Where is Atascadero, California, U.S.

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: May 11, 2026

Where is Atascadero, California Located in the United States? - Atascadero is a city located in the San Luis Obispo County in California, United States. Atascadero lies between 35.4894 Degrees North latitudes and -120.6707 Degrees West longitudes.

Location Map of Atascadero, San Luis Obispo, California

Where is Atascadero Located in San Luis Obispo, California

About Map: The map shows the location of Atascadero in San Luis Obispo County, in the U.S. state of California.

Atascadero Map, California, USA

About Atascadero Map: This Google Map provides a detailed view with zoom, satellite, and street options to explore the area and its surroundings.

About Atascadero, San Luis Obispo County, California

Atascadero is located in San Luis Obispo County in the U.S. state of California, United States. It lies in the central part of the state in the state of the United States within the inland valleys of California’s Central Coast region. The city was incorporated in 1979 and its name comes from a Spanish word meaning “boggy place” or “muddy area,” referring to early natural water features in the region, and it developed from a planned community founded by Edward Gardner Lewis into a residential and agricultural city.

Population

According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Atascadero is 31,124 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 1,200 people per square mile.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, Atascadero covers a total area of approximately 26.1 square miles (about 67.6 square kilometers), including about 26.1 square miles (67.6 square kilometers) of land and a minimal amount of water area.

Location and Surroundings

Atascadero is situated north of San Luis Obispo and south of Paso Robles, positioned within rolling hills and oak woodlands of the Central Coast interior. The city features residential neighborhoods, agricultural land, and nearby open space areas that reflect the natural landscape of the region. U.S. Route 101 runs through the area, providing a major transportation route connecting Atascadero to surrounding communities across California’s Central Coast.

Top Attractions

Atascadero offers parks, cultural sites, and outdoor recreation areas that support tourism and community activities. Popular destinations include the Atascadero Lake Park, the historic Atascadero City Hall building, and the Charles Paddock Zoo. The city hosts cultural festivals, farmers markets, and community events throughout the year.

Transportation

Atascadero is served by U.S. Route 101, offering convenient highway access throughout San Luis Obispo County and California’s Central Coast region. Public transportation includes regional bus services connecting the city to surrounding communities. The nearest major airport is San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport, located approximately 20 miles to the south.

Explore more cities in California or visit the United States Map section to learn more about the country’s geography.

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the Official Atascadero City Website.

Most Viewed US Maps

USA MapUSA Region MapUSA Road Map
USA County MapWhere is USA in World Map?US ZIP Code Map
USA Time Zones MapUS State and Capitals MapUSA Physical Map

Atascadero City Facts

CityAtascadero
StateCalifornia
CountySan Luis Obispo County
CountryUnited States
RegionCentral Coast
IncorporatedJuly 2, 1979
Founded1913
Total AreaApproximately 26.1 sq mi (67.6 km2)
Land AreaApproximately 25.6 sq mi (66.3 km2)
ElevationApproximately 880 ft (268 m)
Population (2023 estimate)Approximately 31,000+
Population (2020 Census)31,089
Population DensityApproximately 1,200 people per sq mi
Time ZonePacific Time (UTC-8 / UTC-7 DST)
ZIP Codes93422, 93423
Area Code805
Major HighwaysU.S. Route 101, State Route 41
Public TransitSLORTA Bus
Major AttractionsCharles Paddock Zoo, Atascadero Lake Park, Sunken Gardens
Official Websitehttps://www.atascadero.org/

Distance from Atascadero City, CA to Nearby Cities

  • Templeton, CA – 5 miles (8 km)
  • Paso Robles, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
  • San Luis Obispo, CA – 18 miles (29 km)
  • Morro Bay, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
  • Los Osos, CA – 22 miles (35 km)
  • Cambria, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
  • Pismo Beach, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
  • Grover Beach, CA – 27 miles (43 km)
  • Arroyo Grande, CA – 28 miles (45 km)
  • San Miguel, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
  • King City, CA – 60 miles (97 km)
  • Santa Maria, CA – 60 miles (97 km)
  • Lompoc, CA – 85 miles (137 km)
  • Santa Barbara, CA – 105 miles (169 km)
  • Salinas, CA – 90 miles (145 km)
  • Monterey, CA – 110 miles (177 km)
  • Fresno, CA – 130 miles (209 km)
  • San Jose, CA – 150 miles (241 km)
  • Oakland, CA – 180 miles (290 km)
  • San Francisco, CA – 200 miles (322 km)

