Things to do in Bakersfield, California
- Bakersfield consistently ranks as one of the most productive agricultural counties in the United States, frequently leading in the output of grapes, almonds, and citrus.
- The city is recognized as the birthplace of the 'Bakersfield Sound,' an aggressive, electric-guitar-driven country music style that rose to prominence in the 1950s as a reaction against the polished Nashville sound.
- Bakersfield sits atop the Kern River Oil Field, which remains one of the largest and oldest active oil fields in the country, significantly influencing the local economy for over a century.
- The city experiences an arid climate with hot, dry summers and cool winters, supported by a vast network of irrigation canals that diverted the Kern River for agriculture.
- Bakersfield has served as a critical logistics point for the Central Valley, sitting at the intersection of major north-south and east-west transit corridors linking Los Angeles to the rest of California.
About Bakersfield, California
Located at the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley, Bakersfield serves as a primary hub for California’s oil and agricultural production. The city is defined by the unique 'Bakersfield Sound,' a country music subgenre that emerged in the mid-20th century. Visitors can explore local heritage at the Kern County Museum or experience the city's architectural legacy at The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater. Iconic landmarks like The Bakersfield Sign overlook a region shaped by its proximity to the Kern River and the Sierra Nevada foothills.
Highlights of Bakersfield, California
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Museums
Explore over 50 historic buildings moved from across the county to create an immersive pioneer-era village.
Venues
Admire the ornate, Spanish Colonial Revival architecture of this restored 1930s movie palace.
Parks
Stroll through this landscaped urban space featuring tranquil water features and connecting paths.
Places of interest
Photograph the classic neon-style signage that marks the downtown gateway.
Parks
Reflect at this memorial dedicated to the service members of Kern County.
Historical places
Visit the site marking where river crossings once facilitated early travel through the valley.
Parks
Relax in this community green space serving the local neighborhood.
Top things to do in Bakersfield, California
The 35 highest-rated places in Bakersfield, California, ranked by travellers.
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Amusement parks
The Big Red Barn at Murray Family Farms is a multi-generational agricultural attraction located in the San Joaquin Valle...
2
Parks
The Park at River Walk is a 32-acre public recreational space situated along the Kern River Parkway in Bakersfield. It f...
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Parks
Hart Memorial Park is a expansive 370-acre recreational area situated along the Kern River in Bakersfield. The park feat...
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Zoos
The California Living Museum (CALM) is a zoo and botanical garden dedicated exclusively to exhibiting native California...
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Venues
The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater is a restored 1930s cinema that functions as a premier live entertainment venue in...
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Museums
The Kern County Museum is a 16-acre open-air history complex in Bakersfield featuring over 50 historic buildings relocat...
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Parks
Central Park at Mill Creek is a linear urban park in downtown Bakersfield that follows the revitalized Mill Creek waterw...
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Parks
Beach Park is a riverside municipal green space situated along the banks of the Kern River in Bakersfield. The park serv...
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Parks
Silver Creek Park is a prominent recreational space in southwest Bakersfield featuring a well-maintained disc golf cours...
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Parks
Polo Park is a neighborhood municipal park in northwest Bakersfield, California, designed primarily for community recrea...
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Parks
Jastro Park is a historic community green space situated along the Truxtun Avenue corridor in Bakersfield. The site feat...
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Historical places
César E. Chávez National Monument, also known as Nuestra Señora Reina de la Paz, served as the headquarters for the Unit...
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Parks
Emerald Cove Park is a 12-acre neighborhood recreational space located in Northern Bakersfield. The grounds feature dedi...
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Parks
Jefferson Park is a community recreation site located in Bakersfield's Old Town Kern district. The park features a desig...
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Parks
City in the Hills Park is a neighborhood recreational facility located in the northeastern sector of Bakersfield, Califo...
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Venues
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Museums
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Museums
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Parks
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Parks
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Places of interest
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Parks
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Venues
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Museums
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Temples
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Places of interest
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Temples
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Historical places
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Historical places
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Bakersfield, California on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Bakersfield, California
Spring (March to May) or Fall (October to November) to avoid the intense triple-digit heat common in summer months.
2 days, which provides sufficient time to tour the regional museums and enjoy the city's parks and downtown architecture.
A personal vehicle is necessary as the city is sprawling and designed primarily for car travel, with limited public transit options.
Downtown Bakersfield provides the best access to theaters and historical venues, while the areas near the Stockdale Highway offer a higher concentration of modern hotels.
Mid-range; lodging and dining costs are generally lower than those in major coastal California cities.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 35 curated attractions in and around Bakersfield, California, ranked by traveller ratings.
The Big Red Barn, Murray Family Farms is the highest-rated place to visit in Bakersfield, California right now.
The largest category is parks, with 14 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Downtown Los Angeles, Bayonne, New Jersey, Washington, D.C..
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