Where is El Cajon, California, U.S.

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

Where is El Cajon, California Located in the United States? - El Cajon is a city located in the San Diego County in California, United States. El Cajon lies between 32.7948 Degrees North latitudes and -116.9625 Degrees West longitudes.

Location Map of El Cajon, San Diego, California

Where is El Cajon Located in San Diego, California

About Map: The map shows the location of El Cajon in San Diego County, in the U.S. state of California.

El Cajon Map, California, USA

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

About El Cajon, San Diego County, California

El Cajon is located in San Diego County in the U.S. state of California, United States. It lies in the southern part of the state in the state of the United States within the inland valleys east of the city of San Diego. The city was incorporated in 1912 and its name means “the box” in Spanish, referring to the valley surrounded by mountains, and it has grown into a residential and commercial center in eastern San Diego County.

Population

According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of El Cajon is 106,215 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 7,400 people per square mile.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, El Cajon covers a total area of approximately 14.4 square miles (about 37.3 square kilometers), including about 14.4 square miles (37.3 square kilometers) of land and a minimal amount of water area.

Location and Surroundings

El Cajon is situated east of downtown San Diego and west of the foothills of the Cuyamaca Mountains, positioned within a broad valley landscape. The city features primarily flat terrain surrounded by hills and mountain ranges that shape its distinctive setting. Interstate 8 and State Route 67 provide major transportation routes connecting El Cajon to neighboring communities and regional employment centers.

Top Attractions

El Cajon offers parks, community centers, and cultural venues that support recreation and local events. Popular destinations include the Olaf Wieghorst Museum and Western Heritage Center, Summers Past Farms, and several city parks and sports facilities. The city is also home to Grossmont College, contributing to higher education and workforce development in the region.

Transportation

El Cajon is served by Interstate 8 and State Route 67, offering direct highway access to central San Diego and surrounding areas. Public transportation includes San Diego Trolley and regional bus services linking the city to downtown San Diego and neighboring communities. The nearest major airport is San Diego International Airport, located approximately 20 miles to the west.

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 El Cajon City Website.

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El Cajon City Facts

CityEl Cajon
StateCalifornia
CountySan Diego County
CountryUnited States
RegionSouthern California - East County San Diego
IncorporatedNovember 12, 1912
Founded1888
Total AreaApproximately 14.4 sq mi (37.3 km2)
Land AreaApproximately 14.4 sq mi (37.3 km2)
Water AreaApproximately 0.0 sq mi (0.0 km2)
ElevationApproximately 430 ft (131 m)
Population (2023 estimate)Approximately 106,000+
Population (2020 Census)106,215
Population DensityApproximately 7,400 people per sq mi
Time ZonePacific Time (UTC-8 / UTC-7 DST)
ZIP Codes92019, 92020, 92021, 92022
Area Code619
Major HighwaysInterstate 8, State Route 67, State Route 125 nearby
Public TransitSan Diego Trolley - Green Line, MTS Bus Service
Major AttractionsSycuan Casino Resort nearby, Summers Past Farms, Knox House Museum
Official Websitehttps://www.elcajon.gov/

Distance from El Cajon City, CA to Nearby Cities in California

  • La Mesa, CA – 5 miles (8 km)
  • Santee, CA – 6 miles (10 km)
  • San Diego, CA – 17 miles (27 km)
  • Lemon Grove, CA – 8 miles (13 km)
  • Chula Vista, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
  • National City, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
  • Poway, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
  • Escondido, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
  • San Marcos, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
  • Vista, CA – 38 miles (61 km)
  • Carlsbad, CA – 42 miles (68 km)
  • Oceanside, CA – 45 miles (72 km)
  • Encinitas, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
  • La Jolla, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
  • Coronado, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
  • Imperial Beach, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
  • Temecula, CA – 65 miles (105 km)
  • Murrieta, CA – 70 miles (113 km)
  • Riverside, CA – 95 miles (153 km)
  • San Bernardino, CA – 105 miles (169 km)

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