The 14 Best Day Trips from Downey

How far each place is, what to see there, and a plan for the day.

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There are 14 good day trips from Downey, United States, led by Los Angeles, Anaheim, Santa Ana. The closest is Los Angeles, about 25 min by car, and 7 of them fit into half a day. Below: drive times, distances, what to see, and a sample day plan.

Built from 14 nearby places, with sights from real traveler trips, on Packy AI. Last updated November 2026 by the Packy AI Travel Team.

Day trips from Downey

  1. 1

    Los Angeles, United States

    Half-day trip
    About 25 min by car16 km north-west of Downey

    Known for Hollywood Sign.

  2. 2

    Anaheim, United States

    Half-day trip
    About 35 min by car23 km south-east of Downey
  3. 3

    Santa Ana, United States

    Half-day trip
    About 40 min by car33 km south-east of Downey
  4. 4

    San Bernardino, United States

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 15 min by car80 km east of Downey
  5. 5

    Oxnard, United States

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 35 min by car100 km west of Downey
  6. 6

    Moreno Valley, United States

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 20 min by car83 km east of Downey
  7. 7

    Huntington Beach, United States

    Half-day trip
    About 40 min by car33 km south of Downey
  8. 8

    Santa Clarita, United States

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 15 min by car63 km north-west of Downey
  9. 9

    Rancho Cucamonga, United States

    Half-day trip
    About 1 hr by car53 km east of Downey
  10. 10

    Escondido, United States

    Full-day trip
    About 2 hr 5 min by car133 km south-east of Downey
  11. 11

    Torrance, United States

    Half-day trip
    About 35 min by car22 km south-west of Downey
  12. 12

    Van Nuys, United States

    Half-day trip
    About 45 min by car40 km north-west of Downey
  13. 13

    Thousand Oaks, United States

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 20 min by car70 km west of Downey
  14. 14

    Simi Valley, United States

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 20 min by car70 km north-west of Downey

A sample day: Downey to Los Angeles

  1. 08:30Leave Downey
  2. 08:55Arrive in Los Angeles (25 min drive)
  3. 09:10Hollywood Sign
  4. 11:10Lunch
  5. 12:25Explore the old town, markets and cafes of Los Angeles
  6. 14:55Head back to Downey
  7. 15:20Home in Downey

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

What are the best day trips from Downey?
The best day trips from Downey are Los Angeles, Anaheim, Santa Ana, San Bernardino, Oxnard. The closest is Los Angeles, about 25 min away by car.
What is the closest day trip from Downey?
Los Angeles is the closest, 16 km north-west of Downey, roughly 25 min by car. Best as a half-day trip.
Where can I go within an hour of Downey?
7 places are within about an hour's drive of Downey: Los Angeles (25 min), Torrance (35 min), Anaheim (35 min), Santa Ana (40 min), Huntington Beach (40 min), Van Nuys (45 min).
Where can I go for a weekend from Downey?
For a weekend away from Downey, pick the places far enough to be worth a night: Escondido (133 km, 2 hr 5 min), Oxnard (100 km, 1 hr 35 min). Closer places on this list work better as a single day.
How far is too far for a day trip from Downey?
Up to about two hours each way keeps the day relaxed. The farthest place on this list is Escondido at 133 km, around 2 hr 5 min by car.

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