Half a day in LA

Question

We have a long layover in LA in November. We have hired a car.

By the time we get the car, I think it will be around 8.30am. Our next flight is at 6pm, so we will aim to be at the airport for 3pm (2.30pm to return the car), so realistically we have around 6 hours.

We have been to LA before, so seen Bev Hills, walk of fame etc. we like Santa Monica and Venice Beach so will head there for breakfast - any recommendations? It will be a Friday.

Any suggestions for anything else we could do? 6 hours seems a long time to spend in SM.

Answer

With about six usable hours between leaving LAX and returning your rental car, you have just enough time to enjoy a relaxed morning in Santa Monica/Venice and then add one more activity without stressing about traffic or timing. Since you've already been to the Beverly Hills/Hollywood highlights, sticking to the coast is the smartest and most enjoyable option for a tight layover, especially on a Friday.

Breakfast options in Santa Monica and Venice are excellent—plenty of places open early, walkable, and perfect for a relaxed coastal morning.

Here are some recommended breakfast spots:

Urth Caffé (Santa Monica) – Great for pastries, omelets, coffee, and people-watching. Outdoor seating is ideal on a cool November morning.
Blue Daisy (Santa Monica) – A favorite for pancakes, Turkish-style eggs, and brunch classics. Very close to the beach.
Huckleberry Bakery & Café – Fresh pastries and excellent breakfast bowls; casual and delicious.
The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker (Sunset/Venice border) – A bit trendier; good if you want a more elevated brunch experience.
The Rose Venice – Iconic Venice choice with a huge menu, great coffee, and a fun atmosphere.

After breakfast, you’ll still have several hours, and Santa Monica alone may feel too long. Here are enjoyable, time-efficient things you can add nearby without risking heavy traffic or detours:

Walk or bike the Santa Monica–Venice path – Rent bikes on the beach and leisurely ride the flat, scenic path. This is an easy 1–2 hour activity and one of the best coastal experiences in LA.
Explore Abbot Kinney Boulevard – Venice’s boutique-shopping street, full of independent shops and cafés. Great for a stroll, window-shopping, or grabbing a drink before heading back.
Visit the Santa Monica Pier & Palisades Park – Quick, easy, and classic. Palisades Park offers peaceful ocean-view walking paths.
Drive to Malibu (optional) – If the weather is clear, a quick scenic drive up the PCH to Malibu (Carbon Beach or Malibu Pier area) is beautiful and relaxing. Just watch timing—traffic can slow heading back, so leave Malibu by around 12:45pm.
Visit the Getty Villa (Pacific Palisades) – Very close to the coast and usually uncrowded on weekday mornings. It’s beautiful and fits well into a half-day visit, but you need timed-entry tickets (free, but must be reserved). Allow about 90 minutes.

For your specific timing—arriving in Santa Monica around 9am, leaving the west side by 1pm—the easiest and least stressful plan is a mix of food, a relaxing walk, and possibly a quick scenic drive.

Here is an example schedule that works perfectly for a 6-hour layover: