Where is San Carlos, California Located in the United States? - San Carlos is a city located in the San Mateo County in California, United States. San Carlos lies between 37.5072 Degrees North latitudes and -122.2605 Degrees West longitudes.
Location Map of San Carlos, San Mateo, California
About Map: The map shows the location of San Carlos in San Mateo County, in the U.S. state of California.
San Carlos Map, California, USA
About San Carlos Map: This Google Map provides a detailed view with zoom, satellite, and street options to explore the area and its surroundings.
About San Carlos, San Mateo County, California
San Carlos is located in San Mateo County in the U.S. state of California, United States. It lies in the northern part of the state in the state of the United States along the San Francisco Peninsula within the San Francisco Bay Area. The city was incorporated in 1925 and was named after Rancho San Carlos, a historic Spanish land grant in the region, and it developed from a small agricultural community into a suburban residential city.
Population
According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of San Carlos is 32,280 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 5,800 people per square mile.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, San Carlos covers a total area of approximately 5.6 square miles (about 14.5 square kilometers), including about 5.6 square miles (14.5 square kilometers) of land and a minimal amount of water area.
Location and Surroundings
San Carlos is situated south of Belmont and north of Redwood City, positioned along the western shoreline of the San Francisco Bay on the San Mateo Peninsula. The city features residential neighborhoods, commercial districts, and nearby hills that rise toward the Santa Cruz Mountains. U.S. Route 101 and Interstate 280 provide major transportation routes connecting San Carlos to surrounding communities across the San Francisco Bay Area.
Top Attractions
San Carlos offers parks, cultural venues, and outdoor recreation areas that support tourism and community activities. Popular destinations include Burton Park, the Hiller Aviation Museum, and the scenic trails of Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve nearby. The city hosts farmers markets, art events, and community festivals throughout the year.
Transportation
San Carlos is served by U.S. Route 101 and Interstate 280, offering convenient highway access throughout San Mateo County and the San Francisco Bay Area. Public transportation includes Caltrain commuter rail and regional bus services connecting the city to surrounding communities. The nearest major airport is San Francisco International Airport, located approximately 10 miles to the north.
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 San Carlos City Website.
Most Viewed US Maps
| USA Sttae 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 |
Find 4,400+ U.S. Cities by State - Explore Their Locations and Get Detailed Information
San Carlos City Facts
| City | San Carlos |
| State | California |
| County | San Mateo County |
| Country | United States |
| Region | San Francisco Bay Area - Peninsula |
| Incorporated | July 1, 1925 |
| Founded | 1850s settlement |
| Total Area | Approximately 5.5 sq mi (14.2 km2) |
| Land Area | Approximately 5.5 sq mi (14.2 km2) |
| Elevation | Approximately 30 ft (9 m) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | Approximately 31,000+ |
| Population (2020 Census) | 30,590 |
| Population Density | Approximately 5,600 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time (UTC-8 / UTC-7 DST) |
| ZIP Codes | 94070 |
| Area Code | 650 |
| Major Highways | U.S. Route 101, Interstate 280 |
| Public Transit | Caltrain, SamTrans Bus |
| Major Attractions | Hiller Aviation Museum, Burton Park, San Carlos Museum of History |
| Official Website | https://www.cityofsancarlos.org/ |
Transportation and Connectivity in San Carlos, California
| Transportation Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | San Francisco International Airport |
| IATA Code | SFO |
| Port | Port of Redwood City (Nearby Regional Access) |
| Major Highways | U.S. Highway 101, Interstate 280, State Route 82 (El Camino Real) |
| Train Service | Caltrain commuter rail service |
| Local Bus/Transit Service | SamTrans bus service |
- U.S. Highway 101: Major highway connecting San Carlos with San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and South Bay communities.
- Interstate 280: Provides scenic regional access between the Peninsula and Silicon Valley.
- Caltrain: Provides commuter rail connections between San Francisco, San Carlos, and San Jose.
- San Francisco International Airport: Major international airport located approximately 15 miles north of the city.
