California, located on the west coast of the United States, is a state known for its diverse culture, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant cities. With its long coastline, towering mountains, and expansive deserts, California offers a wide range of outdoor activities and cultural experiences. To help visitors and residents navigate this vast state, we have created a detailed map of California with cities and highways.
This map highlights California’s major cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento, and many others, as well as its primary highways and roads. Whether you’re planning a road trip or simply want to explore California’s unique landscape and culture, this map is an essential tool. So, grab your map and get ready to discover all that California has to offer, from its beautiful beaches to its iconic landmarks and everything in between.
Printable California Map With Cities and Highways
Cities
Anaheim
Anaheim is a vibrant city located in northern Orange County, California, and is part of the Greater Los Angeles area. As of the 2020 United States Census, the city had a population of 346,824, making it the most populous city in Orange County, the 10th-most populous city in California, and the 55th-most populous city in the United States.
Anaheim is the second-largest city in Orange County in terms of land area, and it is known for being the home of the Disneyland Resort, which is a world-renowned theme park and resort that attracts millions of visitors every year.
The city is also home to the Anaheim Convention Center, which hosts a variety of events and conferences throughout the year. Additionally, Anaheim is proud to be the home of two major league sports teams: the Los Angeles Angels of Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League (NHL). Overall, Anaheim is a dynamic city that offers a diverse range of attractions and experiences for visitors and residents alike.
Bakersfield
Bakersfield is a bustling city located in Kern County, California. It serves as the county seat of Kern County and is the largest city in the county. The city covers about 151 sq mi (390 km2) near the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley, which is located in the Central Valley region.
As of the 2020 census, Bakersfield’s population was 403,455, making it the 48th most populous city in the United States of America and the 9th most populous city in California. The Bakersfield-Delano Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes all of Kern County, had a 2020 census population of 909,235, making it the 62nd-largest metropolitan area in the United States. The urban area that includes Bakersfield and areas immediately around the city, such as East Bakersfield, Oildale, Greenfield, and Rosedale, has a population of 570,235.
Bakersfield is known for its rich agricultural history and is often referred to as the “breadbasket of the world” due to its production of crops such as grapes, almonds, and citrus fruits. Additionally, Bakersfield is home to a thriving music scene, with many famous musicians and bands having originated from the city. Overall, Bakersfield is a diverse and vibrant city that offers a unique blend of culture, history, and entertainment.
Chula Vista
Chula Vista is a beautiful city located in San Diego County, California. It is also the second-largest city in the San Diego metropolitan area, the seventh-largest city in Southern California, the fifteenth-largest city in the state of California, and the 78th-largest city in the United States.
The population was 275,487 as of the 2020 census, up from 243,916 as of the 2010 census. The city is located about halfway—7.5 miles (12.1 km)—between the two downtowns of San Diego and Tijuana in the South Bay, making it a central location in one of the richest culturally diverse zones in the United States. The name “Chula Vista” means “beautiful/pretty view” in Spanish, which is fitting given its scenic location between the San Diego Bay and coastal mountain foothills.
Chula Vista is known for its thriving economy, excellent schools, and abundance of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, biking, and water sports. Overall, Chula Vista is a dynamic city that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and modern amenities.
Corona
Corona, meaning “Crown” in Spanish, is a vibrant city located in northwestern Riverside County, California. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 157,136, up from 152,374 at the 2010 census.
The city is bordered by several other cities, including Norco and Riverside to the north and northeast, Chino Hills and Yorba Linda to the northwest, and Anaheim to the west. The Santa Ana Mountains and Cleveland National Forest lie to the southwest of the city, while the rest of the city’s borders are surrounded by unincorporated Riverside County. Downtown Corona is approximately 48 miles (77 kilometers) southeast of Downtown Los Angeles and 95 miles (153 km) north-northwest of San Diego.
Corona is known for its excellent schools, thriving economy, and abundance of recreational opportunities, including parks, golf courses, and hiking trails. The city also hosts several annual events and festivals, such as the Corona Lemon Festival and the Corona Cinco de Mayo Festival. Overall, Corona is a dynamic city that provides a distinctive mix of natural prettiness, cultural diversity, and contemporary amenities.
