Where is Lafayette, California Located in the United States? - Lafayette is a city located in the Contra Costa County in California, United States. Lafayette lies between 37.8858 Degrees North latitudes and -122.118 Degrees West longitudes.
Location Map of Lafayette, Contra Costa, California
About Map: The map shows the location of Lafayette in Contra Costa County, in the U.S. state of California.
Lafayette Map, California, USA
About Lafayette Map: This Google Map provides a detailed view with zoom, satellite, and street options to explore the area and its surroundings.
About Lafayette, Contra Costa County, California
Lafayette 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 within the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area. The city was incorporated in 1968 and was named after the Marquis de Lafayette, a French military officer who supported the American Revolution, and it developed from an agricultural settlement into a suburban residential community.
Population
According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Lafayette is 25,391 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 1,600 people per square mile.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, Lafayette covers a total area of approximately 15.4 square miles (about 39.9 square kilometers), including about 15.4 square miles (39.9 square kilometers) of land and a minimal amount of water area.
Location and Surroundings
Lafayette is situated west of Walnut Creek and east of Orinda, positioned within the rolling hills and valleys of central Contra Costa County. The city features residential neighborhoods, wooded hillsides, and nearby open spaces such as Briones Regional Park. State Route 24 runs through the area, providing a major transportation route connecting Lafayette to surrounding communities across the San Francisco Bay Area.
Top Attractions
Lafayette offers parks, cultural venues, and outdoor recreation areas that support tourism and community activities. Popular destinations include Lafayette Reservoir Recreation Area, the Lafayette Art Gallery, and nearby hiking and biking trails throughout the surrounding hills. The city hosts cultural festivals, art events, and farmers markets throughout the year.
Transportation
Lafayette is served by State Route 24, offering convenient highway access throughout Contra Costa County and the greater 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 southwest.
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 Lafayette City Website.
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Lafayette City Facts
| City | Lafayette |
| State | California |
| County | Contra Costa County |
| Country | United States |
| Region | San Francisco Bay Area - East Bay |
| Incorporated | August 2, 1968 |
| Founded | 1847 |
| Total Area | Approximately 15.4 sq mi (39.9 km2) |
| Land Area | Approximately 15.4 sq mi (39.9 km2) |
| Elevation | Approximately 430 ft (131 m) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | Approximately 26,000+ |
| Population (2020 Census) | 25,391 |
| Population Density | Approximately 1,650 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time (UTC-8 / UTC-7 DST) |
| ZIP Codes | 94549 |
| Area Code | 925 |
| Major Highways | State Route 24 |
| Public Transit | BART, County Connection Bus |
| Major Attractions | Lafayette Reservoir Recreation Area, Lafayette Plaza Park, Briones Regional Park |
| Official Website | https://www.lovelafayette.org/ |
Transportation and Connectivity in Lafayette
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Nearest Airport | Oakland International Airport |
| IATA Code | OAK |
| Major Highways | State Route 24, Interstate 680 (nearby) |
| Public Transit | BART, County Connection buses |
| Rail Service | Lafayette BART Station |
| Regional Access | Direct access to Oakland, Berkeley, Walnut Creek, and San Francisco |
- State Route 24: Connects Lafayette with Oakland, Berkeley, and the Caldecott Tunnel.
- Interstate 680: Provides north-south access through Contra Costa County and the East Bay.
- Lafayette BART Station: Offers rapid transit service to Oakland, San Francisco, Richmond, and Dublin/Pleasanton.
- Oakland International Airport: Located about 25 miles southwest, providing domestic and international flights.
Top Places to Visit in Lafayette, California
| Landmark Name | Type |
|---|---|
| Lafayette Reservoir Recreation Area | Regional Park |
| Briones Regional Park | Regional Park |
| Lafayette Plaza Park | Community Park |
| Lafayette Library and Learning Center | Library |
| Hacienda de las Flores | Historic Landmark |
| Lafayette Art Gallery | Art Gallery |
| Las Trampas Regional Wilderness | Nature Preserve |
| Reliez Valley | Scenic Area |
| Moraga Commons Park | Recreation Park |
| Downtown Lafayette | Shopping & Dining District |
Driving Distances from Lafayette, California to Nearby Cities
| City | State | Distance (mi) | Approx. Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walnut Creek | California | 4 | 10 minutes |
| Moraga | California | 4 | 10 minutes |
| Orinda | California | 4 | 10 minutes |
| Pleasant Hill | California | 7 | 15 minutes |
| Concord | California | 10 | 20 minutes |
| Berkeley | California | 13 | 20 minutes |
| Oakland | California | 18 | 25 minutes |
| Richmond | California | 18 | 30 minutes |
| San Francisco | California | 25 | 35 minutes |
| San Jose | California | 49 | 1 hour |
Colleges and Universities near Lafayette, California
| Institution Name | Type | Level | Notable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Mary's College of California | Private | College | Liberal arts, business, education, and NCAA athletics |
| University of California, Berkeley | Public | Research University | Engineering, science, law, business, and global research |
| Diablo Valley College | Public | Community College | Transfer programs, career education, and workforce development |
| California State University, East Bay | Public | University | Business, education, health sciences, and public administration |
| Mills College at Northeastern University | Private | University Campus | Liberal arts, graduate studies, and professional education |
Waterbodies in Lafayette, California
Lafayette Reservoir, San Pablo Creek, Reliez Creek, Las Trampas Creek, Happy Valley Creek, Briones Reservoir (nearby), San Leandro Reservoir (nearby), Upper San Leandro Reservoir Watershed
Stadiums in Lafayette
Glenn Seaborg Sports Complex, Saint Mary's Stadium (nearby), Saint Mary's Rugby Stadium, Diablo Valley College Viking Stadium (nearby), Acalanes High School Chris Huber Field
Lafayette, California — Key Historical Facts
- The area was originally inhabited by the Bay Miwok people before Spanish exploration and settlement in the late eighteenth century.
- Lafayette developed during the nineteenth century as an agricultural community known for orchards, vineyards, and cattle ranches.
- The arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in the 1890s improved transportation and encouraged residential and commercial growth.
- Lafayette was officially incorporated as a city in 1968, preserving its suburban character while expanding civic services.
- Today, Lafayette is recognized for its highly rated schools, outdoor recreation, vibrant downtown, and convenient access to the San Francisco Bay Area.
References
- City of Lafayette
- Contra Costa County
- U.S. Census Bureau
- Saint Mary's College of California
- East Bay Regional Park District
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