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Original poster

6 hours in LA - what should we do?

28 replies

SuitsYouSirS · 30/01/2023 01:18

I posted once about a stop in San Fran (have NC since then) and got some bloody amazing advice, which we followed!

We have 6 hours in LA in July en route somewhere, where should we go? We have DC age 6 and 9.

OP posts:
Original poster
SuitsYouSirS · 30/01/2023 02:11

Bumping

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clipclop5 · 30/01/2023 02:16

Universal Studios Hollywood! We spent a week in LA with the DC a few years ago and I can still honestly say it was one of our best days out ever. We had only planned a day there but ended up going back to do it all over again as we enjoyed it so much. It’s the perfect sized theme park, small enough that you can get round it all in a day so no overtired kids. No massive rollercoasters, just very interactive and high tech rides which suited all of us. There’s also the studio tour which is fascinating and included in the tickets

clipclop5 · 30/01/2023 02:18

Also we were there at the height of summer and even then never had to wait more than 20 mins for a ride, couldn’t fault any aspect of it

noodlezoodle · 30/01/2023 02:24

I can't tell if you're flying through LAX - if you are be aware that it's a fucking nightmare and it could easily take you a couple of hours to get out of the airport and back in again, because not only is the aiport itself a shitshow but the traffic is insane.

If you're not flying through LAX then please ignore!

DingDonkey · 30/01/2023 02:31

What kind of 6 hours is it? If it's an airport layover then I'd be wary about how long getting out of the airport and then back for your next flight would take. US customs and immigration can be painfully slow.

Original poster
SuitsYouSirS · 30/01/2023 02:39

Hi sorry if not clear, yes it is a layover. I have experienced it before (cry face emoji) so yes you are all quite right we need to be wary. Last time we only had 2 hours and we were ok if a little harassed. Is there anywhere really exciting but not too far away we could make it to? Humour me!

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DPotter · 30/01/2023 02:49

Sadly Universal Studios is on the either side of LA from the airport, and given the traffic we encountered last summer I wouldn't be straying far, if at all, out of the terminal. The building work was horrendous.

Could you find somewhere on the airport site for a massage, really nice meal ?

EachandEveryone · 30/01/2023 03:12

Isnt there a beach right near the airport?

ZeldaWillTellYourFortune · 30/01/2023 03:12

It's unrealistic to expect to exit the airport, travel anywhere significant, and return in time for your next flight.

Original poster
SuitsYouSirS · 30/01/2023 04:01

ZeldaWillTellYourFortune · 30/01/2023 03:12

It's unrealistic to expect to exit the airport, travel anywhere significant, and return in time for your next flight.

Did I say I wanted to travel anywhere significant?

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Original poster
SuitsYouSirS · 30/01/2023 04:02

EachandEveryone · 30/01/2023 03:12

Isnt there a beach right near the airport?

I honestly don't know, is there?

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DuchessOfDisco · 30/01/2023 04:02

I was going to say Disneyland! But I don’t think there’s enough time for that.

Original poster
SuitsYouSirS · 30/01/2023 04:03

DPotter · 30/01/2023 02:49

Sadly Universal Studios is on the either side of LA from the airport, and given the traffic we encountered last summer I wouldn't be straying far, if at all, out of the terminal. The building work was horrendous.

Could you find somewhere on the airport site for a massage, really nice meal ?

That's definitely on the cards but just wondering what experiences others have had.

OP posts:
Original poster
SuitsYouSirS · 30/01/2023 04:03

DuchessOfDisco · 30/01/2023 04:02

I was going to say Disneyland! But I don’t think there’s enough time for that.

Thank god ;)

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Ponderingwindow · 30/01/2023 04:06

Is it 6 full hours airport door to airport door and you have left room for checkin, getting through security and getting to your gate, or is it 6 hours between flights?

MindPalace · 30/01/2023 04:14

The Getty Center or Santa Monica beach?

Ponderingwindow · 30/01/2023 04:21

If you just want a quick jaunt there is an In-n-out burger not far from the airport.

you could head straight west and go to the beach. I don’t know anything about traffic in that direction.

the santa Monica pier isn’t too far and it’s a big touristy thing that appeals to kids and is at the beach. Traffic can be a nightmare though. You might get lucky and arrive in 30 min. It might take an hour or more.

EachandEveryone · 30/01/2023 04:36

Beach is seven minutes away. Its the one the airline crew use. www.discoverlosangeles.com/things-to-do/10-things-to-do-near-los-angeles-international-airport-lax

MrsMikeDrop · 30/01/2023 05:22

Factor on travel to & from airport and traffic which can be horrendous. Maybe a walk along to Venice beach and lunch?

TheOpenRoad · 30/01/2023 05:25

I assume you will have to clear customs and immigration at LAX? Do you all have global entry? If not, I'd allow at least 2hrs for that alone.

For luggage, do you need to collect bags and recheck them? Even if they are checked in to your final destination many US airports make you collect the bags.

Presumably you need to be back at the airport 3hrs before departure. Does the 6hrs cover only your free time or do you need to factor in travel and check in/,security/immigration?

CrapBag76 · 30/01/2023 05:29

Sit on the grass near in and out burger and watch the planes fly overhead. Not a lot of time for much else really.

we went straight to Santa Monica beach from the airport and traffic was a nightmare, took us ages.

user432900976 · 30/01/2023 05:36

Did I say I wanted to travel anywhere significant?

Yeah you kind of did.

I agree with others, I'd stick to eating/ shopping etc in the actual airport due to the little time in between

Original poster
SuitsYouSirS · 30/01/2023 05:43

Thanks all have taken on board feedback and suggestions 🙏

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Chanel05 · 30/01/2023 05:51

I've done this before and we got a cab to Santa Monica Pier. A little walk, a few shops to pop in and generally just some photo ops. It took 45 minutes in a cab each way and was about $50 per trip, plus tip. This was 5 years ago though.

Cantchooseaname · 30/01/2023 05:58

We did a stop over in LA twice - I’d be careful of Santa Monica and Venice beach- the first time it was lovely, very chilled, warm- pleasant experience. Couple years later (I guess 3/4 years ago) it was absolutely full of homeless drug users camped along the beach front. It was quite menacing in places- not something I’d want to repeat.
LAX was also horrendous.