Welcome to the hometown of Richard and Karen Carpenter and the birthplace of the Apollo space program—no other than the city of Downey. It is situated in southeast Los Angeles County, California, United States, southeast of downtown Los Angeles and is considered part of the Gateway Cities. You can have some fun and enjoy an entire vacation in Downey, as it offers world-class attractions like space centers; there are also casinos, museums for learning, a variety of landmarks and recreation for everyone. Experience the fresh air doing outdoor activities and have the best meal ever in Downey’s best restaurants. If you are looking for fun, Downey, California may just ring your bell. You do not have to worry about where to go, as we have listed the fun things to do in Downey, California.
1. Learn about the city's past at Downey Historical Society
Downey Historical Society, located in Apollo Park, boasts documents and artifacts from the past of Downey and other neighborhoods in southeast Los Angeles County. Within, you will find items collected over 30 years and covering various subjects, including biography, architecture, native Americans, and more. Some of the pieces here include periodicals, pamphlets, books, postcards, newspapers from 1888 to 1917, and photographs dating back to 1870. The museum also features many records such as birth, cemetery, and school account books.
Downey Historical Society
Address: 12540 Rives Ave, Downey, CA 90242, United States
Website: Downey Historical Society
2. Play rounds of golf at Los Amigos Golf Course
Los Amigos Golf Course is a championship course situated in a tree-lined, park-like environment. The venue has been welcoming beginner and professional golfers since 1966. It boasts 18 holes, par-71, various bunkers, and two lakes for challenging rounds. The place also features a practice ground, highlighting two sizable putting spots, two practice pitching areas, and a driving range to perfect your skills. The establishment can also host your special events such as weddings in any of its three event spaces, and there’s a casual eatery on site.
Los Amigos Golf Course
Address: 7295 Quill Dr, Downey, CA 90242, United States
Website: Los Amigos Golf Course
Opening hours: 6am - 5pm (daily)
3. Fish at Wilderness Park
Enjoy various recreational activities in this quaint park, highlighting two lakes and many greasy spots with barbecues for picnicking. You can have fun with the ball diamonds facilities, or if you have kids, watch them play in the well-equipped playground. Fishing is allowed in the ponds, featuring catfish during summer and trout from winter to spring. However, you should acquaint yourself with the fishing regulations on their official website before heading out for angling. You can also host your special events like birthdays on site.
Wilderness Park
Address: 10999 Little Lake Rd, Downey, CA 90241, United States
Website: Wilderness Park
Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)
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4. Dance all night at Anarchy Library
The name “Anarchy Library” is metaphorical because the bar is literally governed and certainly not a library. Here, everything from the drinks to the crowd is fantastic, and you can have unlimited fun as long as you don’t attract the bouncers. Put on your dancing shoes and enjoy various music genres, including indie and reggae. The drinks are cheap, and every night from 8:30pm to 10:30pm is happy hour. Plus, the bartenders are skilled and will give you a great mix.
Anarchy Library
Address: 13250 Woodruff Ave, Downey, CA 90242, United States
Opening hours: 8:30pm - 2am (daily)
5. Play bowling at Del Rio Lanes
After a long day exploring the city, bowling at Del Rio Lanes can be the best way to pass the evening. The venue is suitable for all ages and offers affordable rates for daily bowling specials, bowling tournaments, and leagues. If you have a special event to celebrate, such as a birthday party, this center can make it a reality. Plus, it offers snacks such as sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers, and beverages to purchase for your convenience.
Del Rio Lanes
Address: 7502 Florence Ave, Downey, CA 90240, United States
Website: Del Rio Lanes
6. Enjoy best shopping deals at Stonewood Center
Enjoy great deals from big brands such as H&M, JCPenney, Kohl’s, and Macy’s in this family-oriented indoor shopping center, initially an open-air mall. The contemporary mall features 145 shops, including restaurants such as Olive Garden, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, and more in the food court area, serving light foods, Asian, and local delicacies. If you’re coming with the kids, there’s a play area for them to have fun.
Stonewood Center
Address: 251 Stonewood St, Downey, CA 90241, United States
Website: Stonewood Center
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 7pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 8am; Sun: 11am - 6pm
7. Treat your family to a superb viewing experience at Studio Movie Grill
Editor’s note: establishment is permanently closed
This upscale movie theater uses the latest technology to offer you a superb viewing experience. The venue highlights Q-SYS custom and Dolby 3D sound systems, high-end digital projections, and 1,000 opulent recliners spread out in 10 auditoriums. The cinema’s box office opens an hour before the first movie begins and 15 minutes after starting the last film for the night. You can order some delicious food from the American Grill menu from the comfort of your seat. What’s more, everything from reservation to food ordering can be done online.
