Suggestions for Things to Do in LA before Flying to Sydney
 

My Husband and I will be flying into LAX the evening prior to our departure the next night for Sydney. Therefore, we'll have a full day to explore LA before leaving for Sydney. Any suggestions on ways to spend our time in LA which would be convenient to returning to LAX that evening? Thanks for your help!

We had the same situation (Tahiti instead of Sydney - but same scenario) - and we did the Hollywood tour, spent the day walking around Rodeo drive and anywhere else that looked interesting - ate at Spagos - and were totally exhausted by the time we got on the plane. Worked out well - I actually slept on the plane, which I normally never do...

We had an 8 hour layover at LAX recently - flying the other way, from Australia to New Orleans, via LAX. We had the problem of not being able to check our luggage in for the flight out of LA as the airline wouldn't check us in more than 4 hours before the flight. We hung around for 4 hours, with all our bags, then checked in and caught a cab to Venice Beach for a look around, some lunch and fresh air. It was worth it just to get out of the airport.
If you do a search on this forum, using LAX as a search word, you'll find lots of suggestions.
Kay

santa monica is also fun--going to 3d street mall in santa monica

if you rent a car you could drive out pacific coast highway toward malibu and eat on the beach

or if you plan ahead, get a parking reservation at the getty museum and go there

Hi,

This may be better designed for a shorter layover, but you may find it of interest, especially if you have any interest in aviation -- there's a new restaurant right next to LAX called "Proud Bird". It's more like having a meal in a museum though (in fact, it's the 8th largest private museum in the world) -- started by David Tallichet, an ex WWII pilot. The parking lot and backyard are filled with old planes - everything from biplanes to fighter jets. In the restaurant the walls have old photos with dignitaries landing at LAX and the movies that were filmed there. And, the food's good too!

Melodie
Certified Aussie Specialist

We took a 10 minute cab ride to the Cinema du Lux theater. If you're into movies, it's a remarkable theater with wide leather seats, IMAX screens in some auditoriums and delicious food. It's north of LAX, near the intersection of Sepulveda and the 405.

Thanks to everyone who gave me the great advice on how to spend time in L.A. before flying to Sydney. It certainly is appreciated!

You can stay at one of the hotels on Century Blvd (Hilton for me) that has an LAX shuttle. There are rental car companies within a couple of blocks of the hotels. If you get a car the night you arrive, you could park it for free in the rental car company's lot overnight or pay (too much) to park it at the hotel. Or, just walk over in the morning to get the car.

I'd check with the hotel about a late check-out or a part day rate, then come back to the hotel to get cleaned up before the long haul flight.