Fontana
Fontana is a thriving city located in San Bernardino County, California. The city was founded in 1913 by Azariel Blanchard Miller and remained essentially rural until World War II when entrepreneur Henry J. Kaiser built a large steel mill in the area. Today, Fontana is a regional hub of the trucking industry, with the east-west Interstate 10 and State Route 210 crossing the city and Interstate 15 passing diagonally through its northwestern quadrant.
The city is located about 46 miles (74 km) east of Los Angeles and is known for its excellent schools, diverse community, and abundance of recreational opportunities. Fontana is home to several parks, including the popular Fontana Park, which features a skate park, sports fields, and a splash pad. The city also hosts several annual events and festivals, such as the Fontana Days Run and the Fontana Arts Festival.
Fremont
Fremont is a bustling city located in Alameda County, California. Situated in the East Bay region of the Bay Area, Fremont has a population of 230,504 as of 2020, making it the fourth most populous city in the Bay Area, behind San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland. Fremont is known for its strong tech industry presence and is the closest East Bay city to the high-tech Silicon Valley network of businesses.
The city is home to several major tech companies, including Tesla, Lam Research, and Western Digital. Fremont also boasts a diverse population, with a range of cultures and ethnicities represented. The city offers an abundance of recreational opportunities, including several parks, hiking trails, and golf courses.
Fremont is also home to several annual events and festivals, such as the Fremont Festival of the Arts and the Fremont Oktoberfest. Overall, Fremont is a vibrant city that offers a unique blend of technology, culture, and natural beauty.
Fresno
Fresno is a vibrant and bustling city located in the San Joaquin Valley of California. The city is the county seat of Fresno County and is the largest city in the greater Central Valley region. The name “Fresno” means “Ash” in Spanish, and the city covers about 115 square miles (300 km2). As of the 2020 Census, Fresno had a population of 542,107, making it the fifth-most populous city in California, the most populous inland city in California, and the 33rd-most populous city in the nation.
Fresno is known for its rich agricultural history and is often referred to as the “Raisin Capital of the World” due to its production of grapes and raisins. The city is also home to several museums and cultural institutions, such as the Fresno Art Museum and the Fresno Chaffee Zoo. Additionally, Fresno is home to several major universities and colleges, including California State University, Fresno.
Glendale
Glendale is a bustling city located in the San Fernando Valley and Verdugo Mountains regions of Los Angeles County, California. The city had a population of 196,543 as of the 2020 U.S. Census, up from 191,719 at the 2010 census, making it the fourth-largest city in Los Angeles County and the 24th-largest city in California.
Glendale is located about 10 miles (16 km) north of downtown Los Angeles and is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene. The city is home to several museums and cultural institutions, such as the Museum of Neon Art and the Alex Theatre.
Glendale also boasts an abundance of recreational opportunities, including several parks and hiking trails. The city is home to several major companies, including Nestle USA and DreamWorks Animation. Overall, Glendale is a dynamic city that offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and up-to-date amenities.
Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach is an incredible seaside city located in Orange County in Southern California. The city is named after American businessman Henry E. Huntington and is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant surf culture. As of the 2020 census, the population was 198,711, making it the fourth most populous city in Orange County, the most populous beach city in Orange County, and the seventh most populous city in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area.
The city is bordered by the Bolsa Chica Basin State Marine Conservation Area on the west, the Pacific Ocean on the southwest, and several other cities, including Seal Beach, Westminster, and Costa Mesa. Huntington Beach offers an abundance of recreational opportunities, including surfing, swimming, and beach volleyball.
The city is also home to several annual events and festivals, such as the US Open of Surfing and the Huntington Beach Airshow. Overall, Huntington Beach is a dynamic city that offers a distinctive blend of natural attractions, culture, and modern amenities.
Irvine
Irvine is a master-planned city located in southern Orange County, California, in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The city was developed by the Irvine Company in the 1960s and was formally incorporated on December 28, 1971. Irvine is known for its well-planned layout, abundance of green spaces, and excellent schools.
The city covers 66 square miles (170 km2) and had a population of 307,670 as of the 2020 census, making it the 63rd most populous city in the United States. Irvine is home to several major universities and colleges, including the University of California, Irvine, and Concordia University.
The city also offers an abundance of recreational opportunities, including several parks and hiking trails. Irvine is a hub for several major industries, including technology, healthcare, and education. Overall, Irvine is a dynamic city that offers a charming blend of modern amenities, natural beauty, and educational opportunities.
