Irvine City Hall

Get out of town

Day trips from Downey

20 nearby parks, towns and places to explore, ordered by straight-line distance.

Christmas for Sleeping Beauty Castle, DisneylandThings to do

Disneyland

15 miles southeast · straight-line distanceAbout 20 min by car (19 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

American theme park in California owned by The Walt Disney Company.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Things to do

La Brea Tar Pits

15 miles northwest · straight-line distanceAbout 30 min by car (21 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

Protected area.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Things to do

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

15 miles northwest · straight-line distanceAbout 30 min by car (21 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

Art museum in Los Angeles, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Outdoors

Cabrillo Beach

18 miles southwest · straight-line distanceAbout 35 min by car (24 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

Public beach in San Pedro, Los Angeles, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Costa Mesa 01 Photo Don Ramey LoganTown

Costa Mesa

23 miles southeast · straight-line distanceAbout 35 min by car (27 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

City in Orange County, California, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

L.A. County Fair at Dusk, PomonaTown

Pomona

23 miles east · straight-line distanceAbout 35 min by car (30 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

City in Los Angeles County, California, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

State park

Chino Hills State Park

25 miles east · straight-line distance

State park in Southern California, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Irvine City HallTown

Irvine

26 miles southeast · straight-line distanceAbout 35 min by car (31 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

City in Orange County, California, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

The City of Newport Beach July 2014 photo Don Ramey LoganTown

Newport Beach

26 miles southeast · straight-line distanceAbout 40 min by car (33 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

City in Orange County, California, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Claremont City Hall from southeastTown

Claremont

26 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 40 min by car (33 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

City on the eastern edge of Los Angeles County, California, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Crystal Cove State Park photo Don Ramey LoganState park

Crystal Cove State Park

30 miles southeast · straight-line distance

State park on the coast of California, USA.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

State park

Malibu Creek State Park

35 miles west · straight-line distance

State park of California, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Mount Baldy Ski LiftsSki area

Mount Baldy Ski Lifts

37 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 5 min by car (48 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

Ski resort in Southern California.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Outdoors

Bonita Falls

41 miles northeast · straight-line distance

Waterfalls on Bonita Creek in San Bernardino County, California.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Little Gibraltar Catalina Island, Santa Catalina IslandOutdoors

Santa Catalina Island

42 miles southwest · straight-line distance

Island in Los Angeles County, California, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Snow Valley CA 2010, Snow Valley Mountain ResortSki area

Snow Valley Mountain Resort

66 miles east · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 40 min by car (86 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

Ski resort in Running Springs, California, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Black's Beach, La Jolla, San Diego, CaliforniaOutdoors

Black's Beach

88 miles southeast · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 40 min by car (100 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)

Beach in San Diego County, California, United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Channel Islands National ParkNational park site

Channel Islands National Park

89 miles west · straight-line distance

National park of the United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

2009 0726 CA National Chavez Center, Cesar E. Chavez National MonumentNational park site

Cesar E. Chavez National Monument

92 miles north · straight-line distance

U.S. National Monument in Keene, Kern County, California.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Joshua Tree National ParkNational park site

Joshua Tree National Park

128 miles east · straight-line distance

National park of the United States.

Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.

Driving times are typical estimates from the city center without live traffic, Powered by Geoapify · © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Distances are measured in a straight line from the city, not by road. Some older drive-time estimates have no reliable date and do not reflect current traffic; routes to large parks or waterfronts may vary. Check the destination entrance before leaving. Place descriptions come from Wikidata. Photo credits include capture dates when available; photos may not show current conditions.

Outdoor places near Downey

40 recreation areas and campgrounds within 88 miles, from Recreation.gov. Filter by what you want to do.

Recreation area

Whittier Narrows Dam

8 miles northeast · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers

This project is managed by Los Angeles County Parks and the City of Pico Rivera. Whittier Narrows has no permanent pool.

BikingBoatingHorseback ridingPicnickingWater sportsWildlife viewing

Recreation area

Brea Dam

13 miles east · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers

The recreation facilities at this project are managed by the City of Fullerton (CA) Community Services. Golf and tennis are main attractions at this project, located among the picturesque rolling hills in the City of Fullerton.

