Hi all,
I have about 8hours to spare at LAX airport. Any suggestions as to what I can do?

I've heard there is not much to do, and no gym at the airport. Is this right?? (Seems backwards, as even Singapore airport has a gym.) My options include a sightseeing bus tour into LA, trying to make use of a gym connected to one of the airport hotels, reading a really, really good book, or getting drunk.

Thanks all!

You're very close to Venice Beach--you could taxi there, take a walk (exercise), read a book AND get drunk, all in one place!

Seriously, though. Will you have your luggage along? If not, Venice Beach is a fun place to wander around for a couple of hours. Much better than sitting in a musty airport hotel gym.

On a Sat or Sun I'd go for the sightseeing tour...or just rent a car for a few hours and drive. If it's Monday through Friday when traffic is a nightmare...it would really depend on what time you arrive and depart LAX.

Airport hotels also have day rates, or low hotwire/priceline rates on weekends...so if you could get a hotel with a gym it might be only $30 more than paying for a gym visit.

A book is not a bad option. Considering that your flight could be 1 or 2 hours late, and that you need to be back to the airport two hours prior to your international flight...you only really have 4 hours to worry about. There are some decent dining choices in the terminals and time passes fairly quickly.

Assuming you can leave your bags somewhere (no storage at LAX IIRC) then my recommendation would be a cab to Manhattan Beach. Lots of bars and cafes at the beach, great walks along the beach or the Strand, or out the pier, then an easy hop back to the airport. It's a great sunset venue, especially if your connecting flight is transpacific (most transpac flts. leave late evening) - plenty of fresh air before the long haul.

If you want a really good meal, you can stop by some of the restaurants in the Santa Monica area (Il Ristorante di Giorgio Baldi and Valentino are my favs but are pricey). & oh by the way, don't hold airports around the world to Singapore airport standards. If more airports were like Changi, travel would've been soo much more fun.

For the LAX layover done right, see Wayan:

http://tinyurl.com/yl3fxo

Thanks all for you great advice. The beach visit sounds like it could work! It's midweek, and my flight back to Melbourne leaves at 11pm.

mdn - I haven't yet discovered the joys of Changi

Thanks.

I suggest taking a cab to Santa Monica. It would take about 30 minutes each way, depending on traffic.
There you can get a nice taste of L.A. You can:

walk/shop on the Promenade,
visit the Pier and ride the huge ferris wheel,
relax on the beach if it's warm,
rent a bike and ride along the beach bike path,
and/or
have a huge choice of great restaurants

these are all within walking distance

Any idea on the cost of a cab to Santa Monica?

Redondo Beach is even closer than Santa Monica. Also has a pier with good restaurants and a fine walking path on the beach. Getting a cab to go there is no problem. The Holiday Inn Crown Plaza just N of the Pier always has a taxi line for return to the airport. If you have luggage, for a healthy tip, you could probably get the bellman at the Holiday Inn to baby sit your bags.

Redondo Beach is not really any closer to LAX than Santa Monica.

Any suggestions for a restaurant with sunset viewing at Manhattan Beach?

In terms of the 405, Redondo Beach is faster than Santa Monica from LAX. I suggest a visit to Santa Monica though, since while Redondo Beach is a good place to visit, when you only have a few hours, Santa Monica would be better. Try Fritto Misto, a neighborhood Italian restaurant that I just discovered and am addicted to- excellent food at reasonable prices! It's at Colorado and 7th, a few blocks from 3rd Street, and definitely worth the walk. 3rd Street, the pier, and Fritto Misto- excellent plan.

Manhattan Beach is definitely closer. Beaches restaurant has the best view.
http://www.beachesmb.com/