World's Oldest McDonald's in Downey, California

Opened in 1953, this McDonald's location in Downey, California is the 3rd McDonald's restaurant to be opened, the 2nd McDonald's restaurant to be franchised by Richard and Maurice McDonald before the involvement of Ray Kroc, and currently the world's oldest still operating McDonald's. On appearance alone it feels like a roadside attraction right out of a movie.  

This McDonald's location is particularly notable because the building still retains its original Googie architecture and design featuring double golden arches and walk-up ordering windows. This McDonald's also houses a small museum full of memorabilia in an attached seating area that was later added, and has its original sign featuring "Speedee" McDonald's original mascot. 

Fittingly, the historic Downey location is also the only McDonald's in the continental US that still serves the original deep fried apple pie. The modern version of the apple pie is baked at all the other locations so this variation does provide one more excuse to come and have a look and experience this really unique McDonald's throwback.