Where is Hollister, California Located in the United States? - Hollister is a city located in the San Benito County in California, United States. Hollister lies between 36.8525 Degrees North latitudes and -121.4016 Degrees West longitudes.
Location Map of Hollister, San Benito, California
About Map: The map shows the location of Hollister in San Benito County, in the U.S. state of California.
Hollister Map, California, USA
About Hollister Map: This Google Map provides a detailed view with zoom, satellite, and street options to explore the area and its surroundings.
About Hollister, San Benito County, California
Hollister is located in San Benito County in the U.S. state of California, United States. It lies in the central part of the state in the state of the United States within the San Benito Valley east of the Gabilan Range. The city was incorporated in 1872 and was named after Colonel William Wells Hollister, a rancher and landowner who helped develop the area, and it grew from a railroad and agricultural settlement into a regional residential community.
Population
According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Hollister is 41,678 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 4,700 people per square mile.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, Hollister covers a total area of approximately 8.1 square miles (about 21.0 square kilometers), including about 8.1 square miles (21.0 square kilometers) of land and a minimal amount of water area.
Location and Surroundings
Hollister is situated southeast of Gilroy and north of Tres Pinos, positioned within the fertile San Benito Valley surrounded by rolling hills and farmland. The city features agricultural landscapes, residential neighborhoods, and nearby scenic countryside. State Route 25 and State Route 156 provide major transportation routes connecting Hollister to surrounding communities and the Central Coast region of California.
Top Attractions
Hollister offers parks, historic landmarks, and outdoor recreation areas that support tourism and local activities. Popular destinations include Dunne Park, the San Benito County Historical Park, and nearby Pinnacles National Park known for its hiking trails and rock formations. The city hosts local festivals and community events that highlight its agricultural heritage.
Transportation
Hollister is served by State Route 25 and State Route 156, offering highway access to the Central Coast and inland California regions. Public transportation includes regional bus services connecting the city to surrounding communities. The nearest major airport is San Jose Mineta International Airport, located approximately 50 miles to the northwest.
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 Hollister City Website.
Most Viewed US Maps
| USA Map | USA Region Map | USA Road Map |
| USA County Map | Where is USA in World Map? | US ZIP Code Map |
| USA Time Zones Map | US State and Capitals Map | USA Physical Map |
Hollister City Facts
| City | Hollister |
| State | California |
| County | San Benito County |
| Country | United States |
| Region | Central Coast |
| Incorporated | August 29, 1872 |
| Founded | 1868 |
| Total Area | Approximately 7.3 sq mi (18.9 km2) |
| Land Area | Approximately 7.3 sq mi (18.9 km2) |
| Elevation | Approximately 295 ft (90 m) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | Approximately 41,000+ |
| Population (2020 Census) | 41,678 |
| Population Density | Approximately 5,700 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time (UTC-8 / UTC-7 DST) |
| ZIP Codes | 95023, 95024 |
| Area Code | 831 |
| Major Highways | State Route 25, State Route 156 |
| Public Transit | San Benito County Express |
| Major Attractions | San Benito Stage Company, Dunne Park, Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area |
| Official Website | https://hollister.ca.gov/ |
Distance from Hollister, CA to Nearby Cities
- San Juan Bautista, CA – 7 miles (11 km)
- Gilroy, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
- Morgan Hill, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
- Watsonville, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
- Salinas, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
- Santa Cruz, CA – 40 miles (64 km)
- Monterey, CA – 45 miles (72 km)
- Seaside, CA – 45 miles (72 km)
- Marina, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
- San Jose, CA – 45 miles (72 km)
- Santa Clara, CA – 50 miles (80 km)
- Sunnyvale, CA – 55 miles (89 km)
- Mountain View, CA – 60 miles (97 km)
- Palo Alto, CA – 65 miles (105 km)
- Fremont, CA – 60 miles (97 km)
- Union City, CA – 65 miles (105 km)
- Hayward, CA – 70 miles (113 km)
- Oakland, CA – 80 miles (129 km)
- San Francisco, CA – 90 miles (145 km)
- Modesto, CA – 95 miles (153 km)
Transportation and Connectivity in Hollister, California
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Hollister Municipal Airport; San Jose International Airport (major airport) |
| IATA Code | SJC (San Jose International Airport) |
| Port | Port of Monterey and Port of Oakland (regional ports) |
| Major Highways | U.S. Route 101 (nearby), State Route 25, State Route 156, State Route 129 |
| Train/Rail Service | No passenger rail service; freight rail connections available |
| Local Transit Service | MST (Monterey-Salinas Transit) and San Benito County Express |
- State Routes 25, 156, and 129 provide important connections between Hollister, Gilroy, Monterey County, and the Central Coast region.
