Where is El Cerrito, California Located in the United States? - El Cerrito is a city located in the Contra Costa County in California, United States. El Cerrito lies between 37.9158 Degrees North latitudes and -122.3116 Degrees West longitudes.
Location Map of El Cerrito, Contra Costa, California
About Map: The map shows the location of El Cerrito in Contra Costa County, in the U.S. state of California.
El Cerrito Map, California, USA
About El Cerrito Map: This Google Map provides a detailed view with zoom, satellite, and street options to explore the area and its surroundings.
About El Cerrito, Contra Costa County, California
El Cerrito is located in Contra Costa County in the U.S. state of California, United States. It lies in the northern part of the state in the state of the United States along the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay within the San Francisco Bay Area region. The city was incorporated in 1917 and its name means “the little hill” in Spanish, referring to a prominent hill in the area, and it developed from a small settlement into a suburban residential community.
Population
According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of El Cerrito is 25,962 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 7,300 people per square mile.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, El Cerrito covers a total area of approximately 3.7 square miles (about 9.6 square kilometers), including about 3.7 square miles (9.6 square kilometers) of land and a minimal amount of water area.
Location and Surroundings
El Cerrito is situated north of Albany and south of Richmond, positioned along the eastern shoreline of San Francisco Bay in western Contra Costa County. The city features residential neighborhoods, hillside communities, and nearby waterfront areas that provide views of the bay. Interstate 80 runs through the area, providing a major transportation route connecting El Cerrito to surrounding communities across the San Francisco Bay Area.
Top Attractions
El Cerrito offers parks, historic landmarks, and outdoor recreation areas that support tourism and community activities. Popular destinations include Wildcat Canyon Regional Park, the Ohlone Greenway trail, and the historic El Cerrito Theater. The city hosts community festivals, art events, and outdoor activities throughout the year.
Transportation
El Cerrito is served by Interstate 80 and regional rail stations that provide access across the San Francisco Bay Area. Public transportation includes BART rail service and regional bus connections linking the city to surrounding communities. The nearest major airport is Oakland International 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 El Cerrito City Website.
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El Cerrito City Facts
| City | El Cerrito |
| State | California |
| County | Contra Costa County |
| Country | United States |
| Region | San Francisco Bay Area - East Bay |
| Incorporated | August 23, 1917 |
| Founded | 1906 |
| Total Area | Approximately 3.7 sq mi (9.6 km2) |
| Land Area | Approximately 3.7 sq mi (9.6 km2) |
| Elevation | Approximately 69 ft (21 m) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | Approximately 26,000+ |
| Population (2020 Census) | 25,962 |
| Population Density | Approximately 7,000 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time (UTC-8 / UTC-7 DST) |
| ZIP Codes | 94530 |
| Area Code | 510 |
| Major Highways | Interstate 80, Interstate 580 |
| Public Transit | BART, AC Transit Bus |
| Major Attractions | El Cerrito Plaza, Wildcat Canyon Regional Park, Cerrito Vista Park |
| Official Website | https://www.el-cerrito.org/ |
Distance from El Cerrito City, CA to Nearby Cities
- Richmond, CA – 3 miles (5 km)
- San Pablo, CA – 5 miles (8 km)
- Pinole, CA – 8 miles (13 km)
- Hercules, CA – 10 miles (16 km)
- Albany, CA – 2 miles (3 km)
- Berkeley, CA – 5 miles (8 km)
- Oakland, CA – 12 miles (19 km)
- Emeryville, CA – 8 miles (13 km)
- San Rafael, CA – 18 miles (29 km)
- Vallejo, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
- Benicia, CA – 22 miles (35 km)
- Martinez, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
- Concord, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
- Walnut Creek, CA – 28 miles (45 km)
- San Francisco, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
- Daly City, CA – 18 miles (29 km)
- Hayward, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
- Fremont, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
- San Mateo, CA – 28 miles (45 km)
- Pleasant Hill, CA – 24 miles (39 km)
El Cerrito, California Climate and Weather Overview
