My first experience of the United States of America was a 10 hour layover in Los Angeles. Rather than spending the layover inside the airport, I decided to go exploring. Here are the best places I recommend visiting during a layover in Los Angeles.
Santa Monica
Take some time to explore one of the most iconic spots of California – Santa Monica.
Santa Monica is a coastal city in Western Los Angeles that is famous for its’ beach, and the iconic Santa Monica Pier.
Over 100 Years Old, The Santa Monica Pier attracts many visitors and locals alike. With people from everywhere coming to visit the Iconic entrance, and take a walk on the pier – which gives you breathtaking views of the coast.
Access to the pier is free, however make sure to bring some money to enjoy the many attractions to be found. Most notably, be sure to take a spin on the Looff Hippodrome – A merry go round that has been on the pier since 1916.
Santa Monica Downtown
Take some time and explore Downtown Santa Monica. I loved walking through Santa Monica there are so many decorations that make the city feel lively.
Getting to Santa Monica from LAX
You can catch the Flyaway Santa Monica Shuttle Bus to travel between LAX and Santa Monica.
Alternatively you can travel to Santa Monica by taxi or Uber. During my layover, I was having issues booking an Uber so i decided to travel by taxi. It cost me about $40 to get from LAX to Santa Monica. I saw prices on Uber were about $20 – $25.
Hollywood Boulevard
Take a walk with the stars while exploring Hollywood Boulevard. This iconic boulevard is known for its many attractions, including iconic buildings and the “walk of fame” , where there are many ‘Hollywood Stars’ on the footpaths, with names of iconic celebrities from Brad Pitt to Shrek to Michael Jackson.
Exploring the ‘Walk of Fame’ is an attraction that can be done at your own pace. It can be a full day activity with some people spending more than four hours exploring the stars and various stores.
If you are doing a layover and don’t have too much time, I recommend googling the location of your favourite Hollywood Stars, that way you will save a lot of time looking for them.
My first experience of the United States of America was a 10 hour layover in Los Angeles before going to Houston. I figured I had enough time to visit two places, so I chose my two favourites – Santa Monica and Hollywood.
I had a great time in Hollywood. Walking down Hollywood Boulevard – Eating a hotdog from a cart, shopping, seeing the stars of my favourite celebrities, buying souvenirs, getting a picture with Elvis, and even finding my own Hollywood Star!!!
Getting to Hollywood Boulevard From The Airport
There are shuttle buses available from any terminal at LAX, that takes you to Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. The buses can be anywhere from 30 minutes to 60 minutes each way depending on traffic.
Alternatively you can travel by taxi or Uber.
Venice
Explore The Venice Canals
Experience a taste of Europe in LA. Explore these historical manmade canals which attract many tourists and locals alike. Built in 1905, this historical landmark was meant to resemble the canals found in the Italian city of Venice.
Washington Boulevard
After exploring the Venice Canals, I walked over to Washington Boulevard to look for something to eat.
A friend of mine recommended I try the Thomas Hamburgers, a traditional American Hamburger joint known for their ‘World Famous Chilli’
Venice Beach
Many locals and tourists alike gather to Venice Beach for a swim, relax, or to watch the beautiful sunsets over the Pacific Ocean.
During one of my layovers in Los Angles, I took an Uber to the Venice Canals, walked over to Washington Avenue to grab a Thomas Hamburgers and a Starbucks, and then went to the Venice Beach to sit back and enjoy the sunset.
Which Hotel To Stay At During An Overnight Layover
Hilton LAX
Hilton Los Angeles Airport – They have their own shuttle bus that operates 24/7
Similar to other Hilton Hotels, you will be subject to additional fees including for parking and WiFi. However the Hilton can be a great option for those wanting to enjoy their night in LA at a high quality hotel.
You can check their availability on their website.
Marriot LAX
Marriott is another high quality hotel for those wanting to enjoy their overnight stay in Los Angeles
Right next door to the Hilton LAX, the Marriott is on international boulevard very close to the Airport.
You can check their availability on their website
Holiday Inn LAX
Holiday Inn LAX
Probably the most affordable option out of these three hotels. Similar to the Hilton and the Marriott, there is a shuttle service available in between this hotel and the LAX. The hotel also includes free wifi, rather than purchasing it separately.
The hotel is slightly further away from the Airport compared to the other two.
You can check their availability on their website
Los Angeles is an amazing city, with so many sights to see. It is definitely worth visiting on its own. However, if you are only going there as a layover – these are the places I would recommend. I have been to these places and stay at these three hotels during overnight layovers, and I would definitely recommend them. If you are looking for more things to do in the USA, be sure to check our USA section.
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The post How To Spend A Long Layover In Los Angeles appeared first on Making The World Small.
