The 657 area code covers northern Orange County, California. It serves Anaheim, Santa Ana, Huntington Beach and Fullerton, and it shares the area with the older 714.
Because it only started in 2008, many people do not recognize 657. Here is where it is, the time zone, the history and what to do about unknown 657 calls.
657 Area Code Quick Facts
| State | California |
| Location | Northern Orange County: Anaheim, Santa Ana, Huntington Beach |
| Time zone | Pacific Time (UTC-8, UTC-7 during daylight saving time) |
| In service since | September 23, 2008 |
| Type | Overlay area code on 714 |
| Shares its area with | 714 |
| Toll-free? | No, it is a regular geographic area code |
Check any other code with our free area code lookup tool.
Where Is the 657 Area Code Located?
Area code 657 is located in Southern California, south-east of Los Angeles. It covers the northern half of Orange County and small parts of Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. Main cities:
- Anaheim
- Santa Ana
- Huntington Beach
- Garden Grove
- Fullerton
- Orange
- Costa Mesa
- Buena Park
Southern Orange County, including Irvine and Newport Beach, is in 949.
What Time Zone Is the 657 Area Code In?
Anaheim is on Pacific Time.
- Pacific Standard Time (PST), UTC-8, in winter
- Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), UTC-7, from mid March to early November
That puts it three hours behind New York and two hours behind Chicago. Check the clock before you dial, especially if you are several time zones away.
History of the 657 Area Code
- 1951: 714 is created when 213 is split.
- January 1, 1982: San Diego and the desert areas are split off as 619.
- 1992: the Inland Empire becomes 909.
- April 18, 1998: southern Orange County becomes 949.
- September 23, 2008: 657 starts as an overlay on what is left of 714.
After three splits in 16 years, regulators chose an overlay so that 714 customers would not have to change numbers again. The southern half of the county is covered in our 949 area code guide.
714 vs 657
Both codes cover the same cities. 714 is the classic Orange County number, and locals still use “the 714” as shorthand for the area. 657 is what many new lines receive. The area is home to major theme parks, a convention center and two professional sports venues, so hotel, ticketing and event calls are common from both codes.
How to Dial a 657 Number
You need the area code for every call, even a local one.
- From the US or Canada: 1 + 657 + the seven-digit number
- From another country: your exit code + 1 + 657 + the seven-digit number
Is a Call From 657 a Scam?
A 657 number is just as legitimate as a 714 number. Be careful with calls and texts about theme park tickets, hotel deals or prize packages from numbers you do not know.
Watch for these warning signs:
- Threats of arrest, a lawsuit or a service shut-off unless you pay today
- Offers of a prize, a loan or a job that need a fee first
- Callers who already know part of your details and ask you to “confirm” the rest
- One-ring calls that try to make you call back
Caller ID can be spoofed, so the number on your screen does not prove where a call comes from.
What to do with an unknown 657 call
- Do not answer numbers you do not know.
- Never share a PIN, password or passcode with someone who called you.
- Block repeat callers and turn on your carrier spam filter.
- Report scam calls at reportfraud.ftc.gov and register at donotcall.gov.
- Forward spam texts to 7726 (SPAM).
How to Get a 657 Phone Number
Want a 657 number of your own? There are a few ways to get one.
- Carriers: new lines in northern Orange County receive 657 or 714 depending on supply. 657 is more likely.
- VoIP and virtual number providers: search by area code, pick a 657 number and forward calls to any phone.
- Toll-free numbers: a better fit if your customers are spread across the country.
Read our guides to virtual phone numbers and the 833 area code.
Area Codes Near 657
| 714 | Same area as 657 |
| 949 | Irvine, Newport Beach, Mission Viejo |
| 562 | Long Beach, Whittier, Norwalk |
| 909, 840 | Pomona, Ontario, San Bernardino |
| 951 | Riverside, Corona |
Related guides: 949 area code for southern Orange County, 562 area code for Long Beach, 909 area code for the Inland Empire.
657 Area Code FAQs
What city is area code 657?
Anaheim, Santa Ana, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove and Fullerton, in northern Orange County.
Is 657 a real area code?
Yes. It has been in service since September 23, 2008.
What is the difference between 657 and 714?
They cover the same area. 714 dates from 1951 and 657 was added in 2008.
What time zone is 657?
Pacific Time.
Is 657 a toll-free number?
No. Toll-free codes are 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877 and 888.
Final Word
The 657 area code covers northern Orange County on Pacific Time and has been in service since 2008, alongside 714. Let unknown callers leave a message before you respond.