BikingHikingHorseback ridingHotel/Lodge/Resort Privately OwnedPicnicking

Recreation area

Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge

14 miles south · straight-line distanceFish and Wildlife Service

Established in 1972, Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge is managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to protect vital coastal habitats for rare and endangered species.

Ranger programs

Recreation area

Angeles National Forest

15 miles north · straight-line distanceUSDA Forest Service

BikingCampingFire Lookouts/Cabins OvernightHikingHorse CampingHorseback ridingOff-highway vehiclesPicnicking

Recreation area

Fullerton Dam

15 miles east · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers

Managed by Orange County, CA, there are facilities fishing, picnics, nature exhibits, handball and field sports. No permanent pool.

PicnickingWildlife viewing

Recreation area

Santa Fe Dam

15 miles northeast · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers

Facilities at Santa Fe are operated by Los Angeles County Parks. Swimming, fishing, non-power boating, hiking and picnicking are available. Of interest are the five distinct biological communities within the area.

BoatingFishingPicnickingWater sportsWildlife viewing

Recreation area

Carbon Canyon Dam

17 miles east · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers

Managed by Orange County, there is no permanent pool, but varied facilities such as fishing, picnic areas, a nature trail, and tennis. The site of the historic oil boom town of Olinda. Adjoins Chino Hills State Park.

FishingHikingPicnickingWildlife viewing

Recreation area

Sepulveda Dam

25 miles northwest · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers

The Sepulveda Dam's recreation facilities are managed by the City of Los Angeles Parks.

BikingBoatingPicnickingWater sportsWildlife viewing

Recreation area

Hansen Dam

26 miles northwest · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers

The City of Los Angeles manages the extensive day-use facilities, including golf and riding stables, are available at this site in the San Fernando Valley.

BoatingHikingHorseback ridingPicnickingWater sportsWildlife viewing

Campground

Coulter Group Campground

27 miles north · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 15 min by car (59 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Nestled within the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, Coulter Group Campground offers a secluded forest setting ideal for family reunions, youth groups, scout troops, and other organized gatherings.

BikingCampingHiking

Campground

Meadow Group Campground

27 miles north · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 15 min by car (59 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Meadow Group Campground is located off State Highway 2 between the Manzanita Loop of the Chilao Campground and the Chilao Ranger Station, 26 miles north of the 210 Freeway in La Canada, California.

BikingBirdingCampingHikingRanger programsWildlife viewing

Recreation area

Prado Dam

28 miles east · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers

This San Bernardino County Parks managed area is an oasis within one of the fastest growing areas of Southern California. Riverside County and the City of Corona also provide recreation facilities.

BoatingCampingHorseback ridingPicnickingWater sportsWildlife viewing

Campground

Bandido Group Campground

29 miles north · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 25 min by car (64 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Located along Santa Clara Divide Road in the Angeles National Forest, Bandido Group Campground sits among fragrant Jeffrey pines in the upper montane zone of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument.

BikingCampingHikingHorseback ridingMountain Biking

Campground

Coldbrook Campground

29 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr by car (40 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Coldbrook Campground offers 22 shaded campsites* at the intersection of Coldbrook and Soldier Creeks that are open year round.

CampingPicnickingRecreational Vehicles

Campground

Lightning Point Group Campground

30 miles north · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 50 min by car (58 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Lightning Point Campground sits at an elevation of 6,100 feet, about 25 miles southeast of Palmdale and roughly 35 miles north of the San Fernando Valley.

BirdingCampingHikingHorse CampingHorseback ridingMountain Biking

Campground

Crystal Lake

32 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 15 min by car (48 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Crystal Lake is open, however, campsites are no longer available for reservation on Recreation.gov. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

CampingFishingHiking

Campground

Deer Group Camp

32 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 20 min by car (50 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Deer Group Campground is a great place to bring an extended family or large group.

