Have a couple of hours before your flight? The four places of worship where to do 'plane spotting' around LAX

On the 'hill' that runs along the south side of the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) there are the 'pros': those equipped with zoom cameras that look like cannons. And there are also the 'Aviation Video Live' youtubers, who stream (complete with commentary) takeoffs and landings from the busiest of U.S. West Coast airports.

The 'location' at the corner of East Imperial Avenue and Sheldon Street (indicated by the number '1' in the map above), in the municipal territory of El Segundo, is one of the 'cult' spots for watching the nearly continuous takeoffs and landings that occur on LAX's four runways, two to the south and two to the north of the passenger terminal complex.

Here, in what has been renamed the Jim Clutter Park named after an El Segundo city councilman in office in the late 1980s and early 1990s, there can be as many as 50 photographers or mere onlookers between the ages of 5 and 80 at the same time on Sunday.

The easiest way to get there, perhaps spending those two or three hours between leaving the hotel and departing the flight in a fun and somewhat different way, is by car: rental, cab, or Uber whatever.

Then, if in addition to this, you want to do A real tour around the airport, renting is undoubtedly the most convenient option, assuming you know your way around LAX a bit. Where the most famous place (perhaps to the world, along with the Caribbean island beach of St. Maarten, which is within 'hair's breadth' of the runway beginning at Queen Beatrix International) in which to watch the landings is the little park (indicated by the number '2' on the map) that stands just across the street from the Inn 'N Out Burger at the corner of Sepulveda Boulevard and Lincoln Boulevard in the Westchester municipal area.

There planes pass at an altitude of less than one hundred meters. And when on runway 24R lands one of the A380s flying over LAX (whether they are from Asiana, Korean Air, British Airways, or Lufthansa), the impression is that of being literally swept away. The planes are so low that a few seconds after the aircraft passes over, there is a mini-storm of wind caused by the 'air trail' moved just above by the airplane.

While you're there, you can take the opportunity to get burgers and fries at the most famous and busiest fast food restaurant in Los Angeles.

But if you are a foodie (and with the 'ball' of airplanes) the top address is the Proudbird (indicated by the number '3' in the map), a brewery-restaurant located on the opposite side of the runways from the In 'N Out Burger, just before the landing point on runway 25L. It is located, exactly, at the corner of Aviation Boulevard (a most appropriate name) and West 111th Street, formerly in Los Angeles City Hall.

It offers fabulous burgers and fries, as well as hot dogs, soups, pizza, tacos, steaks, and dozens of beer brands. It has large windows, but the best view of incoming aircraft on runway 25L is from the front yard, where some vintage military aircraft (including a Bell X-1) can also be found.

Sitting on a beautiful sunny California day at one of the picnic tables enjoying a burger and a beer and following the continuous sequence of landings (perhaps even watching where they come from on Flightradar24 by connecting to the venue's wifi) is priceless.

The fourth and final place of worship for aircraft enthusiasts (indicated on the map by the number '4') is somewhat more hidden and 'top secret': To reach it, one has to drive along Pershing Drive, which is the four-lane road that runs along the entire western perimeter of LAX, the ocean-side one, to be clear. And, having arrived more or less halfway along its length, turn into World Way West, which is also the address of LAWA (Los Angeles World Airports) the company that operates the airport.

At a certain point, the boulevard narrows, becoming two lanes. One must Continue straight ahead again until the road turns left and then ends. You would not be able to park there (although the space is there), but if you stop for a few minutes (perhaps on a Sunday, when the place is practically deserted) and stand near the car, no one will say anything to you (or, at least, that's how it worked out for me), not even the police patrols who guard the airport fence and who also pass by that spot from time to time.

There you will be located about 200 meters from the Tom Bradley International Terminal satellite, The one dedicated to international companies, With an excellent view of aircraft docked at the gates.

But more importantly, just a few dozen meters from the taxiway that all aircraft (except A380s and Boeing 747s, which have too large a wingspan) use to travel from the north side of the airport to the south side (and vice versa). Sight and roar of engines are pure adrenaline.