Lancaster
Lancaster is a charming charter city located in northern Los Angeles County, in the Antelope Valley of the western Mojave Desert in Southern California. The city is a twin city with its southern neighbor Palmdale, and together they are the principal cities within the Antelope Valley region.
As of the 2020 census, Lancaster had a population of 173,516, making it the 153rd-largest city in the United States and the 30th-largest in California. Lancaster is known for its beautiful natural scenery and is home to several parks and hiking trails, including the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve.
The city is also home to several cultural institutions, such as the Lancaster Museum of Art and History. Lancaster is a hub for several major industries, including aerospace, defense, and healthcare. Overall, Lancaster is a dynamic city that offers a satisfying mix of natural beauty, culture, and contemporary amenities.
Long Beach
Long Beach is a bustling city located in Los Angeles County, California. The city had a population of 466,742 as of 2020, making it the 43rd-most populous city in the U.S. Long Beach is a charter city and is the seventh-most populous city in California and the most populous city that is not a county seat.
Incorporated in 1897, Long Beach is located approximately 20 miles (32 km) south of downtown Los Angeles and is part of the Gateway Cities region. The city is known for its beautiful beaches and is home to several popular tourist attractions, including the Aquarium of the Pacific and the Queen Mary. Long Beach is also home to the Port of Long Beach, which is the second busiest container port in the United States and among the world’s largest shipping ports.
The city is built over an oilfield with minor wells both directly beneath the city as well as offshore. Overall, Long Beach is a dynamic city that offers a distinctive mix of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and modern amenities.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles, often referred to as L.A., is the most populous city in the U.S. state of California and the second-most populous city in the United States, behind only New York City. With roughly 3.9 million residents within the city limits as of 2020, Los Angeles is the commercial, financial, and cultural center of the Southern California region.
The city has a Mediterranean climate and is home to a diverse population of people from all over the world. Los Angeles covers about 469 square miles (1,210 km2) and is the county seat of Los Angeles County, which is the most populous county in the United States with an estimated 9.86 million residents as of 2022. The majority of the city lies in a basin in Southern California adjacent to the Pacific Ocean in the west and extending partly through the Santa Monica Mountains and north into the San Fernando Valley, with the city bordering the San Gabriel Valley to its east.
Los Angeles is a hub for several major industries, including entertainment, technology, and fashion. It is also a popular tourist destination, with over 4.6 million visitors as of 2019, making it the third-most visited city in the U.S. Overall, Los Angeles is a thrilling city that offers a captivating blend of culture, history, and modern amenities.
Modesto
Modesto is a vibrant city located in the Central Valley of California, United States. As the county seat and largest city of Stanislaus County, Modesto had a population of 218,464 at the 2020 census, making it the 19th largest city in the state of California. The city is located 68 miles (109 km) south of Sacramento and 90 miles (140 km) north of Fresno.
Modesto is known for its rich agricultural heritage and is home to several annual events and festivals, such as the Modesto Certified Farmers Market and the Modesto Art and Wine Festival. The city is also conveniently located near several popular tourist destinations, including Yosemite National Park and San Francisco.
Modesto offers an abundance of recreational opportunities, including several parks and hiking trails. Overall, Modesto is an exciting city that offers an attractive mix of natural beauty, culture, and up-to-date amenities.
Moreno Valley
Moreno Valley is a thriving city located in Riverside County, California, and is part of the Riverside–San Bernardino–Ontario metropolitan area. The city is the second-largest in Riverside County by population and is one of the Inland Empire’s population centers. With a population of 208,634 at the 2020 census, Moreno Valley is a growing city that offers a unique blend of natural attractions and modern amenities.
The city is also part of the larger greater Los Angeles area. Moreno Valley derived its name from the small community of Moreno, which became part of the city when it was incorporated in 1984. The town was named Moreno, which is Spanish for brown, to honor Frank E. Brown, one of the founders of the community of Moreno in 1882, who declined to have the town named after him.
Moreno Valley is home to several recreational opportunities, including several parks and hiking trails. The city also offers an abundance of shopping and dining options, making it a popular destination for residents and visitors alike. Overall, Moreno Valley is a dynamic city that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, culture, and modern amenities.
Oakland
Oakland is a bustling city located in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area and is the most populous city and the county seat of Alameda County, California, United States. With a population of 440,646 in 2020, it is the third-largest city overall in the Bay Area and the eighth-most populated city in California.
