Will be flying into LAX have one afternoon and evening before leaving the next morning. As this is only a "layover" on my trip I've booked a hotel close to Venice Beach. Any suggestions as to what to do to kill a few hours and maybe a good place to eat (does not have to be fancy).

Thanks in advance...

PLEASE HELP!!!!

The best thing I can suggest is to keep your wits about you and don't stray too far from your hotel at night, especially if you're walking. That part of town is NOT a good one and tourists are prime targets. Venice Beach may be a cool place to visit during the daylight hours, but it's quite another at night. Lots of drug addicts, homeless and just plain weird people. Be careful.

Hi Lily, are you dead set on Venice? Perhaps someone could offer an alternative suggestion...
(Hoping this will send in back up troops for you!)

Thanks for the advice -- any other area that would be better - I would like to be close to LAX for convenience but it's not important.

I've only ever stayed in the Huntington Beach area before.

Look in Marina del Rey. Good restaurant choices, OK selection of hotels (a Marriott, a Ritz-Carlton, a couple of Best Westerns as I recall), 10 minutes from LAX.

Venice is, as they say in real estate, a "transitional" Westside neighborhood. Not Crackhouse Alley, not Looney Tunes-ville, but definitely a locals-only kind of place after dark (a few world-class restaurants like Joe's on Abbot Kinney notwithstanding).

It's only 10-15 minutes in a cab from LAX to Santa Monica. You'd be much happier staying there. Lots of hotels; great restaurants and shopping.

ok thanks everyone! I will change my reservations and stay somewhere more enjoyable! As this is just a "layover" I hadn't thought it thru.....I'm glad I asked!

I just wanted to add that Santa Monica is really a cute town, and has a lot to do for a quick stayover. I love to walk the 3rd Street Promanade looking at all the shops, and then walk over to the ocean (just about 4-5 blocks away). I hope that you enjoy your stay in LA.