Arvo/Night in LA

Question

We land at 2pm (coming from Mexico) in January and don’t have a flight out til 7am the next day so wondering what we could do in LA. We will have our 3 teen girls with us… been to LA years ago with them where they did Disney (avoided LA) but wondering if it’s worth a trip to the walk of fame etc. Don’t really want to spend our arvo/night at an airport motel so happy to stay elsewhere!

Answer

Since you’ll be arriving at LAX in the afternoon and departing early the next morning, you have roughly 6–7 hours to enjoy LA with your teens. Given your timeframe and interest in a fun, non-airport experience, here are some options to make the most of your short stay.

First, consider staying somewhere central or convenient to your chosen activities, rather than an airport motel. Downtown LA, Hollywood, or Santa Monica are all viable options depending on your interests and travel logistics.

Hollywood Walk of Fame & TCL Chinese Theatre: If your teens enjoy pop culture and sightseeing, the Walk of Fame is walkable and free. You can stroll along Hollywood Boulevard, see celebrity stars, and visit the theatre’s forecourt. The area is busy but manageable in the late afternoon.
Griffith Observatory: Offers stunning city views and the chance to explore the observatory itself. Arriving in the late afternoon can catch sunset views over LA and the Hollywood Sign. The observatory closes around 10pm on weekdays, so it’s a nice early evening stop.
Santa Monica Pier & Third Street Promenade: If you prefer a more relaxed coastal vibe, Santa Monica is perfect for an evening visit. Teens can enjoy the pier rides, arcade, and casual dining, with lots of shops along the promenade.

For dinner, aim for casual, teen-friendly spots that are also quick and convenient. In Hollywood, options include Shake Shack, In-N-Out, or Pizzeria Mozza; in Santa Monica, there’s The Albright or Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Walking around these areas is safe and lively in the early evening.

Logistics tips:

Consider Uber or Lyft to avoid parking hassles, especially in Hollywood or Santa Monica.
Check traffic—late afternoon can still be busy, so plan your route carefully to allow enough time to get back to your hotel and then to LAX early in the morning.
Pack light since you’ll likely be moving around a lot. Most downtown or Santa Monica hotels can store your luggage if you arrive early.

Alternative option: If you prefer minimal transit stress, you could stay near LAX and do a quick beach visit to Venice or Manhattan Beach, which allows you to enjoy an iconic LA experience without long drives.

Overall, for a 6–7 hour window with teens, a combination of Hollywood sightseeing and a casual dinner works well. Santa Monica offers a more relaxed evening, while Griffith Observatory adds a scenic viewpoint. Avoid trying to fit too many activities, as traffic and transit time can eat into your limited hours.

Arvo/Night in LA

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