Nestled in California’s fertile Central Valley, Bakersfield is a delightful blend of rich cultural heritage, vibrant outdoor life and culinary gems.
Whether you're here for the music, history, parks or unique dining, this city has something for every traveller! Here’s your guide to the best experiences Bakersfield has to offer:
Before we get into the fun, we want to take a moment to talk about your safety. Legal challenges can happen even if you're just travelling through unfortunately, and when it comes to seeking legal help, the earlier you do it, the better. Trusted lawyers always say, “contact us today for help”, and that usage of today (not months from now) is key!
What to Do in Bakersfield When Visiting
Safety First!
Before we get into the fun, we want to take a moment to talk about your safety. Legal challenges can happen even if you're just travelling through unfortunately, and when it comes to seeking legal help, the earlier you do it, the better. Trusted lawyers always say, “contact us today for help”, and that usage of today (not months from now) is key!
The longer someone delays, the harder it becomes to protect their rights, preserve critical details and prevent missteps that may harm their case. And it's not just travellers to Bakersfield that should think about lawyers, residents who juggle work pressures in agriculture, oil, healthcare and expanding industries should think about it too - perhaps even more so!
There’s nowhere better to experience Bakersfield’s iconic country-music legacy than Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace: a venue, museum and restaurant rolled into one, celebrating the Bakersfield Sound and its legendary icons.
Travel through history at Kern County Museum, an atmospheric open-air museum. Set across 16 acres, Pioneer Village brings 19th-century Kern County to life with more than 50 original structures (including a schoolhouse, hotel and oil rig).
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along Mill Creek, a lovely linear park winding through Bakersfield’s heart.
1. Immerse Yourself in the Bakersfield Sound!
There’s nowhere better to experience Bakersfield’s iconic country-music legacy than Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace: a venue, museum and restaurant rolled into one, celebrating the Bakersfield Sound and its legendary icons.
2. Step Back in Time at Kern County Museum!
Travel through history at Kern County Museum, an atmospheric open-air museum. Set across 16 acres, Pioneer Village brings 19th-century Kern County to life with more than 50 original structures (including a schoolhouse, hotel and oil rig).
3. Wander Through Downtown and Mill Creek!
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along Mill Creek, a lovely linear park winding through Bakersfield’s heart.
With spray fountains, lakes, a charming bridge, plus the nearby Bakersfield Museum of Art and community spaces, it’s a peaceful urban retreat.
This 32-acre park boasts two picturesque lakes linked by a stream, playgrounds, picnic spots and the stunning Dignity Health Amphitheatre, a favourite venue for outdoor concerts.
For a breath of fresh air, head to Hart Memorial Park: 370 acres of shady trails, play areas, disc golf, and stocked fishing lakes, nestled close to Bakerfield's foothills.
4. Unwind at The Park at River Walk!
This 32-acre park boasts two picturesque lakes linked by a stream, playgrounds, picnic spots and the stunning Dignity Health Amphitheatre, a favourite venue for outdoor concerts.
5. Explore Nature at Hart Memorial Park & the Kern River Parkway
For a breath of fresh air, head to Hart Memorial Park: 370 acres of shady trails, play areas, disc golf, and stocked fishing lakes, nestled close to Bakerfield's foothills.
The adjacent Kern River Parkway (spanning some 6,000 acres) offers miles of jogging, cycling and equestrian trails that follow the river through lush scenery.
Fossils, skeletal remains, taxidermy specimens and interactive exhibits await at this downtown museum. It’s a fascinating journey through Kern County’s natural past, with displays from the nearby renowned Sharktooth Hill site.
For a wholesome, family-friendly day out, Camelot Park delights with mini golf, go-karts, bumper boats and arcades - perfect for fun-filled afternoons!
The historic Fox Theatre presents live performances in a beautifully restored setting - a great addition to your evening itinerary.
Bakersfield may not be the first city that springs to mind when exploring California but it’s actually a hidden gem brimming with music, nature, culture and great food!
6. Visit the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science!
Fossils, skeletal remains, taxidermy specimens and interactive exhibits await at this downtown museum. It’s a fascinating journey through Kern County’s natural past, with displays from the nearby renowned Sharktooth Hill site.
7. Have Some Fun at Camelot Park!
For a wholesome, family-friendly day out, Camelot Park delights with mini golf, go-karts, bumper boats and arcades - perfect for fun-filled afternoons!
8. Catch a Show at Fox Theatre!
The historic Fox Theatre presents live performances in a beautifully restored setting - a great addition to your evening itinerary.
Final Thoughts
Bakersfield may not be the first city that springs to mind when exploring California but it’s actually a hidden gem brimming with music, nature, culture and great food!
