Ogle the Theme Building with its 135-foot arches.
Airport Code: LAX
Number of terminals: 8
Miles from downtown: 18
Los Angeles International Airport has all of the bells and whistles befitting its status as the gateway to Tinseltown. Ogle the Theme Building with its 135-foot arches, or gawk at the jets flying overhead from Jet Set restaurant’s just-reopened observation deck.
Comfort Zone // After you check in at Delta’s Terminal 5, wander through the spacious concourse en route to Creative Croissants for a pastry and coffee. Stop at Marvin’s Shoe Shine for a quick polish before grabbing a pizza at the California Pizza Kitchen and a beer at Malibu Al’s Beach Bar. Other dining options include Mexican favorite El Cholo Cantina and Euro Coffee, where you can grab a Häagen-Dazs bar.
LA Moment // Peruse the wares at the I Love L.A. boutique with its City of Angels-branded merchandise and stock up on homegrown See’s Candies (try the peanut brittle and Toffee-ettes).
Insider Tip // There’s a Samsung mobile charging station near Gate 51B as well as others at the end of the concourse near Gate 59.
For Your Pet // A small pet park near Terminals 7-8 is outfitted with a dog house and a stand with plastic bags.