Need a fun day trip or weekend escape in Central California? Head to Bakersfield! Discover rich country music history, explore scenic parks, and enjoy hearty dining with a California twist. Whether you're hiking the foothills, tasting Basque cuisine, or dancing to live music, Bakersfield offers a friendly and down-to-earth experience with a vibrant cultural scene.

Bakersfield, CA Highlights:

  • Kern County Museum: Step into local history with historic buildings, oil exhibits, and the famous Pioneer Village.
  • Fox Theater: Catch concerts, comedy shows, and movies at this beautifully restored 1930s-era landmark venue.
  • California Living Museum (CALM): Explore native wildlife, botanical gardens, and kid-friendly exhibits at this local zoo and nature center.
  • River Walk Park: Stroll lakeside trails, enjoy picnic spots, and attend lively outdoor concerts along the Kern River Parkway.
  • Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace: Experience the Bakersfield Sound with live country music, dancing, and hearty American fare at this legendary honky-tonk.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Bakersfield is during the spring and fall (March–May and September–November). Enjoy comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities, events, and exploring downtown. Summers can be very hot, making mornings and evenings best for sightseeing, while winter brings mild days perfect for park visits and museum tours.

How to Get There

  • By Car: Bakersfield is located along State Route 99 and Highway 58, about 2 hours north of Los Angeles and 4 hours south of San Francisco.
  • By Train: Amtrak’s San Joaquins line stops at Bakersfield Station, connecting the city to major destinations like Sacramento and Los Angeles.
  • By Plane: Meadows Field Airport (BFL) offers regional flights and is about a 15-minute drive from downtown Bakersfield.

Where to Stay

  • Padre Hotel – Boutique historic hotel downtown offering stylish rooms, rooftop bars, and excellent dining options.
  • Homewood Suites by Hilton Bakersfield – Comfortable extended-stay option with suites, complimentary breakfast, and a pool.
  • Residence Inn by Marriott Bakersfield – Spacious suites with full kitchens, perfect for longer stays and family trips.

Best Things to Do

Visit the galleries at the Bakersfield Museum of Art

Visit the galleries at the Bakersfield Museum of Art

© Bakersfield Museum of Art

Located in Central Park at the corner of R Street and 19th Street, the Bakersfield Museum of Art is a fine arts museum that is made up of four galleries. The museum’s permanent collection mainly consists of works by local artists, and this collection is supplemented by rotating art exhibits. Founded in 1956, the museum was mostly funded by the Walter Osborn family in memory of their daughter, Marion Osborn Cunningham.

The museum was originally called the Cunningham Art Gallery and was changed to its current name in 1990. The 17,400 square foot museum consists of two large galleries and two small galleries, classrooms, a banquet hall, and gardens which display sculptures. The Bakersfield Museum of Art is one of the top Bakersfield attractions.

Address: 1930 R Street, Bakersfield, CA, Phone: 661-323-7219

Listen to country music at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace

Listen to country music at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace

© Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace

Buck Owens was a country music singer and songwriter. With his band Buckaroos he had 21 No. 1 hits on the country music Billboard charts. He completed his Crystal Palace as a music hall in 1996. Today, it is still a venue for country and Western music, a museum to Buck Owens, and a popular steak restaurant. Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace is one of the best things to do in Bakersfield, California.

The museum has Buck’s guitars, fancy suits, memorabilia and everyday objects. The restaurant is known for its great brunches and has special menu for concert days; they serve American favorites and comfort food. More info

Address: 2800 Buck Owens Blvd, Bakersfield, CA, Phone: 661-328-7560, Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace Video

Step back in time at the Kern County Museum

Step back in time at the Kern County Museum

© Kern County Museum

The Kern County Museum celebrates Kern County' culture and rich history in innovative, fun and entertaining ways, using a range of exhibits, special events and educational programs for children and adults.

The museum was founded in 1941, but the collecting pieces of California history started in 1928. The museum holds thousands of historically and culturally significant artifacts displayed on 16 meticulously landscaped acres, in 56 historic original buildings. Special treasures of the museum are one room school, jail, oil derrick, the general store and seven preserved historic homes.

The museum holds several Native American exhibits, the railroad exhibit and Bakersfield Sound, agriculture, mining and railroad exhibits. This is a great place to learn about Bakersfield and California’s rich heritage through every day’s objects, photos, buildings and documents.

