Top Spots for Plane Spotting at LAX: Share Your Tips!

Hey everyone! I'm planning a trip to Los Angeles and I want to make the most of my plane spotting time at LAX (Los Angeles International Airport). I've heard it's one of the best airports for spotting due to the variety of international and domestic traffic, but I'd love some tips from those who've been there.

I've read about Imperial Hill and the In-N-Out Burger on Sepulveda Blvd as popular spots, but are there any other hidden gems or lesser-known locations that offer great views? Also, what's the best time of day for lighting and traffic patterns? Any tips for navigating parking or public transportation to these spots would be appreciated as well.

Lastly, for those who are into photography, what kind of gear do you usually bring for spotting at LAX? I currently shoot with a Canon EOS 90D and have a 70-200mm lens, but I'm considering renting a longer lens for the trip.

Looking forward to your insights and can't wait to share some awesome shots with you all!

Imperial Hill and the In-N-Out on Sepulveda are great choices for spotting at LAX. Another excellent spot is the Clutter's Park area, which offers a slightly different perspective of the runways and terminals. For lighting, mornings are generally best on the north side, while afternoons are ideal for the south side. Your Canon EOS 90D with a 70-200mm lens is a solid start, but a longer lens like a 100-400mm could be beneficial, especially for shots of aircraft on the runways or at a distance. As for transportation, parking can be tricky, so using rideshare apps or public transport might save some hassle. Enjoy your trip and happy spotting!

One spot that's often overlooked is the Westchester Parkway, which offers an unobstructed view of arrivals on the north runways. For the best lighting, aim for early morning or late afternoon when the sun is lower and casts softer light, reducing harsh shadows and glare. Your Canon EOS 90D paired with a 70-200mm lens should suffice for most shots, but renting a longer lens like a 100-400mm could be beneficial for distant aircraft and more detailed shots. Parking near these spots can be tricky; consider using ride-share services to avoid the hassle. Enjoy your trip, and I look forward to seeing your photos!

If you're looking for a unique vantage point at LAX, try the Proud Bird restaurant. It has an aviation-themed setting and a patio that overlooks the south runways. It's not as well-known as Imperial Hill or the In-N-Out spot, but it offers a great view of aircraft on approach. As for your Canon EOS 90D, a 70-200mm lens is quite versatile, but if you want to capture more close-ups, renting a 100-400mm lens could be beneficial, especially for wide-body jets from afar. Morning and late afternoon lighting are ideal for capturing vibrant shots. Parking at Imperial Hill can be tricky, so arriving early is wise. For public transport, the Metro Green Line and a quick bus transfer can get you close to these spots. Enjoy your trip and happy spotting!

If you're considering renting a longer lens, it's a good idea, especially if you want to capture aircraft on final approach or detailed shots of aircraft on the taxiways. A 100-400mm lens could be a versatile option for spotting at LAX. The Canon EOS 90D should handle the longer focal lengths well.

Another lesser-known spot is Dockweiler Beach, located just to the west of the airport. It's a bit farther away, but you can catch amazing shots of aircraft departing over the ocean. For lighting, late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour lighting, especially for departures. As for transportation, parking can be challenging, so considering rideshare options might save you some hassle. Enjoy your trip!