travlsolo2

On Saturday, Sept 19 I will have a 4-hour layover at LAX (have not been there before); I love people watching, so it's not that I really need anything specific to do, but thought I would ask if there is anything at the airport that I could/should check out, or maybe just a suggestion for a cafe or restaurant/bar. Thanks!

travelbuff

Not sure which terminal you will be in, but there are shops and cafes restaurants in all terminals. 4 hours won't be 4 hours, the time is from the touch down of wheels so you are probably looking at just a couple of hours if that if flights are delayed.

Just bring a book and get comfortable.

Kailani

I always wanted to visit the Jetson's looking building at LAX, which is apparently a bar and restaurant called "Encounter." http://www.encounterlax.com/ The website is pretty bizarre, with some interesting music. The building was designed in 1961 for Walt Disney Imagineering.

janisj

One problem w/ Encounter is it being landside, you have to go back through security. But then you would if you are changing terminals too.

aussiedreamer

we did the encounter thing a few years ago. Had a lovely early dinner and a couple of drinks. Nicer than staying in the terminal, if memory serves correct we jumped on a shuttle bus to get there.

stumpworks73

InNOut has a location 7 minutes north of LAX on El Segundo. You can grab a cab and enjoy California's greatest contribution to current cuisine.

On the risk side - LA is not a cab city and you could be challenged returning to the terminal.

Encounter LAX is a saner suggestion.

Trent7

There is an In-N-Out burger just outside of the airport. I live in the midwest and we don't have it here but I love to get it when I go to California or AZ.

mlgb

With 4 hours between flights I don't think I'd leave the airport, but I get nervous about missing flights.

Encounter is a good idea, also the International Terminal (TBIT) allows anyone to enter. For the domestic terminals you need a ticket. If you are changing terminals you may want to check out the shops and cafes in the arrival terminal before exiting. There are a number of sit down restaurants and bars but

Here are the restaurants at LAX, you can sort them by terminal.

http://lawa.org/tenantLAXResult.aspx...&sindicator=qs

travlsolo2

All: thank you for all the suggestions! I won't need to go to In-n-Out because my final destination of St. George, Utah, has one! And I do agree I shouldn't leave the airport. Encounter sounds like it would be fun, and the restaurant list is great! I'll have to find out which terminal I'll be in. Will definitely have a book or two along, so can always make myself comfortable somewhere in the proximity of my next gate. Thanks again!

LoveItaly

Hi travlsolo, if you find you have a couple of free hours, Enounter is fun and the food has always been good when I have been there. But if not, a good book is always a great way to pass the time, I never travel without one.

Ronda

If you have never been to LAX, beware of the donation seekers disguised as airport courtesy clerks outside each exit door. They appear to be airport employees ready to direct you to your proper bus but instead are collecting for, I believe, some religious organization.

ksucat

I would do 'The Encounter' restaurant at LAX..it's the famous landmark looking thing..no way would I leave LAX..too many variables to have things happen..

www.encounterlax.com

travlsolo2

LoveItaly - I checked; I'll be in Terminal 5, so assume I can take a shuttle to Encounter. Will do that if it looks like I have enough time; otherwise the good book thing. I'm never without one either. BTW, I love Italy, too.
Ronda - thanks for the heads up about the donation seekers!
kailani, mlgb and ksucat - thanks for the websites!

mlgb

I think you just walk to Encounter, it's pretty close to T5 and in the middle of the terminal complex. You can't miss it.

Jean

Just walk to Encounter. The only terminal that's far enough to consider waiting for the shuttle is Tom Bradley International, and I'd probably still walk from there.

janisj

yes - definitely walk

No need to wait for a shuttle . . .

LoveItaly

Oh, yes I have always walked to Encounter, travlsolo. I didn't even know they had a shuttle. You can't miss it, it sticks up in the sky. Enjoy if it works out for you.

travlsolo2

Alrighty then -- will walk!
Thanks again!