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Things to Do in Bakersfield, CA - Bakersfield Attractions

Things to do in bakersfield, explore popular experiences, ways to tour bakersfield.

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California Living Museum (CALM)
Buck Owens' Crystal Palace
Kern County Museum
Murray Family Farms, The Big Red Barn
The Park at River Walk
Peacocks at Hart Park
Wind Wolves Preserve
Kern River Parkway Trail
Rabobank Arena, Theater & Convention Center
Puzzle Effect - Bakersfield

15 Top-Rated Things to Do in Bakersfield, CA

Written by Brad Lane Updated Mar 6, 2023

Bakersfield is located in Kern County at the southern end of California's Central Valley. It's a city built upon a rich history of oil, agriculture, and country music. Much of this history combines with modern attractions today, including an emerging art and culture scene fueled by a creative community. This and a rich cultural history make Bakersfield The Country Music Capital of the West Coast.

The soundtrack for visiting would have to be the Bakersfield Sound , a sub-genre of country music popularized in the 50s and 60s by local musicians like Buck Owens and Merle Haggard. Visitors today experience the Bakersfield Sound at places like Buck Owens' Crystal Palace and the Kern County Museum, where visitors walk through Merle Haggard's childhood home.

Bakersfield is also a gateway to the great outdoors. The mighty Kern River passes right through the city, paralleled by the pedestrian-only Kern River Parkway Trail . This paved path connects other scenic open spaces in the city, offering outdoor enjoyment for the typically sunny forecast of the region.

For more ideas on the best places to visit, read our list of the top things to do in Bakersfield.

1. Hart Memorial Park

2. buck owens' crystal palace, 3. kern county museum, 4. downtown bakersfield, 5. fox theater, 6. the park at riverwalk, 7. kern river parkway trail, 8. california living museum (calm), 9. bakersfield museum of art, 10. panorama park, 11. sequoia national forest, 12. buena vista museum of natural history & science, 13. rabobank arena, theater & convention center, 14. central park at mill creek, 15. murray family farms, map of things to do in bakersfield, ca, bakersfield, ca - climate chart.

Hart Memorial Park is the crown-jewel open space of Bakersfield. It's nestled along the banks of the Kern River in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, approximately a 20-minute drive northeast of town. And among its 370 acres are several ways to spend the day.

Picnic tables, playgrounds, and paved walking trails punctuate the entire park. It's also home to two fishing lakes stocked with rainbow trout, bluegill, and bass. And the entire park is dotted with shade thanks to numerous mature trees throughout. For these reasons, the park is often brimming with hikers, family picnickers, and anglers looking to land something.

Hart Memorial Park is also popular for disc golf players. The park has two disc-golf courses winding throughout different terrain. A relatively flat 18-hole course navigates the landscaped lawns near the river. The other course, known as Shark Tooth Mountain Disc Golf Course , is a challenging 18 holes navigating the mountainsides.

Hart Memorial Park is part of the much larger Kern River County Park . This massive county park also includes area attractions like the nearby California Area Living Museum (CALM) and Lake Ming. It's also home to a larger regional soccer complex.

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Spotlight: Bakersfield

The rapidly growing city of Bakersfield , in California’s southern Central Valley, is full of pleasant surprises. Once known only for oil and agriculture, Bakersfield—or Bako, as the locals affectionately call it—has become a hub for arts and culture while still retaining the richness of the region’s past. The country’s largest concentration of Basque restaurants, including the 125-year-old Noriega Hotel , upholds the area’s Basque heritage with boarding-house-style meals of oxtail soup and myriad side dishes (immigrants from the Spanish and French Pyrenees herded sheep and planted orchards here in the late 1800s).

Fast-forward to Bakersfield’s citified attractions, including the gallery-filled Arts District , home to the 1930 Fox Theater , where performances range from pop music to film noir, and Buck Owens' Crystal Palace , the place to hear the Bakersfield Sound, a gritty style of country music. Find out more about hardscrabble musical pioneers like Owens and Merle Haggard with a visit to the Kern County Museum , a collection of 56 historic buildings spread out among grassy lawns. You’ll also get a lesson in California’s oil industry: Kern County’s wells pump 70 percent of the state’s “black gold.” Afterward, shop for vintage finds at Bakersfield’s Antique Row, then pop over to the swanky Padre Hotel for a cocktail on the rooftop lounge.

There’s plenty of nature to be had around Bakersfield, too. Wildflowers blanket the local grasslands and nearby Tehachapi Range in spring. See them in March and April at the 93,000-acre Wind Wolves Preserve , the West Coast’s largest non-profit nature preserve. At any time of year, these vast grasslands are a haven for wildlife and an inspiring place to take a hike or pedal your mountain bike.

Bakersfield’s Arts District

The three-storey Fox Theater , with its Art Deco tower, has reigned as Bakersfield’s glitziest landmark since its marble floor was first polished for opening day in 1930. Today it’s the centrepiece of Bakersfield’s gallery-and-theatre-filled Downtown Arts District , clustered around 19th and H Streets.

Thanks to its 1990s' refurbishments, the interior of the Fox gleams with gilded ceilings and gilded walls, which can steal your attention away from the stage where big-name live bands perform. Come on Friday nights to watch foreign flicks or cult films such as The Rocky Horror Picture Show on the 24-metre silver screen.

Day or evening, wander the galleries in the streets surrounding the Fox. Start at Metro Galleries on 19th Street, where you can ponder over abstract and contemporary realist works by more than two dozen Californian painters, sculptors and mixed-media artists. At the Art Center Gallery on Eye Street, gaze at local artists’ creations, or make your own in weekly art classes for children and adults. Or drop into the 'underground' Bellmoore Gallery on Chester Avenue, cloistered in the basement of a 100-year-old building that was once a bakery. White-washed brick walls showcase up-and-coming artists’ work, and the space also hosts musicians, performance artists and fashion shows.

To see the latest creations by local playwrights, wander into the budget-friendly Spotlight Theatre on 19th Street, where you might catch a hot-off-the-press slapstick comedy or a tear-jerking drama. For a special night out, go 2,500 miles off-Broadway to Stars Bakersfield Music Theatre on Chester Avenue, where you can dine on roast beef while watching a classic musical like Funny Girl or Guys and Dolls .

Theatre performances without the slightest speck of pretence (remember to dress down, not up) happen at the Gaslight Melodrama , located in a big red barn on the outskirts of town (and one of only four professional melodrama theatres in California). The Gaslight attracts a fun-loving crowd that is instructed not to be quiet: drink a beer and munch on pulled pork sandwiches while you boo the villain, cheer the hero and aww the love interest on stage.

Spotlight: Bakersfield vca_resource_bakersfieldartsdistrict_256x180

Bakersfield’s Museums

Maybe it’s because Central Valley summers are hot, or maybe it’s because its natives are proud of their heritage, but Bakersfield museum visitors can find a wealth of brain-fuelling exhibitions to expand their minds.

Start by strolling through the Kern County Museum , where 56 historic buildings are spread out over 16 beautifully landscaped acres. A popular stop here is country singer Merle Haggard’s childhood home, an old rail freight wagon that his parents bought in 1935 for $500. Find it amid an array of older structures—including an 1860 general store where travellers could purchase a 25-cent bath, a one-room school building and an 1882 doctor’s office—plus an antique Southern Pacific engine and a Santa Fe wagon.

Inside the museum’s main gallery, at the 'Bakersfield Sound' exhibition, learn about Haggard and the gritty country-and-western genre that he and others pioneered—a backlash against the slicker, more polished music coming out of Nashville. Then move on to the 'black gold' exhibition, where you’ll learn how oil (a key part of Kern County’s economy since 1895) is extracted from the earth, with gear such as rotary drills and bobbing pump jacks.

Move from human history to natural history with a visit to CALM, the California Area Living Museum . Walk through the zoo’s 14 park-like acres and learn about the Golden State’s native fauna. See more than 200 animals that have been injured or cannot survive in the wild, from bobcats and mountain lions to bighorn sheep and cottontail rabbits. At the raptor display, look deep into the eyes of a bald eagle or a long-eared owl. While you’re here, get in an upper-body workout on the Condor Challenge ropes course and 10-metre climbing wall.

Then travel way back in geological time at the central Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science . An offspring of CALM, the museum houses a huge collection of fossils from the Miocene period, 14 to 15 million years ago. Ancient remains of sea lions and sharks, excavated from Sharktooth Hill, north-east of Bakersfield, prove that the Central Valley once sat on the edge of the Pacific Ocean.

Another interesting historical site is the Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park , 45 miles north of the town. This early 1900s' settlement—an attempt by a group of African Americans to create a Utopian society— offers a remarkable look at an unusual event in Californian history. Visit a reconstructed schoolhouse, a church, and other structures.

Bakersfield’s Basque Food Culture

The 1893 Noriega Hotel is the oldest and most famous of the Central Valley’s Basque eateries, but it has plenty of friendly competition in Bakersfield’s Old Town Kern neighbourhood—also known as the Basque Block. Here, in the largest concentration of Basque restaurants in the United States, each dining hall has its specialities, but one fact unites them: Basque food is served in hearty, prodigious quantities.

Wherever you go, you’ll be served a similar 'setup', as it’s called—sourdough bread, cabbage soup, beans, salsa, boiled vegetables, pickled tongue and spaghetti. It all needs to be consumed before the main course, which might be roasted leg of lamb, beef or oxtail stew, or fried chicken. It’s a monumental task for even the biggest eaters, but Central Valley Basque food has been served this way since the mid-1800s, when many Basque people travelled from their homeland between Spain and France to seek their fortunes in California’s Gold Rush.

If you’re not that hungry, just sit at the bar and order a Picon Punch—the customary Basque brandy-and-grenadine highball, which is usually mixed with a bitter orange liqueur or sometimes maraschino cherry juice, and is typically garnished with lemon peel. The cocktail miraculously straddles the narrow line between tart and sweet.

Start your exploration of Basque food culture at the Wool Growers Restaurant on 19th Street, clearly marked by a neon sheep sign. The no-frills 1950s' eatery is one of Bakersfield’s most popular restaurants, serving specialities such as oxtail soup and perfectly crispy French fries. The brightly lit dining room with long trestle tables is boisterous and friendly, a complete contrast to the film-noir vibe at the Pyrenees Café on Sumner Street, two streets away. The Pyrenees’ dark wood bar, vinyl booths, throbbing jukebox and neon Budweiser sign attract motorcycle clubs, indie bands and Basque old-timers alike. Its walls are lined with black-and-white photos of Basque pioneers. The Pyrenees’ breakfast menu offers pleasant surprises though: nab a seat at one of the outdoor patio tables and order the bacon-stuffed pancakes.

