If you’re stuck in the airport with time to kill, there are a few practical things to do at Los Angeles Airport that can make a layover or overnight stay a little easier. LAX is large, busy, and spread out, and the experience can vary a lot depending on your terminal. While it’s not a destination airport, you’ll find enough food, shopping, and small distractions to pass the time, along with options to leave the airport if your layover is long enough and traffic cooperates.
1. Grab a bite to eat
Food options at LAX range from basic fast food to more interesting sit-down spots, with quality and variety depending heavily on the terminal. The Tom Bradley International Terminal generally has the strongest selection, but most terminals offer a mix of quick bites and casual dining. Travellers looking to sample familiar Los Angeles flavours will find local and California-based brands like Lemonade, known for seasonal comfort dishes and fresh sides, and Border Grill, which serves modern Mexican fare inspired by Southern California cuisine. You’ll also see plenty of juice bars, smoothie counters, and salad-focused cafés reflecting LA’s health-conscious food culture.
For quick treats and snacks, bakeries, coffee bars, and grab-and-go counters sell pastries, espresso drinks, and packaged snacks that are easy to take back to the gate. Dining options thin out late at night, and there are no 24-hour restaurants inside the terminals, so overnight travellers should eat earlier or bring food with them if possible.
2. Hang out in a lounge
Economy-class travellers aren’t completely shut out of lounges at LAX. Several airline lounges allow paid entry, space permitting, and some are accessible through lounge membership programs. Lounges can offer a quieter place to sit, along with food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and sometimes showers, which may be worth the cost during a longer layover. Access rules, pricing, and amenities vary by lounge, so it’s best to check the current details in our Los Angeles Airport Guide before you go.
3. Hit the shops
Shopping at LAX is typical for a major international airport, but there are a few local and regional touches mixed in. Alongside standard airport staples like bookstores, electronics shops, and travel-gear stores, you’ll find California-inspired souvenirs, Hollywood-themed merchandise, and shops selling surfwear, sunglasses, and casual apparel that reflect Southern California style. Sports fans can browse stores featuring LA teams, while beauty and skincare shops highlight both global and California-based brands.
Duty-free stores are available in most terminals for international travellers, and a small number of luxury boutiques, including high-end fashion and jewelry brands, are scattered throughout the airport. While shopping won’t fill an entire long layover, it’s an easy way to stretch your legs and pick up last-minute gifts or locally themed items before your next flight.
4. View some art
LAX’s Art Program adds some visual interest to the terminals, with permanent installations and rotating exhibitions placed throughout both airside and landside areas. Displays range from large-scale public art to smaller gallery-style works, and you may occasionally encounter live performances such as solo musicians or small groups. It’s a pleasant way to pass time if you’re already wandering the terminal, rather than a destination in itself.
5. Relax at a spa
If you’re feeling stiff or run-down, Be Relax Spa operates locations inside the airport offering short massages, reflexology, and basic salon services such as manicures. These are designed for quick sessions rather than full spa experiences, but they can be a useful reset during a long travel day.
6. Check out LA
One advantage of LAX is its proximity to beaches and nearby neighbourhoods, but leaving the airport does require realistic planning. You’ll want at least six hours between flights to factor in traffic, security re-screening, and the airport’s size. While public buses serve the area, Los Angeles traffic can make them slow and unpredictable, so taxis or rideshare services are often the most time-efficient option. Renting a car can make sense for longer layovers if you’re comfortable driving and want a secure place to leave your belongings.
There is no confirmed on-site luggage storage at LAX, so travelling light or checking bags through is the easiest option.
For shorter layovers, nearby areas like Manhattan Beach offer a relaxed beachfront walk and food options without venturing too far. El Segundo, just east of the airport, has a compact main street with restaurants and shops. Plane-spotters often head to the well-known In-N-Out Burger near the airport, though lines can be long.
With more time, destinations such as Santa Monica and Venice Beach are popular for strolling, dining, and people-watching. Areas like Hollywood or Beverly Hills are also reachable, though crowds are common.
With LA’s notorious traffic, leave plenty of time to return to the airport and process through Security for your next flight. Visit Tripadvisor for more things to do in Los Angeles.
7. Get Connected
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout LAX. The connection session times out after a set period, but you can reconnect repeatedly by watching a short advertisement. Faster or ad-free options may be available for a fee, depending on the provider.
8. Sleep
Overnight stays are common at LAX, and travellers are usually allowed to remain in the terminals. Seating is plentiful, though many chairs have armrests that limit stretching out. Some gate areas are carpeted, which makes floor-sleeping slightly more comfortable if you have a blanket or extra layers. Expect noise at all hours, including announcements and cleaning activity, so earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones are helpful.
For better rest, several hotels are located close to the airport, many with shuttle service and some offering day-use rooms. Details are listed in our Los Angeles Airport Guide.
Updated 09 January 2026
These are just a few things to do on a layover at Los Angeles Airport. Visit our Los Angeles Airport Guide for more information about services and facilities, such as food, WiFi, mobile charging, luggage storage, nearby airport hotels, and much more.