| Month | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) | Avg Rainfall (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 57 | 44 | 4.60 |
| April | 65 | 48 | 1.50 |
| July | 73 | 55 | 0.10 |
| October | 73 | 54 | 0.80 |
| Annual | 67 | 50 | 24.80 |
| Climate Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Climate Classification (Köppen) | Warm-Summer Mediterranean (Csb) |
| Annual Rainfall | Approximately 25 inches |
| Annual Sunshine Days | About 260 days |
| Hurricane/Tornado Risk | Very low |
| Snowfall | None |
Driving Distances from El Cerrito, California
| City | State | Distance (mi) | Approx. Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albany | California | 2 | 6 min |
| Richmond | California | 3 | 8 min |
| Berkeley | California | 4 | 10 min |
| San Pablo | California | 5 | 12 min |
| Emeryville | California | 8 | 15 min |
| Pinole | California | 9 | 15 min |
| Oakland | California | 11 | 20 min |
| Walnut Creek | California | 18 | 25 min |
| San Francisco | California | 16 | 30 min |
| San Jose | California | 49 | 55 min |
Transportation and Connectivity in El Cerrito, California
| Transportation | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Oakland International Airport |
| IATA Code | OAK |
| Port | Port of Richmond (nearby) |
| Major Highways | Interstate 80, Interstate 580, San Pablo Avenue (State Route 123) |
| Train/Amtrak Service | BART service at El Cerrito Plaza and El Cerrito del Norte stations; nearby Amtrak station in Richmond |
| Local Bus/Transit Service | AC Transit |
- Interstate 80 — Major freeway connecting El Cerrito with San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, and the North Bay.
- Interstate 580 — Provides convenient access to Marin County via the Richmond–San Rafael Bridge.
- San Pablo Avenue (State Route 123) — Historic corridor serving businesses and neighborhoods throughout the East Bay.
- Two BART stations offer direct rail service to Oakland, San Francisco, Berkeley, and other Bay Area destinations.
Places to Visit in El Cerrito, California
| Landmark Name | Type |
|---|---|
| Hillside Natural Area | Nature Preserve |
| El Cerrito Plaza | Shopping Center |
| Cerrito Vista Park | Community Park |
| Arlington Park | City Park |
| Albany Hill Park | Nature Park |
| Point Isabel Regional Shoreline | Regional Park |
| Tilden Regional Park | Regional Park |
| Playland-Not-at-the-Beach | Museum |
| The UC Botanical Garden | Botanical Garden |
| Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park | Historic Site |
Colleges and Universities in El Cerrito, California
| Institution Name | Type | Level | Notable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of California, Berkeley | Public | University | World-renowned research |
| Contra Costa College | Public | Community College | Transfer and career education |
| Berkeley City College | Public | Community College | Urban higher education |
| Samuel Merritt University | Private | University | Health sciences |
| Mills College at Northeastern University | Private | University | Liberal arts and graduate education |
| California State University, East Bay | Public | University | Comprehensive public education |
| John F. Kennedy University (continuing programs) | Private | University | Professional studies |
| West Contra Costa Unified School District | Public | K–12 District | Public education |
Waterbodies in El Cerrito, California
San Francisco Bay, Cerrito Creek, Baxter Creek, Wildcat Creek, Point Isabel Shoreline, Lake Anza, Lake Temescal, Richmond Inner Harbor
Golf Courses in El Cerrito, California
Tilden Park Golf Course, Berkeley Country Club, Metropolitan Golf Links, Corica Park Golf Course, Franklin Canyon Golf Course, Mira Vista Golf & Country Club, Orinda Country Club, Claremont Country Club
El Cerrito, California — Key Historical Facts
- El Cerrito was incorporated in 1917 after separating from the neighboring city of Richmond.
- The city's name, meaning "The Little Hill" in Spanish, refers to the prominent hill that overlooks the surrounding East Bay.
- Early development was driven by agriculture, small businesses, and the expansion of streetcar lines connecting the community with Berkeley and Oakland.
- Residential growth accelerated after World War II, making El Cerrito a desirable suburban community within the San Francisco Bay Area.
- The arrival of BART in the 1970s strengthened regional transportation and supported continued commercial and residential development.
- Today, El Cerrito is known for its diverse neighborhoods, excellent transit access, scenic parks, and convenient location between Berkeley, Richmond, and San Francisco.
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