RandyK

I'm flying cross country to LA in July, arriving late in the morning and leaving later that same day, too many details to explain why I can't stay longer. What can I do in the LAX area for about 6 hours. I'm willing to rent a car, but need some good Fodorite suggestions. One buddy has already suggested that I run to Randy's Donuts just for the photo (OK and maybe a donut or two to go!). What else?

montereybob

I was in your situation once and we caught a beach shuttle at an airport hotel that took us to the beach. The shuttles ran every 30 min. so we stayed at the beach as long as we wanted and then took the shuttle back to the hotel. You'd need a taxi however to get between the airport and hotel. You could call the airport hotels to see which offer the beach shuttle. Or you could rent a car and drive yourself to the beach. It's a very short drive.

RandyK

My title should have said LAX, was sitting in LAS at the time!

sf7307

Randy, the beach towns (Manhattan, Hermosa, Redondo) are very close to the airport, and there is a promenade that connects them all. That's what I'd do -- take a taxi to Manhattan Beach, have lunch, stroll the promenade, back to the airport.

jersey1977

Taxi to Santa Monica Pier/3rd Street Promenade.

lvk

Will your luggage be checked through? If so, then here's another vote for Manhattan Beach www.downtownmanhattanbeach.com. Much shorter taxi ride, less traffic and less crowded than Santa Monica.

If you have to schlep luggage, then you might need to rent a car. Just leave enough time to return the car, shuttle back to the airport and wait in the TSA lines.