California · Pacific Time
442 Area Code
Area code 442 is in California, serving inland Southern California deserts plus North San Diego County, from Oceanside to Bishop. It is in the Pacific Time zone. It shares its territory with overlay code 760, so 10-digit dialing is required.
Last updated October 1, 2026 · Source: NANPA
Where is the 442 area code?
442 is a California area code covering inland Southern California deserts plus North San Diego County, from Oceanside to Bishop. In the wider directory it sits in the West region.
Cities in the 442 area code
- Oceanside
- Escondido
- Victorville
- Carlsbad
- Vista
- San Marcos
- Hesperia
- Apple Valley
- Indio
- Palm Springs
- Palm Desert
- El Centro
- Barstow
- Ridgecrest
- Bishop
Counties served by 442
San Diego County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, Imperial County, Inyo County, Mono County and Kern County.
442 overlay codes and dialing
The 442 territory is covered by an overlay of 2 area codes: 442, 760. All of them serve the same geographic area, and the original code is 760. Because more than one code covers the same ground, 10-digit dialing is mandatory — you must dial the area code for every local call. New phone lines may be assigned any of these codes.
History of the 442 area code
442 went into service on November 21, 2009 as an overlay of 760, relieving number exhaustion in the Oceanside area. Rather than splitting the region, the overlay lets existing customers keep their numbers while new lines draw from the added code. Learn more in our overlay guide.
Is 442 a scam or spam risk?
442 is a legitimate geographic area code, not a premium or toll line, so a call from it costs you nothing extra. That said, scammers frequently spoof real local area codes to look familiar on caller ID. A genuine 442 number on your screen is no guarantee the caller is in Oceanside, CA or trustworthy. See spam & scam-risk area codes for how spoofing works and how to respond.
Other California area codes
Explore more
See every code in California, compare codes across the West region, or view all Pacific Time codes. You can also browse the 4XX block or the complete numeric list of US area codes.
New to how this all works? Start with how area codes work, then read up on overlays, 10-digit dialing, and spam & scam-risk codes. To check another number, use the area code lookup tool.
Quick answers
442 area code FAQ
Where is the 442 area code?
The 442 area code is in California, covering inland Southern California deserts plus North San Diego County, from Oceanside to Bishop, in the West region.
What cities are in the 442 area code?
Cities in the 442 area code include Oceanside, Escondido, Victorville, Carlsbad, Vista, San Marcos, Hesperia, Apple Valley, Indio and Palm Springs.
What time zone is 442 in?
442 is in the Pacific Time zone.
What is the overlay for the 442 area code?
442 shares its territory with 760. Both codes (442, 760) serve the same area, so 10-digit dialing is required for every call.
When did the 442 area code start?
442 went into service on November 21, 2009 as an overlay of 760.
Do I have to dial 10 digits for 442?
Yes. Because 442 is an overlay area, you must dial the full 10-digit number (area code + 7 digits) for every call.
Is 442 a toll-free or premium code?
No. 442 is a standard geographic area code, so calling it costs the same as any local or long-distance call on your plan. Toll-free calls use 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844 or 833.