Map of California | Counties, Cities & Location Guide

Map of California – Counties, Cities & Location Guide

This page provides a map of California along with a clear overview of its counties, major cities and geographic location on the west coast of the United States. It is designed for education, travel planning and general reference.

California is known for its Pacific coastline, mountain ranges, valleys, deserts and major cities such as Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose and San Francisco.

Quick Answer:

California is located on the west coast of the United States and is divided into 58 counties. Major cities include Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco and Sacramento.

Interactive California Map (Reference View) For navigation or live routing, use official mapping services listed below.
Tip: This map shows California’s full land area, including the Pacific coast, Central Valley, Sierra Nevada and southern desert regions.

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

This map highlights California’s position on the US west coast, including its neighbouring states, Pacific coastline and broad geographic layout.

Where Is California Located?

California is located on the west coast of the United States. It borders the Pacific Ocean and shares boundaries with several US states and Mexico.

  • North: Oregon
  • East: Nevada and Arizona
  • South: Mexico
  • West: Pacific Ocean

Counties of California

California is divided into 58 counties, which are its main administrative divisions.

  • Major counties: Los Angeles County, San Diego County, Orange County, Riverside County and San Bernardino County
  • County seats: each county has its own administrative centre or county seat

A county map of California typically shows county boundaries, county seats, major highways and nearby cities.

Major Regions of California

California is often described using broad geographic and cultural regions.

  • Northern California: includes the northern coast, Sacramento Valley and inland mountain areas
  • Southern California: includes Los Angeles, San Diego and surrounding coastal and inland areas
  • Central California: includes the Central Valley and central coast
  • Bay Area: includes San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose
  • Sierra Nevada: eastern mountain range
  • Desert regions: southeastern inland deserts including the Mojave Desert

Major Cities in California

  • Los Angeles — largest city in California
  • San Diego — major southern coastal city
  • San Jose — major city in Silicon Valley
  • San Francisco — major Bay Area city
  • Sacramento — state capital
  • Fresno — major Central Valley city
  • Oakland — major East Bay city
  • Long Beach — major southern coastal city

Key Geographic Features

  • Pacific coastline — long western coastline
  • Sierra Nevada — major mountain range in eastern California
  • Central Valley — large agricultural valley
  • Mojave Desert — southeastern desert region
  • Redwood forests — northern coastal forest region
  • Lake Tahoe region — mountain lake area on the California–Nevada border
  • San Andreas Fault — major fault system running through California

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California Map FAQs

  • Where is California located?
    California is located on the west coast of the United States, bordering the Pacific Ocean and Mexico.
  • What is the capital of California?
    Sacramento is the capital city.
  • How many counties does California have?
    California has 58 counties.
  • What are the biggest cities in California?
    Major cities include Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco and Sacramento.

Disclaimer: This page is provided for general informational purposes only. Maps are reference views and may not be complete, current, to scale or suitable for navigation, surveying, emergency use or official determinations. Borders, place names, administrative divisions, county boundaries and road networks may vary by source and may change over time. External links are provided for convenience only and do not constitute endorsement. No warranty is made regarding accuracy, completeness or suitability for any purpose, and no liability is accepted for decisions or outcomes based on this information.