Studio Movie Grill
Address: 8200 3rd St, Downey, CA 90241, United States
Website: Studio Movie Grill
8. Go on a space adventure at Columbia Memorial Space Center
Experience an out-of-this-world space adventure, only at Columbia Memorial Space Center. Downey is rich in history when it comes to aerospace. This is really an ideal place to learn while having fun. There are many amazing experiments to do, like the egg drop experiment and marshmallow catapult. There is also the Robotic center. This is really worth a visit and you will get value of your money too.
Columbia Memorial Space Center
Address: 12400 Columbia Way, Downey, CA 90242, USA
Website: Columbia Memorial Space Center
9. Have fun at Downey Theatre
If you are looking for fun and entertainment, the Downey Theatre is an impeccable place to be. This civic theatre is a 738 seat venue located in the heart of Downtown Downey. This aims to bring the best shows and enhance the cultural and economic growth within the community. The ambiance is stunningly warm. It is really top rated when it comes to performers, costumes, props and everything! Do not miss out on a visit to this theatre if you are in Downey.
Downey Theatre
Address: 8435 Firestone Blvd, Downey, California
Website: Downey Theatre
10. Tour Downey Museum of Art
Editor’s Note: Museum is permanently closed.
You will surely have some fun learning new things at the Downey Museum of Art. Unfold the rich history by going back in time, as you explore this amazing museum. There are many stunning art collections you can find here. Do not forget to bring your camera and have a fun time taking photos. The museum has exhibitions of mediums such as metal, fiber and ceramics as well as works by women, multi-cultural people and emerging artists.
Downey Museum of Art
Address: PO Box 626, Downey, California
Website: Downey Museum of Art
11. Relax at Massage Envy - Downey
Treat yourself and have fun pampering yourself at Massage Envy - Downey. This spa is the best in terms of facials and massages, as they are committed to total body care. Enjoy the comfort of professional, affordable and convenient massages and facials. The therapists are very knowledgeable in their craft and will explain to you in detail everything about skin care.
Massage Envy - Downey
Address: 12052 Lakewood Boulevard, Downey, California
Website: Massage Envy - Downey
12. Dig in at Bob's Big Boy Broiler, Downey, California
If you are looking for the best burger in town, Bob’s Big Boy Broiler, Downey, California is the one you are looking for! This place offers not just their best selling burgers, but many varieties of food. They offer fast and quality service; the staff is really helpful and nice. The retro atmosphere is really comfortable and they also have free WiFi. There are also special events you can join at this restaurant.
Bob's Big Boy Broiler, Downey, California
Address: 7447 Firestone Blvd Downey, California
13. Feast at Lock & Key Social Drinkery + Kitchen
After a tiring day taking a tour downtown, you will surely want to have some fun. Looking for a place where you can satisfy your hunger and replenish your energy? Come and visit the Lock & Key Social Drinkery + Kitchen. The variety of food they offer is very delicious and presented well. The staff is also really nice and will give you the best service ever. This is also a great place to celebrate special occasions.
Lock & Key Social Drinkery + Kitchen
Address: 11033 Downey Ave, Downey, California
Website: Lock & Key Social Drinkery + Kitchen
14. Hang out at Godtti's
Looking for a fun place to unwind? Godtti’s is a cool place to be. This place is perfect to have some really good food and drinks and a good dance. The atmosphere is very trendy and you’ll have enough space to bust a move. The people are lively and this is the best place for you to meet some new friends to share the fun night with.
Godtti's
Address: 7931 Firestone Blvd, Downey, California
Website: Godtti’s
15. Taste the sweet life at Tropicana Bakery and Cuban Cafe
Comfort food for everyone, where sweetness is the taste. Tropicana Bakery and Cuban Cafe offers a delicious variety of food and mouthwatering pastries. This place is perfect to celebrate special occasions. The service is excellent; the foods are properly and neatly presented. This place will really satisfy your tummy in the best way!
Tropicana Bakery and Cuban Cafe
Address: 10218 Paramount Blvd, Downey, California
Website: Tropicana Bakery and Cuban Cafe
Downey, California: where fun is a promise!
Downey is not just your typical place for learning. This town is the best if you are looking for fun and adventure. Book an Airbnb and come here to experience the good sunny weather, friendly people and a variety of leisure places to visit and relax. Choose Downey: a promise of fun for all ages!