Downey, California

Downey is a city located in Southeast LA, California. The city once hosted a large military aircraft manufacturing plant during World War II known as Vultee Aircraft. This is where the Apollo Space Program and Space Shuttle were first conceptualized, until it was shut down in 1999, after nearly 70 years. Downey is also home to one of the oldest remaining Macdonald`s restaurant, which is actually listed on the National Trust for the most endangered historic places. Downey is a great tourist destination, which will definitely guarantee all visitors a peaceful and relaxing vacation. There are too many things to explore in this city, whether you are here for a quiet RV vacation or to enjoy the city`s wild side. Come and check out this awesome city in an RV rental Downey CA! 

Popular Tourist Attractions 

Oldest McDonald's Restaurant

This is considered one of the oldest Macdonald`s restaurant of its time, since it was the first restaurant opened by the franchise, and the only one still remaining among the four. This Macdonald`s was opened in 1953, and is now a tourist attraction. It still has the original Golden Arches that are synonymous with the Macdonald’s chain. In 1994, it was shut down due to poor sales and partial damage from the Northridge Earthquake but due to public demand it was later re-opened and up until now it is still operational and is listed on the National Trust for the most endangered historic places. The restaurant maintains a classic feel, and the employees wear 50`s style uniforms. This is a must-see tourist attraction for anyone visiting in any RV rentals near Downey!

Rives Mansion

This mansion belonged to a man known as James C.Rives, whose story is quite inspiring. James moved to LA in the 1860`s from Georgia with his family at a very tender age. While he was 14 years old, he had to drop out of school after his father died, in order to support his family. He started a printing business during his teens, and by the age of 21 he owned the Downey Weekly Review Newspaper. He used part of what he was earning from publishing the newspaper to go to Law school, and by the age of 23 he finished his studies and joined the bar. He served as a District attorney for a few years, ultimately being inducted as a judge in the Supreme Court where he served for many years. Rives played a central role in the growth and development of Downey, and there is now an avenue in Downey which is named after him, thus immortalizing his memory. Rives mansion is one of the historical landmarks in the area, and is listed under National register of historical sites.

The Carpenter’s Collection

If you are a huge fan and Karen and Richard Carpenter, you can find a huge collection of their CDs, books, songbooks, albums, videocassettes, a fan club newsletter series, and publicity materials at the Downey city library. The Carpenters were a very successful duo, and they went on to win 3 Grammy awards. Karen Carpenter died in 1983, but Richard Carpenter continues to be involved in various spheres in the music industry.

Campgrounds Near Downey

Fairplex KOA RV Park

This park provides a safe and peaceful camping environment, at the backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains. The Fairplex KOA RV Park was made for RV rentals in Downey CA!

Campground Amenities:

RV hookups

WI-FI

185 full hookup sites

Additional Amenities:

Club house and recreational room

Pool & spa

A mini-market (for RV supplies)

Laundry

Huntington RV Resort

This is a great camping site for seasonal campers, since it offers 2 year round and one seasonal RV campground. The most enticing thing about this resort is based on the fact that guests can park their RV at the beach, and wake up in the morning to the sound of the waves. It is the perfect destination for surf fishing.

Campground Amenities:

Clubhouse

Pool 

No tent camping is allowed in this resort

Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina

This is yet another great campground if you are visiting Downey and its environs. It is a great campground if you prefer a campground with waterfront access, and a beach.

Campground Amenities:

8 Pull-thrus (24×80)

286 full hookups

30 & 50 Amp

4 paved sites

90 seasonal RV camping sites

RV supplies

RV storage

Paved interior roads

Events

Halloween

This is a fun event that incorporates pet & costume contests, Carnival games and Halloween Glow Walk. Participants stand an opportunity to win great prizes, since the festival has a costume jury who select the best costumes at the event. The event also features lots of fun games and activities for kids, to ensure that kids are not left out while adults are having fun. This is the ultimate family event if you happen to be around Downey on Halloween.

Make Music Downey

This is yet another great event that occurs in June every year in Downey. The festival is meant to celebrate music, and invites bands from all over the world. It incorporates various music genres, to ensure that no one is left out from the fun.

Downey`s Farmers Market

It goes down every Saturday, and offers people the opportunity to sample California-grown products.

Downey is a great city if you want to have wild fun in the city entertainment establishments, and later on retreat to a quiet and peace environment on your RV at a resort or park of your choice. Downey is without a doubt California’s best kept secret.

Safe travels from everyone here at RVshare!