Oakland is a major West Coast port and serves as the Bay Area’s trade center and economic engine. The Port of Oakland is the busiest port in Northern California and the fifth-busiest in the United States of America. The city was incorporated on May 4, 1852, and is a charter city.
Oakland is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene and is home to several museums and galleries, including the Oakland Museum of California and the Chabot Space and Science Center. The city also offers an abundance of recreational opportunities, including several parks and hiking trails. Overall, Oakland is a dynamic city that offers a wonderful mix of culture, history, and modern amenities.
Oxnard
Oxnard is a beautiful city located in Ventura County, California. As the most populous city in Ventura County and the 22nd-most populous city in California, Oxnard is a thriving community that offers a rich cocktail of natural beauty and modern amenities. Incorporated in 1903, Oxnard is located approximately 60 miles (97 km) west of downtown Los Angeles and is part of the larger Greater Los Angeles area.
The city is known for its stunning beaches and is a popular destination for surfing, fishing, and other water sports. Oxnard is also home to several cultural institutions, such as the Carnegie Art Museum and the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. The city is a hub for several major industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.
Palmdale
Palmdale is a charming city located in northern Los Angeles County, California. The city lies in the Antelope Valley of Southern California and is surrounded by outstanding natural beauty. The San Gabriel Mountains separate Palmdale from the Los Angeles Basin to the south, offering breathtaking views and recreational opportunities.
Palmdale is known for its rich aerospace history and is home to several major aerospace companies, including Lockheed Martin and Boeing. The city is also a hub for several other major industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics. Palmdale offers an abundance of recreational opportunities, including several parks and hiking trails.
The city is also home to several cultural institutions, such as the Palmdale Playhouse and the Palmdale Amphitheater. Overall, Palmdale is a dynamic city that offers a unique blend of the natural world, invigorating culture, and contemporary amenities.
Riverside
Riverside is a vibrant city located in the Inland Empire metropolitan area in California. As the county seat of Riverside County, Riverside is named for its location beside the Santa Ana River and is the most populous city in the Inland Empire and in Riverside County. The city is situated about 50 miles (80 km) southeast of downtown Los Angeles and is part of the Greater Los Angeles area.
With a population of 314,998 at the 2020 census, Riverside is the 59th-most-populous city in the United States and the 12th-most-populous city in California. Along with San Bernardino, Riverside is a principal city in the nation’s 13th-largest Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA); the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario MSA (pop. 4,599,839) ranks in population just below San Francisco (4,749,008) and above Detroit (4,392,041).
Riverside is known for its rich history and is home to several historic sites, including the Mission Inn and the Riverside Art Museum. The city also offers an abundance of recreational opportunities, including several parks and hiking trails. Overall, Riverside is a dynamic city that offers an exciting blend of culture, history, and amenities.
Sacramento
Sacramento is a vibrant city located in Northern California’s Sacramento Valley and is the capital city of the U.S. state of California. The city’s name, Sacramento, is Spanish for ‘sacrament’, and it serves as the county seat of Sacramento County. With a population of 524,943 in 2020, Sacramento is the fourth-most populous city in Northern California, the sixth-most populous city in the state, and the ninth-most populous state capital in the United States.
The city is situated at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers, offering breathtaking views and recreational opportunities. Sacramento is the seat of the California Legislature and the Governor of California, making it a hub for politics and government.
The city is also known for its rich history and is home to several historic sites, including the California State Capitol Museum and Sutter’s Fort. Sacramento offers an abundance of cultural institutions, such as the Crocker Art Museum and the Sacramento Theatre Company. Overall, Sacramento is a captivating city that offers a mix of culture, history, and up-to-date amenities.
Salinas
Salinas is a charming city located in the U.S. state of California and serves as the county seat of Monterey County. With a population of 163,542 in the 2020 Census, Salinas is the most populous city in Monterey County.
The city is situated along the eastern limits of the Monterey Bay Area, just south of the San Francisco Bay Area and 10 miles (16 km) southeast of the mouth of the Salinas River. Salinas is located at the mouth of the Salinas Valley, about eight miles (13 km) from the Pacific Ocean, and has a climate that is more influenced by the ocean than the interior.
