Where is National City, California Located in the United States? - National City is a city located in the San Diego County in California, United States. National City lies between 32.6781 Degrees North latitudes and -117.0992 Degrees West longitudes.
Location Map of National City, San Diego, California
About Map: The map shows the location of National City in San Diego County, in the U.S. state of California.
National City Map, California, USA
About National City Map: This Google Map provides a detailed view with zoom, satellite, and street options to explore the area and its surroundings.
About National City, San Diego County, California
National City is located in San Diego 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 South Bay region of the San Diego metropolitan area along the eastern shore of San Diego Bay. The city was incorporated in 1887 and was named by the National Ranch and Land Company, which developed the community, and it grew from an agricultural settlement into a residential and commercial urban center.
Population
According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of National City is 61,394 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 8,500 people per square mile.
Area and Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, National City covers a total area of approximately 9.1 square miles (about 23.6 square kilometers), including about 7.3 square miles (18.9 square kilometers) of land and 1.8 square miles (4.7 square kilometers) of water.
Location and Surroundings
National City is situated south of San Diego and north of Chula Vista, positioned along the eastern shoreline of San Diego Bay. The city features residential neighborhoods, commercial districts, and access to waterfront areas and parks. Interstate 5 and Interstate 805 provide major transportation routes connecting National City to downtown San Diego and surrounding communities.
Attractions and Recreation
National City offers parks, cultural sites, and waterfront recreation that support tourism and community activities. Popular destinations include Pepper Park, the National City Depot Museum, and the Mile of Cars shopping district. The city hosts community festivals and cultural events that reflect its diverse population and local heritage.
Transportation
National City is served by Interstate 5 and Interstate 805, offering convenient highway access throughout San Diego County and Southern California. Public transportation includes San Diego Trolley light rail service and regional bus connections linking the city to surrounding communities. The nearest major airport is San Diego International Airport, located approximately 10 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 National City Website.
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National City City Facts
| City | National City |
| State | California |
| County | San Diego County |
| Country | United States |
| Region | South Bay - San Diego |
| Incorporated | September 17, 1887 |
| Founded | 1868 |
| Total Area | Approximately 9.1 sq mi (23.6 km2) |
| Land Area | Approximately 7.3 sq mi (18.9 km2) |
| Water Area | Approximately 1.8 sq mi (4.7 km2) |
| Elevation | Approximately 66 ft (20 m) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | Approximately 57,000+ |
| Population (2020 Census) | 56,173 |
| Population Density | Approximately 7,700 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time (UTC-8 / UTC-7 DST) |
| ZIP Codes | 91950, 91951 |
| Area Code | 619 |
| Major Highways | Interstate 5, Interstate 805, State Route 54 |
| Public Transit | San Diego Trolley, MTS Bus |
| Major Attractions | Mile of Cars Way, Pepper Park, National City Depot |
| Official Website | https://www.nationalcityca.gov/ |
Distance from National City, CA to Nearby Cities
- Chula Vista, CA – 5 miles (8 km)
- San Diego, CA – 6 miles (10 km)
- Coronado, CA – 8 miles (13 km)
- Imperial Beach, CA – 10 miles (16 km)
- Lemon Grove, CA – 6 miles (10 km)
- La Mesa, CA – 8 miles (13 km)
- Spring Valley, CA – 7 miles (11 km)
- El Cajon, CA – 12 miles (19 km)
- Santee, CA – 18 miles (29 km)
- La Jolla, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
- Poway, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
- Encinitas, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
- Escondido, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
- Carlsbad, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
- Vista, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
- Oceanside, CA – 40 miles (64 km)
- Temecula, CA – 60 miles (97 km)
- Murrieta, CA – 65 miles (105 km)
- Lake Elsinore, CA – 75 miles (121 km)
- Los Angeles, CA – 120 miles (193 km)
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