Right next to the 99 freeway, and surrounded by graceful queen palms, the Chalet Basque Restaurant has small tables and booths in lieu of family-style trestle tables—more appropriate for date night—but everything else is traditional Basque. In addition to the multi-course set-up, the Chalet serves a garlicky escargot dish that you won’t find elsewhere. And on the other side of town, at Benji’s French-Basque Restaurant , patrons try to manage their calorie intake during the set-up so that they can save room for dessert. Benji’s is more French than Spanish (frog’s legs are popular), but the big attraction is the dessert soufflés—chocolate, lemon, Grand Marnier or raspberry. Order one when you order your main course so that the waiting staff can time its delivery. Due to its delicate architecture, your soufflé must be served at the precise moment it comes out of the oven.

Wind Wolves Preserve

Since Bakersfield doesn’t have alpine lakes or redwood forests, you might not see it as a place for hiking and nature study—until you pull into the car park at Wind Wolves Preserve . Here, at the largest non-profit nature reserve on the West Coast, you can walk (or mountain bike) for miles amid waving golden grasslands, grazing tule elk and colourful carpets of wildflowers.

The reserve—which is funded entirely by private donations through the non-profit Wildlands Conservancy —encompasses 93,000 acres near Highway 166 to the south of Bakersfield, beyond the orchards and the oil fields that were once used for cattle farming. The tract holds a surprising amount of water—creeks, marshes, wetlands and even a 5-metre limestone waterfall—plus groves of cottonwoods and other broad-leaved trees. Kit foxes, bobcats, coyotes, deer and even occasional black bears are at home here, but you won’t find wolves at Wind Wolves. The name refers to the tall grasses that s way in unison with the wind, making it appear as if animals are wandering through the prairies.

Springtime is the most dramatic season in which to visit, when Wind Wolves’ slopes explode in a firework display of colourful mule-ears, poppies, lupine, goldfields and blue-eyed grass. T o see them, take the short Wildflower Loop Trail that begins near the entrance kiosk. At any time of year, walkers can start at The Crossing picnic area and follow the Tule Elk Trail for about a mile to glimpse the reserve’s herd of more than 200 elk. More ambitious hikers can continue for three more miles to connect to the Reflection Pond Trail, where a historic cattle pond provides a watering hole for wildlife. From high points along this walk, you’ll survey an immense sea of grasslands—green in spring and gold during the rest of the year. Complete a 7-mile circuit by returning on the San Emigdio Canyon Trail. As you wander, keep your eyes peeled for the endangered San Joaquin kit fox, a cute, cat-sized creature with long ears and a pointy nose.

Hardy walkers who want to head deeper into the Wind Wolves wilderness can catch the weekend shuttle bus to the El Camino Viejo trailhead, five miles south of the main car park. From here, you can walk for miles along the historic wagon route used by early travellers between El Pueblo de Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Mountain bikers are welcome too. The reserve’s most popular mountain biking route is the El Camino Viejo Trail, which parallels San Emigdio Creek. If you want to spend the night here, it is possible to camp under canvas at the reserve’s San Emigdio Campground if a pitch is booked in advance.

Bakersfield Shopping

Real cowboys around Bakersfield don’t shop at the shopping centre—instead, they tie up their horses next to the tall red boot outside Emporium Western Store and load up their saddlebags with rugged jeans and shiny silver belt buckles. In business for more than a century, the Emporium stocks oodles of western apparel plus more than 2,500 pairs of boots, so the staff know their way around the pointed-toe versus square-toe issue. In the market for a cowboy hat? Choose one from the stock of 2,000 plus, and then get the store manager to steam it until the brim curls just the way you like it.

But maybe western clothes aren’t your thing. If you’re in the market for something retro-glam—like a 1950s' poodle skirt or a 1920s' feather headband—visit Bakersfield’s Antique Row (19th Street between H and R Streets), where antique centres house dozens of vendors and consignment shops. Three of the largest are the Mill Creek Antique Mall , Great American Antiques and Central Park Antique Mall, housing more than 5,600 square metres of nostalgic flotsam. Or browse previously owned designer fashions and vintage costumes at In Your Wildest Dreams on 18th Street, right next to the Padre Hotel. Dig through a gold mine of house-clearance furniture, artwork and home decor at Chester Avenue’s Timeless Furnishings & Antique Gallery.

For time-capsule-worthy shopping-plus-dining, head to the Five & Dime Antique Mall , in the old Woolworth building on 19th Street. Peruse the three floors of antiques, then enjoy a toasted cheese sandwich at the 1950s throwback Woolworth’s counter . The iconic Woolworth’s department store closed in 1994, but new owners snapped up the Art Deco building and gave it new life. Waiters decked out in black bow ties scribble down orders for chilli cheese fries, amidst black-and-white chequerboard flooring, steel bar stools with red vinyl seats and Streamline Moderne staircases.

No trip to Bakersfield is complete without a visit to Dewar’s Candy Shop —the original is on Eye Street (look for the pink neon ice-cream cone). This retro ice-cream parlour can rightfully boast that its frozen creation was served at Disneyland Resort—and it’s made with the same small-batch recipe that the owners used nearly a century ago. Sadly, ice cream doesn’t travel well, so spoon down a sundae on location and then stock your suitcase with a bright red box of Dewar’s peanut-butter-filled chewy sweets. These soft, pillowy treats make a perfect gift—if they make it home.

Padre Hotel

Bakersfield’s most iconic building, the Spanish Colonial Revival Padre Hotel , stands like a sentinel on the corner of 18th and H Streets, and is home to Bakersfield’s only four-diamond-certified accommodation. The 1928 building’s chic rooms and public spaces offer a fancy tribute to Bakersfield’s past, starting with the reception's 4.5-metre-high mural of a well-coiffed cowgirl glancing over her shoulder. Creative ornamentation pops up everywhere: gargoyles protrude from the building’s exterior, a glowing neon sign crowns the roof and colourful farm animals embellish the breakfast cafe’s ceiling. Finally, the wallpaper is adorned with cowboy hats, farm implements and oil derricks.

See it all with or without a room reservation. The Padre offers a handful of public restaurants, including the stately steak-and-lobster Belvedere Room , the grab-and-go breakfast venue Farmacy Cafe and the rooftop Prairie Fire lounge, with fire pits for chilly winter evenings and cool misters for hot summer nights. For another evening stop, visit the speakeasy-style Brimstone Bar and Grill —with dark teak panelling, a pressed tin ceiling and billiard tables—and imagine the velvet rafter swing that once hung from the ceiling, ridden by a swimsuit-clad beauty.

All of the 112 guest rooms are aptly swanky—thanks to an $18 million renovation in 2010 that restored the hotel to its rightful glory—decked out with chic furniture, leather-headboard beds with memory-foam mattresses and sleek, glassed-in showers. If you’re staying for more than one night, splurge on one of the Padre’s posh suites, each with a separate living room, a couple of monumental flat-screen televisions and a waterfall Jacuzzi bath.

The Padre Hotel has had its fair share of intriguing history too. Ghost hunters swear the building is haunted, particularly on the seventh floor where workers regularly report hearing children’s laughter when no one is present. Some attribute the hauntings to the Padre’s previous owner, the irascible Milton 'Spartacus' Miller, who bought the hotel in 1954. When city building inspectors told him that he had to bring the hotel up to fire code standards, Miller got so riled up that he hung protest signs from the Padre’s exterior and positioned a mock missile on the roof, pointed at City Hall (the missile is now at Bakersfield’s Kern County Museum ).

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Last Updated On
July 24, 2023

17 Best Things to Do in Bakersfield, CA — Top Activities & Places to Go!

Living in the heart of California, I can vouch, Bakersfield is a gem of a city, hiding in the broad daylight of the Golden State.

It’s a splendid pitstop for families craving a vacation with a sprinkle of adventure, a dash of culture, and a generous helping of relaxation.

Museums, amusement parks, zoos, theaters, parks, art galleries, shopping centers – you name it, Bakersfield’s got it.

And I’ve sifted through it all to bring you a bespoke list of the best things to do in Bakersfield, perfect for your family escape.

Intrigued to explore Bakersfield through a local’s lens?

Let’s dive in.

Best Things To Do In Bakersfield Compared

Get ready to experience the absolute best of Bakersfield with our top picks.

Discover family-friendly fun and unforgettable memories waiting just for you.

Editor’s Choice

Bakersfield Museum of Art

The Bakersfield Museum of Art is an art museum featuring a vast collection of permanent and temporary exhibits.

Family-Friendliness: 4/5
Affordability: 3/5
Accessibility: 4/5
Fun Factor: 3/5
Educational Value: 4/5

#2nd Best Choice

Kern River County Park

The Kern River County Park is an outdoor recreation facility encompassing at least 1,012 acres.

Family-Friendliness: 5/5
Affordability: 5/5
Fun Factor: 5/5
Educational Value: 3/5

#3rd Best Choice

Kern County Raceway Park

The Kern County Raceway Park is an oval speedway hosting many racing events throughout the year.

Family-Friendliness: 3/5
Affordability: 4/5
Educational Value: 1/5

Here are the top 17 things to do in Bakersfield.

1. Bakersfield Museum of Art (Editor’s Choice)

1930 R St Bakersfield, CA 93301 (661) 323-7219 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Ratings Criteria

Rich artistic experience: The Bakersfield Museum of Art offers a diverse collection of art exhibits and showcases the work of local, regional, and international artists.
Educational opportunities: The museum often hosts workshops, lectures, and interactive programs, providing visitors with educational opportunities to learn about different art forms, techniques, and the cultural context behind the artworks.
Limited appeal for some visitors: While art enthusiasts will appreciate the museum, it might not be as appealing to those who are not interested in art or cultural experiences, potentially limiting its overall appeal.
Size and variety: Compared to larger art museums in bigger cities, the Bakersfield Museum of Art may have a smaller collection and fewer rotating exhibits.

Why You Should Go

If you and your companions have an art appreciation, then a must-visit is the Bakersfield Museum of Art.

There are four galleries for you to explore, each of which is jam-packed with many stunning artworks that will leave you awe-struck and captivated.

Have a meaningful day immersed in the masterpieces of talented artists at the Bakersfield Museum of Art.

Here, you can view magnificent paintings, listen to an engrossing lecture, enroll your kids in art classes, practice yoga at the museum, go on guided tours, and attend workshops on drawing, photography, and more.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Padre Hotel

2. Kern River County Park

Kern River County Park Bakersfield, CA 93308 (661) 872-3179 Visit Website Open in Google Maps

Scenic beauty and outdoor activities: Visitors can enjoy various outdoor activities such as picnicking, hiking, fishing, and river rafting, providing a perfect retreat for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Family-friendly environment: The picnic areas and recreational facilities make it an ideal spot for family gatherings and outings.
Seasonal limitations: Depending on the season and weather conditions, some activities like river rafting might not be available or safe to participate in, reducing the park’s offerings during certain times of the year.
Potential crowds: On weekends and holidays, Kern River County Park can become quite popular, leading to crowded conditions, especially near the river and main recreational areas.

Take a break from tall buildings and large crowds by visiting the Kern River County Park.

Here, you can unwind from the hustle and bustle of city life as you make use of its many facilities, like an 18-hole golf course, campgrounds, hiking trails, group picnic areas, and countless others.

Before heading home, make sure to stop by the Kern River County Park to go on an outdoor adventure.

