LAX Airport to Nearby Beaches

Los Angeles Coastline

When you think of Los Angeles, one image that comes to mind is that of the beach. Since many visitors come here from areas that are nowhere near the ocean, the beach is a popular tourist attraction. In addition to typical beach activities - such as volleyball, swimming, tanning, skating and bicycle riding - many people enjoy simply sightseeing at the beach. As you're walking along the coast or on a pier you can smell the salt air, feel the ocean breeze, listen to the waves crash into the sand and hear the seagulls cry overhead. In addition, no image or movie can capture the immensity of the ocean that you feel when you're standing next to it.

That's why many people want to visit the beach while on an extended layover at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The problem is that there are no beaches within easy access of LAX. This might be puzzling, because if you look on a map, LAX is right next to the ocean. Indeed, departing aircraft are over the ocean within a minute of takeoff.

You can get to the beach from LAX using public transportation. The easiest beaches to visit are Santa Monica, Hermosa Beach and Marina del Rey. Of the three, Santa Monica has the most tourist attractions. Marina del Rey offers the shortest bus ride. Hermosa Beach has more restaurants and bars than Marina del Rey, and it's within reasonable distance.

Venice Beach is also a popular destination, simply because it's known world-wide. Venice Beach is fun in a campy "Hollywood" sort of way.

Statue at the Hermosa Beach Pier

Hermosa Beach Pier (Commute: 30-60 minutes each way) - Features beach activities such as Surfboarding, skateboarding or boogey boarding, bicycle riding, etc. There are also many restaurants and clubs in the area.

Marina del Rey

Marina del Rey (Commute: 15-30 minutes each way) - Closest beach to LAX. Rental shops, sightseeing, skating, biking, shopping and beach activities. Venice Beach is close enough for a side trip if you have extra time.

Redondo Beach Harbor

Redondo Beach Pier (Commute: 30-60 minutes each way) - Features restaurants and bars, gift shops, ocean views and more. It is a large pier where you can walk around, people watch or browse stores. There are a few eateries where you can buy fresh seafood and have it prepared for you.

A seagull rests on a telescope at the Santa Monica Pier. In the background are the California coastline and Santa Monica Mountains. [Photo Credit: LAtourist.com]

Seagull at the Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica (Commute: 30-60 minutes each way) - Features an outdoor shopping district, street performers, a shopping mall, restaurants, a small amusement park, views of the Pacific Ocean. Venice Beach is close enough for a side trip if you have extra time.

Venice Beach Boardwalk

Venice Beach (Commute: 60-90 minutes each way) - Features street performers, gift shops, restaurants, snack stands, ocean views, Muscle Beach workout area, people-watching, and more. Venice beach is closer to LAX than Santa Monica, but requires an extra transfer, so it takes longer to get there.

Click here to return to the list of LAX layover activities