Atascadero, California Climate and Weather Overview

MonthAvg High (°F)Avg Low (°F)Avg Precipitation (in)
January63383.6
April71431.2
July91540.1
October82480.7
Annual774614.0
Climate AttributeDetails
Climate Classification (Köppen)Csa - Hot-Summer Mediterranean
Annual PrecipitationApproximately 14 inches
Annual Sunshine DaysApproximately 280 days
Severe Weather RiskHeat Waves, Drought and Wildfire Conditions
Average SnowfallRare

Driving Distances from Atascadero, California

CityStateDistance (mi)Approx. Drive Time
TempletonCalifornia610 min
Santa MargaritaCalifornia1015 min
Paso RoblesCalifornia1215 min
San Luis ObispoCalifornia1825 min
Morro BayCalifornia2030 min
CayucosCalifornia2230 min
Los OsosCalifornia2435 min
Arroyo GrandeCalifornia3240 min
Pismo BeachCalifornia3545 min
King CityCalifornia701 hr 15 min

Transportation and Connectivity in Atascadero, California

Nearest AirportSan Luis Obispo County Regional Airport
IATA CodeSBP
Major AirportSan Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP)
Major HighwaysUS Highway 101, State Route 41
Rail ServiceAmtrak Service Available Nearby in Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo
Public TransitSan Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority (RTA)
  • Atascadero is centrally located between Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo along California's Central Coast.
  • The city is known for its historic architecture, wineries and family-friendly atmosphere.
  • Tourism, healthcare, retail, education and agriculture are important contributors to the local economy.
  • US Highway 101 provides direct access to major destinations throughout California.
  • Atascadero offers convenient access to beaches, vineyards and outdoor recreation areas.

Key Landmarks and Places to Visit in Atascadero, California

Landmark NameType
Atascadero City HallHistoric Landmark
Charles Paddock ZooZoo
Sunken GardensPublic Park
Atascadero Lake ParkRecreation Area
Faces of Freedom Veterans MemorialMemorial
Atascadero Historical Society MuseumMuseum
Downtown AtascaderoShopping and Dining District
Ancient Peaks WineryNearby Winery
Morro Bay State ParkNearby State Park
Paso Robles Wine CountryNearby Attraction

Colleges and Universities Near Atascadero, California

Institution NameTypeDistanceNotable For
Cuesta CollegeCommunity College10 miTransfer and workforce education
California Polytechnic State UniversityPublic University18 miEngineering and applied sciences
Allan Hancock CollegeCommunity College35 miCareer and technical programs
California State University Monterey BayPublic University95 miLiberal arts and environmental studies
University of California, Santa BarbaraPublic University115 miResearch and higher education

Waterbodies in and Near Atascadero, California

Atascadero Lake, Salinas River, Santa Margarita Lake, Morro Bay, Whale Rock Reservoir, Nacimiento Lake, Lopez Lake, Pacific Ocean, Estero Bay, Chorro Creek

Golf Courses in and Near Atascadero, California

Chalk Mountain Golf Course, Hunter Ranch Golf Course, Paso Robles Golf Club, Morro Bay Golf Course, Dairy Creek Golf Course, Cypress Ridge Golf Course, Avila Beach Golf Resort, Sea Pines Golf Resort

Atascadero, California - Key Historical Facts

  • Atascadero was founded in 1913 by publisher and entrepreneur Edward Gardner Lewis as a planned colony community.
  • The city's iconic City Hall building became a symbol of the community's early development.
  • Agriculture, ranching and later viticulture played significant roles in the area's economy.
  • Atascadero grew steadily due to its location along the US Highway 101 corridor.
  • The community became known for its Central Coast lifestyle, historic architecture and natural surroundings.
  • Today, Atascadero is recognized as a gateway to wine country and one of the key communities in San Luis Obispo County.

References

California Related Links

California MapCalifornia County MapMap of California With Cities
California ZipcodesAirports in CaliforniaWhere is California
California Area CodesCalifornia Blank MapCalifornia River Map
US County MapCalifornia Road MapCalifornia PhysicalMap