Early morning arrival at LAX can be a quintessential traveler’s dilemma. Your hotel room doesn’t even become available until 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM, but you have already arrived in the city, where everything is sunny, and there are numerous landmarks and lively seaside neighborhoods. The joy of a new trip to Southern California can quickly come to an end when heavy suitcases are dragged through the street, into the coffee shop, or onto the bus.
Luckily, an early check-in doesn’t require spending a few hours in the hotel lobby. So with a little planning, savvy logistics and a dose of adventure, you can make those hours between awkward times a memorable first chapter of your LA experience.
Lighten Your Load First
The key to having a great day in Los Angeles is being 100% physically mobile. It’s already hard to navigate LA’s vast geography, let alone a multi-wheeled bag along the boardwalks of the beach or the sidewalks of the city. You’ve got time to immediately dive into sightseeing when you leave big bags in a safe place.
Plan your morning schedule of activities and book a convenient place to store your suitcases. Reliable luggage storage Los Angeles at major transportation centers, beach areas, and downtown neighborhoods allows you to leave your bulky backpacks and trunks securely. Afterwards you’re able to ride the Metro, grab a ride-share, or walk through coastal neighborhoods without feeling burdened.
There are a number of important benefits to packing your bags immediately after landing:
- Unrestricted mobility. Public transportation is easily accessible, outdoor stairways are available for scenic climbing, and beach boardwalks are available for strolling.
- Property safety. You’re able to keep your valuable belongings safe while you are enjoying the tour in a busy public area or museum.
- Time efficiency. No extra traveling back and forth from your hotel before check-in time.
- Peace of mind. You are busy only enjoying your city’s first hours rather than being vigilant about your bags.
Getting it ready is so easy that your first afternoon will feel like a proper holiday rather than a day of heavy lifting.
Morning: Coastal Breezes and Breakfast in Santa Monica
It’s easiest logistically to start your day at the coast if you arrive at LAX in the morning. Just north of the airport is Santa Monica and Venice Beach with fresh sea breezes, top-notch breakfast joints, and quintessential California views.
Start your morning with a relaxing breakfast in a local cafe close to Ocean Avenue. Enjoy fresh coffee and avocado toast and see the city rise and fall. Then, enjoy a leisurely walk down the historic Santa Monica Pier. The pier is best enjoyed in the early morning before crowds of tourists arrive at the amusement park, and before the Pacific Ocean waves and Malibu’s rolling coastline have become noisy.
You can bicycle or walk along the famous Marvin Braude Bike Trail (also referred to as “the Strand”) from Santa Monica towards Venice Beach. The 2-mile walk will pass by street artists, outdoor fitness parks, and unique coastal architecture. It’s a perfect, relaxed solution to combat jet lag and enjoy some hot sun in Southern California.
Midday: Culture and Views in Downtown LA or Hollywood
As of midday, the city is buzzing with activity. If your hotel’s location is in the city, go to the central area and find out the sights to visit before lunch arrives.
Option A: Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA)
If you’re staying in DTLA or adjacent areas, then head further into the city to visit the historic and cultural heart of the city:
- Grand Central Market. This legendary food hall has been open since 1917, and it’s a place where you’ll find wood-fired pizza, artisanal tacos, gourmet egg sandwiches, and fresh fruit juices. It’s an ideal place for an informal lunch.
- The Broad Museum. An art museum with world-class exhibits and modern architecture on Grand Avenue. The entrance is free, but it is recommended to book tickets for timed entry online in advance.
- Frank Gehry’s stainless-steel masterpiece, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, is only a short step away from The Broad, and its rooftop garden is open to the public for a unique set of photo opportunities among the dramatic lines of the building.
Downtown offers easy access to some of the city’s best-known eateries and cultural attractions in a small space.
Option B: Hollywood and Griffith Park
If you’re closer to Hollywood or the Westside, take in some of the iconic landmarks in the morning hours, like Griffith Observatory. Located on the south side of Mount Hollywood, the observatory offers sweeping panoramic views of the entire Los Angeles basin, Downtown skyline, and the Hollywood Sign. Take a stroll through Hollywood Boulevard and admire the historical facades of Hollywood’s theaters, such as TCL Chinese
Afternoon: Relaxed Shopping and Coffee
Slow down towards the end of the check-in time. Outdoor shopping plazas and walkable neighborhoods with boutique cafes are a specialty of Los Angeles, perfect for relaxing before heading to your room. Take some time to spend at one of these lovely pockets before heading to bed:
- The Grove and Original Farmers Market is a historic market alongside an open-air retail complex in the Fairfax District where you can sample local snacks, look around the shops, and sit by the central fountain.
- Abbot Kinney Boulevard. This trendy street in Venice has independent fashion boutiques, design shops, and specialty coffee roasters.
- Beverly Hills Triangle. Take Rodeo Drive’s ups and downs, enjoying the luxury storefronts and manicured streets, then stop for a cold drink at an outdoor cafe nearby.
A late afternoon soak in helps to ease the transition from sightseeing to settling in to your lodging.
Smooth Transition to Your Hotel
By 3:30 PM or 4:00 PM, hotel check-in desks are fully open. Retrieve your stored luggage, head to your hotel, and check in without having wasted a single hour of your trip. Arriving early in Los Angeles doesn’t have to mean sitting on your suitcase in a lobby corner. By securing your bags early, choosing a logical neighborhood flow from the coast to the city center, and pacing your activities, you can transform arrival day into one of the most enjoyable highlights of your trip.