Top Places to Visit in San Carlos, California
| Landmark Name | Type |
|---|---|
| Hiller Aviation Museum | Aviation Museum |
| Burton Park | Community Park |
| Big Canyon Park | Nature Preserve and Hiking Area |
| Edgewood Park & Natural Preserve | Open Space and Nature Area |
| San Carlos Museum of History | History Museum |
| Laureola Park | Recreation Park |
| Devil's Canyon Brewing Company | Brewery and Event Venue |
| Filoli Historic House & Garden | Historic Estate and Garden |
| Bay Trail | Walking and Cycling Trail |
| Peninsula Museum of Art | Art Museum |
Driving Distances from San Carlos, California to Nearby Cities
| City | State | Distance (mi) | Approx. Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redwood City | California | 3 mi | 10 minutes |
| Belmont | California | 4 mi | 10 minutes |
| San Mateo | California | 8 mi | 15 minutes |
| Palo Alto | California | 15 mi | 25 minutes |
| Mountain View | California | 20 mi | 30 minutes |
| San Francisco | California | 25 mi | 40 minutes |
| San Jose | California | 35 mi | 45 minutes |
| Oakland | California | 35 mi | 50 minutes |
| Sacramento | California | 110 mi | 2 hours |
| Santa Rosa | California | 80 mi | 1 hour 40 minutes |
Colleges and Universities Near San Carlos, California
| Institution Name | Type | Level | Notable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| College of San Mateo | Public | Community College | Science, technology, business, and workforce education |
| Notre Dame de Namur University | Private | University | Education, business, psychology, and professional studies |
| Stanford University | Private | University | Research, technology, engineering, business, and medicine |
| San Francisco State University | Public | University | Business, education, arts, and health sciences |
| San Carlos School District | Public | K–12 District | Primary and secondary education |
Waterbodies Near San Carlos, California
San Francisco Bay, Belmont Creek, Pulgas Creek, Cordilleras Creek, and nearby waterways throughout San Mateo County.
Golf Courses Near San Carlos
San Carlos Golf Center, Sharon Heights Golf & Country Club, Crystal Springs Golf Course, Peninsula Golf & Country Club, and Stanford Golf Course.
San Carlos, California — Key Historical Facts
- The San Carlos area was originally inhabited by the Ohlone Native American people before European settlement.
- The community developed from early ranching and agricultural lands on the San Francisco Peninsula.
- San Carlos was incorporated as a city in 1925 and became known as the “City of Good Living.”
- The city grew with the expansion of transportation networks, including rail service and nearby highways.
- Today, San Carlos is known for its technology businesses, downtown district, parks, and Silicon Valley location.
Stadiums and Sports Facilities Near San Carlos
| Facility Name | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|
| San Carlos Youth Center Sports Facilities | Community Sports Facility | San Carlos, California |
| Sequoia High School Stadium | High School Sports Stadium | Redwood City, California |
| College of San Mateo Athletic Facilities | College Sports Facility | San Mateo, California |
| Oracle Park | Professional Baseball Stadium | San Francisco, California |
| Chase Center | Professional Sports Arena | San Francisco, California |
References
- City of San Carlos Official Website
- San Mateo County Government
- U.S. Census Bureau
- Visit California Tourism
- College of San Mateo
California Related Links
- Where is Adelanto
- Where is Alameda
- Where is Alhambra
- Where is Aliso Viejo
- Where is Antioch
- Where is Apple Valley
- Where is Arcadia
- Where is Atascadero
- Where is Atwater
- Where is Azusa
- Where is Baldwin Park
- Where is Banning
- Where is Barstow
- Where is Beaumont
- Where is Bell Gardens
- Where is Bell
- Where is Bellflower
- Where is Belmont
- Where is Benicia
- Where is Beverly Hills
- Where is Brawley
- Where is Brea
- Where is Brentwood
- Where is Buena Park
- Where is Burbank
- Where is Burlingame
- Where is Calexico
- Where is Camarillo
- Where is Campbell
