Overview
Downey is a city of 111,000 in the Gateway Cities of Los Angeles.
4 sights · 5 things to do · 2 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 4 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Downey
World's Oldest McDonald's
This is the oldest standing McDonald's fast food store. A portion of the store is a museum. The original 60-foot-high sign is also still standing. Both are listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
Downey History Center
Close to You and Only Just Begun
Karen and Richard Carpenter used to own these two apartment buildings across from each other.
Columbia Memorial Space Center
Space museum with a Lego robotics lab.
Downey Theatre
Downey Symphony
The symphony presents three concerts each season and also performs a few wind instrument concerts in nearby Furman Park.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Jan–Dec. Summer highs reach about 85°F; winter lows dip to about 45°F. Wettest: Jan and Feb. (climate data from nearby Lakewood)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- LGB Long Beach International Airport, Long Beach — 9 mi away (major hub). Directions
- HHR Jack Northrop Field Hawthorne Municipal Airport, Hawthorne — 12 mi away. Directions
Downey is located at the intersection of Lakewood (CA-19) and Firestone (CA-42) Boulevards. The Stonewood Center (see "Buy" below) is on the northeast quadrant of the intersection.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $65–$90 a night (typical $85), from 4 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$110, mid-range ~$160, comfortable ~$260.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning World's Oldest McDonald's, Close to You and Only Just Begun, Downey Theatre
- Lunch Yogurtland
- Afternoon Downey Symphony, Cinemark
- Dinner Porto's Bakery and Cafe
- Evening The Anarchy Library
Day 2
- Morning Downey History Center
- Afternoon Los Amigos Golf Course
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By car
Downey is located at the intersection of Lakewood (CA-19) and Firestone (CA-42) Boulevards. The Stonewood Center (see "Buy" below) is on the northeast quadrant of the intersection.
By plane
The closest airport to Downey is the Long Beach Airport (LGB) 8.5 miles south on Lakewood Boulevard.
See
See World's Oldest McDonald's (Historic Speedee McDonald's)
This is the oldest standing McDonald's fast food store. A portion of the store is a museum. The original 60-foot-high sign is also still standing. Both are listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
See Close to You and Only Just Begun
Karen and Richard Carpenter used to own these two apartment buildings across from each other.
Do
Buy
Shop Downey Landing
Major retailers include: Best Buy, Old Navy, Marshall's, Bally Total Fitness, Bed, Bath & Beyond, DSW Shoe Warehouse, PetSmart, Pier 1 Imports, Ross Dress for Less, Staples, and Verizon Wireless.
Eat
Eat Porto's Bakery and Cafe
The long lines say it all. This family business has been booming and expanding. People would drive to Glendale from Downey before, but no longer, now they just wait in the line, smell and see all the goodies while they wait.
Eat Yogurtland
Outpost of a local chain offering self-serve frozen yogurt & toppings in a modern yet casual space
Drink
Drink The Anarchy Library
At one time was a venue for the local and nation punk scene.
Sleep
Go next
Disneyland, Hollywood, and the Beaches are all under a 1 hour drive without traffic.
Nearby
Santa Fe Springs
City / town · 2 listings · 3 mi away
Pico Rivera
City / town · 11 listings · 4 mi away
Norwalk
City / town · 10 listings · 4 mi away
Lynwood
City / town · 1 listings · 4 mi away
Bellflower
City / town · 11 listings · 4 mi away
City of Commerce
City / town · 5 listings · 4 mi away
Artesia
City / town · 12 listings · 6 mi away
Lakewood
City / town · 15 listings · 6 mi away
My experience
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