Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the largest city in the state of California, United States. Home to Hollywood and your gateway into La La Land, Los Angeles attracts millions of visitors every year hoping to catch a glimpse of the magic that goes on behind the silver screen. Therefore, it is no surprise that LAX ranked as the third-busiest airport in the world in 2019. Its sheer size can be imposing at first but with our handy guide, you can make the most of the new and improved terminals, world-class facilities, 50+ exceptional restaurants and eateries, and superb shopping at Los Angeles International Airport.
LAX is a pioneer in revolutionising travellers’ amusement and comfort within the airport itself. Transit has never been more fun.
There are nine terminals – Terminal 1 to Terminal 8 and Tom Bradley International Terminal, also known as Terminal B. Over 8 million passengers move through LAX every single year.
Best Places for Dining & Shopping at Los Angeles International Airport
Quick Bites
INK.SACK
INK.SACK has really stepped up their sandwich game, serving customisable cold and hot sandwich that are perfect for a pick-me-up while you race to catch your flight. Grab a Pastrami if you’re in the mood for a hot sandwich. But if cold sandwiches are more your thing, you can’t go wrong with The Godfather.
Location: Terminal B, Great Hall
Dunkin’ Donuts
If you want something sugary and you want it now, Dunkin’ Donuts is the place for you. They’re famous for their delicious coffee and doughnuts, the latter of which they boast a wide range of. Some of their best-selling doughnuts include the Boston Kreme, Chocolate Glaze, and Classic varieties. Pair it with a large iced coffee and you’ll be buzzed until you touch down at your destination.
Location: Terminal 7, Arrival Level
Beaming
If you’re in the mood for something light, Beaming is ready to serve you their iconic smoothies, cold-pressed juices, and delicious healthy take-outs. Their organic and colourful salads with generous scoops of avocado are quintessentially Los Angeles.
Location: Terminal 1, Departures
Point The Way Cafe
Point The Way Cafe, partnered with world-famous Golden Road Brewing, is the perfect spot for craft beer enthusiasts. Don’t miss their Pesto Grilled Shrimp as an accessory to your glass of beer. And a word of caution- be quick to choose your beer because once you start reading the whole menu, you’ll be drooling over the option between thousands of world-class brews.
Location: Terminal 6, Departures
Sit Down Dining
Border Grill
Border Grill is a vibrant cantina serving modern Mexican cuisine and creative cocktails. When it comes to the quality, they leave no room for criticism because they pride themselves on the highest-quality ingredients; the rice is long grain and organic, and the meat is one hundred percent locally grown. Consider tasting their Burritos, Sweet Potato Black Bean, and Smoked Tofu. All of these are gluten-free and are sure to tantalise your taste buds with exotic spices.
Location: Terminal B, Dining Terrace
Slapfish- A Modern Seafood Shack
If you’re craving seafood, take a gander into Slapfish. Their dishes are sustainable, modern, and mouth-wateringly delicious. You must try their Traditional Lobster Roll- an excellent partnership of butter, mayo, and lemon with lobster, and served smoky hot. Their Lobster Grinder is nothing to sleep on either. Chilled lobster, shrimp, spicy aioli, and crab are all are packed beautifully into a butter roll, plotting to leave you drooling for more.
Location – Terminal 2, Departures
BLD
If you are craving a burger but also trying to eat more healthily (the eternal struggle!), BLD boasts an excellent gluten-free burger that is loaded with roasted veggies. It’s light and nutritious without compromising on the taste. Alternatively, their fried eggs with bacon may not quite count as healthy food but we don’t think you’ll complain once you’ve had a bite. On top of that, their prices are pocket-friendly. It can’t get any better!
Location – Terminal 7, Departures
Rock and Brew
If you love the rock-n-roll genre of music, then you may want to swing by Rock and Brew. While marketed as a music venue for transit passengers to enjoy a cheeky wine while enjoying some beats, their food is surprisingly good too. You should definitely try their BBQ Chicken Pizza; its crispy base contrasts with the tender and buttery chicken on top oh-so-perfectly. Eating here is always a sensory pleasure because they treat your aural, olfactory, and gustatory faculties with equal care.
Location: Terminal 1, Departures
Shopping
Be Relax
Want to give your sore muscles a relaxing massage? Be Relax offers a wide range of services designed to have you feel great while you travel. You can try a rejuvenating facial massage or go for a pedicure or manicure. And the best part is, no pre-booking is needed to avail of their services.
Location: Terminal 1, Departures
Belkin
To enjoy a seamless and smooth journey, you should always double-check if you are carrying your chargers, cables, and other electronic conveniences. But in case you forgot to carry any of those, check out Belkin’s store. Be it a new buy or a replacement; they will happily help you out with their vast stock of gadgets and accessories.
Location: Terminal 6, Departures
Book Soup Bookstore
If you’ve got a particularly long flight ahead of you, you may use your traveling time to read a good book. Book Soup Bookstore makes the long and tiresome journey much more bearable, especially if you find a good read that you can lose yourself in. Also, did you know that the longest flight in the world is from Los Angeles (LAX) to Singapore (SIN)? It is serviced by United Airlines and lasts 17 hours and 50 minutes.
Location: Terminal B, Great Hall; Terminal 7, Departures
BVLGARI
BVLGARI’s brand reputation precedes itself. They offer an unparalleled, exotic collection of Italian craftsmanship, and boast an exotic range of gems, watches, and accessories. If you want to pick up a present for a special someone, this is the place for you.
Location: Terminal B, Great Hall
FAO Schwarz
If your kid is waiting for your return and you want to give them something that will light up their faces, Fao Schwarz will help you out with their remarkable collection of toys and giant-sized plushies.
Location: Terminal 5, Departures