BikingBoatingCampingFishingHikingSwimmingWater sports

Campground

Jackson Flats

35 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 35 min by car (79 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Jackson Flats is a group camping facility located next to beautiful Grassy Hollow Visitor Center, which holds numerous nature programs, hikes and activities on Saturdays during the summer.

BirdingCampingHiking

Campground

Southfork Campground

36 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 55 min by car (78 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

At a Glance: 4,500-foot elevation 21 sites RV's up to 16' No water Vault toilets Campsites are first-come, first-served What to Expect South Fork Campground on the backside of the San Gabriel Mountains is a hidden gem in the Mojave Desert.

CampingPicnicking

Campground

Sycamore Flat Campground

37 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 45 min by car (76 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Sycamore Flat Campground is a small, developed campground located in the Big Rock Creek Recreation Area of the Angeles National Forest.

BirdingCampingPhotographyScenic DriveWater Access

Recreation area

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

38 miles west · straight-line distanceNational Park Service

The Santa Monica Mountains offer easy access to surprisingly wild places. Experience the famous beaches of Malibu or explore more than 500 miles of trails.

BikingCampingClimbingHikingHorseback riding

Campground

Appletree Campground

39 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 30 min by car (82 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Nestled in a scenic canyon just off the Big Pines Highway, Apple Tree provides a scenic and relaxing destination for camping, hiking, picnicking and wildlife viewing.

BikingCampingHikingMountain Biking

Campground

Lake Campground

39 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 35 min by car (82 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Lake Campground offers an excellent escape from the city, just a short drive northeast of the Los Angeles metro area.

BikingCampingHikingMountain Biking

Campground

Mountain Oak

39 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 35 min by car (83 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Escape to Mountain Oak Campground in the Angeles National Forest for a restful, refreshing getaway from city life.

BikingBirdingBoatingCampingCanoeingFishingHikingMountain Biking

Campground

Peavine Campground

39 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 35 min by car (82 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Just northwest of the Los Angeles metro area, Peavine provides a scenic and relaxing destination for camping, hiking, picnicking and wildlife viewing.

BikingCampingHikingMountain Biking

Campground

Peavine Campground

39 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 35 min by car (82 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

6.100-foot elevation. 4 tent sites. No water. Vault toilets. Adventure Pass required for vehicles parked at campground. First come - first served. Usually inaccessable during the winter months. The area has heavy use during snow play.

CampingPicnicking

Campground

Table Mountain (Angeles)

40 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 30 min by car (81 road miles, checked October 2026)USDA Forest Service

Table Mountain, just a short journey northwest of the Los Angeles metro area, provides a beautiful escape from urban life. Campers will find hiking, mountain biking, birding and countless other recreation opportunities.

BikingCampingHikingMountain BikingScenic DriveWildlife viewing

Recreation area

San Bernardino National Forest

51 miles east · straight-line distanceUSDA Forest Service

BikingCampingClimbingFishingHikingHorse CampingHorseback ridingHunting

Recreation area

Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail

52 miles east · straight-line distanceNational Park Service

The Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail covers over 1200 miles through the homelands of 70+ Tribal communities. It follows the historic route of the 1775-76 Spanish colonizing expedition from Sonora, Mexico to San Francisco, CA.

HikingHistoryHorseback riding

Recreation area

Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge

54 miles northwest · straight-line distanceFish and Wildlife Service

A high mountain valley encircled by deep canyons, steep ridgelines, and rocky pinnacles, Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge is the gateway into California condor country.

Ranger programs

Recreation area

El Mirage OHV Area

58 miles northeast · straight-line distanceBureau of Land Management

Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.

BikingCampingHikingOff-highway vehicles

Recreation area

Mojave River Dam

58 miles northeast · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers

San Bernardino County Parks manages this project in the high desert wilderness at the foot of the San Bernardino Mountains. No permanent pool, but camping and picnicking facilities are available. Access to the Pacific Crest Trail.

