Where is Hercules, California, U.S.

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

Where is Hercules, California Located in the United States? - Hercules is a city located in the Contra Costa County in California, United States. Hercules lies between 38.0171 Degrees North latitudes and -122.2886 Degrees West longitudes.

Location Map of Hercules, Contra Costa, California

Where is Hercules Located in Contra Costa, California

About Map: The map shows the location of Hercules in Contra Costa County, in the U.S. state of California.

Hercules Map, California, USA

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

About Hercules, Contra Costa County, California

Hercules 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 San Pablo Bay shoreline within the San Francisco Bay Area region. The city was incorporated in 1900 and was named after the Hercules Powder Company, which established a dynamite manufacturing facility in the area, and it developed from an industrial company town into a residential waterfront community.

Population

According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Hercules is 26,016 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 4,000 people per square mile.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, Hercules covers a total area of approximately 8.4 square miles (about 21.8 square kilometers), including about 6.5 square miles (16.8 square kilometers) of land and 1.9 square miles (5.0 square kilometers) of water.

Location and Surroundings

Hercules is situated west of Pinole and east of Rodeo, positioned along the southern shoreline of San Pablo Bay in western Contra Costa County. The city features waterfront neighborhoods, rolling hills, and scenic views of the bay. Interstate 80 runs through the area, providing a major transportation route connecting Hercules to surrounding communities across the San Francisco Bay Area.

Top Attractions

Hercules offers parks, waterfront recreation areas, and community spaces that support tourism and outdoor activities. Popular destinations include Refugio Valley Park, the San Pablo Bay shoreline trails, and the historic Hercules waterfront district. The city hosts community events, farmers markets, and seasonal festivals throughout the year.

Transportation

Hercules is served by Interstate 80, offering convenient highway access throughout Contra Costa County and the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Public transportation includes regional bus services connecting the city to surrounding communities and nearby transit hubs. The nearest major airport is Oakland International Airport, located approximately 25 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 Hercules City Website.

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Hercules City Facts

CityHercules
StateCalifornia
CountyContra Costa County
CountryUnited States
RegionSan Francisco Bay Area - East Bay
IncorporatedDecember 15, 1900
Founded1881
Total AreaApproximately 6.5 sq mi (16.8 km2)
Land AreaApproximately 6.5 sq mi (16.8 km2)
ElevationApproximately 43 ft (13 m)
Population (2023 estimate)Approximately 27,000+
Population (2020 Census)26,016
Population DensityApproximately 4,000 people per sq mi
Time ZonePacific Time (UTC-8 / UTC-7 DST)
ZIP Codes94547
Area Code510
Major HighwaysInterstate 80, State Route 4 (nearby)
Public TransitAC Transit Bus
Major AttractionsHercules Waterfront, Refugio Valley Park, San Pablo Bay Shoreline
Official Websitehttps://www.ci.hercules.ca.us/

Distance from Hercules City, CA to Nearby Cities

  • Pinole, CA – 3 miles (5 km)
  • San Pablo, CA – 6 miles (10 km)
  • Richmond, CA – 8 miles (13 km)
  • El Cerrito, CA – 10 miles (16 km)
  • Berkeley, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
  • Oakland, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
  • Martinez, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
  • Concord, CA – 18 miles (29 km)
  • Pleasant Hill, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
  • Walnut Creek, CA – 22 miles (35 km)
  • Vallejo, CA – 12 miles (19 km)
  • Benicia, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
  • Napa, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
  • San Rafael, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
  • Petaluma, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
  • Santa Rosa, CA – 45 miles (72 km)
  • San Francisco, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
  • Daly City, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
  • Hayward, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
  • Fremont, CA – 40 miles (64 km)

Transportation and Connectivity in Hercules, California

CategoryInformation
Airport NameBuchanan Field Airport (nearest); Oakland International Airport (major airport)
IATA CodeCCR (Buchanan Field)
PortHercules Waterfront (San Pablo Bay)
Major HighwaysInterstate 80, California State Route 4 (nearby), San Pablo Avenue (California State Route 123)
Train/Amtrak ServiceNearest Amtrak station at Martinez; Capitol Corridor service nearby
Local Bus/Transit ServiceWestCAT, AC Transit, and regional transit connections
  • Interstate 80 – Major interstate connecting Hercules with San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, and Northern California.
  • California State Route 4 – Nearby highway providing access to Concord, Antioch, and eastern Contra Costa County.
  • San Pablo Avenue (California State Route 123) – Historic corridor linking Hercules with Richmond, Berkeley, and Oakland.

Top Places to Visit in Hercules, California

Landmark Name Type
Hercules BayfrontWaterfront Park
Refugio Valley ParkPark
Hercules Historical Society MuseumMuseum
Victoria by the BayWaterfront District
Franklin Canyon Golf CourseGolf Course
Point Pinole Regional ShorelineRegional Park
San Pablo Bay TrailNature Trail
Foxboro Downs ParkPark
John Muir National Historic SiteHistoric Site
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor ConcordWater Park

Driving Distances from Hercules, California to Nearby Cities

City State Distance (mi) Approx. Drive Time
PinoleCalifornia25 min
RodeoCalifornia510 min
San PabloCalifornia715 min
RichmondCalifornia915 min
MartinezCalifornia1015 min
El CerritoCalifornia1120 min
ConcordCalifornia1525 min
BerkeleyCalifornia1825 min
OaklandCalifornia2435 min
San FranciscoCalifornia2840 min

Colleges and Universities in Hercules, California

Institution Name Type Level Notable For
Contra Costa CollegePublicCommunity CollegeTransfer and career education
California State University, East BayPublicUniversityBusiness and graduate programs
University of California, BerkeleyPublicUniversityResearch and innovation
Saint Mary's College of CaliforniaPrivateUniversityLiberal arts and business studies
West Contra Costa Unified School DistrictPublicK–12 DistrictPrimary and secondary public education

Waterbodies in Hercules, California

San Pablo Bay, Refugio Creek, Rodeo Creek, Garrity Creek, Pinole Creek, Franklin Creek, Carquinez Strait, San Francisco Bay.

Golf Courses in Hercules, California

Franklin Canyon Golf Course, Mira Vista Golf & Country Club, Richmond Country Club, Buchanan Fields Golf Course, Orinda Country Club.

Hercules, California — Key Historical Facts

  • Hercules was established in 1881 as a company town for the California Powder Works, which manufactured explosives used in mining, construction, and railroad expansion.
  • The city was named after the Hercules brand of dynamite, reflecting its origins as one of the nation's leading explosives manufacturing centers.
  • For many decades, Hercules operated as a planned industrial community before explosive manufacturing ended and redevelopment transformed the waterfront.
  • The city incorporated in 1900 and experienced significant residential growth during the late twentieth century because of its location in the San Francisco Bay Area.
  • Today, Hercules is recognized for its scenic waterfront, diverse neighborhoods, parks, and convenient transportation access throughout the Bay Area.

References

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