- Where is Carlsbad
- Where is Carson
- Where is Cathedral City
- Where is Ceres
- Where is Cerritos
- Where is Chico
- Where is Chino Hills
- Where is Chino
- Where is Citrus Heights
- Where is Claremont
- Where is Coachella
- Where is Colton
- Where is Compton
- Where is Concord
- Where is Costa Mesa
- Where is Covina
- Where is Culver City
- Where is Cupertino
- Where is Cypress
- Where is Daly City
- Where is Dana Point
- Where is Danville
- Where is Davis
- Where is Delano
- Where is Desert Hot Springs
- Where is Diamond Bar
- Where is Downey
- Where is Dublin
- Where is East Palo Alto
- Where is Eastvale
- Where is El Cajon
- Where is El Centro
- Where is El Cerrito
- Where is El Monte
- Where is Encinitas
- Where is Eureka
- Where is Fairfield
- Where is Folsom
- Where is Foster City
- Where is Fountain Valley
- Where is Galt
- Where is Gardena
- Where is Gilroy
- Where is Glendora
- Where is Goleta
- Where is Hanford
- Where is Hawthorne
- Where is Hemet
- Where is Hercules
- Where is Hesperia
- Where is Highland
- Where is Hollister
- Where is Huntington Park
- Where is Imperial Beach
- Where is Indio
- Where is Inglewood
- Where is Jurupa Valley
- Where is La Habra
- Where is La Mesa
- Where is La Mirada
- Where is La Puente
- Where is La Quinta
- Where is La Verne
- Where is Lafayette
- Where is Laguna Hills
- Where is Laguna Niguel
- Where is Lake Elsinore
- Where is Lake Forest
- Where is Lakewood
- Where is Lathrop
- Where is Lawndale
- Where is Lemon Grove
- Where is Lemoore
- Where is Lincoln
- Where is Livermore
- Where is Lodi
- Where is Lompoc
- Where is Los Altos
- Where is Los Banos
- Where is Los Gatos
- Where is Lynwood
- Where is Madera
- Where is Manhattan Beach
- Where is Manteca
- Where is Martinez
- Where is Maywood
- Where is Menifee
- Where is Menlo Park
- Where is Merced
- Where is Milpitas
- Where is Mission Viejo
- Where is Monrovia
- Where is Montclair
- Where is Montebello
- Where is Monterey
- Where is Monterey Park
- Where is Moorpark
- Where is Morgan Hill
- Where is Mountain View
- Where is Murrieta
- Where is Napa
- Where is National City
- Where is Newark
- Where is Newport Beach
- Where is Norco
- Where is Norwalk
- Where is Novato
- Where is Oakley
- Where is Pacifica
- Where is Palm Desert
- Where is Palm Springs
- Where is Palo Alto
- Where is Paramount
- Where is Paso Robles
- Where is Perris
- Where is Petaluma
- Where is Pico Rivera
- Where is Pittsburg
- Where is Placentia
- Where is Pleasant Hill
- Where is Pleasanton
- Where is Porterville
- Where is Poway
- Where is Rancho Cordova
- Where is Rancho Palos Verdes
- Where is Rancho Santa Margarita
- Where is Redding
- Where is Redlands
- Where is Redondo Beach
- Where is Redwood City
- Where is Reedley
- Where is Rialto
- Where is Richmond
- Where is Ridgecrest
- Where is Rocklin
- Where is Rohnert Park
- Where is Rosemead
- Where is San Bruno
- Where is San Carlos
- Where is San Clemente
- Where is San Dimas
- Where is San Gabriel
- Where is San Jacinto
- Where is San Juan Capistrano
- Where is San Leandro
- Where is San Luis Obispo
- Where is San Marcos
- Where is San Mateo
- Where is San Pablo
- Where is San Rafael
- Where is San Ramon
- Where is Sanger
- Where is Santa Barbara
- Where is Santa Cruz
- Where is Santa Maria
- Where is Santa Monica
- Where is Santa Paula
- Where is Santee
- Where is Saratoga
- Where is Seal Beach
- Where is Seaside
- Where is Simi Valley
- Where is South Gate
- Where is South Pasadena
- Where is South San Francisco
- Where is Stanton
- Where is Suisun City
- Where is Temecula
- Where is Temple City
- Where is Tracy
- Where is Tulare
- Where is Turlock
- Where is Tustin
- Where is Twentynine Palms
- Where is Union City
- Where is Upland
- Where is Vacaville
- Where is Ventura
- Where is Vista
- Where is Walnut Creek
- Where is Walnut
- Where is Wasco
- Where is Watsonville
- Where is West Covina
- Where is West Hollywood
- Where is West Sacramento
- Where is Westminster
- Where is Whittier
- Where is Wildomar
- Where is Windsor
- Where is Woodland
- Where is Yorba Linda
- Where is Yuba City
- Where is Yucaipa