The map of Grand Theft Auto V is set in the fictional state of San Andreas. It combines a large modern city with a big stretch of countryside, mountains, desert and coastline, plus open ocean to explore. Here is a guide to the main areas.
Two halves: city and county
| Area | Inspired by | What it is like |
|---|---|---|
| Los Santos | Los Angeles | A sprawling city of beaches, hills, highways, studios and neighbourhoods |
| Blaine County | Southern California's desert and countryside | Small towns, farms, forest, a salt lake and mountains |
Los Santos districts
- Vinewood and Vinewood Hills - the film industry, the famous sign and mansions above the city.
- Rockford Hills - wealthy streets and luxury shops, home to Michael's house.
- Downtown - office towers and the financial district.
- Del Perro and Vespucci Beach - piers, boardwalks and beach life.
- Little Seoul - a busy neighbourhood west of Downtown.
- Strawberry and Davis - South Los Santos, where Franklin grows up; Grove Street is in Davis.
- Port of Los Santos and Elysian Island - docks, cranes and shipping containers.
- Los Santos International Airport - the main airport in the south of the city.
Blaine County towns and landmarks
- Sandy Shores - a desert town on the edge of the Alamo Sea, and Trevor's base.
- Grapeseed - a farming community in the north-east.
- Paleto Bay - a small coastal town in the far north.
- Mount Chiliad - the highest peak on the map, with a cable car and famous mysteries.
- Alamo Sea - a large lake in the middle of the county.
- Fort Zancudo - a restricted military base with jets and helicopters.
- Raton Canyon - a river canyon popular for off-road routes.
Beyond the land
The ocean around San Andreas is fully explorable, with shipwrecks and sea life under the surface. Submarines and scuba gear let you go deep, and some missions take place underwater. Aircraft can fly over the whole map, and skydiving from Mount Chiliad or a helicopter is one of the best ways to see it.
Getting around quickly
The map is big enough that travel time matters. A few habits make it much easier to get around:
- Use taxis. Calling a cab and skipping the ride is the fastest way to cross the map in story mode.
- Fly between city and county. Each protagonist can unlock aircraft, and airfields in Sandy Shores and at the main airport connect the two halves of the map.
- Follow the highways. Route 68 and the freeways that ring Los Santos are faster than city streets.
- Set waypoints. The GPS route on the minimap avoids most dead ends, especially in the hills.
Hidden details on the map
Part of the fun of San Andreas is how much is tucked away. There are underwater wrecks, hidden packages, spaceship parts for a side quest, letter scraps that reveal a murder mystery, and murals and graffiti that reward players who explore on foot. Mount Chiliad in particular has become the centre of fan theories since 2013.
Places worth visiting
- The top of Mount Chiliad at sunrise.
- The Vinewood sign and the observatory above the city.
- Del Perro Pier and its fairground at night.
- A drive along the Great Ocean Highway on the west coast.
- The Alamo Sea at sunset.
How the GTA 5 map compares with GTA 6
GTA 5's map is one city plus its surrounding county. GTA 6 is set across a whole state, Leonida, with six named regions including Vice City. Rockstar has not published an official size for the GTA 6 map, so treat any comparison numbers you see online as estimates. Explore the confirmed regions in our Leonida region explorer.
Frequently asked questions
What real city is Los Santos based on?
Los Santos is Rockstar's satirical take on Los Angeles.
What is the highest point on the GTA 5 map?
Mount Chiliad, in the north of Blaine County.
Can you go underwater in GTA 5?
Yes. With scuba gear or a submarine you can explore the sea floor.