LAX: A Family Travel Hub
Los Angeles International Airport is one of the best-connected airports in the western United States for families. With nonstop flights to beach destinations across Mexico, the Caribbean, Hawaii, and beyond, LAX offers options for every budget and trip length. Here are the top picks for families flying nonstop from LAX.
Domestic Destinations
San Diego (55m)
At under an hour, this is barely a flight — more like a bus ride with wings. San Diego's zoo, LEGOLAND, and Coronado Beach are enough for a full week — our San Diego family guide has the neighborhood-by-neighborhood detail. For a deep dive, check our San Diego vs Orlando comparison.
Kid-friendly things to do in San Diego
San Francisco (1h 25m)
The Exploratorium, Alcatraz ferry, cable cars, and Pier 39 sea lions are hits with kids of all ages. The weather is cooler than LA, so pack layers.
Kid-friendly things to do in San Francisco
Honolulu, Oahu (5h 45m)
Waikiki's gentle waves are perfect for toddler beach time. The Polynesian Cultural Center and snorkeling at Hanauma Bay round out a great family trip.
Kid-friendly things to do in Oahu
Maui (5h)
Slightly shorter than the Honolulu flight, Maui offers Ka'anapali Beach, whale watching (December through April), and the Maui Ocean Center. Our Maui destination guide covers everything families need to know, and the Maui toddler itinerary turns it into a week of days.
Kid-friendly things to do in Maui
Phoenix/Scottsdale (1h 15m)
Quick flight to desert warmth. Great Thanksgiving or winter break option with resort pools, hiking, and the OdySea Aquarium.
Kid-friendly things to do in Scottsdale
Seattle (2h 40m)
Pacific Science Center, ferry rides, Pike Place Market, and the Museum of Pop Culture. Kid-friendly food scene too.
Kid-friendly things to do in Seattle Our Seattle family guide
Orlando (4h 45m)
Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Kennedy Space Center in one trip, and our Orlando family guide sorts out where to base yourself between them. Our Disney World with toddler guide is essential reading before you go.
Kid-friendly things to do in Orlando
New York City (5h 15m)
Central Park playgrounds, the American Museum of Natural History, Times Square, and Broadway kids' shows. Best for ages 4 and up who can walk reasonable distances.
Kid-friendly things to do in New York City Our New York City family guide
International Destinations
Cancun (3h 45m)
An even shorter flight from LAX than from SFO. All-inclusive family resorts, Xcaret eco-park, and calm Caribbean beaches make it ideal. See our Cancun guide, or the day-by-day Cancun toddler itinerary.
Kid-friendly things to do in Cancun
Cabo San Lucas (2h 20m)
The quickest international beach escape from LAX. Perfect for a long weekend with older kids. Whale watching and desert scenery set it apart from Caribbean options. Compare it in our Cancun vs Cabo breakdown.
Kid-friendly things to do in Cabo Our Cabo family guide
Puerto Vallarta (3h 15m)
Bay of Banderas offers calmer water than Cabo, a walkable malecon, and affordable dining. Great for families wanting authentic Mexican culture mixed with beach time.
Kid-friendly things to do in Puerto Vallarta
Costa Rica (5h 30m)
Nonstop flights to Liberia (Guanacaste) put you near all-inclusive resorts and the Pacific coast. Monteverde cloud forest and Manuel Antonio National Park are bucket-list family experiences. Explore our Costa Rica family guide.
Kid-friendly things to do in Guanacaste Our Guanacaste family guide
London (10h 40m)
Free museums (Natural History Museum, Science Museum), Harry Potter experiences, and royal parks. The Tube is stroller-accessible at many stations. See our London vs Paris comparison.
Kid-friendly things to do in London Our London family guide
Tokyo (11h 30m)
Disneyland Tokyo, Senso-ji temple, Ueno Zoo, and bullet trains. Japan is remarkably child-friendly with changing stations everywhere and kids eat free at many restaurants.
Kid-friendly things to do in Tokyo Our Tokyo family guide
Fiji (10h 30m)
A surprisingly manageable overnight flight from LAX. Family resorts on Denarau Island offer kids' clubs, calm lagoons, and Fijian hospitality that goes out of its way for children.
Kid-friendly things to do in Fiji
Booking Tips for Families Flying from LAX
LAX terminal transfers with kids are stressful — try to book outbound and return on the same airline to avoid terminal changes. Use the LAXit lot for ride-share pickups and arrive early enough for the Tom Bradley International Terminal's play area if flying internationally. For domestic flights, Southwest Airlines from Terminal 1 offers family boarding between groups A and B. Most of these routes mean a stroller goes down the jetway, so if you are shopping before the trip, our travel stroller guide checks each model's folded size against the carry-on box the airlines publish. If a car seat is coming with you, our car seat on a plane checker settles whether it flies in the cabin or gets gate-checked.