The city is known for its rich agricultural heritage and is home to several annual events and festivals celebrating the region’s produce, such as the Salinas Valley Food and Wine Festival. Salinas offers an abundance of recreational opportunities, including several parks and hiking trails. The city is also home to several cultural institutions, such as the National Steinbeck Center and the Salinas Art Gallery. Overall, Salinas is a dynamic city that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, culture, and modern amenities.
San Bernardino
San Bernardino is a vibrant city located in the Inland Empire region of Southern California and serves as the county seat of San Bernardino County, California. With a population of 222,101 in the 2020 census, San Bernardino is the 18th-largest city in California.
The city is the economic, cultural, and political hub of the San Bernardino Valley and the Inland Empire. San Bernardino is also home to the only consulates of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico in the metropolitan area’s downtown area. The city serves as an anchor city to the 3rd largest metropolitan area in California (after Los Angeles and San Francisco) and the 13th largest metropolitan area in the United States; the San Bernardino-Riverside MSA.
San Bernardino is known for its rich history and is home to several historic sites, including the California Theatre and the San Bernardino Asistencia. The city also offers an abundance of recreational opportunities, including several parks and hiking trails. Overall, San Bernardino is a dynamic city that offers a pleasing mix of culture, history, and amenities.
San Diego
San Diego is a wonderful city located alongside the Pacific Ocean in Southern California and is known for its mild year-round Mediterranean climate, extensive beaches and parks, and its long association with the United States Navy. With a population of over 1.3 million residents, San Diego is the eighth-most populous city in the United States and the second-most populous in California after Los Angeles.
The city is located immediately adjacent to the Mexico–United States border and serves as the seat of San Diego County, which has a population of nearly 3.3 million people as of 2021. San Diego is also emerging as a healthcare and biotechnology development center, making it a hub for innovation and technology.
The city is home to several cultural institutions, such as the San Diego Museum of Art and the Old Globe Theatre, and offers an abundance of recreational opportunities, including several parks and hiking trails. Overall, San Diego is an engrossing city that offers a satisfying mix of natural attractions, culture, and convenient amenities.
San Francisco
San Francisco, also known as the City and County of San Francisco, is a bustling city that serves as the commercial, financial, and cultural center of Northern California. With 808,437 residents, the city proper is the fourth most populous city in California and the 17th most populous city in the United States as of 2022.
The city covers a land area of 46.9 square miles (121 square kilometers) at the end of the San Francisco Peninsula, making it the second most densely populated large U.S. city after New York City and the fifth-most densely populated U.S. county, behind only four of the five New York City boroughs.
San Francisco is known for its iconic landmarks, such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island, and its cultural institutions, such as the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the Asian Art Museum. The city is also a hub for innovation and technology, with several major tech companies headquartered in the area.
Among the 91 U.S. cities proper with over 250,000 residents, San Francisco was ranked first by per capita income and sixth by aggregate income as of 2021. Colloquial nicknames for San Francisco include Frisco, San Fran, The City, and SF. Overall, San Francisco is a whirlwind of a city that offers a historically rich blend of culture, history, and amenities.
San Jose
San Jose, officially known as the City of San José, is the largest city in Northern California by both population and area. With a 2020 population of 1,013,240, San Jose is the most populous city in both the Bay Area and the San Jose–San Francisco–Oakland Combined Statistical Area, which has a population of 7.7 million and 9.7 million people respectively as of 2015. The city covers an area of 179.97 sq mi (466.1 km2) and is located in the center of the Santa Clara Valley on the southern shore of San Francisco Bay.
San Jose is the county seat of Santa Clara County and the main component of the San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara Metropolitan Statistical Area, with an estimated population of around two million residents in 2018. The city is known for its thriving technology industry, with several major tech companies headquartered in the area.
San Jose is also home to several cultural institutions, such as the San Jose Museum of Art and the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose. Overall, San Jose is a wonderful city that contains a unique blend of innovation, culture, and modern facilities.
Santa Ana
Santa Ana, the county seat of Orange County, California, is a bustling city located in the Greater Los Angeles region of Southern California. The city’s name, Santa Ana, is Spanish for ‘Saint Anne’. With a population of 310,227 at the 2020 census, Santa Ana is the second most populous city in Orange County (after Anaheim), the 13th-most populous city in California, and the 64th densest large city in the United States.
