Waterford is a small city in California's Central Valley, located in Stanislaus County along the Tuolumne River. It is about 15 miles east of Modesto and 25 miles west of Sonora. The city is known for its agricultural setting, river access, and nearby recreational areas. Waterford also provides a convenient base for exploring communities and outdoor destinations across the central San Joaquin Valley.
Location Map of Waterford, Stanislaus County, California
About Map: The map shows the location of Waterford in Stanislaus County, in the U.S. state of California.
Waterford Map, California
About Waterford Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Waterford in Stanislaus County, California. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.
Where is Waterford Located?
Waterford is a city located in Stanislaus County, California, the United States. It is in the Central Valley along the Tuolumne River, about 15 miles east of Modesto, 25 miles west of Sonora, and roughly 75 miles southeast of Sacramento. Waterford lies at approximately 37.642° North latitude and 120.760° West longitude. The city had 9,120 residents in the 2020 Census and covers about 2.84 square miles, or 7.36 square kilometers. Waterford was incorporated in 1969 and developed from a small agricultural community along the river. Farming and ranching have played an important role in the area's history, with orchards, vineyards, and other agricultural land surrounding the city. The Tuolumne River is one of Waterford's defining geographic features and provides opportunities for fishing, wildlife viewing, and outdoor recreation. Nearby attractions include Modesto Reservoir, Woodward Reservoir Regional Park, and Turlock Lake State Recreation Area. California State Route 132 and local roads connect Waterford with Modesto and communities throughout Stanislaus County.
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Waterford City Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| City | Waterford |
| State | California |
| County | Stanislaus County |
| Country | United States |
| Region | California Central Valley |
| Incorporated | 1969 |
| Founded | 19th century |
| Total Area | 2.84 sq mi (7.36 sq km) |
| Land Area | 2.80 sq mi (7.25 sq km) |
| Water Area | 0.04 sq mi (0.10 sq km) |
| Elevation | Approximately 100 ft (30 m) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | Approximately 9,200 |
| Population (2020 Census) | 9,120 |
| Population Density | Approximately 3,257 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time Zone (PST/PDT) |
| ZIP Codes | 95386 |
| Area Code | 209, 350 |
| Major Highways | California State Route 132, California State Route 108, California State Route 120 |
| Public Transit | Stanislaus Regional Transit (Stanislaus Regional Transit Authority) |
| Major Attractions | Tuolumne River, Waterford River Park, Modesto Reservoir, Woodward Reservoir, Turlock Lake |
| Official Website | https://www.cityofwaterford.org/ |
Distance from Waterford, CA to Nearby Cities
- Hughson, CA – 8 miles (13 km)
- Riverbank, CA – 9 miles (14 km)
- Oakdale, CA – 10 miles (16 km)
- Modesto, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
- Ceres, CA – 17 miles (27 km)
- Salida, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
- Empire, CA – 12 miles (19 km)
- Turlock, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
- Denair, CA – 27 miles (43 km)
- Sonora, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
- Merced, CA – 45 miles (72 km)
- Stockton, CA – 45 miles (72 km)
- Manteca, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
- Tracy, CA – 50 miles (80 km)
- Mariposa, CA – 55 miles (89 km)
- Fresno, CA – 90 miles (145 km)
- Sacramento, CA – 75 miles (121 km)
- San Jose, CA – 100 miles (161 km)
Top Attractions in Waterford
- Tuolumne River – The river runs through Waterford and provides opportunities for fishing, wildlife viewing, paddling, and enjoying the Central Valley landscape.
- Waterford River Park – A local park along the Tuolumne River with open space, recreation areas, picnic facilities, and river access.
- Waterford Historic District – Areas of the city preserve buildings and streetscapes connected to Waterford's early agricultural and railroad history.
- Modesto Reservoir Regional Park – A nearby reservoir offering boating, fishing, swimming, camping, picnicking, and other outdoor activities.
- Woodward Reservoir Regional Park – A popular recreation area northeast of Waterford with boating, fishing, swimming, camping, and hiking.
- Turlock Lake State Recreation Area – A nearby lake destination offering boating, fishing, camping, swimming, and scenic views.
- Oakdale Cowboy Museum – A nearby museum in Oakdale preserving the area's ranching and cowboy heritage through exhibits and artifacts.
- McHenry Museum – A regional history museum in Modesto featuring exhibits about the development and culture of Stanislaus County.
- Great Valley Museum – A natural history and science museum in Modesto with exhibits focused on the Central Valley and surrounding ecosystems.
- Knights Ferry Covered Bridge – A historic covered bridge and scenic landmark near the Stanislaus River, surrounded by trails and natural areas.
Airports Near Waterford, CA
- Modesto City-County Airport (MOD) – 20 miles
- Oakdale Airport (O27) – 10 miles
- Stockton Metropolitan Airport (SCK) – 50 miles
- Merced Yosemite Regional Airport (MCE) – 50 miles
- Sacramento International Airport (SMF) – 90 miles
Sources:
Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official City of Waterford website and local government records.
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