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
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
| City | El Cajon |
| State | California |
| County | San Diego County |
| Country | United States |
| Region | Southern California - East County San Diego |
| Incorporated | November 12, 1912 |
| Founded | 1888 |
| Total Area | Approximately 14.4 sq mi (37.3 km2) |
| Land Area | Approximately 14.4 sq mi (37.3 km2) |
| Water Area | Approximately 0.0 sq mi (0.0 km2) |
| Elevation | Approximately 430 ft (131 m) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | Approximately 106,000+ |
| Population (2020 Census) | 106,215 |
| Population Density | Approximately 7,400 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time (UTC-8 / UTC-7 DST) |
| ZIP Codes | 92019, 92020, 92021, 92022 |
| Area Code | 619 |
| Major Highways | Interstate 8, State Route 67, State Route 125 nearby |
| Public Transit | San Diego Trolley - Green Line, MTS Bus Service |
| Major Attractions | Sycuan Casino Resort nearby, Summers Past Farms, Knox House Museum |
| Official Website | https://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)
El Cajon, California Climate and Weather Overview
| Month | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) | Avg Rainfall (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 67 | 46 | 2.00 |
| April | 73 | 52 | 0.80 |
| July | 89 | 66 | 0.10 |
| October | 83 | 60 | 0.50 |
| Annual | 78 | 56 | 12.00 |
| Climate Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Climate Classification (Köppen) | Hot Semi-Arid (BSh) |
| Annual Rainfall | Approximately 12 inches |
| Annual Sunshine Days | About 266 days |
| Hurricane/Tornado Risk | Very low |
| Snowfall | None |
Driving Distances from El Cajon, California
| City | State | Distance (mi) | Approx. Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Mesa | California | 5 | 10 min |
| Santee | California | 6 | 12 min |
| Spring Valley | California | 6 | 12 min |
| Lemon Grove | California | 6 | 12 min |
| Lakeside | California | 8 | 15 min |
| National City | California | 15 | 20 min |
| San Diego | California | 17 | 22 min |
| Chula Vista | California | 18 | 25 min |
| Alpine | California | 18 | 25 min |
| Oceanside | California | 47 | 50 min |
Transportation and Connectivity in El Cajon, California
| Transportation | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | San Diego International Airport |
| IATA Code | SAN |
| Port | Port of San Diego (nearby) |
| Major Highways | Interstate 8, California State Route 67, California State Route 125 |
| Train/Amtrak Service | Amtrak service available at San Diego Santa Fe Depot; San Diego Trolley Orange Line serves El Cajon Transit Center |
| Local Bus/Transit Service | San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) |
- Interstate 8 — Main east-west freeway connecting El Cajon with San Diego and Imperial County.
- California State Route 67 — Provides access to Santee, Ramona, and northeastern San Diego County.
- California State Route 125 — Connects El Cajon with Chula Vista and other South Bay communities.
- The San Diego Trolley Orange Line links El Cajon directly with downtown San Diego and neighboring cities.
Places to Visit in El Cajon, California
| Landmark Name | Type |
|---|---|
| Olaf Wieghorst Museum | Art Museum |
| The Water Conservation Garden | Botanical Garden |
| Sycuan Casino Resort | Casino Resort |
| Summers Past Farms | Farm Attraction |
| Rancho San Diego Towne Center | Shopping Center |
| Kennedy Park | Community Park |
| Hillside Park | City Park |
| Mission Trails Regional Park | Regional Park |
| Mt. Helix Park | Scenic Park |
| Knox House Museum | Historic Museum |
Colleges and Universities in El Cajon, California
| Institution Name | Type | Level | Notable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cuyamaca College | Public | Community College | Career and transfer programs |
| Grossmont College | Public | Community College | Liberal arts and workforce education |
| San Diego State University | Public | University | Research and engineering |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | Private | University | Liberal arts education |
| National University | Private | University | Adult and online education |
| University of California San Diego | Public | University | Research university |
| California State University San Marcos | Public | University | Public higher education |
| Grossmont Union High School District | Public | K–12 District | Public education |
Waterbodies in El Cajon, California
San Diego River, Sweetwater River, Lake Murray, Loveland Reservoir, El Capitan Reservoir, Lower Otay Reservoir, Cuyamaca Lake, Santee Lakes
Golf Courses in El Cajon, California
Cottonwood Golf Club, Singing Hills Golf Resort at Sycuan, Willow Glen Golf Course, Steele Canyon Golf Club, Carlton Oaks Golf Club, Mission Trails Golf Course, Admiral Baker Golf Course, Mt. Woodson Golf Club
El Cajon, California — Key Historical Facts
- El Cajon was originally part of Spanish and later Mexican land grants before becoming an important agricultural community during the 19th century.
- The city's name, meaning "The Box" in Spanish, refers to the valley surrounded by mountains where it is located.
- The arrival of rail transportation and improved road networks helped El Cajon grow into a regional commercial center during the early 20th century.
- Rapid suburban development after World War II transformed the city into one of eastern San Diego County's largest residential communities.
- El Cajon has developed a diverse population and is recognized for its multicultural neighborhoods, businesses, and community events.
- Today, the city serves as an important economic, educational, and transportation hub in the San Diego metropolitan area while maintaining access to parks and outdoor recreation.
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