- U.S. Route 101 is accessible nearby and connects the city with San Jose, Salinas, and major Bay Area destinations.
- Hollister Municipal Airport supports general aviation activities for the city and surrounding San Benito County.
- San Jose International Airport provides the nearest major commercial air service, located about 50 miles northwest.
Top Places to Visit in Hollister, California
| Landmark Name | Type |
|---|---|
| Pinnacles National Park | National Park |
| San Benito County Historical Society Museum | History Museum |
| Veterans Memorial Park | Community Park |
| Bolado Park Event Center | Event Venue |
| Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area | Recreation Area |
| Mission San Juan Bautista | Historic Mission |
| Hollister Downtown Historic District | Historic Area |
| San Benito River | Natural Attraction |
| Gavilan College Nature Areas | Outdoor Recreation |
| Fremont Peak State Park | State Park |
Driving Distances from Hollister, California to Nearby Cities
| City | State | Distance (mi) | Approx. Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gilroy | California | 17 | 25 min |
| Salinas | California | 32 | 40 min |
| Monterey | California | 42 | 55 min |
| Watsonville | California | 35 | 45 min |
| Santa Cruz | California | 55 | 1 hr 10 min |
| San Jose | California | 50 | 1 hr |
| Santa Clara | California | 55 | 1 hr 10 min |
| Oakland | California | 95 | 1 hr 45 min |
| San Francisco | California | 110 | 2 hr |
| Fresno | California | 115 | 2 hr |
Colleges and Universities near Hollister, California
| Institution Name | Type | Level | Notable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gavilan College | Public | Community College | Transfer programs, nursing, business, technology, and workforce training |
| California State University, Monterey Bay | Public | University | Marine science, education, business, and environmental studies |
| San Jose State University | Public | University | Engineering, technology, business, and research programs |
| Hartnell College | Public | Community College | Agriculture, healthcare, STEM, and career education |
| Hollister School District | Public | K–12 District | Primary and secondary public education |
Waterbodies in Hollister, California
San Benito River, Pacheco Creek, Santa Ana Creek, Paicines Reservoir, Hernandez Reservoir, and nearby Central Coast waterways.
Golf Courses near Hollister, California
Ridgemark Golf Club & Resort, San Juan Oaks Golf Club, Paicines Ranch Golf Course, Spring Creek Golf & Country Club, and Eagle Ridge Golf Club.
Hollister, California — Key Historical Facts
- Hollister was founded in 1868 and named after William Welles Hollister, a prominent California rancher and landowner.
- The city was established as the county seat of San Benito County and developed around agriculture, ranching, and regional trade.
- Hollister became internationally known after the 1947 motorcycle rally that contributed to its association with motorcycle culture.
- The surrounding San Benito County region has a long agricultural history, producing crops, wine grapes, and livestock.
- Pinnacles National Park and the area's unique geological formations have contributed to Hollister's growth as an outdoor recreation destination.
- Today, Hollister is known for its agricultural economy, historic downtown, scenic landscapes, motorcycle heritage, and proximity to the Silicon Valley and Central Coast regions.
