Where is Los Banos, California, U.S.

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

Where is Los Banos, California Located in the United States? - Los Banos is a city located in the Merced County in California, United States. Los Banos lies between 37.0586 Degrees North latitudes and -120.8499 Degrees West longitudes.

Location Map of Los Banos, Merced, California

Where is Los Banos Located in Merced, California

About Map: The map shows the location of Los Banos in Merced County, in the U.S. state of California.

Los Banos Map, California, USA

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

About Los Banos, Merced County, California

Los Banos is located in Merced 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 western San Joaquin Valley near the foothills of the Diablo Range. The city was incorporated in 1907 and was named from the Spanish phrase meaning “the baths,” referring to natural spring pools historically used by travelers, and it developed from an agricultural settlement into a residential and commercial community.

Population

According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Los Banos is 45,532 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 4,400 people per square mile.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, Los Banos covers a total area of approximately 10.3 square miles (about 26.7 square kilometers), including about 10.3 square miles (26.7 square kilometers) of land and a minimal amount of water area.

Location and Surroundings

Los Banos is situated west of Merced and east of the Diablo Range, positioned within the agricultural landscape of the San Joaquin Valley. The city features farmland, residential neighborhoods, and nearby wildlife refuges and wetlands. State Route 152 runs through the city, providing a major transportation route connecting Los Banos to the Central Coast and other communities across California.

Top Attractions

Los Banos offers parks, nature areas, and cultural sites that support outdoor recreation and tourism. Popular destinations include the San Luis National Wildlife Refuge, Pacheco State Park nearby, and the Los Banos Creek Reservoir recreation area. The city hosts community events, cultural festivals, and outdoor activities reflecting its agricultural heritage.

Transportation

Los Banos is served by State Route 152 and nearby Interstate 5, offering convenient highway access throughout the Central Valley and Northern California. Public transportation includes regional bus services connecting the city to surrounding communities. The nearest major airport is Fresno Yosemite International Airport, located approximately 90 miles to the southeast.

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 Los Banos City Website.

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Los Banos, California Quick Facts

AttributeDetails
CityLos Banos
CountyMerced County
StateCalifornia
State CapitalSacramento
US RegionWestern United States (Pacific Region)
Latitude37.0583° N
Longitude120.8499° W
Elevation118 ft (36 m)
Land Area9.45 sq mi
Water Area0.00 sq mi
Total Area9.45 sq mi
Population (2020 Census)45,532
Population Density4,818 per sq mi
ZIP Code(s)93635
Area Code(s)209
Time Zone StandardPacific Standard Time (PST, UTC−8)
Time Zone DaylightPacific Daylight Time (PDT, UTC−7)
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD)
FIPS Code06-44056
Congressional DistrictCalifornia's 13th Congressional District

Transportation and Connectivity in Los Banos

CategoryDetails
Airport NameMerced Regional Airport
IATA CodeMCE
Secondary AirportFresno Yosemite International Airport
Major HighwaysInterstate 5, California State Route 152, California State Route 165
Train ServiceAmtrak San Joaquins service available in nearby Merced
Local Transit ServiceLos Banos Transit Services
  • Los Banos is located in the western San Joaquin Valley within Merced County.
  • The city serves as a gateway between the Central Valley and the coastal regions of California.
  • Interstate 5 and State Route 152 provide important transportation connections to the Bay Area and Central Valley.
  • Los Banos is known for its agricultural economy and proximity to wetlands and wildlife refuges.

Top Places to Visit in Los Banos, California

Landmark NameType
San Luis National Wildlife RefugeWildlife Refuge
Merced National Wildlife Refuge (nearby)Wildlife Refuge
Los Banos City ParkCommunity Park
Henry Miller PlazaHistoric Downtown Area
Los Banos MuseumHistory Museum
Forebay Aquatic CenterWater Recreation Facility
O'Neill ForebayReservoir Recreation Area
San Luis Reservoir State Recreation AreaState Recreation Area
Great Valley Grasslands State Park (nearby)State Park
Dos Palos Wildlife Area (nearby)Natural Area

Driving Distances from Los Banos, California to Nearby Cities

CityStateDistance (mi)Approx. Drive Time
MercedCalifornia4045 minutes
ModestoCalifornia701 hour 15 minutes
FresnoCalifornia951 hour 40 minutes
San JoseCalifornia851 hour 30 minutes
StocktonCalifornia901 hour 30 minutes
SacramentoCalifornia1202 hours
OaklandCalifornia951 hour 45 minutes
San FranciscoCalifornia1102 hours
MontereyCalifornia1202 hours 15 minutes
Los AngelesCalifornia2904 hours 30 minutes

Colleges and Universities in Los Banos, California

Institution NameTypeLevelNotable For
Merced College – Los Banos CampusPublicCommunity CollegeAssociate degrees, career training, agriculture, and transfer programs
University of California, MercedPublicResearch UniversityScience, engineering, sustainability, and research programs
California State University, StanislausPublicUniversityBusiness, education, nursing, sciences, and liberal arts
Fresno Pacific UniversityPrivateUniversityEducation, business, nursing, and professional programs
California State University, FresnoPublicResearch UniversityAgriculture, business, education, engineering, and sciences

Waterbodies in Los Banos, California

Los Banos is located in the western San Joaquin Valley within Merced County. Important nearby water resources include San Luis Reservoir, O'Neill Forebay, Los Banos Creek, and the California Aqueduct system. These waterways support agriculture, recreation, water storage, fishing, and wildlife habitats.

Stadiums in Los Banos

Los Banos features athletic facilities including Loftin Stadium, Los Banos High School sports fields, and community recreation complexes. These venues host football, soccer, baseball, softball, track and field, and local sporting events.

Los Banos, California — Key Historical Facts

  • Los Banos was founded in the late nineteenth century and was incorporated as a city in 1919.
  • The city's name comes from the Spanish phrase "los baños," referring to nearby pools or baths associated with the area's wetlands.
  • Los Banos developed as an agricultural community supported by irrigation projects and fertile San Joaquin Valley farmland.
  • The construction of the San Luis Reservoir and Central Valley water projects helped transform regional agriculture and water management.
  • Today, Los Banos is known for farming, wildlife refuges, outdoor recreation, and its location between the Bay Area and Central Valley.

References

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