Get ready to get out and explore the City of Angels. Yes, you need to keep LA traffic in mind, but don't worry—there are plenty of things to do near LAX that’ll keep you within a few miles of the terminals.
Manhattan Beach
Five short miles but a world away, Manhattan Beach is one of the very best attractions near LAX. Jump in a cab or an Uber and you'll step out into one very cool beach community in no time at all. The beach unrolls as far as you can see, while the much-photographed Manhattan Beach pier extends into the ocean. The octagonal building at the end is the Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab and Aquarium, with sharks, lobsters and a tide pool touch tank. You can also rent a bike and cruise the bike path all the way to Santa Monica if you have the time.
Westchester Golf Course
You could almost walk from the airport to Westchester Golf Course–unless you're carrying your clubs, of course. Just two miles from LAX, Westchester is popular with golfers on layovers, as well as those staying near the airport. That may be why the course opens at 5 a.m. and the lights stay on until 10 p.m. Westchester is the place to go if you want to get the kinks out of your neck by smacking some range balls or playing nine holes. Don't worry if you checked your golf clubs. Westchester rents clubs to guests at reasonable rates.
Marina Del Rey
Just minutes from LAX, Marina Del Rey is a huge, man-made, small-boat harbor. Strolling up and down the lines of boats, admiring their lines and colors, is a delight. But this being Los Angeles, it should come as no surprise that Marina del Rey offers much, much more. You'll find eateries, souvenir shops, fishing cruise operators and harbor tours. You can rent a boat–sailboat, motorboat, kayak or Jet Ski. Grab a sandwich and hike up to Burton W. Chace Park, a beautiful 10-acre recreational area overlooking the boat docks. It has the best vista points of the harbor and makes a great picnic spot.
Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area
Does the idea of a Japanese garden or lotus pool appeal to your senses as you walk off a packed plane? The 338-acre Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area provides all that and more, just 10 miles from LAX in the beautiful Baldwin Hills. You'll find miles of hiking trails, a 10-station workout course and a stocked fishing pond. If you like sports, pick your poison. You can practice your moves on the basketball court, two baseball diamonds, a sand volleyball court or a multi-purpose field. The kids can make the most of four separate playgrounds.
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