Activities you can do here are camping, hiking, picnicking, golfing, touring a zoo, playing soccer, and so much more.

The Kern River County Park has a glimmering lake, Lake Ming, offering many fun water activities.

For example, fishing, water-skiing, boating, and so on.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Bakersfield Marriott at the Convention Center

3. Kern County Raceway Park

13500 Raceway Blvd Interstate 5 and Enos Lane Bakersfield, CA 93311 (661) 835-1264 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Thrilling racing events: For motorsport enthusiasts, Kern County Raceway Park provides a thrilling experience with various racing events, including stock car racing, dirt track racing, and other exciting competitions.
Community and social engagement: The raceway can serve as a gathering place for motorsport fans, fostering a sense of community and social engagement among like-minded individuals who share a passion for racing.
Noise and environmental impact: The loud noise generated during racing events might be a concern for some nearby residents, potentially causing disturbances and impacting the environment.
Limited interest for non-motorsport enthusiasts: While the raceway appeals to motorsport enthusiasts, it may not be as engaging for individuals who are not interested in racing or related activities, potentially limiting its appeal to a specific audience.

Are you a racing fan and love watching exciting race shows?

If you are, then drive on over to the Kern County Raceway Park.

It is the premier destination in Bakersfield to observe amazing races that will take your breath away.

Grab your tickets and prepare to watch a thrilling race show at the Kern County Raceway Park.

Here, you can watch spectacular races of various vehicles like race cars, motorcycles, mini dwarf cars, and the like.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: DoubleTree by Hilton Bakersfield

4. McMurtrey Aquatic Center

1325 Q St Suite 200 Bakersfield, CA 93301 (661) 852-7430 Open in Google Maps

The McMurtrey Aquatic Center is a recreational facility found in downtown Bakersfield.

Get a break from the scorching heat and humidity by having a fun time in the crystalline water of the McMurtrey Aquatic Center.

This swimming center features an Olympic-sized pool, diving facilities, slides, shallow areas for your youngsters, lockers to store your things, showers where you can wash up, wet play equipment, and tons of other amenities.

Have a fantastic time with your family or friends at the McMurtrey Aquatic Center.

Some of the activities you can do here are enjoying a leisurely swim, diving into the sparkling pool, shooting down slides, teaching your kids how to swim, participating in aquatic programs, and more.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: SpringHill Suites Bakersfield

5. The Fox Theater

2001 H St Bakersfield, CA 93301 (661) 324-1369 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The Fox Theater is officially known as the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater.

It is a renowned performing arts center with a capacity of around 1,500.

When looking for fun things to do in Bakersfield, California, drop by the Fox Theater with your partner, friends, or loved ones.

It is the best place to visit on days when it’s raining or cold so that you can still have a grand time indoors as you watch entertaining shows by talented artists.

Prepare to be thoroughly amused at the Fox Theater with your travel buddies.

Book your tickets today and watch live shows such as concerts, ballets, movie screenings, dance recitals, comedic acts, and countless other options.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Residence Inn Bakersfield

Also See: Things to Do in Kernville, CA Things to Do in San Bernardino, CA Things to Do in Los Angeles, CA

6. Murray Family Farms

6700 General Beale Rd Bakersfield, CA 93307 (661) 330-0100 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Murray Family Farms is a family-owned farm selling fresh produce and offering many recreational activities.

Murray Family Farms is the ideal place to stop by if you want to buy farm-fresh goods, like fruits and vegetables.

It also features many amenities to make your visit more fun, like picnic areas, hayrides, an animal garden, a butterfly house, mazes, and numerous more.

Enjoy a fun day with your family or friends at Murray Family Farms.

It guarantees a lovely time as you do a handful of activities.

For example, making your way through a maze, viewing colorful butterflies, picnicking, going on wagon rides, shopping for fresh vegetables and fruits, petting animals like sheep and ponies, picking fruits like strawberries, riding a train, and a lot more.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn and Suites Bakersfield / Highway 58

7. The Park at River Walk

11298 Stockdale Hwy Bakersfield, CA 93311 (661) 326-3866 Open in Google Maps

The Park at River Walk is an urban park spanning roughly 32 acres.

It features two glimmering lakes and a gentle stream.

If you want to stretch your legs, enjoy the fresh air, and take in picturesque views, visit the Park at River Walk.

You can have a terrific time in nature as you take advantage of its facilities, like gazebos, picnic areas, grills, well-maintained restrooms, fishing areas, paved paths, and so on.

Have a wonderful day with your friends or family at the Park at River Walk.

It offers many recreational opportunities for you to enjoy, like teaching your kids how to bike, fishing, grilling juicy burgers for a tasty picnic together, strolling through the scenic areas, and countless more.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hyatt Place Bakersfield

Also See: Things to Do in Death Valley, CA Things to Do in Porterville

8. Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science

2018 Chester Ave Bakersfield, CA 93301 (661) 324-6350 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science, established in 1995, is an easily accessible museum.

The Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science is magnificent and features exhibits about paleontology, geology, and anthropology.

It has many galleries and displays for you to view, a gift shop selling a wide array of items, and fun programs for your enjoyment.

Spend a couple of hours of your time exploring the many exhibits at the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science.

You can view things like dinosaur fossils, displays about the Miocene period, Native American artifacts, rare rocks and minerals, and African animal specimens.

For a more educational experience, you can also attend informative lectures, participate in science-related activities, experience digging for fossils, and so on.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn Bakersfield – Central

9. Hart Park

Hart Park Bakersfield, CA 93308 (661) 872-3179 Visit Website Open in Google Maps

Hart Park is one of the largest city parks in Bakersfield, encompassing roughly 370 acres.

It offers jaw-droppingly gorgeous sceneries whichever season you choose to visit.

If you are looking for free things to do in Bakersfield to enjoy a budget-friendly getaway, spend time at Hart Park.

This large, beautiful park offers a plethora of recreational possibilities and has a boat-load of amenities for your convenience.

It features two disc golf courses, numerous picnic facilities, abundant wildlife, fishing areas, spacious grassy fields, water access, a playground, well-maintained restrooms, and so much more.

One of the things to see in Bakersfield is the many peacocks that roam freely at Hart Park.

Aside from observing the colorful birds, you can also do other things like playing baseball, having a picnic as you grill hamburgers or hotdogs, beating the heat by swimming, enjoying a laid-back game of disc golfing, fishing, practicing nature photography, and many others.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express Bakersfield Airport, an IHG hotel

10. California Living Museum

10500 Alfred Harrell Hwy Bakersfield, CA 93306 (661) 872-2256 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The California Living Museum, nicknamed CALM, is a zoo and home to at least 250 animals.

It opened in 1983 and is one of the most popular attractions in Bakersfield.

Take your companions this weekend to the California Living Museum.

This zoo offers you countless attractions for your enjoyment, like animal exhibits, a carousel, climbing tower, ropes course, children’s area, and many other fun options.

Create new memories with your family or friends at the California Living Museum.

Here, you can enjoy a plethora of fun activities, like observing animals, like mountain lions and barn owls, rock climbing, riding a train through the park, watching a lights show during the holidays, and more.

One of the top things to do in Bakersfield with kids is visiting this zoo as they get the chance to get an up-close and personal experience with animals, like snakes, birds, ponies, lambs, and so on.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Four Points by Sheraton Bakersfield

11. Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area

13601 Ironbark Rd Bakersfield, CA 93311 (661) 868-7000 Visit Website Open in Google Maps

The Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area is a well-loved destination for camping and outdoor fun.

To enjoy some much-needed time in the great outdoors with your friends, family, or partner, take them to the Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area.

It is the ideal place for you to enjoy a wide range of stuff to do together both in the water and on land.

Gather your travel companions and get ready for your outdoor excursion at the Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area.

Some of the riveting things you can do here are camping, boating, swimming, jet-skiing, fishing, sailing, playing basketball or soccer, bicycling, and so much more.

Also See: Things to Do in Jamestown Things to Do in Mariposa, CA

12. Mechanics Bank Arena, Theater and Convention Center

1001 Truxtun Ave Bakersfield, CA 93301 (661) 852-7300 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The Mechanics Bank Arena, Theater and Convention Center, constructed in 1998, has a capacity of 10,400.

It is a multi-purpose arena featuring a wide range of entertaining shows.

Have a fantastic day with your companions as you watch a live show that will leave you on the edge of your seats at the Mechanics Bank Arena, Theater and Convention Center.

It also has a food and beverage concessionaire, where you can easily buy refreshments.

Create long-lasting memories with your partner, family, or friends at the Mechanics Bank Arena, Theater and Convention Center.

Check their website ahead of time and prepare to watch entertaining shows, like concerts, symphony orchestras, theatrical productions, games like basketball and ice hockey, live recreations of your favorite movies like Trolls, and much more.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Courtyard by Marriott Bakersfield

13. Panorama Vista Preserve

901 E Roberts Ln Bakersfield, CA 93308 (661) 872-3569 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The Panorama Vista Preserve is a premier hiking destination offering scenic trails and numerous recreational opportunities.

One of the top things to do in Bakersfield for couples is spending quality time together in nature.

The Panorama Vista Preserve is the perfect place for you to have a terrific time bonding as you enjoy a multitude of activities.

It features various picture-perfect trails, countless plants and animals, a sparkling river, and a gorgeous forested landscape.

Bond with your significant other by enjoying multiple activities together.

For example, horseback riding, paddling through the river, biking, going for a jog, hiking, taking plenty of photos together, and tons of other options.

14. Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace

2800 Buck Owens Blvd Bakersfield, CA 93308 (661) 328-7560 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace is a vibrant live music venue offering delicious food and entertainment.

Are you looking for the top things to do in Bakersfield tonight to have a blast with your friends?

If you are, head on down to Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace.

It is a superb location for you to bond with your companions as you enjoy tasty food and breathtaking live performances.

Have a fun night out with your friends as you watch magnificent live shows of talented, world-class musicians.

While keeping yourselves well-entertained, you can also enjoy yummy food, like fresh salads, tasty pasta, savory steaks, sweet cakes, and tons more.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: La Quinta by Wyndham Bakersfield North

Related: Best Restaurants in Bakersfield

15. Kern County Museum

3801 Chester Ave Bakersfield, CA 93301 (661) 437-3330 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The Kern County Museum, founded in 1941, is a prominent history museum in Bakersfield.

It is a well-known attraction that draws in thousands of guests each year.

The Kern County Museum is one of the most intriguing places to visit in Bakersfield if you are a history buff.

It perfectly depicts and preserves the history and culture of Kern County and features more than fifty original buildings.

These buildings show what life was like in the county during the 19th century.

Spend a few hours of your time touring the Kern County Museum today for a cheap price.

There are many things for you to do at this museum.

For example, listening to a lecture, making crafts with your children, discovering buildings from the 1800s, looking through antiques, and so much more.

It also offers many engaging programs throughout the year, like Zumba and yoga classes, music festivals, and Halloween celebrations.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn and Suites Bakersfield North-Airport

16. Valley Plaza Mall

2701 Ming Ave Bakersfield, CA 93304 (661) 396-2801 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The Valley Plaza Mall, which opened in 1967, is one of the largest shopping centers in the city.

