Bakersfield Travel Guide

Tourist 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 palaeontology. View its extensive collection of fossils and taxidermy animals. Not far from the museum is the Fox Theatre, 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

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 stopping by Outlets at Tejon while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Wheeler Ridge
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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

4/5(1 area review)

West Park Community might not have many top sights, but Buck Owens Crystal Palace and Fox Theater are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

West Park Community
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Oleander - Sunset

3.5/5(2 area reviews)

Though Oleander - Sunset may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Mechanics Bank Arena and Kern County Fairgrounds.

Oleander - Sunset
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Oildale

While there might not be top attractions in Oildale, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Kern County Museum and Buck Owens Crystal Palace.

Oildale
Hourglass Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
Hourglass Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
3 out of 5
2400 Camino Del Rio Court, Bakersfield, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹8,930 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
₹8,930
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Bakersfield. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,106 reviews)
"Great rooms, lots of space. Nice pool and hot tub."

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2024

Hourglass Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bakersfield
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bakersfield
4 out of 5
3100 Camino Del Rio Ct, Bakersfield, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹9,718 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
₹9,718
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
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)
"Clean"

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bakersfield
The Padre Hotel
The Padre Hotel
3.5 out of 5
1702 18th St, Bakersfield, CA
The price is ₹11,378 per night from 22 Apr to 23 Apr
₹11,378
per night
22 Apr - 23 Apr
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! (1,006 reviews)
"The hotel itself is really great! I could totally see this being a perfect spot for couples. The entrance is enchanting, and the in-building cafes and restaurants are a huge plus. The rooms themselves are also spacious, clean, and well-designed. I'm glad I chose to stay here while I was travelling ..."

Reviewed on 20 Mar 2024

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 centre. Popular attractions Lake Isabella and Nuui Cunni Native American ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (87 reviews)
"Very clean and convenient - it’s got all you need to stay in clicking kitchen, refrigerator, stove, bathroom. It also has bbq grill and picnic table. Just across the street from the lake, and a few minutes walk to Dollar General. If you drive 15minutrs are so, there are restaurants and other ..."

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2024

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/games 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 10 Mar 2024

The Kern Lodge
SoCal Camping
SoCal Camping
1 out of 5
Mountain Hwy 99, Kernville, CA
Stay at this campsite 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
2
" "5 - Excellent 10.526315789473685%
4 - Good
8
" "4 - Good 42.10526315789474%
3 - Okay
9
" "3 - Okay 47.36842105263158%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
29 Sep 2019

Only stayed on the outskirts so no comment to make about the town.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
21 May 2019

We didn’t explore, it was a pit stop

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