Santa Ana is a major regional economic and cultural hub for the Orange Coast, offering an abundance of job opportunities and cultural institutions. The city is home to several historic sites, such as the Old Orange County Courthouse and the Bowers Museum, and offers an array of recreational opportunities, including several parks and hiking trails. Overall, Santa Ana is a dynamic city that offers a distinctive mix of culture, history, and amenities.
Santa Clarita
Santa Clarita, also known as “Little St. Clare,” is a vibrant city located in northwestern Los Angeles County in the U.S. state of California. With a 2020 census population of 228,673, Santa Clarita is the third-largest city by population in Los Angeles County, the 17th-largest in California, and the 98th-largest city in the United States.
The city is located about 30 miles (48 km) northwest of downtown Los Angeles and occupies 70.75 square miles (183.2 km2) of land in the Santa Clarita Valley, along the Santa Clara River. Santa Clarita is a classic example of a U.S. edge city, satellite city, or boomburb, with a thriving economy and a growing population.
The city offers an abundance of recreational opportunities, including several parks and hiking trails, and is home to several cultural institutions, such as the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center and the William S. Hart Museum. Overall, Santa Clarita is a dynamic city that offers a marvelous cocktail of natural beauty, culture, and modern facilities.
Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa, the county seat of Sonoma County, is a charming city located in the North Bay region of the Bay Area in California. Its name, Santa Rosa, is Spanish for “Saint Rose”. With a population of 178,127 as of the 2020 census, Santa Rosa is the largest city in California’s Wine Country and Redwood Coast.
It is the fifth most populous city in the Bay Area after San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, and Fremont, and the 25th-most populous city in California. Santa Rosa is known for its stunning natural beauty, with several parks and hiking trails, and its thriving wine industry.
The city is home to several cultural institutions, such as the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts and the Charles M. Schulz Museum. Overall, Santa Rosa is a dynamic city that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, culture, and modern amenities.
Stockton
Stockton, the county seat of San Joaquin County, is a bustling city located in the Central Valley of the U.S. state of California. With a population of 320,804 as of 2020, Stockton is the largest city in the county, the 11th largest city in California, and the 58th largest city in the United States.
The city has been named an All-America City multiple times, in 1999, 2004, 2015, and again in 2017. Stockton is located on the San Joaquin River in the northern San Joaquin Valley and lies at the southeastern corner of a large inland river delta that isolates it from other nearby cities such as Sacramento and those of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Stockton is known for its thriving economy, with several major industries, such as agriculture and manufacturing, contributing to its growth. The city is also home to several cultural institutions, such as the Haggin Museum and the Stockton Symphony. Overall, Stockton is an exciting city that offers a great mix of industry, culture, and modern amenities.
Vista
Vista, which means “view” in Spanish, is a charming city located in San Diego County, California. With a population of 101,638, Vista is a medium-sized city within the San Diego-Carlsbad, CA Metropolitan Area. The city’s sphere of influence also includes portions of unincorporated San Diego County to the north and east, with a county island in the central west.
Vista is located just 7 mi (11 km) inland from the Pacific Ocean, and as a result, it has a Mediterranean climate. The city is known for its beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, and its abundance of recreational opportunities, such as hiking and biking trails. Vista is also home to several cultural institutions, such as the Moonlight Amphitheatre and the Avo Playhouse. Overall, Vista is an attractive city that offers a rich blend of natural beauty, culture, and up-to-date amenities.
Highways
Route 6
U.S. Route 6 (US 6) is a historic transcontinental United States Numbered Highway that stretches from Bishop, California, in the west to Provincetown, Massachusetts, in the east. The California portion of US 6 lies in the eastern portion of the state and runs from Bishop in the Owens Valley north to the Nevada state line in Mineral County.
Prior to the 1964 state highway renumbering, US 6 extended all the way to the Pacific Ocean in Long Beach, California, as part of the historic auto trail named the Grand Army of the Republic Highway. Today, US 6 remains an important transportation route, connecting California to the eastern United States. The highway offers stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range and the surrounding valleys and is a popular route for road trips and scenic drives.
Route 50
U.S. Route 50 (US 50) is a transcontinental United States Numbered Highway that stretches from West Sacramento, California, in the west to Ocean City, Maryland, in the east. The California portion of US 50 runs east from Interstate 80 (I-80) in West Sacramento to the Nevada state line in South Lake Tahoe.