Is shopping a hobby of yours?

Do you take pleasure in visiting malls and exploring various shops?

If you do, the perfect choice is spending a few hours at the Valley Plaza Mall for the ultimate shopping spree.

Shop ‘til you drop at the Valley Plaza Mall.

You can find numerous stores to explore, like Forever 21, Target, Macy’s, Victoria’s Secret, Hot Topics, Vans, and tons more.

After shopping, strengthen up by dining at its restaurants or watch a movie at its theater.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Garden Inn Bakersfield

17. Gaslight Melodrama Theatre

12748 Jomani Dr Bakersfield, CA 93312 (661) 587-3377 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The Gaslight Melodrama Theatre is a thriving, family-friendly performing arts theater featuring a plethora of entertaining shows.

Take your travel companions on an enjoyable day out by visiting the Gaslight Melodrama Theatre.

As talented, world-class performers keep you and your family, friends, or significant other thoroughly entertained, you can also enjoy delicious food, craft beer, and fine wine.

One of the best things to do in Bakersfield, CA, is making a stop at the Gaslight Melodrama Theatre.

You can watch live shows, such as musicals, theatrical productions, entertaining melodramas, holiday extravaganzas, and tons more.

While you enjoy your show, you can also eat tasty food, like popcorn, pizza, sandwiches, salads, freshly baked cookies, nachos, and so on.

It also serves delectable alcoholic beverages, such as various types of wine and beer.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Bakersfield, an IHG hotel

Related: Best Hotels in Bakersfield

Activity Guide

Comparing attractions: which one is right for you.

If you’re planning a trip to beautiful Bakersfield, California, you’re in for a treat.

As a local in this fantastic state, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring some of the best attractions, and boy, do I have some stories to share.

Let’s start with the Bakersfield Museum of Art.

The diverse collection of artworks left me in awe, and I couldn’t help but feel a newfound appreciation for the arts.

Next up is Kern River County Park, a nature lover’s paradise.

The tranquil setting alongside the river provided a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Now, let’s rev up the engines at Kern County Raceway Park.

The thunderous roar of engines and the adrenaline rush of watching those skilled drivers zoom by was electrifying.

So, whether you’re an art lover, a nature enthusiast, or a speed demon, Bakersfield has something special to offer you.

Don’t miss out on these incredible experiences – see you in Bakersfield soon.

How I Picked The Activities

In selecting the top activities in Bakersfield, CA, I drew upon my personal experiences, extensive research, and valuable insights from fellow locals and travelers.

As a proud resident of this state, I’ve immersed myself in its wonders and know just what makes it special.

From exploring captivating museums to enjoying thrilling outdoor adventures, I’ve covered it all to curate the ultimate list for you.

Our Rating Method

I rate these attractions based on the following criteria:

Family-Friendliness: I use this criterion to assess the family-friendly appeal of every activity. Is it suitable for families with kids? Is it safe, engaging, and fun for children? I ask myself these questions in order to rate family-friendliness.
Affordability: This is used to evaluate the attraction’s affordability. Will visitors get a lot of bang for their buck? Is it free or cheaper compared to the other options? Does it offer discounted rates, special promotions, or free entry? I consider these factors when rating affordability.
Accessibility: This evaluates the activity’s accessibility. Is it easily accessible by public transportation? Are there plenty of parking spaces available? Is it wheelchair accessible? I ask myself these questions when assessing the attraction’s accessibility.
Fun Factor: I use this to evaluate how enjoyable the attraction is for visitors. Will it create positive and memorable experiences? Is it engaging, fun, and exciting? I use these questions to evaluate this criterion.
Educational Value: This assesses the educational benefits of the activity. Does it provide learning opportunities to kids? Will it teach visitors lessons in science and history? I ask myself these important questions when rating educational value.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can i do for outdoor fun in bakersfield.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the best thing to do in Bakersfield is to explore the scenic beauty of the Kern River Parkway Trail, offering hiking, biking, and picnicking opportunities along the river.

Where Can I Enjoy Live Entertainment In Bakersfield?

Downtown Bakersfield’s Fox Theater is the go-to spot for live entertainment, hosting a variety of concerts, shows, and performances throughout the year.

What Is The Best Place To Learn About Bakersfield’s Country Music Heritage?

Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace is the ideal destination to delve into Bakersfield’s rich country music heritage, featuring a museum, restaurant, and live country music shows.

Where Can I Experience Bakersfield’s Local Arts Scene?

The Bakersfield Museum of Art offers a diverse collection of visual arts, showcasing the talent of local and regional artists.

Conclusion

As someone who lives in the state of California, I can confidently say that the best things to do in Bakersfield offer an incredible range of experiences.

This vibrant city nestled in the heart of California has something for everyone in the family.

However, the one that truly stole my heart is the Bakersfield Museum of Art.

As my top choice, it offers a diverse collection of artworks from local and international artists, providing a rich cultural experience.

From exploring captivating museums and thrilling amusement parks to lively zoos, the options are truly endless.

Whether you’re a local resident or a traveler passing through, Bakersfield promises a delightful family vacation filled with unforgettable moments and cherished memories.

So, gather your loved ones and embark on an extraordinary adventure through the very best of Bakersfield.

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25 Best & Fun Things To Do In Bakersfield (California)

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Published: July 27, 2022 - Last updated: October 16, 2023

Bakersfield is situated on the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley and is the seat of Kern County.

A hub for energy production and the agriculture industry, it has also been gaining more popularity as a travel destination.

It’s even one of the United States’ fastest-growing medium metropolises and is filled with many things to see and places to go!

Bakersfield has its fair share of historic sites that make for an interesting and educational experience.

It’s also got a fair few locations dedicated to local arts and culture, as well as several nature-themed attractions.

Live music venues are also commonplace, as are various sporting establishments, so there’s no shortage of entertainment options for people of all interests and ages.

It can be tough to decide what to see and how you’ll spend your time in this lovely and lively city, so to help you out, we’ve compiled this list.

Here are the 25 best and fun things to do in Bakersfield, California.

Table of Contents

1. Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace

Richard Thornton / Shutterstock

You’ll find a few points of interest in Bakersfield that are more fun or iconic than Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace .

Simply known as The Palace to some, this is a music hall that opened in 1996, created by the eponymous legendary singer, musician, and songwriter.

It has gorgeous Western Revival architecture and is designed to resemble a 19th-century town from the American Old West.

The Crystal Palace is mostly known as an iconic California location for classic western dancing, concerts, and performances, where guests wear old western attire and dine on delicious food from a music-themed menu.

Sample mini chimichangas, nachos, salads, soups, pasta, filet mignon, baby back ribs, and Buck’s favorite, “The Palace Mud Pie”, among others.

Basically, Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace is more than just a music hall!

It’s also a restaurant, bar, nightclub, and – believe it or not – a museum.

It’s filled with all sorts of memorabilia related to Buck Owens, clothing and costumes, guitars, and information about his career on display.

Address: 2800 Buck Owens Blvd, Bakersfield, CA 93308, United States

2. Hart Memorial Park

sc_images / Shutterstock

If you’re looking for top vacation destinations , the Hart Memorial Park is one of the best open recreational spots in Bakersfield, and it’s also one of the city’s biggest parks.

With no entrance fee, it’s one of the most enjoyable free things to do in Bakersfield.

Gently resting on the Sierra Nevada Mountains foothills and along the Kern River, it spans 370 acres and is outfitted with tons of amenities.

Hart Memorial Park has plenty of paved trails, including a bike path in the eastern area and an equestrian trail on the northern side.

Lots of these trails are named after the geographic features in their area, so navigating is fairly easy.

Kids will love the playground, athletes will enjoy baseball backstops and lawn sports in many large fields, and those who are feeling peckish will enjoy the picnic area.

The latter is outfitted with tables for food preparation, two deep pit barbecues, two booths, 7 propane burners across two grills, and a bandstand.

Anglers will also enjoy fishing at Hart Memorial Park.

There are two fishing lakes here and they’re stocked with all sorts of game fish, including bass, rainbow trout, and bluegill.

There are also three canals to walk along for a nice, relaxing time.

If you want something a little more interesting, there are other activities here, like two disc-golf courses and boating facilities!

Address: Hart Park, Bakersfield, CA 93308, United States

3. California Living Museum

David Seibold / flickr

The California Living Museum , also simply called CALM, is situated northeast of downtown Bakersfield.

This is a fun, award-winning zoo that is a part of Kern River County Park, and unlike most museums, it is entirely dedicated to showcasing local fauna and providing education and up-close experiences with all manner of wildlife.

The establishment is also Zoological Association of America-accredited.

The California Living Museum spans 14 acres and is home to many local species of plants and animals across a park-like expanse.

There are more than 80 species of animals that are injured or can’t survive in their natural environments in the wild.

These unique, medically unreleasable animals are the only ones who are permanently housed in the zoo.

Still, CALM does its best to ensure that the animals in their care are able to live in exhibits that mimic their natural habitats.

There’s a cats of California exhibit, featuring bobcats and mountain lions, a Bird of Prey exhibit with eagles, owls, and hawks, and an open exhibit featuring black bears.

There are also mallards and migrating birds at the waterfowl pond, many fox species at the mammal round, a reptile house underground, and a yard filled with deer.

There are plenty of options for what to do beyond just visiting the exhibits, too!

You can head to the contact area to get up close and personal with domestic animals, head to the reading library for information, and view Pleistocene and Miocene fossils at the DiGiorgio Education Center.

Kids will love the rotating events at the discovery rooms and nature-lovers will appreciate the miniature riparian replica of the Kern River.

Address: 10500 Alfred Harrell Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93306, United States

4. Kern County Museum

The Kern County Museum is one of the top places to visit in the city of Bakersfield, just a little north of the downtown area, right near the heart of the metropolis.

It’s a great attraction for families and focuses on telling the tale of Kern County’s history through more than 60 historic preserved buildings and numerous artifacts spread across 16 acres.

The Kern County Museum’s most popular feature is likely its Pioneer Village outdoors, which is where all the preserved structures from the late 19th century are on display.

There are homesteading cabins, an oil derrick, general stores, a one-room school, and railcar jail cells to view and explore.

There is also a cool interactive exhibit out here that discusses the city’s history in the oil industry and how it propelled the county’s development.

The indoor museum and exhibits are not to be missed either, though!

There’s the Lori Brock Children’s Discovery Center, which allows children to learn about science in hands-on ways, and exhibits on the musicians who grew their craft in Bakersfield, like Buck Owens and Merle Haggard.

There are also exhibits dedicated to the Native American people who lived on this land and exhibits on agriculture, railroads, and mining told through documents, photos, and objects.

Address: 3801 Chester Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301, United States

5. Bakersfield Museum of Art

Skyman9999.Skyman9999 , CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Looking for some best things to do in California ?

The Bakersfield Museum of Art , or the BMoA, was created in 1956 as a vehicle for promoting the creativity and artistic prowess of the community of Kern County.

