Filled with lush green forests and majestic views, Bakersfield draws people of all ages.
The county seat of Kern County, Bakersfield places much emphasis on its art and cultural scenes.
Home to stunning parks, lakes, and hiking trails, it’s a slice of heaven for nature lovers.
At the same time, the city also boasts impressive museums, restaurants, and a charming downtown area.
Interested in what else you can do and see in this enchanting city?
Here are the best things to do in Bakersfield, California:
sc_images / Shutterstock.com
Hart Memorial Park is one of the top attractions of Bakersfield.
The place is filled with panoramic scenes of this Californian city and is one of the best places to spend time in Bakersfield.
Richard Thornton / Shutterstock.com
Located in the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada Mountains along the gorgeous Kern River, Hart Memorial Park is a vast space open to the public.
Built on a vast area of almost 360 acres, the park is open to the public.
sc_images / Shutterstock.com
It is even blessed with a lake with many fish like bass and rainbow trout.
There are even many options for hiking and fishing that bring in a lot of tourists and even locals.
Richard Thornton / Shutterstock.com
Most of you might have been familiar with Buck Owens, an iconic Californian singer-cum-songwriter.
The Crystal Palace built by Buck Owens was not essentially his home, but it was a music studio built for his personal uses.
Now, it’s a museum entirely dedicated to him.
Skyman9999, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
In the museum, you will be able to find a lot of documents related to his music career.
There are a lot of memorabilia and instruments he used.
You will also be able to find one of the best steakhouses in Bakersfield inside the Crystal Palace.
Richard Thornton / Shutterstock.com
sc_images / Shutterstock.com
The scenic Bakersfield is already a work of art itself, but you’ll find more remarkable art pieces around the city.
To see some of the most awe-inspiring art in Bakersfield, head to the Bakersfield Museum of Art, formerly known as Cunningham Art Gallery.
Richard Thornton / Shutterstock.com
There are four galleries inside the museum of art.
The funding for this lovely museum came from the house of the iconic Walter Osborn family.
Richard Thornton / Shutterstock.com
Richard Thornton / Shutterstock.com
The Kern County Museum was established to preserve Kern County’s cultural heritage.
Kern County has a rich history, and the museum exhibits this in quite an engaging way.
sc_images / Shutterstock.com
The museum, which first opened its doors to the public in 1941, has a lot of pieces from old Californian history.
User: (WT-shared) Mistoffeles at wts wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
There are many treasures hidden in this museum.
It’s up to you to discover them for yourself.
ELW / Shutterstock.com
One of the landmarks of Bakersfield, the Fox Theater is located downtown, on H Street.
Being situated in one of the city’s best spots, the theater draws in a lot of publicity from the neighborhood and outside of California.
Richard Thornton / Shutterstock.com
A building that was constructed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, the Fox Theater has a different interior style.
The theater undergoes renovations quite often, making it always look good as new.
Richard Thornton / Shutterstock.com
sc_images / Shutterstock.com
Running along the gorgeous Kern River, the Kern River Parkway Trail is one of the most enchanting sights in Bakersfield.
The iconic trail happens to be a vast space filled with fun-filled activities to enjoy.
sc_images / Shutterstock.com
Everything is possible at the Kern River Parkway Trail: jogging, walking, hiking, or even horseback riding.
You can even find mesmerizing lakes along the trail.
sc_images / Shutterstock.com
As you go into the park, you will find lots of visual treats.
Don’t forget to bring your cameras to snap photos of all the gorgeous scenes.
sc_images / Shutterstock.com
The Park at River Walk is close to the Kern River Parkway Trail.
The best part about this place is that you get to see the amalgamation of two pretty lakes.
sc_images / Shutterstock.com
An amphitheater is present here, along with a lot of picnic spots.
It is an excellent location to visit with friends and family and have a nice get-together.
sc_images / Shutterstock.com
Philip Bird LRPS CPAGB / Shutterstock.com
In the middle of the gorgeous Californian sun, there lies a beautiful farm: Murray Family Farms.
One of the best places to cherish the Californian greens, Murray Family Farms is a must-visit for those traveling with family and kids.
The farm extends across almost 70 acres of land.
Philip Bird LRPS CPAGB / Shutterstock.com
They grow innumerable fruits and vegetables here, including blueberries, strawberries, apples, tomatoes, peaches, artichokes, and apricots.
There are areas where plenty of yellow roses grow during the winter.
Skyman9999, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Buena Vista Museum of Natural History is one of the best places to check out in Bakersfield to learn about the city’s past.
Bob and Mary Ernst had one of the best collections of fossils from Shark Tooth Hill.
Established in 1995, the museum centers on the couples’ collection of Miocene fossils.
The Buena Vista Museum of Natural History also houses taxidermy animals from Africa and a replica of a triceratops skull.
Prepare to have your mind blown!
Bobak Ha’Eri, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Mechanics Bank Arena, formerly known as Rabobank Arena, is one of the most entertaining spots in Bakersfield.
It serves as a go-to venue for various events in the city, including concerts and performances.
It’s well-lit and aesthetically decorated.
The arena is renowned for holding special Broadway performances and Disney on Ice.
