Bakersfield, CA

Travel Guide

Bakersfield
Bakersfield
Bakersfield
Photo by John Edralin
Photo by TnT Travel

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)

This central business district is hone to theaters, sports complex, museums, and historical landmarks. Enjoy shopping, dining, Arts District, Civic Center, and Mill Creek. Easily accessible via State Routes and public transit.

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
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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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 Camelot Park and Buck Owens Crystal Palace.

West Park Community
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East Bakersfield

Primarily a mix of residential and commercial spaces, East Bakersfield is home to Old Town Kern, the former central business district of Sumner. Discover the area's Basque-cuisine restaurants for a unique dining experience.

East Bakersfield
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Oildale

When in Oildale, you can plan a visit to Sam Lynn Ballpark and Kern County Museum, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Oildale
Vagabond Inn Bakersfield South
Vagabond Inn Bakersfield South
2 out of 5
6501 Colony Rd, Bakersfield, CA
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Bakersfield. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,419 reviews)
"Affordable and friendly staff."

Reviewed on 2025/6/17

Vagabond Inn Bakersfield South
The Padre Hotel
The Padre Hotel
3.5 out of 5
1702 18th St, Bakersfield, CA
The price is NT$3,956 per night from Jun 22 to Jun 23
NT$3,956
NT$4,440 total
Jun 22 - Jun 23
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)
"Clean and excellent accommodations!"

Reviewed on 2025/6/15

The Padre Hotel
Ramada by Wyndham Bakersfield North
Ramada by Wyndham Bakersfield North
2.5 out of 5
828 Real Rd, Bakersfield, CA
The price is NT$2,894 per night from Jun 25 to Jun 26
NT$2,894
NT$3,248 total
Jun 25 - Jun 26
includes taxes & fees
Book a 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 ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,005 reviews)
"It’s right off the freeway and shopping is near by"

Reviewed on 2025/6/15

Ramada by Wyndham Bakersfield North
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.
Private Pool & Patio: Pet-friendly Bakersfield Gem
Private Pool & Patio: Pet-friendly Bakersfield Gem
3 out of 5
Bakersfield
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Bakersfield. Enjoy a pool table, patios, and air conditioning. Popular attractions The Empty Space and Bowlero Bakersfield are ...
Private Pool & Patio: Pet-friendly Bakersfield Gem
Rio Bravo Country Club Home in Bakersfield w/ Pool
Rio Bravo Country Club Home in Bakersfield w/ Pool
3 out of 5
Bakersfield
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Bakersfield. Enjoy free parking, patios, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Kern River Golf Course and California Living ...
Rio Bravo Country Club Home in Bakersfield w/ Pool
Bakersfield Home w/ Pool Table, Cornhole + More!
Bakersfield Home w/ Pool Table, Cornhole + More!
3 out of 5
Bakersfield
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Bakersfield. Enjoy free parking, a pool table, and patios. Popular attractions Bowlero Bakersfield and The Empty Space are located ...
Bakersfield Home w/ Pool Table, Cornhole + More!
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 16%
4 - Good
789
4 - Good 39%
3 - Okay
688
3 - Okay 34%
2 - Disappointing
131
2 - Disappointing 7%
1 - Terrible
76
1 - Terrible 4%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Nice city

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I love Bakersfield.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

Used to live here and it has gone drastically down hill

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Best place i have been in

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Crab shack, Jamaica restaurant was excellent

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Bakersfield will always be home

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