It’s one of the key things to do in Bakersfield for art aficionados and is filled with works by 20th-century artists from the state.

Photos, paintings, and sculptures are the most common mediums, though others are on display as well.

The Bakersfield Museum of Art spans about 17,400 square feet and boasts two large and two small galleries, as well as classrooms and a banquet hall.

Outside, there are numerous beautiful gardens that display sculptures and other outdoor artworks.

The Tejon Ranch Sculpture Park is the most popular of these gardens, and it’s a fun experience exploring the grounds in search of art.

Address: 1930 R St, Bakersfield, CA 93301, United States

6. Fox Theater

Jason Taylor AG / Shutterstock

Fox Theater opened in 1930 on Christmas Day and became one of the prime tourist attractions for entertainment, showcasing feature films, “talkie” pictures, operas, and orchestras.

Originally, it boasted Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, but it was updated to an Art Deco style soon after.

Unfortunately, the theater would fail to keep its doors open, falling into abandonment and decay by 1984.

In 1994, the Fox Theater Foundation was created to reopen and restore the theater.

Today, the theater is open in its former glory, filled with a quaint, vintage charm and lovely decorative and aesthetic features.

Its program includes comedic acts, concerts, movie screenings, ballet performances, dance recitals, and much more.

If you’re an art-lover looking for stuff to do in the city this weekend, check out what’s showing here!

Address: 2001 H St, Bakersfield, CA 93301, United States

7. Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science

Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science

The Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science is situated near the Fox Theater.

Situated neatly in the downtown area of the city, it’s packed with all manner of fossils and artifacts from around Kern County.

This makes it one of the best Bakersfield attractions for history buffs or those seeking educational forms of entertainment.

The Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science focuses on three main subjects, namely paleontology, geology, and anthropology.

The institution was founded in 1995, built upon the impressive Sharktooth Hill Miocene fossils provided by the Bob and Mary Ernst Collection.

This is the world’s biggest fossil collection of its kind from that location.

Even today, these fossils remain the centerpiece of the museum!

There are plenty of activities to enjoy at the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science.

You can learn about the Yokut native peoples and other Native Americans from the area in Native American Lifeways, via a replica of their villages.

You can check out the African Animals exhibits to view more than 50 taxidermied specimens of fauna from Africa or head upstairs to the Paleontology Collection and Paleo Lab if you’re a fan of dinosaurs.

But there’s even more: a model of Yosemite Valley, a triceratops skull replica, a collection of von Zittel Illustrations, and a collection of rocks and minerals.

Kids will love The “Oh” Zone, where they can learn in an interactive discovery center!

Address: 2018 Chester Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301, United States

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8. Mechanics Bank Arena, Theater and Convention Center

Bobak Ha’Eri , CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The Mechanics Bank Arena, Theater and Convention Center , formerly known as the Rabobank Arena, is one of the key places to go to watch big performances and concerts in Bakersfield.

This fun, multi-purpose location was opened in 1998 and is home to the American Hockey League ice hockey tea, the Bakersfield Condors.

It is also the California State University’s home arena.

The area of the Mechanics Bank Arena, Theater and Convention Center houses 6,400 seats, with the overall floor taking up 17,000 square feet.

Meanwhile, there’s a 17,840-square-foot exhibit hall indoors, complete with a 3,000-seat theater.

In the southern concourse of the establishment, you’ll find the Bob Elias Kern County Sports Hall of Fame, where you can learn about the city and the county’s athletic legends.

All sorts of performances take place at the Mechanics Bank Arena, Theater and Convention Center.

Sporting events, concerts, symphony orchestras, Disney on Ice, monster truck rallies, Broadway performances, live movie recreations, and much more are played at the venue!

Address: 1001 Truxtun Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301, United States

9. Murray Family Farms

Philip Bird LRPS CPAGB / Shutterstock

If you’re visiting Bakersfield with family, you can’t go wrong with Murray Family Farms .

This establishment is jam-packed with activities and has a large selection of different things to see and do.

It’s a fully functioning farm that offers all sorts of farm experiences and a variety of seasonal events, making it among the top family-friendly attractions in the area.

The year of Murray Family Farms is filled with a variety of U-Pick events.

They tend to differ by growing season, so there are citrus, blueberry, strawberry, cherries, and stone fruit U-Pick events.

There are also special holiday events, some of which are more U-Picks and others that involve animal meet-and-greets and temporary attractions.

Easter, Halloween, Christmas, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day all come with unique events!

Murray Family Farms covers 70 acres of land and is an organic farm that grows vegetables and fruits.

There’s a butterfly house, a train ride, some picnic tables, an animal garden, and hayrides to keep things interesting, too.

You can meet ducks, chickens, turkeys, miniature horses, pigeons, geese, goats, peacocks, sheep, and much more!

Address: 6700 General Beale Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93307, United States

10. The Park at River Walk

The Park at River Walk , which is also called River Walk Park, is a 32-acre public park in California that is one of the most relaxing Bakersfield attractions.

It’s home to a stream, two lakes connected through it, four bridges over the stream, and more.

It’s also the location of Bright House Amphitheater, which is designed to look like an island and is one of the two outdoor theaters of its size in the city.

For those seeking a little exercise, the Park at River Walk is quite close to the Kern River Parkway Trail, and it also has a cobblestone creek to walk through.

Meanwhile, anglers can enjoy catching carp, bass, crappie, and more.

If you need to stop and rest, you can sit at one of the six covered spaces for picnics, numerous other barbecue pits and picnic tables, a gazebo, and a playground for the kids.

Address: 11298 Stockdale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93311, United States

11. Camelot Park

Camelot Park

Camelot Park is a fun amusement park packed with activities.

It’s one of the most exciting points of interest for families with kids in Bakersfield, California.

Kiddie rides, bumper boats, a baseball field, mini-golf courses, and go-karts are just a few of the cool things you can enjoy.

Camelot Park also has quite a few arcade games, like Deal or No Deal, Spin N Win, Big Bass Wheel, and Haunted Hotel.

There are also plenty of special seasonal events that draw in people from across California, like All Night Play, First Friday Fellowship Night, and The Ultimate Group Package.

So if you’re planning to visit this weekend, check the park’s calendar to see if anything interesting is going on!

Address: 1251 Oak St, Bakersfield, CA 93304, United States

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12. Kern River Parkway Trail

The Kern River Parkway Trail is a pedestrian trail that connects to The Park at River Walk but also brings you to a wide range of some of the best things to do in Bakersfield, California.

Around the trail, you’ll find access routes to Beach Park and Panorama Park, which is what makes it so popular among cyclists, strollers, and runners.

It’s also a great place to stroll as you watch the sunset!

The Kern River Parkway Trail runs along the Kern River, spanning 21.4 miles from Enos Lane to Alfred Harrell Highway.

Despite being made of asphalt, this is a non-motorized trail, so you can take your time without worrying about oncoming vehicles.

The trail is a part of the nature preserve of the Kern River Parkway, which encompasses 6,000 acres and is the county’s biggest municipal park.

The locale was opened in 1976 and runs from Kern Canyon all the way to Interstate 5.

While its eponymous trail is the most popular, there are also several other paths, some dedicated just to horseback riding or biking.

Address: Bakersfield, CA, United States

13. Gaslight Melodrama Theater

Gaslight Melodrama Theater

If you’re wondering what to do in Bakersfield that is both artistic and suitable for the attention spans of children, you’ve got to check out the Gaslight Melodrama Theater .

It’s one of the key places to see great performance art in Bakersfield!

If you’re hungry before or after your show, you can head to the onsite Moosehead Lounge to eat snacks and light meals or drink wine, beer, and soft drinks.

This family-friendly establishment of the Gaslight Melodrama Theater specializes in old-time melodrama, focusing on spoofs and parodies of sports, mystery, Wild West, and fantasy entertainment.

Performances often feature comedic sketches, funny jokes, musical numbers, dancing, and Vaudeville styles.

There are also magic shows and puppet shows, and kids can join education programs where they learn about singing, dancing, drama, improvisation, and theatrical makeup.

Address: 12748 Jomani Dr, Bakersfield, CA 93312, United States

14. Kern County Raceway Park

Rickybassman , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The Kern County Raceway Park is a unique 0.5-mile race car track.

The oval-shaped raceway replaced the Mesa Marin Raceway in 2013 and is a stadium with 5,000 seats, 18 concession stands, and an impressive 21 VIP suites, with an expanded capacity of 17,000 seats in total.

All sorts of fun events are held here, drawing guests to Bakersfield, California for things like the K&N Pro Series West, NASCAR’s Whelen All-American Series, and various car shows.

When it comes to places to visit for race fans, the Kern County Raceway Park is the go-to speedway in the city.

The park boasts a progressively banked track that rises to 14 degrees from 12 degrees.

Turns feature an uphill backstretch climb that is ten feet higher up than the straight pit, which means visibility is fantastic for spectators!

Address: 13500 Raceway Blvd Interstate 5 and, Enos Ln, Bakersfield, CA 93311, United States

15. McMurtrey Aquatic Center

Skyman9999 , CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you’re seeking cheap things to do in Bakersfield that still offer some exciting activities and experiences, one of your best options is the McMurtrey Aquatic Center .

Located in Bakersfield’s downtown area, this recreational facility is a hotspot for diving and swimming sports.

The McMurtrey Aquatic Center opened in 2004 and boasts a large 8,551-square-foot recreational pool.

It also has a heated competition pool of Olympic size, which has 9 lanes spanning 25 yards, 9 lanes spanning 50 meters, and a depth of 3 feet, 6 inches at one end and 14 feet, 2 inches on the other.

At both pools, there are lifeguards looking out over swimmers during business hours, so you can swim with peace of mind.

The McMurtrey Aquatic Center also has diving boards, a plunge pool, double water slides, zero depth entry, features for children, an area for water volleyball, and even picnic areas!

A variety of events are held in the center often, like scuba diving, aquatic fitness classes, diving, water polo, and much more.

Address: 1325 Q St Suite 200, Bakersfield, CA 93301, United States

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16. Panorama Vista Preserve and Panorama Park

Looking for some of the best places to visit in California ?

The Panorama Vista Preserve is one of the top free things to do in the city of Bakersfield, California, and it’s a premier destination for hikers.

One can paddle in the river, go for a jog or horseback ride, take photos, or bike through the preserve, too.

You’ll also see a lovely river, verdant forests, and all manner of flora and fauna!

Panorama Vista Preserve has a whopping 930 acres to its name and is designed to restore and protect certain local species of endangered plants and animals.

These include the Bakersfield Cactus and the San Joaquin Kit Fox, among others.

There’s also another one of the city’s tourist attractions within Panorama Vista Preserve.

It’s called Panorama Park and it’s situated on a bluff over the gorgeous Kern River.

This is a beautiful location that is especially stunning at sunset, and you can take a two-mile hike across the full loop of its paved trail.

Address: 901 E Roberts Ln, Bakersfield, CA 93308, United States

17. Sam Lynn Ballpark

Sam Lynn Ballpark

Looking for more fun in your Bakersfield attractions?

