Best Train Station & Airport Layover Destinations in Los Angeles, United States

1. Grand Central Market

A historic food hall offering a variety of delicious local eats and unique shops, perfect for satisfying hunger during layovers.

Food Variety: Over 30 food vendors serving everything from tacos to sushi.
Cultural Experience: A melting pot of Los Angeles culture, showcasing ethnic diversity through food and art.
Convenience: Centrally located in downtown Los Angeles, near Union Station and multiple transit options.

Modern and contemporary art museum featuring works by artists like Jeff Koons and Yayoi Kusama, ideal for art enthusiasts.

Collection Quality: One of the most impressive collections of modern and contemporary art in the world.
Architectural Design: An iconic, doughnut-shaped building designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro.
Admission Price: General admission is free, but timed tickets are required.

A unique bookstore with multiple levels and rooms showcasing a wide selection of new, used, and rare books.

Book Selection: Thousands of books spanning various genres and topics.
Artistic Installations: Art installations throughout the store, making browsing a visual experience.
Location: Centrally located in downtown Los Angeles, easily accessible via public transportation.

An architectural and art marvel with a collection of European paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and photographs.

Collection Diversity: Showcases European art from the Middle Ages to the present.
Location and Views: Perched atop a hill, offering panoramic views of Los Angeles.
Admission Price: General admission is free, but parking costs $20.

A science museum featuring permanent and traveling exhibits, including the Space Shuttle Endeavour.

Space Shuttle Exhibit: The Space Shuttle Endeavour is on display, providing a unique opportunity to learn about space exploration.
Interactive Exhibits: Hands-on exhibits make learning enjoyable for visitors of all ages.
Location and Accessibility: Located near the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and easily accessible by public transportation.

A museum dedicated to natural history with exhibits on dinosaurs, mammals, marine life, and minerals.

Dinosaur Exhibits: Features a T. rex and numerous other dinosaur fossils.
Interactive Experiences: Hands-on exhibits encourage visitors to engage with the natural world.
Location and Accessibility: Located near the Exposition Park Metro Station, making it easily accessible by public transportation.

A large art museum with an extensive collection spanning ancient to contemporary works.

Collection Size: One of the largest art museums in the United States.
Architectural Design: Designed by renowned architects, including Peter Zumthor and William Pereira.
Location and Accessibility: Located in mid-city Los Angeles, near the La Brea Tar Pits and easily accessible via public transportation.

A museum dedicated to contemporary art with a focus on California artists.

California Focus: Emphasizes art created by Californian artists and reflects the state's unique cultural landscape.
Interactive Exhibits: Encourages visitors to engage with contemporary art in dynamic ways.
Location and Accessibility: Located in downtown Los Angeles, near the Grand Central Market and easily accessible via public transportation.

A museum dedicated to the history and impact of music, featuring interactive exhibits and memorabilia from iconic musicians.

Musical Artifacts: Displays a vast collection of musical instruments, costumes, and artifacts.
Interactive Experiences: Includes interactive exhibits that allow visitors to record their own music and learn about the industry.
Location and Accessibility: Located in downtown Los Angeles, near L.A. Live and easily accessible via public transportation.

An active fossil site showcasing the history of ice-age mammals in Los Angeles.

Ice Age History: Displays fossils of Ice Age animals, including saber-toothed cats and mastodons.
Interactive Experiences: Includes a Pit Area where visitors can observe active excavations.
Location and Accessibility: Located in mid-city Los Angeles, near LACMA and easily accessible via public transportation.

A museum dedicated to showcasing the contributions of African Americans in California and beyond.

Art and Artifacts: Features a wide variety of art, photographs, and artifacts that highlight African American history and culture.
Educational Programs: Offers educational programs for visitors of all ages to learn about African American history.
Location and Accessibility: Located in Exposition Park, near the Natural History Museum and easily accessible via public transportation.

An IMAX theater showcasing films about science, space, and the environment.

Large Screen Experience: Displays films on a massive IMAX screen for an immersive viewing experience.
Subject Matter: Focuses on science, space, and environmental topics to educate visitors.
Location and Accessibility: Located at the California Science Center, making it easily accessible during a visit to the museum.

An observatory showcasing space and astronomy exhibits, telescopes, and views of the city.

Space Education: Educates visitors about space, stars, planets, and the universe.
Telescopes: Offers telescopes for public use to observe the night sky.
Location and Accessibility: Located in Griffith Park, offering panoramic views of Los Angeles and easily accessible via public transportation.

A cultural center featuring exhibits on Jewish art and culture, as well as rotating contemporary art shows.

Jewish Art and Culture: Explores the rich history, traditions, and culture of Judaism.
Contemporary Art: Features rotating contemporary art exhibits that showcase a variety of mediums.
Location and Accessibility: Located in Bel Air, near the Getty Center and easily accessible via public transportation.

A photography museum showcasing contemporary and historical works, as well as exhibits on social issues.

Photography Collection: Features a collection of contemporary and historical photographs.
Social Issue Focus: Explores social issues through the lens of photography, encouraging dialogue and understanding.
Location and Accessibility: Located in Century City, near the Fox Studios and easily accessible via public transportation.