Los Angeles, California: 10 “Stop-Over” Activities for Travelers

August 12, 2026

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Welcome, Traveler!

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Los Angeles is one of the most common gateway cities for travelers heading across the Pacific, and it would be a shame to treat it as nothing more than an airport to pass through. Whether you have a few hours, an overnight stay, or a full day before your onward flight to Australia or the South Pacific, LA offers a little bit of everything: sun, culture, food, and that unmistakable California energy. Here are ten ideas to make the most of your time in the City of Angels before you continue your journey.

Ten “Must Do” Activities in LA While “Stopping Over”

1. Walk the Sands of Santa Monica or Venice Beach

There is no better way to shake off jet lag or ease into vacation mode than a stroll along the Pacific coastline. Santa Monica offers a classic pier with an amusement park and great people watching, while neighboring Venice Beach brings a quirkier scene with street performers, muscle beach, and colorful boardwalk shops. Both are easy to reach from the airport and offer a relaxing first taste of Southern California.

2. Explore the Getty Center

Perched in the hills above the city, the Getty Center combines world class art with stunning architecture and gardens. Admission is free, and the views of Los Angeles from the terraces are worth the trip on their own. It is a peaceful, scenic escape that feels far removed from the hustle of a travel day.

3. Take a Photo at the Hollywood Sign and Walk of Fame

No trip through Los Angeles feels complete without a nod to its most famous export. Visitors can view the iconic sign from several vantage points around the city, including Griffith Observatory, and then head to Hollywood Boulevard to see the stars embedded in the sidewalk along the Walk of Fame.

4. Visit Griffith Observatory

This is one of the best spots in the city for panoramic views, especially at sunset when the sky lights up over the skyline and the Hollywood Sign. The observatory itself has free exhibits on space and science, making it a great stop for travelers of all ages.

5. Wander the Original Farmers Market and The Grove

This charming outdoor market has been a Los Angeles institution since the 1930s, offering a huge variety of food stalls, produce, and local goods. It sits right next to The Grove, an upscale outdoor shopping center, making it easy to combine a meal with some browsing or last minute shopping before a long flight.

6. Treat Yourself to California Cuisine

Los Angeles is one of the great food cities of the world, blending fresh, local ingredients with influences from every corner of the globe. From food trucks to fine dining, travelers can sample everything from Korean barbecue to fish tacos to farm to table fare, giving them a real taste of the region before heading off to their next destination.

7. Spend an Afternoon at the Getty Villa or LACMA

For art and history lovers, the Getty Villa in Malibu recreates an ancient Roman estate and houses an impressive collection of antiquities right on the coast. Alternatively, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, known as LACMA, offers an enormous collection spanning centuries and continents, along with the famously photogenic Urban Light installation out front.

8. Drive or Ride Along the Pacific Coast Highway

Even a short stretch of this famous coastal road offers dramatic ocean views and a true sense of California’s natural beauty. Malibu is a popular stopping point, with beaches, seaside restaurants, and a slower pace that feels worlds away from the airport.

9. Browse Downtown LA’s Grand Central Market

This historic market in the heart of downtown is packed with food vendors representing cuisines from around the world, all under one roof. It is a lively, casual spot to grab a bite and soak in the energy of the city’s urban core, and it sits within walking distance of other downtown landmarks like Angels Flight and the Bradbury Building.

10. Unwind at a Rooftop Bar or Lounge

Before a long haul flight across the Pacific, there is something special about relaxing with a good meal or drink while taking in the city skyline. Los Angeles has no shortage of rooftop bars and lounges, many of which offer stunning views of the sunset over the city or the ocean in the distance.

A Perfect Prelude to What Comes Next

Los Angeles offers the perfect blend of relaxation, culture, and adventure for travelers pausing on their way to Australia or the Pacific Islands. Even a short stopover can become a memorable part of the journey with the right plan in place. Whichever of these experiences you choose, you are sure to arrive at your final destination with a wonderful first chapter to your vacation story already underway.

Ready to Plan?

If you are ready to explore Los Angeles, and would like to plan your next adventure with this city as your stop-over location, or just visit California itself, contact your Love of the Magic Travel Agent today, or email hello@LOTMV.com. And of course, whether you want to stop over in LA or any other hub city, or plan something totally different, your LOTMV Travel Advisor will work with you to create the unique experience you’re looking for.