In Sacramento, a portion of the highway has the unsigned designation of Interstate 305. The western half of the highway in California is a four-or-more-lane divided highway, mostly built to freeway standards, and is known as the El Dorado Freeway outside of downtown Sacramento. As the highway continues eastward, it becomes an undivided road with one eastbound lane and two westbound lanes until it reaches the canyon of the South Fork American River at Riverton.
The remainder of the highway, which climbs along and out of the canyon, then over the Sierra Nevada at Echo Summit and into the Lake Tahoe Basin, is primarily a two-lane road. US 50 offers stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range and the surrounding valleys and is a popular route for road trips and scenic drives.
Route 101
U.S. Route 101 (US 101) is a major north-south United States Numbered Highway that stretches from Los Angeles, California, to Tumwater, Washington. The California portion of US 101 is one of the last remaining and longest U.S. Routes still active in the state, and it is the longest highway of any kind in California.
US 101 was also one of the original national routes established in 1926. A significant portion of US 101 between the Los Angeles area and the San Francisco Bay Area follows El Camino Real, the commemorative route connecting the former Alta California’s 21 missions. US 101 offers expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and the California coastline, and it is a popular route for road trips and scenic drives.
The highway passes through several major cities in California, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Santa Barbara, and it provides access to many tourist attractions, such as Hearst Castle and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Route 199
U.S. Route 199 (US 199) is a highway that spans across the states of California and Oregon. Established in 1926 as a spur of US 99, which has since been replaced by Interstate 5 (I-5), US 199 stretches 80 miles (130 km) from US 101 near Crescent City, California northeast to I-5 in Grants Pass, Oregon.
The highway is the northern portion of the Redwood Highway, and in Oregon, it is officially known as Redwood Highway No. 25. The majority of the road in California is the Smith River Scenic Byway, a National Forest Scenic Byway. The roadway has a rich history, with the first roadway, a plank road, from Crescent City established in May 1858.
Before the US 199 designation was applied to the highway, the roadway was designated Highway 25 (in Oregon) and Route 1 (in California). US 199 offers glorious views of the Redwood forest and the Pacific Ocean, and it is a popular route for road trips and scenic drives.
Route 395
U.S. Route 395 (US 395) is a major United States Numbered Highway that stretches from Hesperia, California to the Canadian border in Laurier, Washington. The California portion of US 395 covers a distance of 557 miles (896 km) and runs from Interstate 15 (I-15) in Hesperia, north to the Oregon state line in Modoc County near Goose Lake.
The highway offers dramatic views of the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountain range and the surrounding valleys, and it is a popular route for road trips and scenic drives. The route also briefly clips into Nevada, serving the cities of Carson City and Reno, before returning to California.
US 395 provides access to several popular tourist destinations, such as Mammoth Lakes and Lake Tahoe, and it passes through several charming towns and cities, including Bishop and Susanville. Overall, US 395 is a dynamic highway that offers a wonderful blend of natural beauty, culture, and contemporary amenities.
Interstates
Interstate 5
Interstate 5 (I-5) is a major north-south route of the Interstate Highway System in the United States, stretching from the Mexican border at the San Ysidro crossing to the Canadian border near Blaine, Washington. The segment of I-5 in California covers an impressive distance of 796.77 miles (1,282.28 km), running across the length of the state from San Ysidro to the Oregon state line south of the Medford-Ashland metropolitan area.
It is the longest interstate in California, and it accounts for more than half of I-5’s total length. The highway is a vital transportation route for both commercial and private vehicles, connecting California to the rest of the United States.
I-5 passes through several major cities in California, including San Diego, Los Angeles, and Sacramento, and it provides access to numerous tourist attractions, such as Disneyland and the Golden Gate Bridge. Despite its length and heavy traffic, I-5 offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the Pacific Ocean and the California mountains.
Interstate 10
Interstate 10 (I-10) is a transcontinental Interstate Highway that spans the United States, stretching from Santa Monica, California to Jacksonville, Florida. The California portion of I-10 runs east from Santa Monica through Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Palm Springs before crossing into the state of Arizona.
In the Greater Los Angeles area, it is known as the Santa Monica Freeway and the San Bernardino Freeway, linked by a short concurrency on I-5 (Golden State Freeway) at the East Los Angeles Interchange. I-10 also has parts designated as the Rosa Parks Freeway and the Sonny Bono Memorial Freeway. Some parts were also formerly designated as the Christopher Columbus Transcontinental Highway. However, the California State Legislature removed this designation following the passage of a bill on August 31, 2022.
