Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the primary airport serving Los Angeles and Southern California, connecting travelers to destinations across the country and around the world.
From iconic Los Angeles restaurants and California-inspired shopping to public art and helpful travel tips, here’s how to make the most of your time at LAX.
For many travelers, LAX is where their Southern California adventures begin. Its extensive domestic and international network connects the region to destinations around the world, with convenient access to Hollywood, the Pacific Coast, downtown Los Angeles, and beyond.
Did You Know? The iconic Theme Building has welcomed travelers since 1961. Its futuristic Googie architecture has become one of Los Angeles’ most recognizable landmarks.
Los Angeles is a city shaped by creativity—from film and music to food, fashion, art, and design. At LAX, you can enjoy some of that spirit without even leaving the airport.
The following suggestions combine local favorites with recommendations from CLEAR Ambassadors, helping you discover a taste of Los Angeles before takeoff.
Local Insight: LAX is one of Hollywood’s most recognizable filming locations. Its iconic Theme Building and illuminated entrance sign have appeared across movies, television, and commercials, becoming a visual staple when arriving in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles brings together flavors and cultures from around the world, along with fresh, California-inspired cuisine. You’ll find plenty of that variety at LAX.
CLEAR Ambassadors recommend Alfred Coffee in Terminal 3, the popular Los Angeles café known for its signature coffee and unmistakable style. In Terminal 7, Rolling Stone Bar & Grill is a spot to settle in for a burger, cocktail, or game before boarding.
There’s plenty more to explore throughout the airport. Urth Caffé in Terminal 1 brings the city’s café culture to the airport, while Randy’s Donuts in Terminal 7 serves one of Los Angeles’ most recognizable sweet treats. In Terminal B, Border Grill reflects the global influences that help define Los Angeles dining.
Want to bring a little piece of Los Angeles home? LAX offers California treats, books, fashion, and more.
Pick up a box of See’s Candies in Terminal 6, a California classic, or browse Book Soup in Terminal 7 or Terminal B. The airport outposts of the legendary Sunset Strip bookstore offer a curated selection spanning film, art, music, and culture. Current LAX terminal directories confirm Book Soup in both locations and See’s Candies in Terminal 6.
You’ll also find fashion inspired by Southern California’s signature style. Visit M. Fredric in Terminal 6 for apparel and accessories. In Terminal 5, Rip Curl brings the region’s surf culture to the airport with beach-inspired clothing and gear. Current LAX terminal directories confirm both locations. Travelers passing through Terminal B can also browse luxury boutiques including Gucci, Burberry, Bvlgari, and Cartier.
Whether you have a little extra time before boarding or a longer layover, there are plenty of ways to experience more of LAX before your flight.
There’s more to LAX than restaurants and shops. Throughout the airport, public art, architecture, and thoughtfully designed spaces reflect the creativity and culture of Los Angeles.
If you have extra time, LAX’s post-security pedestrian walkways let you explore other terminals without leaving the secure area. Along the way, you can discover more public art, California-inspired shops, local restaurants, and lounges.
Did You Know? The Theme Building’s Space Age design remains one of Southern California’s most recognizable architectural landmarks. While the building is no longer open to visitors, it remains an unmistakable part of the LAX skyline.
LAX’s connected terminals give you more options to explore before your flight. Venture beyond your departure gate for additional dining, shopping, lounges, and public art without leaving the secure area.
Have several hours to spare? Manhattan Beach is a short drive from LAX, with ocean views, local restaurants, and the iconic Manhattan Beach Pier. For a classic California stop, visit In-N-Out Burger on Sepulveda Boulevard, where you can grab a burger while watching planes arrive overhead. Aviation enthusiasts can also visit nearby Clutter’s Park for panoramic views of arriving and departing aircraft.
If you leave the airport, give yourself plenty of time for Los Angeles traffic, your return to LAX, and getting through airport security before boarding.
Connecting to another flight? Check your departure terminal and gate as soon as you land. Get to your next gate before stopping for food, shopping, or other airport experiences. If time is especially tight, head directly to your gate and save exploring the airport for your next visit.
A little planning can make your time at LAX more predictable. From accessibility services to helpful travel tools, these resources can help you navigate your travel day with confidence.
Before heading to the airport, download the free CLEAR App for a seamless travel day from home to gate. With the app, know exactly when to leave based on current traffic, real-time airport conditions, security wait times, and the walk to your gate.
LAX offers accessibility services to help travelers navigate the airport with confidence. Travelers who are blind or have low vision can use Aira, a visual interpreting service that connects them with trained live agents through a smartphone. Agents can help with navigation, reading signs, locating airport amenities, and finding gates.
LAX also offers Autism and Flight Experience resources to help travelers with autism and their families prepare for the airport experience. If you need wheelchair assistance or other accommodations, contact your airline before your trip. Additional accessibility resources are available on the official LAX website.
Knowing what to expect can help you move through LAX with confidence, whether you’re departing, arriving, or connecting.
LAX has eight numbered terminals plus the Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B). The terminals are arranged around the airport’s central roadway. Before heading to LAX, confirm your departure terminal and gate with your airline, as assignments can change.
After airport security, ticketed passengers can walk between all terminals, including Terminal B, using LAX’s network of pedestrian bridges and tunnels. The airside pathway stretches from Terminal 1 to Terminal 8, giving you access to additional restaurants, shops, lounges, and amenities without leaving the secure area.
If you prefer not to walk, check LAX’s current interterminal transportation options before your trip.
Traveler Tip: The Tom Bradley International Terminal is also known as Terminal B. After its first mention, you’ll typically see it listed as Terminal B on airport signs and maps.
CLEAR+ Lanes are available at select LAX terminals, helping Members speed through airport security in seconds on the way to their gates.
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