If you’re attending a big event in the Mechanics Bank Arena, it would be best to book a hotel nearby.
There are a lot of accommodations located in the vicinity, which will make it easy for you to go back and forth between your hotel and arena.
Are you looking for a place to enjoy with your little ones?
Take them to Camelot Park.
The park is filled with things kids love and enjoy, such as attractions like go-karting and mini-golf.
You’ll enjoy spending time here just as much as your kids will!
It won’t come as a surprise if you find yourselves starving after a day filled with sightseeing.
If you’d like to treat yourself to a satisfying meal, head to one of Bakersfield’s staple restaurants: Luigi’s.
This restaurant-slash-grocery store has been a part of Bakersfield since 1910.
When you enter the place, it gives off a vintage vibe.
On the walls, you’ll see many pictures of every famous personality that has visited the restaurant.
Ribs and pasta are their best-loved menu items.
You can also get your hands on some delicious cheese and wine to pair with your meal.
The California Living Museum (CALM) is one of the most popular spots among families.
If you are in Bakersfield with your kids, add this museum to your itinerary.
Kids always seem to fall in love with the place.
The California Living Museum is a zoo built on almost 14 acres of land.
It’s home to almost 80 different animal species, including exotic and native ones.
The best part about this place is that the institution only cares for damaged or injured animals.
The zoo lets them go back to their natural habitats when they recover.
Stephen Moehie / Shutterstock.com
Bakersfield has some of the best scenes in all of California.
The Sequoia National Forest offers some serene views along with the best hiking trails.
My Good Images / Shutterstock.com
The Pacific Crest Trail is the best among all the trails in the area.
Its paths are well-maintained and evenly paved.
Kara Jade Quan-Montgomery / Shutterstock.com
The sequoia trees that you’ll see on both sides of the paths are mesmerizing.
The stunning forest is covered with thousands of these trees.
It’s no surprise that the Gaslight Melodrama Theatre is a successful, family-friendly performing arts venue.
The Gaslight Melodrama Theatre is a great place to spend a day with your traveling buddies.
In addition to being delighted by world-class performances, you and your guests may partake in delectable cuisine, locally brewed beer, and superb wine.
The Gaslight Melodrama Theatre is one of the most incredible things to do in Bakersfield, California.
There are various live performances to choose from, including musicals, plays, comedies, melodramas, and seasonal extravaganzas.
You may try its delicious cuisine like popcorn, sandwiches, pizza, salads, and so on as you watch a show.
Wine, beer, and other delightful alcoholic drinks are also available.
Wool Growers Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge is home to famous Basque cuisine in Bakersfield.
Bring your significant other for an extraordinary dining experience.
For years, the restaurant has been a hotspot for celebrities and dignitaries alike, including former president Ronald Reagan.
Its cozy, vintage decor and delicious cuisine have made it a local favorite.
Their foods are also Instagram feed-worthy, so pack your camera before leaving your hotel or Airbnb.
sc_images / Shutterstock.com
The breathtaking Panoramic Vista Preserve is located quite close to downtown Bakersfield.
Occupying both sides of the Kern River, the Panorama Vista Preserve is built on a vast area of land of almost 900 acres.
sc_images / Shutterstock.com
Can you believe there was once no sign of greenery here?
It was entirely thanks to the efforts of the government and the city’s residents that this area was blessed with nature once again.
sc_images / Shutterstock.com
Now, the Panorama Vista Preserve is one of Bakersfield’s most popular tourist locations.
Rickybassman, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Kern County Raceway Park is an oval racetrack that hosts various racing events all year long.
Does watching thrilling race broadcasts make you want to get into the driver’s seat?
Drive on over to Kern County Raceway Park if you are.
It’s the place in Bakersfield where you’ll see some of the most breathtaking racing in the area.
Kern County Raceway Park is where to go if you want to see an exciting racing spectacle.
Race cars, motorbikes, little dwarf cars, and the like may be seen in action at this location.
The Sam Lynn Ballpark in Bakersfield is a must-visit if you’re a sports lover, at the very least.
Bakersfield has been home to a Blaze Baseball team for seven decades now.
They are a minor league baseball club affiliated with the Cincinnati Reds that play in the California League.
In an unusual scenario, the stadium recently underwent reconstruction.
For the first time in professional baseball history, the Blazers had to start their games at a later hour since their batters confront the sinking sun when they attempt to hit.
Bobak Ha’Eri, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Weedpatch Camp was established in the 1930s.
In the aftermath of the Oklahoma Dust Bowl, it was used as a safe haven for migrant laborers in need.
Bobak Ha’Eri, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
In addition to accommodating migrant workers in need, it also provides educational tours for individuals who want to learn more about the Great Depression’s impact on the United States.
Knowing about what life was like during the Great Depression helps you understand the masses’ struggles.
For an exciting and memorable experience, contact in advance to schedule a tour.
People visiting Bakersfield will find many fun activities, from unique museums to exciting amusement parks to busy zoos, beautiful parks, breathtaking art galleries, bustling shopping malls, and many entertainment choices.
It’s a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and have an adventurous holiday.
Discover the world.
© All rights reserved.
