Where is Lake Forest, California, U.S.

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

Where is Lake Forest, California Located in the United States? - Lake Forest is a city located in the Orange County in California, United States. Lake Forest lies between 33.6469 Degrees North latitudes and -117.6892 Degrees West longitudes.

Location Map of Lake Forest, Orange, California

Where is Lake Forest Located in Orange, California

About Map: The map shows the location of Lake Forest in Orange County, in the U.S. state of California.

Lake Forest Map, California, USA

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

About Lake Forest, Orange County, California

Lake Forest is located in Orange County in the U.S. state of California, United States. It lies in the southern part of the state in the state of the United States within the Saddleback Valley region of Southern California. The city was incorporated in 1991 and was named for its two man-made lakes and forested surroundings, and it developed from master-planned communities into a suburban residential and commercial center.

Population

According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Lake Forest is 85,858 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 4,900 people per square mile.

Area and Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, Lake Forest covers a total area of approximately 16.8 square miles (about 43.5 square kilometers), including about 16.7 square miles (43.3 square kilometers) of land and 0.1 square miles (0.2 square kilometers) of water.

Location and Surroundings

Lake Forest is situated northeast of Laguna Beach and southeast of Irvine, positioned near the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains. The city features gently rolling terrain, residential neighborhoods, and planned communities with parks and open space. Interstate 5 runs through the city, providing a major transportation route connecting Lake Forest to Los Angeles and San Diego.

Attractions and Recreation

Lake Forest offers community parks, recreational facilities, and outdoor spaces that support local activities and tourism. Popular destinations include Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park, the Lake Forest Sports Park, and nearby hiking trails in the Santa Ana Mountains. The city also supports community events and recreational programs that enhance its suburban environment.

Transportation

Lake Forest is served by Interstate 5 and several major arterial roads that connect the city to surrounding communities in Orange County. Public transportation includes regional bus services and nearby commuter rail access via the Metrolink system. The nearest major airport is John Wayne Airport, located approximately 15 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 Lake Forest 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
  • Lake Forest City Facts

    CityLake Forest
    StateCalifornia
    CountyOrange County
    CountryUnited States
    RegionSouth Orange County
    IncorporatedDecember 20, 1991
    Founded1961 (as El Toro)
    Total AreaApproximately 17.9 sq mi (46.4 km2)
    Land AreaApproximately 17.9 sq mi (46.4 km2)
    ElevationApproximately 423 ft (129 m)
    Population (2023 estimate)Approximately 86,000+
    Population (2020 Census)85,858
    Population DensityApproximately 4,800 people per sq mi
    Time ZonePacific Time (UTC-8 / UTC-7 DST)
    ZIP Codes92609, 92610, 92630, 92679
    Area Code949
    Major HighwaysInterstate 5, State Route 241, State Route 133
    Public TransitMetrolink (Irvine station nearby), OCTA Bus
    Major AttractionsWhiting Ranch Wilderness Park, Heritage Hill Historical Park, Lake Forest Sports Park
    Official Websitehttps://www.lakeforestca.gov/

    Distance from Lake Forest City, CA to Nearby Cities

    • Irvine, CA – 8 miles (13 km)
    • Mission Viejo, CA – 5 miles (8 km)
    • Laguna Hills, CA – 4 miles (6 km)
    • Laguna Niguel, CA – 8 miles (13 km)
    • Aliso Viejo, CA – 6 miles (10 km)
    • Rancho Santa Margarita, CA – 10 miles (16 km)
    • Tustin, CA – 12 miles (19 km)
    • Santa Ana, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
    • Newport Beach, CA – 18 miles (29 km)
    • Costa Mesa, CA – 17 miles (27 km)
    • Orange, CA – 18 miles (29 km)
    • Anaheim, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
    • San Clemente, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
    • Dana Point, CA – 18 miles (29 km)
    • Huntington Beach, CA – 22 miles (35 km)
    • Fullerton, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
    • Garden Grove, CA – 23 miles (37 km)
    • Corona, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
    • Riverside, CA – 40 miles (64 km)
    • Los Angeles, CA – 50 miles (80 km)

    California Related Links

    California MapCalifornia County MapMap of California With Cities
    California ZipcodesAirports in CaliforniaWhere is California
    California Area CodesCalifornia Blank MapCalifornia River Map
    US County MapCalifornia Road MapCalifornia PhysicalMap