Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) covers about 3,500 acres of land out near the coast, serving more than 200,000 passengers per day. As one of the biggest and busiest airports in North America, it’s evolved into something of a mini-city, with a nice lineup of shopping, wellness spaces, dining, and more throughout the terminals.
In fact, in Solitaire’s recent ranking of the most and least boring airports in North America, LAX ranked as the 4th-least-boring, just behind Las Vegas McCarran Airport, Mexico City International Airport, and Portland International Airport.
Here’s a closer look at some of LAX’s best layover activities for the next time you find yourself in between flights with nothing to do.
Layover activities at LAX
Airport-wide free wifi opens up plenty of ways to fill the time at LAX, from streaming your favorite show to getting some work done. Most terminals have comfortable and modern seating areas with power outlets where you can settle in for a while.
You can also find a wide selection of dining and shopping options across LAX’s nine terminals, especially at Tom Bradley International Terminal, which feels like a shopping center with comfy sit-down spots.
But beyond those classic layover acticities, here’s a breakdown of some more ways to make the most of your wait…
Public art, exhibits, and performances
Since the 1990s, LAX’s Art Program has presented dozens of exhibitions throughout its terminals. Look for site-specific permanent installations, the Luminaries of Light and Space exhibition in Tom Bradley, and musical and cultural performances from the “LAX Presents” program.
If you have enough time to leave the terminals, consider checking out the nearby Flight Path Museum on the southern edge of LAX, which costs just $5 to enter. It tells the history of local aviation with displays of memorabilia, uniforms, and even a retired DC-3 plane.
LAX Terminal Walk
In 2023, LAX completed a connection between LAX’s Terminal 3 and the Bradley International Terminal, which allows travelers access to all nine terminals on foot without having to go through security multiple times. You can see a map of the route here.
The result is a roughly 2-mile indoor route that allows ticketed passengers to walk continuously through all of the terminals via connected hallways and concourses. This gives passengers access to around 90 eateries, 80+ shops, art installations, and more.
Lounges, spas, and gaming
LAX has over a dozen lounge spaces including premium airline clubs and credit card lounges where you can enjoy hot food, a full bar, showers, and work areas.
But you don’t need exclusive lounge access to enjoy a lux treatment at Be Relax Spa, whch operates in Terminal 1 and Tom Bradley.
There’s even a gaming lounge at Gameway in Terminal 3, where passengers can pay-per-use, individual gaming stations.
