By Evelyn Block
Things to Do Around Los Angeles Airport
International Airport (LAX) is located in a major metropolis. Just 15 miles from downtown Los Angeles and close to
beaches, shopping centers, museums and other attractions, a layover in Los Angeles is an opportunity to explore the area.
Beaches
Quiet Manhattan Beach
The beach is a popular destination for people visiting or going through Los Angeles. All California beaches are open to the public and accessible. Dockweiler State Beach in El Segundo is directly under the LAX flight path and features a 3-mile-long shoreline with a picnic area and concession stand. Nearby Manhattan Beach has a pier and bathrooms and is much quieter. Also close by are Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach and Venice Beach.
Shopping
Popular Manhattan Village store
Los Angeles is a shopping mecca. You can visit the quaint streets of nearby El Segundo or downtown Manhattan Beach.You'll find trendy shopping alongside true beach shops. There are several ice cream parlors as well. Also nearby is Manhattan Village, a contemporary shopping center with more than 50 shops and many restaurants. A movie theater complex is located at the edge of Manhattan Village. Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and Robertson Boulevard also offer great shopping.
Tour Los Angeles
Star at the Hollywood Walk of Fame
If you don't have a lot of time and want to see more of Los Angeles, there are tour buses that will pick you up at the airport for a tour of Los Angeles or, if you prefer, a tour of Hollywood, where you'll see the world-famous stars on the boulevard and the footprints at the Chinese Theater.
Pampering
Trilogy Spa
If you're looking to be pampered at what may be the most luxurious day spa in the city synonymous with luxury, you might want to treat yourself to a visit to the Beverly Wilshire Spa. Closer to the airport, there's the Body Clinic in nearby Westchester, Murad Health Center and Spa in El Segundo, and Trilogy Spa in Manhattan Beach.
Downtown Los Angeles
At the flower market
Take a short ride from the airport to downtown Los Angeles and visit the California Market Center, the LA Fashion District, the Los Angeles Flower District and Chinatown.
Farmers Markets
The original Farmers Market
Each of the small towns near LAX offers a farmers market at least one day a week. The original Farmers Market in the Grove Shopping District has gift shops, fresh fruit and vegetables, seafood, wine, and cheeses and is open seven days a week.
About the Author:
Evelyn Block has almost 30 years of experience as a family therapist, educator at the elementary and university levels, consultant to corporations and parent. She is a graduate of City College of New York, the College of New Rochelle, and the PHD program at the University of Texas at Dallas where she studied Human Development and Communication Sciences.
