traffic that LA is notorious for, especially during peak hours!

Escape the Traveler’s Blues

Escape rooms are a fantastic way to spend a medium layover in LA, as most of them last around an hour, making them perfect for fitting into your layover schedule.

Here's what makes escape rooms ideal for layovers:

• Convenient Location: Have a blast without any anxiety about missing your flight! 60out escape rooms have locations all around LA, eliminating the need for extensive travel and maximizing your playtime.
  Closest 60out locations: 13 mins from LAX or 36 mins from the Port of Los Angeles.
• Action-Packed Fun: Stretch those legs and get your blood pumping! Escape rooms provide a thrilling and interactive experience, a welcome change from the typical airport slog.
• Team Bonding: These experiences provide an excellent opportunity for team bonding. You can even join a public game and meet fellow travelers, ensuring a memorable experience for all participants.

Long Layover in LA? What To Do (6+ Hours)

Lucky you — you’ve got more than 6 hours in LA! Here’s how to spend it:

Movie Magic

Finally, what LA is famous for! Los Angeles pulses with the heartbeat of the world's largest entertainment industry, making it the ultimate epicenter of cinema magic and star-studded allure. So with all this time on your hands during your layover, why not dive into the glittering wonders of Hollywood's most iconic attractions?

Here are a few suggestions for the movie-lovers:

• Universal Studios Hollywood: Take a studio tour and venture behind the scenes of your favorite blockbuster films.
  1 hr from LAX or 1 hr 15 min from Port of Los Angeles
• Hollywood Walk of Fame: Wander along the star-studded sidewalk and capture some photos with your favorite celebrity's star.
  53 min from LAX or 1 hr 10 min from Port of Los Angeles

Be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends.

Tasting Tour of World-Class Food

Los Angeles isn't just famous for its movie magic; it's also a melting pot of diverse culinary experiences waiting to be savored. With your layover providing ample time, you can use the time to tantalize your taste buds with some of LA's finest gastronomic delights.

Consider these mouthwatering options:

• Grand Central Market: Located in downtown LA, Grand Central Market is a food lover's paradise, offering an eclectic mix of cuisines from around the world. From tacos to ramen to gourmet sandwiches, there's something to satisfy every craving.
  1 hr from LAX or the Port of Los Angeles
• In-N-Out Burger: A quintessential Southern California experience, In-N-Out Burger is known for its delicious burgers, fresh-cut fries, and signature shakes. Head to one of the nearby locations for a quick and satisfying meal.
  Various locations within 30 minutes from LAX or the Port of Los Angeles
• Korean BBQ in Koreatown: Indulge in a culinary adventure at one of Koreatown's many Korean BBQ restaurants. Cook your own meats at your table and enjoy a feast of bold flavors and mouthwatering dishes.
  Approximately 1 hr from LAX or the Port of Los Angeles

Escape Your Layover in LA!

No need to be bored to death during your travels. From exploring the hidden gems within the airport to an adrenaline-packed escape room, there’s no shortage of activities to keep you busy. 60out has locations across LA, so there’s sure to be an escape room near you whether your layover is at Port of Los Angeles or LAX.

Here’s what another traveler had to say about their experience at 60out during their layover:

"I had a long layover in LA and didn't know what to do. Then I found 60out Escape Rooms. It was nearby, I could book online and was amazed at the quality of their games. There is also good restaurants nearby so it turned out to be a great way to spend the long layover!"

Want to keep reading?

• 10 Best Escape Rooms in Los Angeles 2022 — From horror to fantasy and everything in between, we review our best escape rooms in LA, as decided by past players.
• Are Escape Rooms Hard? Picking the Right Difficulty Level for Your Team — Learn about the various difficulty levels offered at 60out sure to keep any player engaged!