Downey Travel Guide

Exploring Downey, a city located in Gateway Cities (Los Angeles County), Los Angeles, Southern California, United States of America. Learn about its cultural and natural attractions, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, what to buy, local customs, safety and health, transportation options, nearby destinations, and more.


Introduction to Downey

Located in the Gateway Cities region of Los Angeles County, California, Downey is a city with a population of over 111,000 people. It is best known for being the birthplace of the Apollo Space Program and home to many famous personalities such as Barbara Eden, Weird Al Yankovic, and Sally Kellerman. Downey offers visitors a mix of cultural and natural attractions, outdoor adventures, delicious food, and historic landmarks.

List of Places to Visit in Downey

No matter what you’re interested in, Downey has something for everyone. Here are some of the top places to visit in the city:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Columbia Memorial Space Center: This space museum is dedicated to the Apollo Space Program and the men and women who made it happen. Visitors can learn about space travel, the history of NASA, and explore various exhibits and artifacts.
  • Downey Museum of Art: The museum features a diverse collection of contemporary and traditional artworks by local and international artists.
  • Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site: This is the oldest surviving structure in the city of Long Beach. A National Historic Landmark, it is a great place to explore and learn about the history of the area.

Natural Attractions of Downey: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Furman Park: This park is perfect for a day-out with the family. There are playgrounds, a lake, and plenty of picnic spaces. Visitors can also enjoy a walk or jog on the jogging trails.
  • Wilderness Park: The park is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. It offers hiking trails, a pond for fishing, and various picnic areas.
  • Downey Farmers Market: Located on 2nd Street every Saturday, this is a place to find fresh produce, artisanal crafts, and other locally-made products.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Downey

Downey has some great options for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Here are some of the best trails in the city:

  • Rio San Gabriel Park Trail: A paved 2.5-mile trail perfect for biking or hiking. It offers scenic views of the river and plenty of picnic areas.
  • San Gabriel River Trail: A 38-mile long trail suitable for hiking and biking. Visitors can enjoy great views of the river and exercise in a peaceful environment.
  • South Gate Park Trail: A 1.8-mile paved trail great for walking, running, or biking. It offers beautiful views of landscaped parks and recreational facilities.

Best Things to Do in Downey: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of things to do and places to see in Downey. Here are some of the must-do activities:

  • Apollo 11 Monument: Visit the monument dedicated to the first moon landing and the crew that made it happen. The monument is located at the Downey Civic Center.
  • Downey Civic Theatre: Catch a live show or a classic movie at this historic theater in the heart of Downey. The theater hosts various events and is a popular spot for live performances.
  • Downey Symphony Orchestra: Attend a concert by the Downey Symphony Orchestra, a community-based orchestra that performs a variety of music genres.

Week-Long Itinerary for Downey

If you’re planning to spend a week in Downey, here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Visit the Columbia Memorial Space Center
2 Explore the Downey Museum of Art
3 Walk along the Rio San Gabriel Park Trail
4 Take a day trip to Santa Monica Beach
5 Visit the Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site
6 Take a bike ride along the San Gabriel River Trail
7 Enjoy a live performance at Downey Civic Theatre

Food and Drink Scene of Downey

Downey has a diverse culinary scene. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages in the city:

Must-Try Dishes

  • The Gaucho Grill: It serves some of the best Argentinean BBQ dishes in the city. Try the empanadas and chimichurri steak.
  • The Italian Bakery: This bakery offers fresh-baked bread, cakes, and other delicious Italian treats. Try the cannoli and tiramisu.
  • Z-Pizza Tap Room: This restaurant offers healthy and delicious pizza that can be customized to your liking. Try the Rustica pizza and the Greek salad.

Local Beverages

  • Downey Brewing Company: This microbrewery offers a variety of handcrafted beers. Try the Kush IPA and the Downey White.
  • The Proper way: This bar has an extensive cocktail menu and is known for its creative twists on classic cocktails. Try the Smoke and Mirrors and the Mary-Paige cocktail.

Where to Stay in Downey: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Downey offers a range of accommodation options for visitors. Here are some of the best places to stay in the city:

  • Embassy Suites by Hilton Los Angeles Downey: The hotel features spacious suites with separate living areas, a fitness center, and an indoor pool.
  • Downey Inn Luxury Suites: This hotel offers spacious rooms with jacuzzi suites, free Wi-Fi, and cable TV.
  • Days Inn by Wyndham Downey: The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, and free breakfast.

What to Buy in Downey: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some of the souvenirs and local products to bring home from Downey:

  • Downey Space Patch: A souvenir patch that commemorates Downey’s contribution to the Apollo Space Program.
  • Porto’s Bakery and Cafe: Bring home some Cuban pastries and bread from this bakery that first started in Downey.
  • Downey Farmers Market: Grab some fresh produce, artisanal crafts, and other locally-made products from the farmer’s market.

Local Culture and Customs of Downey

Downey is a diverse city with a mix of cultures and ethnicities. Visitors should be respectful of the local customs and traditions and keep in mind that it is a family-friendly city.

Best Time to Visit Downey

The best time to visit Downey is during the spring and fall when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are fewer. Summer can be hot, and winters can be rainy, so plan accordingly.

Do’s and Don’ts of Downey

Here are some of the things you should and shouldn’t do when visiting Downey:

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions.
  • Explore the city’s diverse culinary scene.
  • Visit the cultural and historical landmarks.

Don’t:

  • Be loud and disruptive in public places.
  • Litter or damage the natural parks and hiking trails.
  • Be disrespectful to the local residents.

Safety and Health

Here’s what you need to know about safety and health in Downey:

Safety in Downey

Downey is a generally safe city, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take standard safety precautions such as locking their cars and not leaving valuables in plain sight.

Health in Downey

Downey has several medical facilities, including the PIH Health Hospital - Downey and Kaiser Permanente Downey Medical Center. Visitors should ensure they have adequate health insurance coverage.

Getting to Downey: Transportation Options and Logistics

Here are some transportation options to get to Downey:

Airports Near Downey

  • Long Beach Airport (LGB) - 8.3 miles
  • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) - 16.4 miles
  • Bob Hope Airport (BUR) - 23.7 miles

Bus Stations Near Downey

  • Greyhound Bus Lines - 2.1 miles
  • Long Beach Transit - 3.5 miles
  • Metro Rail - 4.6 miles

Other Options

  • Taxis and ride-sharing apps, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the city.
  • Visitors can also rent a car from one of the many rental agencies in the city.

How to Get Around in Downey

Here are the best ways to get around Downey:

  • Walking: Downtown Downey is compact and walkable.
  • Public Transportation: The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) offers various bus and rail transit options in the city.
  • Ride-Sharing Apps: Uber and Lyft are available in Downey.
  • Car Rentals: Visitors can rent a car from one of the many rental agencies in the city.

Where to Go Next from Downey: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some of the nearby destinations and excursions from Downey:

  • The City of Los Angeles: Explore the iconic landmarks and attractions of the City of Angels, including the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Griffith Observatory.
  • Long Beach: Visit the Aquarium of the Pacific, explore the historic Queen Mary, or spend a day at the beach.
  • Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park: Spend a day at these popular theme parks located in nearby Anaheim.

Conclusion

Downey is a great city to explore with its cultural and natural attractions, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, historical landmarks, and nearby destinations. Whether you’re planning a short stay or a week-long vacation, Downey has something to offer to everyone.

The oldest existing McDonalds is found in Downey. The oldest existing McDonalds is found in Downey.