Between LA And Anaheim Is A Landlocked City With A Vibrant Food Scene, Shops, And A Walkable Downtown

Head 18 miles inland from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and you'll discover Downey, California, a highly walkable town of about 108,000 that has some fascinating history. A leader in the national aeronautics industry, planes were built here for the Allied forces during World War II, and critical modules for the Apollo space missions were also crafted in Downey. The oldest operational McDonald's with the fast-food chain's original arches is here. But there's much more to this land-locked city today. 

Downey's downtown is compact enough to allow you to complete most errands without ever turning over an engine. In the downtown area, amblers can hit a salon, grab groceries, then bring home dinner, all on foot. An initiative called Walk Downey prioritized pedestrians in the city, creating a walkable environment in Downey's neighborhoods and downtown district. It's working, as Walk Score — a site rating the walkability of towns based on proximity to amenities such as schools, shops, and parks — gave Downey a 72 out of 100 and rated it as a "Very Walkable" location. 

Culturally vibrant Southern California boasts several smaller cities like Downey, including nearby Pomona, known for its walkable downtown and vibrant food scene. This is in stark comparison to sprawling Los Angeles, where wheels are almost required to get around. Downey's food scene started over a century ago when town founder and namesake John G. Downey planted California's first orange groves on the land he purchased. Agriculture thrived locally from that point, with dairy farms eventually adding to the mix. Downey also happens to be the home of some legendary eateries found the world over today: The first Taco Bell opened here in 1962, while the oldest operational McDonald's still stands in town. However, its food culture continued to burgeon. 

There are many places to get a Cuban sandwich In Miami, but that's not so much the case in other parts of the country. However, with a population that's 75% Hispanic, and what is said to be the largest Cuban community west of the Mississippi River, Downey is renowned for its Latin American cuisine. Find Cuban sandwiches and other delicacies at Florida Restaurant and Tropicana Bakery and Cuban Cafe, and there are also numerous other options for Argentinian, Mexican, and Nuevo Latino cuisine in town. 

Perhaps the most popular restaurant in Downey is Porto's Bakery and Cafe, with a 4.7 rating on Google and thousands of reviews. It was founded decades ago by Cuban immigrant Rosa Porto, who began selling baked goods from her home. Eventually, Porto turned her baking prowess into a multi-location destination for Cuban cuisine in Southern California. 

Many shops may sideline visitors while strolling through Downey. It may not be a premier California shopping city like Camarillo, but opportunities to open wallets abound. You can find several shopping centers boasting bunches of big box stores and local shops throughout town. Check out the dozen-plus stores at the outdoor Promenade at Downey, which Google reviewers praise for its variety and cleanliness. You can peruse a huge amount of shops, with options ranging from toys and jewelry to clothing, at Stonewood Center, while Downey Landing offers value fashion, shoes, and pet supplies. 

You'll also encounter small, independently owned shops like Cocoon Imports, which is highly rated on Google for its whimsical items, curiosities, and jewelry from around the globe. Another cool location is Second Tyme Around Thrift Shoppe in downtown Downey. A night market opens on the second and fourth Thursday of every month at 5 p.m. and is a perfect place to bring the family, socialize, and shop, as is the Saturday morning farmer's market. 

Downey is centered between the cities of Anaheim and Los Angeles. Drive about 18 miles from Anaheim and 12 miles from central Los Angeles to start shopping and dining in Downey. After traversing the Southern California traffic to get there, visitors may discover a deep appreciation for the town's walkability.