References
- City of Hollister
- U.S. Census Bureau
- Visit California
- Pinnacles National Park
- California Department of Transportation
California Related Links
- Where is Adelanto
- Where is Alameda
- Where is Alhambra
- Where is Aliso Viejo
- Where is Antioch
- Where is Apple Valley
- Where is Arcadia
- Where is Atascadero
- Where is Atwater
- Where is Azusa
- Where is Baldwin Park
- Where is Banning
- Where is Barstow
- Where is Beaumont
- Where is Bell Gardens
- Where is Bell
- Where is Bellflower
- Where is Belmont
- Where is Benicia
- Where is Beverly Hills
- Where is Brawley
- Where is Brea
- Where is Brentwood
- Where is Buena Park
- Where is Burbank
- Where is Burlingame
- Where is Calexico
- Where is Camarillo
- Where is Campbell
- Where is Carlsbad
- Where is Carson
- Where is Cathedral City
- Where is Ceres
- Where is Cerritos
- Where is Chico
- Where is Chino Hills
- Where is Chino
- Where is Citrus Heights
- Where is Claremont
- Where is Coachella
- Where is Colton
- Where is Compton
- Where is Concord
- Where is Costa Mesa
- Where is Covina
- Where is Culver City
- Where is Cupertino
- Where is Cypress
- Where is Daly City
- Where is Dana Point
- Where is Danville
- Where is Davis
- Where is Delano
- Where is Desert Hot Springs
- Where is Diamond Bar
- Where is Downey
- Where is Dublin
- Where is East Palo Alto
- Where is Eastvale
- Where is El Cajon
- Where is El Centro
- Where is El Cerrito
- Where is El Monte
- Where is Encinitas
- Where is Eureka
- Where is Fairfield
- Where is Folsom
- Where is Foster City
- Where is Fountain Valley
- Where is Galt
- Where is Gardena
- Where is Gilroy
- Where is Glendora
- Where is Goleta
- Where is Hanford
- Where is Hawthorne
- Where is Hemet
- Where is Hercules
- Where is Hesperia
- Where is Highland
- Where is Hollister
- Where is Huntington Park
- Where is Imperial Beach
- Where is Indio
- Where is Inglewood
- Where is Jurupa Valley
- Where is La Habra
- Where is La Mesa
- Where is La Mirada
- Where is La Puente
- Where is La Quinta
- Where is La Verne
- Where is Lafayette
- Where is Laguna Hills
- Where is Laguna Niguel
- Where is Lake Elsinore
- Where is Lake Forest
- Where is Lakewood
- Where is Lathrop
- Where is Lawndale
- Where is Lemon Grove
- Where is Lemoore
- Where is Lincoln
- Where is Livermore
- Where is Lodi
- Where is Lompoc
- Where is Los Altos
- Where is Los Banos
- Where is Los Gatos
- Where is Lynwood
- Where is Madera
- Where is Manhattan Beach
- Where is Manteca
- Where is Martinez
- Where is Maywood
- Where is Menifee
- Where is Menlo Park
- Where is Merced
- Where is Milpitas
- Where is Mission Viejo
- Where is Monrovia
- Where is Montclair
- Where is Montebello
- Where is Monterey
- Where is Monterey Park
- Where is Moorpark
- Where is Morgan Hill
- Where is Mountain View
- Where is Murrieta
- Where is Napa
- Where is National City
- Where is Newark
- Where is Newport Beach
- Where is Norco
- Where is Norwalk
- Where is Novato
- Where is Oakley
- Where is Pacifica
- Where is Palm Desert
- Where is Palm Springs
- Where is Palo Alto
- Where is Paramount
- Where is Paso Robles
- Where is Perris
- Where is Petaluma
- Where is Pico Rivera
- Where is Pittsburg
- Where is Placentia
- Where is Pleasant Hill
- Where is Pleasanton
- Where is Porterville
- Where is Poway
- Where is Rancho Cordova
- Where is Rancho Palos Verdes
- Where is Rancho Santa Margarita
- Where is Redding
- Where is Redlands
- Where is Redondo Beach
- Where is Redwood City
- Where is Reedley
- Where is Rialto
- Where is Richmond
- Where is Ridgecrest
- Where is Rocklin
- Where is Rohnert Park
- Where is Rosemead
- Where is San Bruno
- Where is San Carlos
- Where is San Clemente
- Where is San Dimas
- Where is San Gabriel
- Where is San Jacinto
- Where is San Juan Capistrano
- Where is San Leandro
- Where is San Luis Obispo
- Where is San Marcos
- Where is San Mateo
- Where is San Pablo
- Where is San Rafael
- Where is San Ramon
- Where is Sanger
- Where is Santa Barbara
- Where is Santa Cruz
- Where is Santa Maria
- Where is Santa Monica
- Where is Santa Paula
- Where is Santee
- Where is Saratoga
- Where is Seal Beach
- Where is Seaside
- Where is Simi Valley
- Where is South Gate
- Where is South Pasadena
- Where is South San Francisco
- Where is Stanton
- Where is Suisun City
- Where is Temecula
- Where is Temple City
- Where is Tracy
- Where is Tulare
- Where is Turlock
- Where is Tustin
- Where is Twentynine Palms
- Where is Union City
- Where is Upland
- Where is Vacaville
- Where is Ventura
- Where is Vista
- Where is Walnut Creek
- Where is Walnut
- Where is Wasco
- Where is Watsonville
- Where is West Covina
- Where is West Hollywood
- Where is West Sacramento
- Where is Westminster
- Where is Whittier
- Where is Wildomar
- Where is Windsor
- Where is Woodland
- Where is Yorba Linda
- Where is Yuba City
- Where is Yucaipa