Where is California City, California

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: August 5, 2026

California City is a city in the Mojave Desert and part of Kern County in southern California. It is about 80 miles north of Los Angeles and 60 miles east of Bakersfield. The city is known for its vast desert landscape, Central Park, and nearby Edwards Air Force Base.

Location Map of California City, Kern County, California

Where is California City Located in Kern County, California

About Map: The map shows the location of California City in Kern County, in the U.S. state of California.

California City Map, California

About California City Map: The Google Map highlights the location of California City in Kern County, California. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.

Where is California City Located?

California City is a city located in Kern County, California, the United States. It is about 80 miles north of Los Angeles and 60 miles east of Bakersfield. California City is located at approximately 35.1258° North latitude and 117.9859° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 14,829 residents, and the city covers about 203.63 square miles (527.39 sq km). The Mojave Desert is the city's defining geographic feature, with broad open spaces and dry desert terrain surrounding the community. California City was incorporated in 1965 and was planned as a large-scale new city. Its location near Edwards Air Force Base and major desert transportation routes has influenced its development and local economy.

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California City City Facts

FactDetails
CityCalifornia City
StateCalifornia
CountyKern County
CountryUnited States
RegionMojave Desert / Southern California
Incorporated1965
Founded1958
Total Area203.63 sq mi (527.39 sq km)
Land Area203.55 sq mi (527.18 sq km)
Water Area0.08 sq mi (0.21 sq km)
ElevationAbout 2,400 ft (732 m)
Population (2023 estimate)14,700
Population (2020 Census)14,829
Population Density73 people per sq mi
Time ZonePacific Standard Time (PST); Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)
ZIP Codes93505
Area Code760
Major HighwaysCalifornia State Route 14, California State Route 58
Public TransitKern Transit
Major AttractionsCentral Park, California City Municipal Airport, Mojave Desert, Silver Saddle Ranch
Official Websitehttps://www.californiacity-ca.gov/

Distance from California City, CA to Nearby Cities

  • Mojave, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
  • Rosamond, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
  • Tehachapi, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
  • Palmdale, CA – 45 miles (72 km)
  • Lancaster, CA – 45 miles (72 km)
  • Bakersfield, CA – 60 miles (97 km)
  • Ridgecrest, CA – 60 miles (97 km)
  • Victorville, CA – 75 miles (121 km)
  • Barstow, CA – 90 miles (145 km)
  • Santa Clarita, CA – 70 miles (113 km)
  • San Bernardino, CA – 105 miles (169 km)
  • Los Angeles, CA – 80 miles (129 km)
  • Pasadena, CA – 90 miles (145 km)
  • Fresno, CA – 135 miles (217 km)
  • Riverside, CA – 115 miles (185 km)
  • San Diego, CA – 180 miles (290 km)

Top Attractions in California City

  • Central Park – Large community park with open spaces and recreational facilities.
  • Mojave Desert – Vast desert region surrounding California City with open landscapes and unique geology.
  • California City Municipal Airport – Local airport serving general aviation and providing access to the surrounding desert region.
  • Silver Saddle Ranch & Club – Historic ranch property and recreational area near California City.
  • Edwards Air Force Base – Major aerospace and flight-testing facility located near the city.
  • Antelope Valley – Nearby desert valley known for open landscapes, wildflowers, and agricultural areas.
  • Red Rock Canyon State Park – Nearby park featuring colorful rock formations, desert trails, and scenic landscapes.
  • Tehachapi Mountains – Mountain range west of California City offering scenic drives, hiking, and outdoor recreation.

Airports Near California City

  • California City Municipal Airport (L71) – 5 miles
  • Mojave Air and Space Port (MHV) – 20 miles
  • William J. Fox Airfield (WJF) – 50 miles
  • Meadows Field Airport (BFL) – 65 miles
  • Palmdale Regional Airport (PMD) – 55 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official City of California City website and local government records.

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