8 Hours in LA

We are flying from Vancouver to LA on the way back to Australia and have approximately 8 hours in LAX. I was hoping to grab a taxi and go to Santa Monica for a few hours but am concerned it may be too difficult getting out through customs and then getting back in through security and customs.

The idea of spending a few hours on a Sunday afternoon in May walking around Santa Monica is obviously appealing and would add to our trip but I just don%26#39;t know if it is worth the hassle.

Any advice or other ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

8 Hours in LA

I think you will have to ';play'; it more real time. If for example, you have an easy exit through customs (i.e. an hour) you would have 4 hours to spend in Santa Monica which is enough to enjoy the area and return to LAX. If on the other hand there are flight delays; hard time getting through customs; you can decide. EIther way leave about 3 hours to return from Santa Monica to be on your flight on time.

Getting a taxi will be easy to do...

Luggage I am assuming is checked through?

8 Hours in LA

If your luggage is checked through, I recommend taking a taxi to either Venice or Manhattan Beach. Both are great options.

If you have realistically 4 hours, i would still go with Santa Monica. A taxiride would be 20 minutes, you can stroll along the pier, maybe grab a beer at big deans(which is on the side of the pier on the boardwalk, NOT ON the pier). Grab some food at some of the fine restaurants along ocean ave, even walk down third street promenade for some shopping

You can get a taxi back from any restaurant/bar in the area as they would call them for you

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