Where is El Cerrito, California, U.S.

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: March 05, 2026, 14:55 ET

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

Where is El Cerrito Located in 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.

Area and 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.

Attractions and Recreation

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

CityEl Cerrito
StateCalifornia
CountyContra Costa County
CountryUnited States
RegionSan Francisco Bay Area - East Bay
IncorporatedAugust 23, 1917
Founded1906
Total AreaApproximately 3.7 sq mi (9.6 km2)
Land AreaApproximately 3.7 sq mi (9.6 km2)
ElevationApproximately 69 ft (21 m)
Population (2023 estimate)Approximately 26,000+
Population (2020 Census)25,962
Population DensityApproximately 7,000 people per sq mi
Time ZonePacific Time (UTC-8 / UTC-7 DST)
ZIP Codes94530
Area Code510
Major HighwaysInterstate 80, Interstate 580
Public TransitBART, AC Transit Bus
Major AttractionsEl Cerrito Plaza, Wildcat Canyon Regional Park, Cerrito Vista Park
Official Websitehttps://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)

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