PART MUSEUM, PART restaurant and bar, and all airplane-spotter heaven, The Proud Bird Food Bazaar and Events Center in Los Angeles is a must-stop for any avgeek. Just east of Runway 25L at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), The Proud Bird offers up close views of aircraft on short final for LAX's southern runways, six different food hall-style dining options, the Mile High bar, outdoor seating with firepits, a playground, and free onsite parking. The variety of high-quality food makes a visit worthwhile, but it is the view that makes this place special. Hear the engines whir, smell the burn of the tires after landing, and when the temperature is just right, see the curl of wingtip vortices while you watch everything from Cessna Caravans to cargo Boeing 747s touch down right in front of you. A particularly scenic time to visit is near sunset when the light changes and the marine layer rolls in, making the aircraft lined up on the approach look even more dramatic. Another fun time to visit is when there is a particularly low ceiling and you can watch aircraft break out of IMC just before touchdown.
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