Fun Things to do in Bakersfield

California

Search activities

city guide

Bakersfield, located in the heart of California's Central Valley, is a city renowned for its rich musical heritage as the home of legendary country music singers Merle Haggard and Buck Owens. Often referred to as the country music capital of the West Coast, Bakersfield boasts a vibrant music scene that continues to draw music enthusiasts from all over the country.

Beyond its musical roots, Bakersfield offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. The city is home to the scenic Kern River Golf Course, a popular destination for golfers of all skill levels. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the numerous hiking trails that wind through the picturesque landscapes surrounding the city, offering stunning views and opportunities to immerse oneself in nature.

For those interested in wildlife and conservation, Bakersfield is home to several zoos and wildlife sanctuaries where visitors can observe and learn about a variety of species. Thrill-seekers can also experience the adrenaline-pumping excitement of river rafting and tubing on the Kern River, a favorite pastime for locals and tourists alike.

To make the most of your visit to Bakersfield, be sure to follow these social media accounts for updates on events, attractions, and local happenings:
1. Instagram: @visitbakersfield
2. Facebook: Visit Bakersfield
3. Twitter: @CityofBakersfld

Additionally, consider checking out publications such as "Bakersfield Life Magazine" and "Bakersfield Californian" for insights on the best things to see and do in the city.

Whether you're a music lover, outdoor enthusiast, or wildlife enthusiast, Bakersfield offers something for everyone to enjoy and explore.

About

Best time to go

Bakersfield can be visited year-round, but based on the ideal climate conditions, cost of travel, and avoiding peak holiday periods, March is the best time to go. During the warmer months, temperatures in Bakersfield can rise to a maximum of 38 (101).

Weather

Fun city facts and activities

City facts

Neighborhoods to explore

Neighborhoods

Restaurants
Food Specialties

Here you can expect American comfort food, savory sandwiches, classic burgers, and a few salads. For beers, the most popular choices are the Streets of Bakersfield IPA and the award-winning Under a Blood Orange Sky wheat beer that you can also often find sold at local grocery stores.

Restaurants

Bakersfield Offbeat activities

Free or cheap things to do

1. Visit the Kern County Oil Museum Located in downtown Bakersfield, the Kern County Oil Museum offers an interesting look into the history of oil production in Kern County and the impact it has had on the region.

2. Tour the Kern River Explore the Kern River with a guided tour by boat or kayak. There are plenty of wildlife to be seen and beautiful landscapes to take in while paddling down the river.

3. Attend a Bakersfield Sound Concert Bakersfield Sound is a unique style of country music that originated in Bakersfield and is still popular today. Catch a local show and listen to some of the best country music around.

4. Visit the Murray Family Farms The Murray Family Farms offer a variety of activities including tours, festivals, and farm-to-table dinners. Get a taste of farm life while exploring the grounds and enjoying the fresh, locally grown produce.

5. Take a Hike in

Offbeat activites

Kid friendly

Fun things to do in with kids

Free or cheap things to do

1. California Area Living Museum (CALM)
California Living Museum (CALM) was founded in 1980 and fully opened to the public in 1983.

2. Kern County Museum
Kern County Museum was founded in 1941 and provided interpretative experiences through its unique setting.

3. Murray Family Farms, The Big Red Barn
The Big Red Barn started humbly as a small fruit stand back in 2001.
Steve and Vicki Murray put their passion for agriculture into action to build what is now known as Murray Family Farms.

4. Kern County Raceway Park
Kern County Raceway Park opened in 2013 as a replacement for Mesa Marin Raceway.
It now hosts events with NASCARs Whelen All-American Series and a K&N Pro Series West race since opening.

5. Rabobank Arena, Theater & Convention Center
Rabobank Arena (also known as Mechanics Bank Arena) is a multi-purpose space in Bakersfield built-in 1998.

6. Rivers End Rafting
Rivers End Rafting originally functioned as an appendage to Kern River Tours before the summer of 2005.

7. Wind Wolves Preserve
Wind Wolves Preserve is one of the preserves protected by the Wildlands Conservancy.

8. Brainy Actz Escape Rooms
Brainy Actz Escape Rooms have branches all over California. Their most recent location opened in Bakersfield. It was founded in 2015 to create fun puzzle rooms for people to enjoy and has since become a hit. This organization also donates to causes and funds scholarships for students in need of financial support.

9. Flight Adventure Park
Flight Adventure Park is an indoor adventure park with locations throughout the United States and Canada.

10. Rollerama West
Rollerama West was established in 1995 by Buzz and his son, Kraig Kerwin.
It is one of the branches of Rollerama Roller Rinks, a leading skating rink in Bakersfield since 1957.

