Bakersfield, CA

Travel Guide
Bakersfield
This Californian city is best known as the birthplace of famous country western music stars. Its blooming arts scene and outdoor adventures add to its appeal.

Bakersfield is known as “The Country Music Capital of the West Coast,” home to famous country musicians Buck Owens and Merle Haggard. In the 1950s, these two musicians created the Bakersfield Sound, a musical style derived from the music of Dust Bowl migrants. This medium-sized city in California’s San Joaquin Valley has a rich history and a thriving cultural scene that give visitors plenty to do and see.

Catch a show at the Crystal Palace, which was created by Buck Owens in 1996 as a high-class venue for country music. Not only a performance space, the Crystal Palace also houses a nightclub, bar and restaurant. Trace the career of the legendary singer at the Buck Owens Museum.

Bakersfield is close to several natural destinations. Sequoia National Forest is just a short drive up Kern River Canyon. Hike, bike or rock climb along the mountain’s peaks and trails. During warmer months, go fly-fishing or whitewater rafting. In winter, enjoy the snow on the well-maintained skiing and snowshoeing paths.

Downtown Bakersfield features a budding arts district. This historical area is now the backdrop for public murals and sculptures and has dozens of galleries and art shops. Also in arts district is the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, which focuses on anthropology, geology and paleontology. View its extensive collection of fossils and taxidermy animals. Not far from the museum is the Fox Theater, a performing arts destination in the city since 1930. Enjoy a variety of shows, ranging from ballet recitals to popular musicians on tour, in this historic art deco building. Learn about the history of the area at the Kern County Museum, about 30 minutes’ walk south of Buena Vista Museum.

Fly to Meadows Field Airport to reach Bakersfield or drive from Los Angeles, which is a 2-hour drive south. Whether you are an art aficionado, a fan of country-western music or simply want to enjoy the California wilderness, Bakersfield is worth a stop.

Where to stay in Bakersfield

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Downtown Bakersfield

3.5/5(122 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Downtown Bakersfield, Mechanics Bank Arena and Fox Theater are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Bakersfield
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Wheeler Ridge

Shopping and restaurants are notable features of Wheeler Ridge. You might consider a stop by Outlets at Tejon while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Wheeler Ridge
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West Park Community

3/5(158 area reviews)

Though West Park Community might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Buck Owens Crystal Palace and Fox Theater.

West Park Community
Best ice cream shop in Bakersfield!

Oleander - Sunset

3.5/5(89 area reviews)

While Oleander - Sunset isn't home to many top sights, Mechanics Bank Arena and Kern County Fairgrounds are some notable places to visit nearby.

Oleander - Sunset
Driving through Shafter I saw this impressive set of horns!

Rosedale

You might make a stop by Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall while you're exploring Rosedale.

Rosedale
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Riviera - Westchester

3/5(37 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Riviera - Westchester, Kern River and Unity Church are top sights worth seeing.

Riviera - Westchester
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Bakersfield South
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Bakersfield South
2.5 out of 5
3232 Riverside Dr, Bakersfield, CA
The price is NT$1,964 per night from Mar 20 to Mar 21
NT$1,964
per night
Mar 20 - Mar 21
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Bakersfield. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
5.2/10 (1,072 reviews)
"Recommend"

Reviewed on 2024/3/18

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Bakersfield South
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bakersfield
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bakersfield
4 out of 5
3100 Camino Del Rio Ct, Bakersfield, CA
The price is NT$3,159 per night from Apr 13 to Apr 14
NT$3,159
per night
Apr 13 - Apr 14
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Bakersfield. Enjoy free parking, breakfast, and internet. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,013 reviews)
"Great Place"

Reviewed on 2024/3/18

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bakersfield
The Padre Hotel
The Padre Hotel
3.5 out of 5
1702 18th St, Bakersfield, CA
The price is NT$3,998 per night from Apr 16 to Apr 17
NT$3,998
per night
Apr 16 - Apr 17
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Bakersfield. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
Great hotel stay
"Staff was friendly and helpful. Room was clean and bed was nice and soft"

Reviewed on 2024/3/15

The Padre Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lake Isabella RV Resort
Lake Isabella RV Resort
1.5 out of 5
11936 CA-178, Lake Isabella, CA
Stay at this mobile home in Lake Isabella. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Lake Isabella and Nuui Cunni Native American ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (86 reviews)
Great Host
"Always a great stay. Very friendly host, vlean rv's"

Reviewed on 2024/3/11

Lake Isabella RV Resort
The Kern Lodge
The Kern Lodge
2 out of 5
67 Valley View Drive, Kernville, CA
Stay at this cabin in Kernville. Enjoy an arcade/game room, daily housekeeping, and a flat-screen TV. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (499 reviews)
"Michelle was very nice. The room was clean and the bedding smelled so fresh."

Reviewed on 2024/3/10

The Kern Lodge
SoCal Camping
SoCal Camping
1 out of 5
Mountain Hwy 99, Kernville, CA
Stay at this campground in Kernville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a private beach. Discover genuine guest reviews for SoCal Camping along with the latest ...
SoCal Camping
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Bakersfield

3.6
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
315
" "5 - Excellent 15.757878939469736%
4 - Good
789
" "4 - Good 39.469734867433715%
3 - Okay
688
" "3 - Okay 34.417208604302154%
2 - Disappointing
131
" "2 - Disappointing 6.55327663831916%
1 - Terrible
76
" "1 - Terrible 3.8019009504752375%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jun 23, 2020

Nice city

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 8, 2020

I love Bakersfield.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler
Jun 2, 2020

Used to live here and it has gone drastically down hill

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 18, 2020

Best place i have been in

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 16, 2020

Crab shack, Jamaica restaurant was excellent

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 5, 2020

Bakersfield will always be home

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