Where is Oakdale, California

Oakdale is a city in California's Central Valley, located in Stanislaus County along the Stanislaus River. It sits about 14 miles northeast of Modesto and 85 miles east of San Francisco. Known as the Cowboy Capital of the World, Oakdale has strong ties to ranching, agriculture, and rodeo traditions. Its location also provides easy access to the Sierra Nevada foothills and nearby recreation areas.

Location Map of Oakdale, Stanislaus County, California

About Map: The map shows the location of Oakdale in Stanislaus County, in the U.S. state of California.

Oakdale Map, California

Where is Oakdale Located?

Oakdale is a city located in Stanislaus County, California, the United States. It lies in the eastern part of the Central Valley along the Stanislaus River, about 14 miles northeast of Modesto and roughly 85 miles east of San Francisco. Riverbank is about 7 miles southwest, while Sonora is around 40 miles east. Oakdale is positioned near 37.766° North latitude and 120.847° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 23,181 residents. The city covers about 2.97 square miles, or 7.69 square kilometers, including land and water. Agriculture is an important part of the surrounding area, with orchards, farms, and ranches spread across the Stanislaus River valley. Oakdale is widely known as the Cowboy Capital of the World because of its long association with ranching, rodeo, and Western culture. The Oakdale Cowboy Museum preserves this heritage, while nearby Knights Ferry offers access to the Stanislaus River and historic Gold Rush sites. Oakdale was incorporated in 1906 and grew around the Southern Pacific Railroad. A unique fact about the city is its strong cowboy identity despite being located in the agricultural heart of California's Central Valley.

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Oakdale City Facts

Distance from Oakdale, CA to Nearby Cities

• Riverbank, CA – 7 miles (11 km)
• Modesto, CA – 14 miles (23 km)
• Salida, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
• Escalon, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
• Waterford, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
• Ripon, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
• Turlock, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
• Sonora, CA – 40 miles (64 km)
• Stockton, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
• Manteca, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
• Tracy, CA – 45 miles (72 km)
• Merced, CA – 50 miles (80 km)
• Mariposa, CA – 70 miles (113 km)
• Fresno, CA – 90 miles (145 km)
• Sacramento, CA – 80 miles (129 km)
• San Francisco, CA – 85 miles (137 km)
• Oakland, CA – 80 miles (129 km)
• San Jose, CA – 95 miles (153 km)

Top Attractions in Oakdale, CA

• Oakdale Cowboy Museum – A local museum celebrating Oakdale's ranching, rodeo, cowboy, and Western heritage.
• Oakdale Rodeo – A long-running community rodeo that highlights the city's connection to Western traditions and horsemanship.
• Stanislaus River – The river runs through the Oakdale area and provides opportunities for fishing, rafting, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and scenic recreation.
• Knights Ferry – A historic nearby community with Gold Rush-era buildings, the Knights Ferry Covered Bridge, and access to the Stanislaus River.
• Woodward Reservoir Regional Park – A nearby recreation area offering boating, fishing, swimming, camping, hiking, and water sports.
• Oakdale Cheese & Specialties – A local attraction connected to the region's agricultural and food-producing traditions.
• Oakdale Historical Society – A local organization preserving photographs, documents, artifacts, and stories from Oakdale's past.
• Caswell Memorial State Park – A nearby riparian park along the Stanislaus River featuring walking trails, wildlife habitat, and shaded natural areas.

Airports Near Oakdale, CA

• Modesto City-County Airport (MOD) – 20 miles
• Stockton Metropolitan Airport (SCK) – 35 miles
• Merced Yosemite Regional Airport (MCE) – 55 miles
• Sacramento International Airport (SMF) – 85 miles
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – 95 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Oakdale city website and local government records.

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