Head to Sam Lynn Ballpark on Chester Avenue.

This is a historic venue built in 1941 that is the oldest park of its kind in the Class-A Advanced California League.

The park got its name from a local funder, a businessman who sought to promote and provide the necessary resources for youth baseball leagues.

Once upon a time, the Sam Lynn Ballpark was the home field of the Bakersfield Badgers, and now it has the honor of hosting the Bakersfield Blaze instead.

Due to its orientation facing the setting sun, a lot of games are scheduled for the night.

Address: 4009 Chester Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301, United States

18. Sequoia National Forest

Roman Kosolapov / Shutterstock

If you’re willing to travel a little, then the Sequoia National Forest is one of the very best places to go in all of California.

It’s somewhat near to downtown Bakersfield, just about 15 miles away from the metropolis.

There are 52 campgrounds here so you can take a prolonged trip to the Land of the Giants this weekend.

A part of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, this is an iconic national park that boasts more than 30 sequoia tree groves.

There are canyons carved into jagged shapes by glaciers, rivers that run wild across scenic backdrops, and plenty of campgrounds to make the most of the natural wonder.

Elevations at the Sequoia National Forest reach 12,000 feet, so there are plenty of excursions to be had.

The Sequoia National Forest offers all sorts of ways to explore its 1,193,315 acres.

You can go whitewater rafting or kayaking, hiking or backpacking, and take a bunch of different photographs of the lovely verdant environment around you.

The forest features six different wilderness spaces that are clearly designated, including the Domeland Wilderness, which covers 95,000 acres.

Address: 1839 South Newcomb Street, Porterville, CA 93257, United States

19. Valley Plaza Mall

LittleT889 , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The Valley Plaza Mall is the San Joaquin Valley, California’s biggest mall.

It opened in 1967 and is one of the top spots in the city for shopaholics.

When it first opened, it had an impressive 900,000 square feet within its walls and boasted contemporary Spanish-inspired architecture.

It has been continually expanding since 1986 and has faced many changes over the years that have only made it more popular.

There are plenty of things to see at Valley Plaza Mall.

Popular shops like Macy’s, Target, Vans, Forever 21, H&M, Hot Topic, Victoria’s Secret, Sephora, and much more allow you to shop till you drop.

When you get hungry, there are tons of diverse dining choices to peruse, and when you get bored, you can catch a movie at its state-of-the-art 16-screen, IMAX-fitted theater.

Address: 2701 Ming Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93304, United States

20. Central Park at Mill Creek

Central Park at Mill Creek is yet another one of the recreational Bakersfield attractions that give you a fun but tranquil break from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding metropolis.

Its design is simple and linear, as it was once built to follow an irrigation canal.

Today, it’s outfitted with all manner of facilities that make it a comfortable and welcoming experience.

Central Park at Mill Creek features a 1.5-mile park that runs through its historic length.

Along the way, you can stop at the Mill Creek Bridge to take some pictures or look out over the fountains and ducks.

You can also simply enjoy the many green spaces that branch out from the extensive walkway.

Address: 500 19th St, Bakersfield, CA 93301, United States

21. Weedpatch Camp

Weedpatch Camp is an important historic landmark in California.

If you’re a history buff wondering where to go, this is one of the more sobering but educational points of interest in the city.

Officially named the Arvin Federal Government Camp, this is the camp featured in the iconic novel The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck.

When first created, Weedpatch Camp was a so-called rescue camp for migrant workers who had fled drought in the Dust Bowl, from places like Oklahoma .

They were set to work in local fields, and camps like this one were set up to provide housing to these workers.

Weedpatch Camp is on the National Register of Historic Places, and it provides a somber glimpse into the kind of life that migrant workers lived and their living conditions.

For the most part, it’s a quiet and reserved location for calm reflection, and it has a few leftover buildings that you can explore.

Address: 8701 Sunset Blvd, Bakersfield, CA 93307, United States

22. Wool Growers

Wool Growers

If you’re seeking romantic things to do in Bakersfield, why not head to one of the best eateries in Bakersfield?

Wool Growers is a family-owned establishment that serves Basque cuisine and has done so since 1954.

The homey and welcoming location is filled with down-to-earth decorations that complement the traditional dishes.

Despite its relaxed atmosphere, Wool Growers attracts a fair few celebrities, likely due to its delicious food.

Roasted meats, spicy Basque tomato sauces, stewed beans, onion soups, pickled tongue, and more create a vibrant and welcoming menu.

For adults, there’s a delicious cocktail picon punch, made in the typical Basque style, to sample in the lounge and bar.

Address: 620 E 19th St, Bakersfield, CA 93305, United States

23. Puzzle Effect

Jerome.Romme / Shutterstock

The Bakersfield branch of Puzzle Effect is a fantastic way to spend a day with friends or family.

It’s an immersive escape room adventure experience that encourages teamwork.

You’ll have an hour to crack codes and solve clues to break out from the adventure of your choice.

If you’re wondering what to do for fun in this part of California, this is one of the cool places you can go.

Each experience has a unique storyline that ties each mystery together, and there are all sorts of twists and turns along the way!

Up to six people can play per room, and you’ll get to flex your critical thinking and problem-solving skills as you try to escape.

Address: 3616 Coffee Rd C, Bakersfield, CA 93308, United States

24. Lake Ming

Neal W Hall / Shutterstock

Lake Ming is one of the most relaxing places to visit in Bakersfield, California.

Technically, it is a part of the Kern River County Park.

This man-made recreational lake is publicly open and is a popular spot for water-skiing, motorboating, and sailboating, and it’s even the site of many National Jet Boat Association races.

In the winter, Lake Ming is stocked by the Department of Fish and Game with between 10 and 12 inches of rainbow trout.

Throughout the rest of the year, you can enjoy fishing for carp, crappie, large-mouth bass, bluegill, and catfish.

Water sports are also popular year-round, and lots of people enjoy swimming here, as it’s a calm and safe place when compared to the Kern River.

Address: 13375 Lake Ming Rd., Bakersfield, CA 93306, United States

Planning a trip to Sacramento and Palm Springs? When you travel, don’t forget to check out these cool Sacramento attractions and our list of some fun things to do in Palm Springs !

25. Golden West Casino

Golden West Casino

Golden West Casino is one of the most fun things to do in Bakersfield for adults.

Though this part of the state isn’t the most known for its casinos and gambling, the industry has been progressively growing, and now you can enjoy a high-quality game experience in Bakersfield.

So, what can you play at the Golden West Casino?

Poker, baccarat, Omaha, blackjack, stud, and other staples are easily available.

There are also plenty of places to eat and drink here, so you can spend your day at the tables accompanied by a wide range of beers and delicious meals.

There are also regular events to add some variety, spice, and excitement to an already thrilling experience!

Address: 1001 S Union Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93307, United States

Start Planning Your Trip To Bakersfield

There are many, many fun places to go in Bakersfield, California, and each one of them is as enjoyable as the next!

Whether you enjoy nature, sports, art, music, animals, food, or history, you’re sure to find something that you like in the bustling and welcoming city of Bakersfield!

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The Top Things To Do And See In Bakersfield, CA

110 miles north of Los Angeles is Bakersfield, California. This “gateway to Central Valley” is rich with culture – whether it’s music, agriculture, recreational activities or sports. Here’s a guide on the top things to do in Bakersfield to make your stay a memorable one.

Murray Family Farms

Murray Family Farms is a working farm with a commercialised side, and is a popular staple of Bakersfield. Seeing the “Big Red Farm” is a must, settled on 43 acres of farmland. A giant tractor takes visitors throughout the acreage, which provides a scenic tour of the surrounding crops and landscape. Guests can also take advantage of a interactive animal zone and farmer’s kitchen, serving up delicious treats such as roasted corn and breakfast pies.

Kern County Museum

Go back in time with a visit to the Kern County Museum. Since 1941, the museum has showcased a combination of Native American, mining, agriculture and railroad exhibits, all related to the history and development of Bakersfield and Kern County itself. Come here for an interactive tour of a pioneer village, 50 historic structures and exhibits spread out over 16 acres. Educational programs and group tours are also encouraged.

Watch a Game at Sam Lynn Ballpark

Play ball! A visit to Bakersfield isn’t complete without a trip to Sam Lynn Ballpark . Come here for an affordable night full of fun to cheer on the Bakersfield Blaze , a minor league Class A team under the Seattle Mariners. The park is also the oldest in the Class-A Advanced California League.

The Fox Theater

The historic Fox Theater is a hub for artistic performances in Bakersfield, and hosts a variety of events year round. Threatened with demolition many times since its opening in 1930, the theater was finally saved in 1994 by the specially-formed Fox Theater Foundation, a non-profit group who still manage the theater to this day. The venue is used to house concerts for musicians and theatric performances on a local and international level, and can also be utilized by anyone in the area for corporate and private events.

Buena Vista Museum of Natural History

Located on Chester Avenue is the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History . This non-profit museum is known to house the largest collection of fossils from the Miocene era (14-15 million years ago), that are said to be some of the rarest and oldest collections in the world. The museum also offers seasonal camps for children and hosts lectures on science topics such as geology and archaeology.

Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace

Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace is named for Buck Owens, the legendary Country Music Hall of Fame musician who called Bakersfield his home until his death in 2006. The palace is used primarily as a venue for country music, but also as a Buck Owens museum, nightclub and restaurant. Buck’s is a special venue that can only be found in Bakersfield, celebrating the life of one of its most popular legendary residents.

Rabobank Arena

A trip to the Rabobank Arena is a must during your visit at Bakersfield. What’s impressive about the place is that it’s used for so many different kinds of events – music concerts, monster truck exhibitions, comedy shows, sports – you name it! Come here with your family for a Disney on Ice performance or come out to support the local hockey team, the Bakersfield Condors .

The Bakersfield Museum of Art

Part of the American Alliance of Museums , Bakersfield Museum of Art is a long-standing part of the Bakersfield community. The museum has a variety of exhibitions, ranging from idealism paintings to expression through objects, sculptures and textiles. The museum also hosts a number of special events each year. One to check out during your visit to Bakersfield is “First Wednesday” (held, surprisingly, on the first Wednesday of every month), where an artist visits the museum and presents a lecture on a certain art related topic.

California Living Museum

California Living Museum (CALM) is Bakersfield’s zoo, founded in 1983. Originally started to educate the public on plants and animals native to California, the zoo has expanded into a 14 acre exhibit and a rehabilitation center for injured and orphaned wild animals. CALM is also known for providing educational programs to thousands of school children all across Kern County.

10 miles northeast of Bakersfield is Lake Ming, a manmade lake extremely popular for local motorboats, waterskiing and sailboats. The recreation area includes shorelines, picnic tables and barbecue grills as an option for families or parties to meet up on a sunny day at the lake.

Brendan Scully is a recent college graduate from Boston, MA. Check out his travels throughout the USA and abroad here .

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15 Wonderful Day Trips From Bakersfield (By a Local)

Bakersfield is one of those places that people often underestimate. But Bakersfield’s central location makes it very special offering plenty of locations that you can explore nearby . Whether you are a Bakersfield local or visiting the area, keep reading to learn all about our favorite day trips from Bakersfield!