Hiking

Recreation area

Juniper Flats

63 miles northeast · straight-line distanceBureau of Land Management

Juniper Flats covers 101,272 acres of mixed public and private lands. Located between the Mojave Desert and the forests of the San Bernardino Mountains, Juniper Flats hosts a unique mixture of plants from both environments.

BikingCampingHikingHorseback ridingHuntingNature educationOff-highway vehiclesPhotography

Recreation area

Agua Tibia Wilderness

75 miles southeast · straight-line distanceBureau of Land Management

The Agua Tibia Wilderness now contains a total of 17,979 acres and is managed by the BLM's Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office and the Forest Service. All of the Wilderness is in the state of California.

Wilderness

Recreation area

Lake Casitas

76 miles northwest · straight-line distanceBureau of Reclamation

Lake Casitas is formed by Casitas Dam , which is a feature of the Ventura Project . Lake Casitas Recreation Area offers one of the nations best bass fishing areas.

BikingBoatingCampingFishingHikingNature educationPicnickingRanger programs

Recreation area

Sawtooth Mountains Wilderness

83 miles northeast · straight-line distanceBureau of Land Management

The Sawtooth Mountains Wilderness now contains a total of 33,610 acres and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. All of the Wilderness is in the state of California.

CampingHikingHuntingPhotographyWildernessWildlife viewing

Recreation area

San Gorgonio Wilderness

87 miles east · straight-line distanceBureau of Land Management

This wilderness is part of the eastern slope of the San Bernardino Mountains with topography rapidly changing from low, rolling foothills and canyons to steep, rugged mountains. Elevations range from 2,300 to 5,500 feet.

CampingHikingHorseback ridingHuntingPhotographyWildernessWildlife viewing

Recreation area

Sand to Snow National Monument

87 miles east · straight-line distanceBureau of Land Management

Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.

Accessible SwimmingCampingFishingHikingHorseback ridingPhotographyWildlife viewingWinter sports

Recreation area

Harper Dry Lake

88 miles northeast · straight-line distanceBureau of Land Management

Harper Lake Subregion covers nearly 115,000 acres of mixed public and private lands.

HikingNature educationPhotographyRanger programsWildlife viewing

Recreation area

Johnson Valley OHV Area

88 miles northeast · straight-line distanceBureau of Land Management

Click here for the latest information concerning upcoming military training and closures of the Shared Use Area. Overview Johnson Valley is a varied landscape for the off-highway vehicle driver.

BikingCampingHikingHorseback ridingHuntingPhotographyRecreational VehiclesWildlife viewing

Recreation areas and campgrounds from Recreation.gov's directory, checked October 9, 2026. Listings are not live availability: check Recreation.gov or the managing agency for open dates, fees, reservations and conditions. Directions go to the listed coordinates, which may not be the entrance. Campground driving times: Powered by Geoapify · © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Questions

What day-trip ideas are near Downey?

This guide includes Disneyland, La Brea Tar Pits, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Cabrillo Beach, Costa Mesa. Places are ordered by straight-line distance. Confirm visitor access, opening hours and current travel conditions before choosing a trip.

How far is Disneyland from Downey?

Approximately 15 miles southeast in a straight line; driving takes about 20 min over 19 road miles in typical traffic (Geoapify, checked October 2026). This is not current traffic or a route to a confirmed visitor entrance. Check your route before leaving.

How far is La Brea Tar Pits from Downey?

Approximately 15 miles northwest in a straight line; driving takes about 30 min over 21 road miles in typical traffic (Geoapify, checked October 2026). This is not current traffic or a route to a confirmed visitor entrance. Check your route before leaving.

How far is Los Angeles County Museum of Art from Downey?

Approximately 15 miles northwest in a straight line; driving takes about 30 min over 21 road miles in typical traffic (Geoapify, checked October 2026). This is not current traffic or a route to a confirmed visitor entrance. Check your route before leaving.

Where can I camp near Downey?

Recreation.gov lists 16 campgrounds within 40 miles, including Coulter Group Campground (27 miles north), Meadow Group Campground (27 miles north), Bandido Group Campground (29 miles north). Check Recreation.gov for current availability, seasons and reservations.

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