Anchor 1

City data and FAQ

Is Bakersfield worth visiting?
Depends on what you want to do r enjoy. Our town is a mecca for country music fans as Buck Owens n Meryl Haggard we're residents of this town. Buck even mentioned Bako in one of his hits. If one is in to adventure, we have white water rafting in our back yard. Inother words, Bako is surely worth a visit.
Ray Chopra Lives in Bakersfield, CA (1999- Present)

If you are a Buck Owens and country music fan. If you are a fan visit the Crystal Palace. Bakersfield is surrounded by great places ie Paso Robles ( wine country) Ventura beach, Edwards Air Force Base air museum.
Sue Fillkins-Jenkins - Lives in Bonners Ferry

Ive been to Bakersfield many times, its not a bad little town, but I couldnt imagine why people from out of town would want to visit there. Its mostly an agricultural and oil & gas hub. So, unless you wanted to visit the Crystal Palace, theres not a lot to see and do there.
Eric Houg - Lives in Houston, TX
Depends on what you want to do r enjoy. Our town is a mecca for country music fans as Buck Owens n Meryl Haggard we're residents of this town. Buck even mentioned Bako in one of his hits. If one is in to adventure, we have white water rafting in our back yard. Inother words, Bako is surely worth a visit.
Ray Chopra Lives in Bakersfield, CA (1999 Present)

Are two days enough to visit Bakersfield?
If your in the agriculture industry, 2 days would not be enough to get a solid idea of the variety of crops and ranches in the area. Are you visiting for vacation? 2 days may not be enough. The museum is at least half a day. A few other museums in the area would easily consume the remainder of that day! To get an idea of the area and Kern County, 2 days would definitely not be enough! From the high deserts around Mojave and Boron to the flat, open lands around Cuyama, and then on up into the mountains for Tehachapi and Lake Isabella_ that's a lot!
Michael Anderson Lives in Bakersfield, CA

What is Bakersfield known for?
Not exactly famous for, but tennis star Denny Ralston, opera and popular tenor Lawrence Tibbett and minor TV comic Joey Garcia comes to mind. Look em up! Buck & Merle of course, but also Susan Raye and some talented country musicians come to mind. Dwight Yokum immortalized the place with Streets of Bakersfield in the 80sof course. My home town is also where CA Governor and Chief Supreme Court Justice Earl Warren grew up. Nearby at Lerdo field in Shafter, the Gossamer Condor made the first human powered flight in the late 70s or early 80s. And of course Im from there, so theres that.
Phil Sexton - Lives in Northern California

Most definitely Whitewater rafting in Kern River, but make sure you call the Outfitters about the water flow in river as it varies. Especially these days it's very low, rafting is still fun but more water means more rapids n more fun, i promise u that once u have experienced this, you will be back again soon.
Ray Chopra Lives in Bakersfield, CA (1999 Present)

Do you need a car to visit Bakersfield?
Ive been to Bakersfield many times, Its really not as bad a town as it looks to be on paper. I promise. But, you will either need to rent a car or expect to pay a LOT of money for taxis and Uber. Im not even sure theres reliable bus service in the town. And, as with most American Cities, getting anywhere without your own car is going to be a problem.
Eric Houg - Lives in Houston, TX

Like most California cities there is a limited downtown and a bunch of suburbs. I have included a link to their mass transit routes. You can contact Kern County for more detail. If buses and such are not to your liking, you can always get an Uber or Lyft. You can also check out Zip Car and other car sharing apps for short term rentals, depending on how long you will be there. Obviously, there are also Zip bikes and some places have Seqway type of rent a transport device.
Ellen Atwood - Lived in Northern California
What is Bakersfield famous for?
Bakersfield is a significant hub for both agriculture and energy production. Kern County is the most productive oil-producing county in California and the fourth-most productive agricultural county (by value) in the United States.
Shawn Eastwood Lived in California (1976 2005)

Landmarks in the city

Here are some of the popular landmarks and tourist attractions in Bakersfield, California:

1. Buck Owens Crystal Palace: A country music venue and museum dedicated to the legendary musician Buck Owens.

2. Kern County Museum: Features historical exhibits, including a pioneer village and steam locomotive.

3. Rabobank Arena, Theater and Convention Center: A multi-purpose facility hosting concerts, sports events, and conferences.

4. Bakersfield Museum of Art: Showcases contemporary art exhibitions and educational programs.

5. California Living Museum (CALM): A zoo and botanical garden focused on showcasing native California animals and plants.

6. Fox Theater: A historic theater hosting live performances, movies, and events.

7. Kern River Parkway Trail: A scenic trail along the Kern River for hiking, biking, and enjoying nature.

8. Murray Family Farms: A family-friendly farm offering activities like fruit picking, petting zoo, and seasonal events.

9. Sam Lynn Ballpark: Home to the Bakersfield Train Robbers baseball team, providing entertainment for sports fans.

10. Camelot Park: An amusement park with mini-golf, go-karts, arcade games, and other family-friendly attractions.