Within a couple of hours’ drive, you can go on a quick trip to the Central Coast, head on a hiking adventure into the mountains, relax at a hot spring or spend the day lounging next to a scenic lake.

In this post, we list all of the best places to visit near Bakersfield for a fun day’s adventure!

15 Best Day Trips From Bakersfield:

1. sequoia national forest.

When the Central Valley temperatures start picking up in the summer season, the nearby mountains offer a great place where you can go to escape the scorching heat. We lived in Bakersfield for several years ourselves and during that time one of the places that we visited the most was Sequoia National Forest .

Sequoia National Forest offers many incredible day hikes and is also free to visit (a nice perk compared to the nearby National Parks that require an entrance fee).

A few of our favorite Sequoia National Forest trails within a short drive of Bakersfield include:

Trail of 100 Giants
Johnsondale Bridge River Trail
Mill Creek Trail
Isabella Peak – Coso Mine Loop Trail

If you haven’t done any of these hikes before, I recommend starting with the Trail of 100 Giants which is located two hours north-east of Bakersfield.

This beautiful forest trail is home to giant Sequoia trees that you can see up close. The pathway that travels through the Sequoia grove is short and mostly paved making it a great adventure for the entire family!

Read Next: 8 Incredible Day Hikes In Sequoia National Forest

2. Lake Isabella

Lake Isabella is another one of our favorite day trips from Bakersfield California. This hidden gem is located just an hour northeast of Bakersfield along scenic Highway 178.

Lake Isabella offers plenty of fun outdoor adventures for visitors. You can spend the day on Lake Isabella’s shoreline, head on hiking trails that offer incredible viewpoints of the lake, grab a beer at Kern River Brewing Company , or stay to camp at one of the campgrounds that surround the lakefront.

If you wish to stay for longer than a day, there are plenty of incredible vacation rentals at Lake Isabella that are great for weekend getaways. From Lake Isabella, you can also head on day hikes within Sequoia National Forest or arrange whitewater rafting trips in Kern River with Kern River Outfitters .

In the winter, sports enthusiasts can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and tubing at the Alta Sierra Ski Resort which typically operates on the weekends from December to March.

Read More: 7 Wonderful Things To Do At Lake Isabella All Year Long

If you’re looking for a quick coastal getaway , Ventura is located just a 2-hour drive from Bakersfield. Ventura’s mild coastal weather stays cool even in the summer months offering a great escape from the Bakersfield heat. It’s also a good place to stop for those planning a road trip from LA to San Francisco !

We recently relocated to Ventura and our Bakersfield friends often come to visit us, especially in the summer. This cozy beach town has so many fun activities from surfing lessons , hiking, and mountain biking to fun outdoor events in the charming downtown area.

As a day visitor, you can lounge on the beach at San Buenaventura State Beach , take a walk along the bike path down to the Ventura Pier, grab seafood at the Ventura Harbor Village , or watch surfers catch waves at the Surfers Point At Seaside Park.

Looking for more information? Be sure to check out our Ventura guide covering 26 Best Things To Do In Ventura California (By a Local) !

4. Hart Memorial Park

Looking for something fun to do a bit closer to Bakersfield? Hart Memorial Park is situated just 20 minutes outside of downtown Bakersfield and is a wonderful little getaway for families!

Hart Memorial Park offers multiple hiking and mountain biking trails that travel on top of cliffs and through rolling hills. After hiking, you can enjoy lunch along the lakefront in one of the large, grassy picnic areas.

If you want to cool down in the water, you can rent small boats and kayaks from Clagg’s Kayak Rentals to paddle around Hart Park Lake.

Kids are sure to enjoy visiting the nearby California Living Museum Zoo where you can see local animals such as black bears, mountain lions, red foxes, and birds along with many others.

5. Sequoia National Park

If you’re looking for epic road trips from Bakersfield, be sure to add Sequoia National Park to the top of your list. This gorgeous National Park is located just a two-hour drive north of Bakersfield making it a great option for a long day trip (with an early head start).

If you can spare an extra day, even better! There is so much to see and do at Sequoia National Park that you can easily turn it into a weekend getaway!

Start your visit by stopping by the grand General Sherman Tree and hiking the Congress Trail that passes some of the largest Sequoia clusters at the park. Then head over to Moro Rock for a jaw-dropping climb along 350 narrow stairs up a sheer rock face that leads to a panoramic viewpoint of the park.

If you have any time to spare, end the day by hiking the Big Trees Trail where you can learn more about these gentle giants and their natural habitat.

6. Wind Wolves Preserve

Wind Wolves Preserve is a wonderful outdoor area just 45 minutes south of Bakersfield. This nature preserve spans 30 square miles offering plenty of hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and free overnight camping options .

Wind Wolves Preserve also plays an important role in preserving endangered Central Valley animal and plant species such as tule elk, kit fox, and Bakersfield cactus.

We like to visit Wind Wolves Preserve as a quick day trip in the spring months before the weather gets too hot. For first time visitors, we recommend hiking the San Emigdio Canyon Trail that passes next to San Emigdio Creek providing a bit of shade.

You May Also Like: 15 Best Places For Viewing Wildlife In California

7. Remington Hot Springs

Visiting Remington Hot Springs is one of the best day trips near Bakersfield! This hidden hot spring is situated just an hour’s drive from Bakersfield with easy access from Highway 178.

Once you reach the visitor parking lot you can follow a narrow trail down to the river where the hot pools are located. Be sure to wear good hiking shoes with traction as the trail is pretty slippery and steep.

In the spring months after heavy rainfall Kern River and the hot springs might be overflooded. I always check for the latest Remington Hot Spring Trail reviews on the AllTrails hiking app before heading out there.

Do note that this hot springs is ‘clothing optional’ so it may not be suitable for families with kids. If you come during the week, or early in the mornings, you might catch the entire place to yourself, but on the weekends it does get very crowded.

Visitor Tip: While at Remington Hot Springs be sure to follow ‘ Leave No Trace Guidelines ’ and pick up any items and trash after you. These are natural hot springs and it’s up to the visitors to keep them clean!

8. Mount Pinos

Due to its close location and beautiful scenery, Mt Pinos is one of our favorite day trips near Bakersfield. Here you can enjoy hiking through serene trails within Los Padres National Forest , go mountain biking, or stay to camp overnight.

Mount Pinos is located at the beginning of Grapevine about 1 hour and 20 minutes south of Bakersfield. When we come here, we usually hike the 3.5-mile-long Mt Pinos Trail that travels to a scenic overlook of Central Valley from the top .

In the winter months, Mount Pinos is a wonderful place for snow activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snow play for the kids.

If you’re looking for quick Bakersfield day trips in the summer to get away from the heat, Cambria is a great option! Cambria is located on the Central Coast near San Simeon and can be reached by following Highway 46 West.

The drive from Bakersfield to Cambria takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes of travel time so I usually get an early head start. One of the most popular things to do in Cambria includes visiting Fiscalini Ranch Preserve which offers several miles of walking trails along ocean bluffs .

If you decide to stay for a longer vacation, you can also visit the nearby Estate of William Randolph Hearst , drive up to San Simeon, or stop by the highly popular Elephant Seal Vista Point at the southern point of Big Sur.

Read Next: 17 Best Places To Stay In Cambria CA Near The Beach

10. Tehachapi Mountain Park

If you want to spend a few hours hiking out into the mountains, check out Tehachapi Mountain Park near Bakersfield! Tehachapi is located just southeast of Bakersfield making it a great place for outdoor adventures like hiking, mountain biking, and camping.

The most popular hike at this nature park is the Tehachapi Mountain Trail which is 4 miles long and gains around 2000 feet of elevation. This hike is also dog friendly so you can bring your four-legged friend along!

The Tehachapi Mountain Trail starts in a shaded, serene forest and climbs up in elevation at a steady pace. Once you reach the summit, the trail will flatten out and you will be greeted with some of the best views in Central California!

11. Silver City Ghost Town

Silver City Ghost Town is one of the most unique things to do in the Bakersfield region! This interesting open-air museum is located in Bodfish and can be reached within a 50-minute drive from Bakersfield.

Within Silver City Ghost Town you can discover historic buildings that used to house miners during Gold Rush times, old saloons, banks, and even a jail for those who didn’t follow the law.

To visit Silver City Ghost Town there is a small entrance fee of $5.50 per person. The buildings featured at this museum were relocated from different areas within Kern County and are at least 100 years old.

After paying the entrance fee, you’ll be able to roam around the outdoor courtyard and explore the various structures dating back to 1858. Overall, this is a great adventure for the whole family including little kids!

12. Kern River Canyon

Visiting Kern River Canyon is one of the top free things to do in Bakersfield. This riverside canyon offers a scenic drive along Highway 178 , riverfront picnic tables, and many hiking trails that can be found within the surrounding National Forest.

The best time of year to visit Kern River Canyon is in the winter months, early spring, or late fall when the weather is at its best. Do note that after heavy rainfall the canyon highway might be closed due to high Kern River water levels.

Two of our favorite trails within Kern River Canyon include Mill Creek Trail and Kern River Trail . Both hikes are great options for those wanting to get out of the city to stretch their legs and get a workout in.

Visitor Tip: It can get very hot within Kern River Canyon in the summer months. Packing extra water bottles , sunscreen , lip balm , and a hiking hat is essential! And be sure to check the weather conditions on the AllTrails hiking app before heading out there.

13. Santa Barbara

If you’re planning a trip for two, Santa Barbara is one of the most romantic getaways near Bakersfield, California for couples!

In Santa Barbara, you can soak up the sunshine on the beach, go on scenic hikes overlooking the Pacific Ocean and enjoy a variety of water activities like kayaking, surfing, and whale watching.

Santa Barbara region is also home to over 280 wineries that produce some of the best wines in California. As a fun day adventure, we recommend signing up for a Santa Barbara wine-tasting tour so you can visit some of the top wineries near the coast.

Can’t get enough of Santa Barbara? Here are 10 of the best hotels in Santa Barbara for a perfect seaside escape !

14. Kings Canyon National Park

The Sierra Nevada mountains offer some of the best weekend getaways near Bakersfield California. If you’re planning a trip to the mountains and are looking for lesser-known places, be sure to check out Kings Canyon National Park !

It’s best to visit Kings Canyon National Park over a multi-day trip, but you can make it into a day adventure with a very early head start from Bakersfield. Kings Canyon is one of my favorite National Parks in California because not that many people visit it, compared to Yosemite National Park and Sequoia National Park.

Some of the best day hikes at Kings Canyon are the Zumwalt Meadow Loop, General Grant Trail, and Roaring River Falls Trail.

15. Three Rivers

Three Rivers is an unassuming town only 1 hour and 30 minutes north of Bakersfield. While the town is small and doesn’t have any major tourist attractions, it does offer excellent whitewater rafting in Central California . Three Rivers also serves as a gateway into Sequoia National Park so many people stop by here on the way to the mountains.

