Where is Dos Palos, California

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

Dos Palos is a small agricultural city in Merced County in California's San Joaquin Valley. It lies about 15 miles southwest of Merced and 30 miles northwest of Los Banos. The city is surrounded by farmland and irrigation canals and is part of a productive agricultural region known for almonds, tomatoes, dairy farms, and other crops.

Location Map of Dos Palos, Merced County, California

Where is Dos Palos Located in Merced County, California

About Map: The map shows the location of Dos Palos in Merced County, in the U.S. state of California.

Dos Palos Map, California

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

Where is Dos Palos Located?

Dos Palos is a city located in Merced County, California, the United States. It is situated in the western San Joaquin Valley, approximately 15 miles southwest of Merced and about 30 miles northwest of Los Banos. Dos Palos lies at approximately 36.99° North latitude and 120.63° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 4,951 residents. The city covers about 1.79 square miles (4.64 square kilometers), with nearly all of its area consisting of land. Agriculture is central to the local landscape and economy, with orchards, fields, dairy operations, and irrigation systems surrounding the community. Dos Palos was incorporated in 1930 and developed as an agricultural settlement in the early 20th century. The city's name means "Two Palms" in Spanish and refers to two palm trees that historically marked a location in the area. Nearby attractions include the San Luis National Wildlife Refuge, Merced National Wildlife Refuge, and the city of Merced. Dos Palos is also close to the San Joaquin River and several Central Valley agricultural communities.

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Dos Palos City Facts

CityDos Palos
StateCalifornia
CountyMerced County
CountryUnited States
RegionSan Joaquin Valley
IncorporatedMay 25, 1930
Founded1906
Total Area1.79 sq mi (4.64 sq km)
Land Area1.79 sq mi (4.64 sq km)
Water Area0.00 sq mi
Elevation118 ft (36 m)
Population (2023 estimate)Approximately 5,000
Population (2020 Census)4,951
Population Density2,766 people per sq mi
Time ZonePacific Time Zone (PST/PDT)
ZIP Codes93620
Area Code209, 350
Major HighwaysCalifornia State Route 33, California State Route 152
Public TransitMerced County Transit
Major AttractionsSan Luis National Wildlife Refuge, Merced National Wildlife Refuge, Dos Palos City Park
Official Websitehttps://www.dospalos.org/

Distance from Dos Palos, CA to Nearby Cities

  • Firebaugh, CA – 9 miles (14 km)
  • Los Banos, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
  • Merced, CA – 16 miles (26 km)
  • Gustine, CA – 17 miles (27 km)
  • Atwater, CA – 23 miles (37 km)
  • Livingston, CA – 24 miles (39 km)
  • Chowchilla, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
  • Delhi, CA – 29 miles (47 km)
  • Newman, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
  • Mariposa, CA – 55 miles (89 km)
  • Modesto, CA – 58 miles (93 km)
  • Fresno, CA – 65 miles (105 km)
  • Madera, CA – 48 miles (77 km)
  • Stockton, CA – 75 miles (121 km)
  • Sonora, CA – 85 miles (137 km)
  • Gilroy, CA – 90 miles (145 km)
  • San Jose, CA – 100 miles (161 km)
  • Sacramento, CA – 105 miles (169 km)

Top Attractions in Dos Palos

  • Dos Palos City Park – A local community park with recreational facilities and open outdoor areas.
  • San Luis National Wildlife Refuge – A large Central Valley wildlife area known for wetlands, migratory birds, and seasonal wildlife viewing.
  • Merced National Wildlife Refuge – A nearby refuge recognized for wetlands, grasslands, waterfowl, and other migratory birds.
  • San Joaquin River – A major Central Valley river that supports wildlife habitat and agricultural water systems.
  • Dos Palos Museum – A local historical attraction documenting the community's agricultural roots and early settlement.
  • Los Banos Wildlife Area – A nearby natural area with wetlands and opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife observation.
  • Merced County Courthouse Museum – A regional museum in Merced featuring exhibits about local history and culture.
  • Castle Air Museum – An aviation museum near Atwater displaying a large collection of historic military aircraft.

Airports Near Dos Palos

  • Merced Regional Airport (MCE) – 28 miles
  • Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) – 70 miles
  • Modesto City-County Airport (MOD) – 65 miles
  • San Jose International Airport (SJC) – 100 miles

Sources:

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

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