I-10 is colloquially referred to as “the 10” by Southern California residents, and it is a vital transportation route for both commercial and private vehicles. The highway provides access to several major cities and tourist attractions, such as Disneyland and Joshua Tree National Park, and it offers brilliant views of the California mountains and deserts.
Interstate 40
Interstate 40 (I-40) is a major east-west Interstate Highway in the United States, stretching from Barstow, California, to Wilmington, North Carolina. The segment of I-40 in California is known as the Needles Freeway, and it passes through the eastern fringe of the Inland Empire metropolitan area.
The highway runs east from its western terminus at I-15 in Barstow, crossing the Mojave Desert in San Bernardino County past the Clipper Mountains to Needles before it crosses over the Colorado River into Arizona east of Needles. All 155 miles (249 km) of I-40 in California are in San Bernardino County. The highway is a vital transportation route for both commercial and private vehicles, connecting California to the rest of the United States.
I-40 offers imposing views of the California desert and mountains, and it provides access to several popular tourist attractions, such as Route 66 and the Mojave National Preserve. Despite its length and remote location, I-40 is an important highway that plays a crucial role in the transportation infrastructure of California.
Interstate 15
Route 15, which consists of the contiguous segments of State Route 15 (SR 15) and Interstate 15 (I-15), is a major north-south state highway and Interstate Highway in California, connecting San Bernardino, Riverside, and San Diego Counties. The route covers the southernmost 289.24 miles (465.49 km) of I-15, which extends north through Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, and Montana to the Canada-US border.
It is a crucial thoroughfare for traffic between San Diego and the Inland Empire, as well as between Southern California, Las Vegas, Nevada, and the Intermountain West. South of its junction at I-8 in San Diego, the highway becomes SR 15, extending 6.13 miles (9.87 km) to I-5, about 12 miles (19 km) from the Mexican border.
Initially signed as a state route instead of an Interstate, this segment is being upgraded to Interstate standards to become part of I-15 in the future. Including this segment, the entire length of Route 15 is 295.37 miles (475.35 km) in California. The highway offers stunning views of the California mountains and deserts and provides access to several popular tourist attractions, such as the San Diego Zoo and the Temecula Valley wine region.
Interstate 8
Interstate 8 (I-8) is a vital Interstate Highway in the southwestern United States, running from the southern edge of Mission Bay at Sunset Cliffs Boulevard in San Diego, California, almost at the Pacific Ocean, to the junction with I-10, just southeast of Casa Grande, Arizona.
In California, the freeway is known as the Ocean Beach Freeway and the Mission Valley Freeway as it travels through the San Diego metropolitan area before traversing the Cuyamaca Mountains and providing access through the Imperial Valley, including the city of El Centro. The highway offers beautiful views of the California mountains and deserts, and it provides access to several popular tourist attractions, such as the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and the Salton Sea.
Crossing the Colorado River into Arizona, I-8 continues through the city of Yuma across the Sonoran Desert to Casa Grande, located between the cities of Phoenix and Tucson. Despite its length and remote location, I-8 is a crucial transportation route for both commercial and private vehicles, connecting California to Arizona and beyond.
Interstate 80
Interstate 80 (I-80) is a transcontinental Interstate Highway that spans the United States, stretching from San Francisco, California, to Teaneck, New Jersey. The California portion of I-80 runs east from San Francisco across the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge to Oakland, where it turns north and crosses the Carquinez Bridge before turning back northeast through the Sacramento Valley.
The highway traverses the Sierra Nevada, cresting at Donner Summit, before crossing into the state of Nevada within the Truckee River Canyon. The speed limit is at most 65 mph (105 km/h) along the entire route instead of the state’s maximum of 70 mph (110 km/h) as most of the route is in either urban areas or mountainous terrain. I-80 has portions designated as the Eastshore Freeway and Alan S. Hart Freeway, and it is a crucial transportation route for both commercial and private vehicles, connecting California to the rest of the United States.
The highway provides access to several major cities and tourist attractions, such as San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Despite its length and heavy traffic, I-80 offers stunning views of the California mountains and valleys, making it a popular route for road trips and scenic drives.
