Things to do near LAX?

[OnionPatch]

My best friend is passing through LAX during the holiday and planned a night layover so we could get together. (We have not seen each other in ten years!) I live in the far reaches of the Inland Empire, I mean far....Riverside County. I admit to being a country bumpkin (But I can clean up nice ;))and I don't do much in LA, so I'm pretty clueless. I am a little nervous driving in LA, so am a little anxious about straying too far from the airport. Is there somewhere not too far to go hang out for the evening? My friend and I are in our early 50's, so we definitely don't want anywhere filled with all young people. However, we do would like to have some drinks and good food, possibly some music somewhere casual. Is there a beach within easy reach from the airport? We also need to find a hotel to stay in for the night. I'd appreciate any good tips anyone can offer.

[tishaLA]

1. I'd just go to Venice or Santa Monica

It's not too far--just a quick trip up the 405 and then to the 10 West--and it's a lot better than staying in Inglewood. And I wouldn't worry about being inundated by young folks, either; most young people (hell, most Angelinos) leave for Vegas or SD or Palm Springs during any holiday weekend.

[OnionPatch]

4. Good idea. I did some googling and it looks easy to get to.

Looks like some fun stuff to do there as well. At least we can walk around on the pier, etc.

[EFerrari]

7. Imho, very good advice. Santa Monica is pretty that time of year

with all the holiday stuff up and the beach.

[OnionPatch]

8. So what is Venice Beach like?

I was there once about twenty years ago. What an, ummm, interesting place. :) I could be up for that again if I thought it was fairly safe there for two old (but young-at-heart) ladies. I think it would be very entertaining. Are there any decent hotels within walking distance? What about restaurants? Any nice but casual restaurants there?

[tishaLA]

9. If you go to Venice, just go for a restaurant

Because, to be honest, Venice can be pretty sketchy. I have friends who live in Abbot Kinney and love it, and the beach during the day can be fun (smell of weed in the air, etc.), but in the evening it isn't the best place to be.

[OnionPatch]

10. I was afraid of that.

It's been so long since I was there, I didn't know. But I do remember it being a very interesting place. Maybe we'll stop there and take a walk around on our way to Santa Monica. Thanks.

[Hepburn]

2. Marina del Rey is wonderful....

...try the Charthouse and make sure you get Chris Rosco as your waiter. Tell him that you were sent by his favorite accountant named Ben! (Ben is my bestest male pal and we frequent the Charthouse quite often. Chris will not know the nick Hepburn, but he will def know who Ben is.)

Enjoy...:hi:

13950 Panay Way, Marina Del Rey - [phone]

[OnionPatch]

5. It is definitely a possibility.

I just checked out their website. Looks like a great place. I'll ask for Chris if we decide to go there. Thanks!

[CalGator]

11. Charthouse is nice

It can be a bit pricey, but if that isn't an issue it is a great place. The one in Redondo Beach is right on the beach, which provides a great view from your window.

This one is at:
Address: 231 Yacht Club Way, Redondo Beach, CA 90277-2050
Phone: [phone]

Technically, the one in MdR is a few miles closer to LAX.

[roody]

3. You can park then take public transit around. That will give you lots of

time to talk.

[OnionPatch]

6. True. But I would probably be more stressed

on the public transit, since I wouldn't know the schedule, stops, etc. and it will be evening/nightime and we'll be drinking. :) I think we'll just go to Santa Monica like someone above mentioned. Then we can get rooms there and not worry about finding our way back to the hotel.

[KitchenWitch]

12. You really can't go wrong with Santa Monica

Yes, it is touristy as hell, but there is a lot to do there.

[OnionPatch]

13. Sometimes touristy is good.

In this case, I think it will be just right. A touristy beach town will be perfect because my friend and I first met 22 years ago in another touristy beach town, one in Florida. We were young and wild and hung out together at the beach all the time. Oh the stories I could tell! :evilgrin:

[Juneboarder]

14. Fear for your life!!!

I would get as far from LAX as possible!! LOL! :)

Definitely get up to Santa Monica, Venice or Hollywood area for fun.