California, Maryland

California, Maryland
Patuxent River from the Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge
Location of California, Maryland
Coordinates: 38°18′20″N 76°29′40″W / 38.30556°N 76.49444°W / 38.30556; -76.49444
Country United States
State Maryland
CountySt. Mary's
Named afterCalifornia
Area
 • Total
14.98 sq mi (38.80 km2)
 • Land12.86 sq mi (33.32 km2)
 • Water2.12 sq mi (5.48 km2)
Elevation
108 ft (33 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
12,947
 • Density1,006.3/sq mi (388.53/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
ZIP code
20619
Area codes301, 240
FIPS code24-12150
GNIS feature ID0594621

California is a census-designated place and community in St. Mary's County, Maryland, United States. The population was 11,857 at the 2010 census, an increase of 27.4% from the 2000 census. There are department stores and numerous shopping centers situated along Maryland Highway 235 ("Three Notch Road"). Maryland Route 4 crosses Highway 235 in California, providing access to the narrow Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge and the popular weekend resort town of Solomons on its opposite side. Bridge-bound traffic is notorious for backing up during rush hour.