Whether it’s a 4-hour flight delay or overnight layover, travel is not always as seamless as one prefers. Instead of spending extra time in a noisy, overcrowded terminal, filled with overpriced eateries, why not go parasailing, bar hopping, or enjoy waterfront dinning? Located just four miles north of LAX and less than a mile from the popular attractions of Venice Beach and Santa Monica, Marina del Rey is considered a best kept secret amongst Los Angeles’ popular Westside neighborhoods.

5 Ways to Love LAX Layovers:

•             Picnic in the Park

Burton W. Chace Park is a popular, 10-acre park surrounded on three sides by water and offers magnificent boat and ocean vistas. Surrounded by the Pacific ocean, Burton W. Chace Park is filled with lush lawn and trees has been popular among Hollywood folks including Fox’s hit TV show The O.C. Burton Chace Park offers picnic tables, shelters, and lots of green grass to stretch out on. Come enjoy the beautiful ocean scenery and Southern California weather – it’s much better than the International Terminal.

•             Stroll through Fisherman’s Village

Want to impress your Facebook friends? Swing by Fisherman’s Village to capture a new profile pic. A 1970s’ era replica of a New England seaport and fishing town, Fisherman’s Village features brightly painted wooden buildings, a waterfront promenade, a lighthouse, water fountain and commercial boat docks. The unique setting serves as the perfect backdrop for many photo shoots and was regularly featured on Fox’s hit show- Arrested Development.

•             Salt Marsh and Dunes Interpretive Tour

Got a few hours until your next flight? Roll up your sleeves and explore the salt marsh and dunes on the free Salt Marsh and Dunes Interpretive Tour. Sponsored by the Friends of Ballona Wetlands, this free guided experience will tour the salt marsh, native plants and more than 200 species of birds that call Marina del Rey home. 1 p.m. – 3p.m.

•             Café del Rey

Ditch the terminal food. Grab a cab to experience the casually elegant Café del Rey (4451 Admiralty Way; 310-823-6395). This innovative California Mediterranean cuisine shines in a contemporary, open dining room with views of the harbor from just about every table. The restaurant’s Wine Spectator award-winning wine list offers more than 340 selections to go with cutting-edge dishes that change with the seasons, like truffle-topped thin crusted pizzas, a salad of frisée with banyuls vinegar topped with duck prosciutto and fresh fish flown in daily.

•             Marina del Rey Parasailing

Whether you are on your way home from a vacation or en route to begin one, don’t let your layover keep you from making memories you’ll never forget.  Marina del Rey Parasailing provides a fun and safe activity the entire family can enjoy.  Choose their “500 foot standard package” and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach Boardwalk. For the thrill seeker of the group pay $10 more and experience their“800 foot Magnum Flight package.” Flights can accommodate up to three people at a time. Reservations are accepted at 310-306-2222