If you enjoy water sports, you can spend the day on Lake Kaweah. Have some fun by renting patio boats, kayaks, paddle boards, or aqua cycles from the Kaweah Marina situated next to the lake.

After a day full of fun outdoor recreation activities, grab an ice-cold beer at the Three Rivers Brewing Co . For a quick meal, I highly recommend stopping by Sierra Subs & Salad which serves some of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had!

Looking for more things to do around the City of Bakersfield? Here are some of our most popular posts:

12 Fun Things To Do Around Bakersfield Like A Local
10 Standout Places To Eat In Bakersfield, California
10 Of The Best Hikes Near Bakersfield, California
Panorama Park Loop In Bakersfield

Hiking Panorama Vista Preserve In Bakersfield

15 Best Places To Stay In Bakersfield, California

Some of the links used in this blog may be affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, may I earn a small commission when you book through these links for which I am very thankful!

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California Living Museum (CALM)
Buck Owens' Crystal Palace
Kern County Museum
Murray Family Farms, The Big Red Barn
The Park at River Walk
Peacocks at Hart Park
Wind Wolves Preserve
Kern River Parkway Trail
Rabobank Arena, Theater & Convention Center
Puzzle Effect - Bakersfield

Music & Entertainment
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Sports Teams
Family Fun Pass
Bakersfield Basque
Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives

Bakersfield Kern County Brewery Trail

Bakersfield Kern County Wine Trail
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Want to explore more of Bakersfield?

Download these brochures for more great ideas!

Bakersfield Driving Tour

Bakersfield's Past

Historic Union Cemetery

Back Roads to Tehachapi Loop Driving Tour

Bakersfield's Unique Church Buildings

Bakersfield's Veterans Memorials

Bakersfield Art Trek

Southern Trails Auto Tours

Eat & Drink

Bakersfield has a variety of dining destinations to please everyone’s taste buds.

Where to Stay

Whether you need a full service, business-oriented hotel or the flexibility of an extended stay property, Bakersfield has the perfect lodging accommodations for you.

Explore the Bakersfield Museum Trail

This 15 mile driving route connects four unique and family-friendly Bakersfield attractions.

Antique District

Downtown Bakersfield is home to antique stores with unique and hard-to-find items collectibles.

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The Official Bakersfield, California Travel Web Site
Official Web Site for Bakersfield, California Travel and Tourism Information. Listen to the Bakersfield Sound, Enjoy Bakersfield Basque Food, Whitewater rafting and more!
Bakersfield Attractions
515 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93301. Toll Free (866) 425-7353 Local (661) 852-7282
Things to Do in Bakersfield, CA
See way to experience (1) 6. Buena Vista Museum of Natural History. 39. History Museums. By 252kurtf. In three stories that are easy to navigate Kern County's epochs are represented through displays of animal and mineral…. 7.
Bakersfield Calendar of Events
Modern Women Modern Vision @ BMoA1930 R Street. Bakersfield, CA 93301. DetailsOpen in Google Maps. Map. Save. Apr22May4. Forms of Influence @ BMoA. Bakersfield Museum of Art1930 R StreetBakersfield, CA 93301(661) 323-7219. Details.
15 Top-Rated Things to Do in Bakersfield, CA
2. Buck Owens' Crystal Palace. Buck Owens' Crystal Palace | Panegyrics of Granovetter / photo modified. Buck Owens' Crystal Palace is a music venue, restaurant, and museum all in one. It's one of the city's most popular tourist attractions and is dedicated to keeping the Bakersfield Sound alive and well.
Bakersfield
The rapidly growing city of Bakersfield, in California's southern Central Valley, is full of pleasant surprises.Once known only for oil and agriculture, Bakersfield—or Bako, as the locals affectionately call it—has become a hub for arts and culture while still retaining the richness of the region's past. The country's largest concentration of Basque restaurants, including the 125 ...
Spotlight: Bakersfield
The rapidly growing city of Bakersfield, in California's southern Central Valley, is full of pleasant surprises. Once known only for oil and agriculture, Bakersfield—or Bako, as the locals affectionately call it—has become a hub for arts and culture while still retaining the richness of the region's past. The country's largest ...
30 Fun Things to Do in Bakersfield, California
Bakersfield, CA, Things to Do. Learn something new at Kern County Museum. Explore the Kern River Parkway. Sightsee in Bakersfield on a scavenger hunt. Hang out at Kern River County Park. Discover dinosaurs at the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History. Watch a race at Kern County Raceway Park. Go to the California Living Museum.
Official Bakersfield Visitor's Guide
515 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93301. Toll Free (866) 425-7353 Local (661) 852-7282
17 Best Things to Do in Bakersfield, CA
Here are the top 17 things to do in Bakersfield. 1. Bakersfield Museum of Art (Editor's Choice) 1930 R St. Bakersfield, CA 93301. (661) 323-7219. Visit Website. Social Media. Open in Google Maps.
17 AWESOME Things to Do in Bakersfield, CA (by a Local)
Not just shopping, Valley Plaza has a state-of-the-art movie theater, sit-down dining, and arcade games. 11. Pick up speed at Kern County Raceway Park. One of the coolest things to do in Bakersfield is to head over to the Kern County Raceway, a premier motorsports facility in Bakersfield.
THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Bakersfield
The original name was the Centenniel Gardens which was voted by and chosen by the citizens of Bakersfield from numerous…. See way to experience (1) 8. Kern County Raceway Park. 28. Auto Racing Tracks. By Winnercirclefarms. Kyle bush has attend this race and many top nascar stars. 9.
25 Best & Fun Things To Do In Bakersfield (California)
Address: 10500 Alfred Harrell Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93306, United States. 4. Kern County Museum. Richard Thornton / Shutterstock. The Kern County Museum is one of the top places to visit in the city of Bakersfield, just a little north of the downtown area, right near the heart of the metropolis.
30 Best & Fun Things to Do in Bakersfield (CA)
3. Visit Central Park At Mill Creek. Credits: sc_images / Shutterstock. Mill Creek. Central Park At Mill Creek is a beautiful attraction center in Bakersfield that comprises a lot of fun activities to get engaged in. There are picnic areas in the park, play areas for kids of all ages, a river, and many more.
12 Fun Things To Do In Bakersfield (By a Local)
The best time to visit the Wind Wolves Preserve for hiking and camping is in early spring or fall when the weather in Central Valley is at its best. In springtime, you might also see a lot of wildflowers and lush green fields, especially after heavy rainfall. Location: 16019 CA-166, Bakersfield, CA 93311
Visitors Information Center
515 Truxtun Ave Bakersfield, CA 93301 (661) 852-7282 Toll-Free (866) 425-7353. Hours Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: Closed Closed on City-observed holidays
The Top Things To Do And See In Bakersfield, CA
The museum also hosts a number of special events each year. One to check out during your visit to Bakersfield is "First Wednesday" (held, surprisingly, on the first Wednesday of every month), where an artist visits the museum and presents a lecture on a certain art related topic. ... CALM) is Bakersfield's zoo, founded in 1983. Originally ...
11 Best Things to Do in Bakersfield, California
See Related: Northern California vs Southern California. 2. Kern County Museum. image by Mistoffeles is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Address: 3801 Chester Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301, United States. For history buffs, the Kern County Museum in Bakersfield, California, is a local gem dating back to 1941.
15 Wonderful Day Trips From Bakersfield (By a Local)
2. Lake Isabella. Lake Isabella is one of the best places to visit near Bakersfield. Lake Isabella is another one of our favorite day trips from Bakersfield California. This hidden gem is located just an hour northeast of Bakersfield along scenic Highway 178. Lake Isabella offers plenty of fun outdoor adventures for visitors.
The Official Bakersfield, California Travel Web Site
Visit Bakersfield is funded annually by a small percentage of the city's transient occupancy tax. Through Visit Bakersfield's marketing and sales, it is able to attract groups and leisure travelers to Bakersfield. The increased travel and tourism to Bakersfield results in an increase in transient occupancy tax and sales tax revenue. Structure
Visit Bakersfield
Visit Bakersfield, Bakersfield, California. 3,069 likes · 66 talking about this · 32 were here. Visit Bakersfield is your official source for all there is to see and do in Bakersfield.
30 BEST Places to Visit in Bakersfield (UPDATED 2024)
By dotfurio1. Located on 14 park-like acres, CALM's zoo features over 80 species of unreleasable animals. 2. Kern County Museum. 280. History Museums. By N4595KRricharde. This museum is a "living museum" which collects in one place over 50 historic buildings and structures that add a…. 3.
Bakersfield Travel Tours
Explore Bakersfield, Ca with helpful tours from the Bakersfield Convention & Visitor's Bureau.

Things to Do in Bakersfield, CA - Bakersfield Attractions

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15 Top-Rated Things to Do in Bakersfield, CA

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Spotlight: Bakersfield

Bakersfield’s Arts District

Bakersfield’s Museums

Bakersfield’s Basque Food Culture

Wind Wolves Preserve

Bakersfield Shopping

Padre Hotel

17 Best Things to Do in Bakersfield, CA — Top Activities & Places to Go!

Best Things To Do In Bakersfield Compared

1. Bakersfield Museum of Art (Editor’s Choice)

Ratings Criteria

Why You Should Go

2. Kern River County Park

3. Kern County Raceway Park

4. McMurtrey Aquatic Center

5. The Fox Theater

6. Murray Family Farms

7. The Park at River Walk

8. Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science

9. Hart Park

10. California Living Museum

11. Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area

12. Mechanics Bank Arena, Theater and Convention Center

13. Panorama Vista Preserve

14. Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace

15. Kern County Museum

16. Valley Plaza Mall

17. Gaslight Melodrama Theatre

Activity Guide

How I Picked The Activities

Our Rating Method

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Can I Enjoy Live Entertainment In Bakersfield?

What Is The Best Place To Learn About Bakersfield’s Country Music Heritage?

Where Can I Experience Bakersfield’s Local Arts Scene?

Conclusion

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Bakersfield

Bakersfield Scavenger Hunt: Resilient Bakersfield

Private Yosemite National Park Day Trip from San Francisco

Bakersfield Puzzling Adventure

Bakersfield City Scavenger Hunt by Zombie Scavengers

Other Top Attractions around Bakersfield

What travellers are saying

25 Best & Fun Things To Do In Bakersfield (California)

1. Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace

2. Hart Memorial Park

3. California Living Museum

4. Kern County Museum

5. Bakersfield Museum of Art

6. Fox Theater

7. Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science

8. Mechanics Bank Arena, Theater and Convention Center

9. Murray Family Farms

10. The Park at River Walk

11. Camelot Park

12. Kern River Parkway Trail

13. Gaslight Melodrama Theater

14. Kern County Raceway Park

15. McMurtrey Aquatic Center

16. Panorama Vista Preserve and Panorama Park

17. Sam Lynn Ballpark

18. Sequoia National Forest

19. Valley Plaza Mall

20. Central Park at Mill Creek

21. Weedpatch Camp

22. Wool Growers

23. Puzzle Effect

24. Lake Ming