Where is Ripon, California

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: August 5, 2026

Ripon is a city in California's Central Valley, located in San Joaquin County between Modesto and Stockton. It sits about 70 miles east of San Francisco and is known for its agricultural heritage, almond orchards, historic downtown, and annual Almond Blossom Festival. The city also provides convenient access to Yosemite National Park, the Sierra Nevada, and major Central Valley communities.

Location Map of Ripon, San Joaquin County, California

Where is Ripon Located in San Joaquin County, California

About Map: The map shows the location of Ripon in San Joaquin County, in the U.S. state of California.

Ripon Map, California

About Ripon Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Ripon in San Joaquin County, California. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.

Where is Ripon Located?

Ripon is a city located in San Joaquin County, California, the United States. It lies in the northern San Joaquin Valley, about 15 miles northwest of Modesto and roughly 15 miles southeast of Stockton. Manteca is around 8 miles northwest, while Turlock is about 15 miles southeast. Ripon is positioned near 37.741° North latitude and 121.125° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 16,442 residents. The city covers about 5.02 square miles, or 13.00 square kilometers. Ripon was founded by Danish immigrants in 1874 and incorporated in 1945. Agriculture has played a major role in the city's development, with almonds, walnuts, grapes, and other crops grown throughout the surrounding Central Valley. Ripon is especially associated with almonds and hosts the annual Almond Blossom Festival, celebrating the area's agricultural heritage. The city has a compact historic downtown with local businesses, older homes, churches, and community landmarks. A unique feature of Ripon is its Danish heritage, which remains visible in local history and community traditions. The Stanislaus River lies just south of the city and provides nearby opportunities for fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and outdoor recreation. Yosemite National Park is about 90 miles east, making the city a convenient base for exploring parts of the Sierra Nevada. Interstate 5 and State Route 99 provide major transportation connections to Stockton, Modesto, Sacramento, and the San Francisco Bay Area.

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Ripon City Facts

CityRipon
StateCalifornia
CountySan Joaquin County
CountryUnited States
RegionSan Joaquin Valley and Central California
Incorporated1945
Founded1874
Total Area5.02 sq mi (13.00 sq km)
Land Area5.00 sq mi (12.95 sq km)
Water Area0.02 sq mi (0.05 sq km)
Elevation69 ft (21 m)
Population (2023 estimate)About 17,000
Population (2020 Census)16,442
Population Density3,288 people per sq mi
Time ZonePacific Time (PST/PDT)
ZIP Codes95366
Area Code209
Major HighwaysCA-99 and I-5 nearby
Public TransitSan Joaquin Regional Transit District
Major AttractionsRipon Historic District, Mistlin Sports Park, Almond Blossom Festival, and nearby Caswell Memorial State Park
Official Websitehttps://www.cityofripon.org/

Distance from Ripon, CA to Nearby Cities

  • Manteca, CA – 8 miles (13 km)
  • Salida, CA – 10 miles (16 km)
  • Stockton, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
  • Modesto, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
  • Lathrop, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
  • Tracy, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
  • Turlock, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
  • Escalon, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
  • Riverbank, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
  • Oakdale, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
  • Livermore, CA – 45 miles (72 km)
  • Merced, CA – 45 miles (72 km)
  • Modesto, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
  • Fresno, CA – 85 miles (137 km)
  • Sacramento, CA – 70 miles (113 km)
  • San Jose, CA – 75 miles (121 km)
  • Oakland, CA – 75 miles (121 km)
  • San Francisco, CA – 80 miles (129 km)

Top Attractions in Ripon

  • Almond Blossom Festival – An annual community celebration held during the almond blossom season, featuring local agriculture, entertainment, food, and family activities.
  • Ripon Historic District – The historic center includes older homes, churches, commercial buildings, and landmarks reflecting the city's agricultural and Danish heritage.
  • Mistlin Sports Park – A large sports complex with baseball, softball, soccer, and other recreational facilities.
  • Caswell Memorial State Park – A nearby park along the Stanislaus River with oak woodland, hiking trails, picnic areas, wildlife, and river access.
  • Stanislaus River – The river south of Ripon provides opportunities for fishing, boating, birdwatching, and scenic outdoor recreation.
  • Ripon Historical Museum – A local museum preserving artifacts, photographs, and stories about the city's early settlers and agricultural development.
  • Ripon Main Street – The downtown area features local restaurants, shops, community buildings, and historic architecture.
  • Jellystone Park at Tower Park – A nearby family recreation destination offering camping, water activities, playgrounds, and seasonal entertainment.
  • Woodward Reservoir Regional Park – A regional recreation area near Oakdale with boating, fishing, swimming, camping, and hiking.

Airports Near Ripon, CA

  • Modesto City-County Airport (MOD) – 20 miles
  • Stockton Metropolitan Airport (SCK) – 25 miles
  • Merced Regional Airport (MCE) – 50 miles
  • Oakland International Airport (OAK) – 75 miles
  • Sacramento International Airport (SMF) – 80 miles

Sources:

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

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