Address: 3801 Chester Avenue, Bakersfield, CA, Phone: 661-437-3330

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

Take the kids to the California Area Living Museum

Take the kids to the California Area Living Museum

© Courtesy of josefpittner - Fotolia.com

The California Area Living Museum (CALM) is California's Native Zoo and Garden which opened in 1983. This large park lies on 14 acres of land and its natural habitats provide home to more than 80 species of animals. CALM holds only animals that cannot be released or rehabilitated, those which have been injured or who are not able to survive in the wild. If you are wondering what to do in Bakersfield with kids, this is a great place to visit.

The most popular zoo natural exhibits are: black bear open air exhibit, exhibit of birds of prey that includes owls, hawks and eagles; a mammal house with bobcats and foxes; a pond with mallards; deer yard; a reptile house; and an area with domestic animals that can be petted. The CALM also has several endangered native species.

Address: 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway, Bakersfield, California, Phone: 661-872-2256

Visit the petting zoo at Murray Family Farms

Visit the petting zoo at Murray Family Farms

© Courtesy of DragonImages - Fotolia.com

Murray Family Farms are a delightful mix fun and a true family working farm. Bring the kids for a lot of fun, but also to see all the hard work involved in bringing delicious fruits and veggies to their local groceries. This 70-acre organic vegetable and fruit farm has been growing strawberries, stone fruit, blackberries, citrus, apples, asparagus, artichokes, melons, tomatoes and pumpkins for the last 24 years. Bring the kids on the tour of the farm on their tractor-driven hay wagons across 43 acres of cultivated fields of citrus, yellow roses, lines of ripe peaches, apricots and apples.

Let the kids pick the fruits, and then head to the butterfly house, cattle train, wagon rides and mazes.

The kids can get close and personal with the petting zoo animals: tame goats, ducks, sheep, chicken, geese, pigeons, peacocks, turkeys and miniature horses.

Before leaving, visit their lovely Red Barn to load on produce, preserves, fresh pies and smoothies. Their Okie Fry Pies are legendary. Murray Family Farms is 2 hours from Los Angeles.

Address: Big Red Barn, 6700 General Beale Road, Bakersfield, California, Phone: 661-330-0100

Activities and Attractions for Couples:

Watch a show at the Mechanics Bank Arena

Watch a show at the Mechanics Bank Arena

© Rabobank Arena, Theater & Convention Center

The Mechanics Bank Arena is a performing arts venue and convention center located on Truxtun Avenue in Bakersfield. Originally built in 1962, it was formerly known as the Bakersfield Civic Auditorium and the Bakersfield Convention Center and was one of the first structures to be built in the modern style in Bakersfield.

In 1980 the Convention Center was completed, and in 1993 the adjacent hotel was finished. Later, in 1998, the center was further expanded to include a 10,000 seat sports arena. The center hosts a large variety of events such as “Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream,” the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra, “A Taste of Home,” and many more.

Address: 1001 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, California, Phone: 661-852-7300

See fossils at the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History

See fossils at the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History

© Courtesy of merlin74 - Fotolia.com

The Buena Vista Museum of Natural History is located on Chester Avenue in the downtown Arts District of Bakersfield. Founded in 1995, the museum’s collection at first centered around the fossil collection of Bob and Mary Ernst.

These fossils came from Shark Tooth Hill and this is the largest collection of fossils from this area. This group of fossils was originally housed at the California Living Museum, but as the collection grew, it was necessary to move to the current location. In addition to the fossils, the museum’s collection also includes a replica of a triceratops skull, a model of Yosemite Valley with many buildings, roads, and trails, and much more. The museum offers several tours.

Address: 2018 Chester Avenue, Bakersfield, California, Phone: 661-324-6350

Visit Kern County Raceway Park

Visit Kern County Raceway Park

© Kern County Raceway Park

Kern County Raceway Park is a 0.5 mile (0.80 km) oval race car track that opened in 2013 as a replacement for the Mesa Marin Raceway. The capacity of the stadium is 5,000 seats, and there are 21 VIP suites in the grandstand for fans to view the races.

There are also 18 concession stands in the park. The capacity of the stadium can be expanded to 17,000 seats for special events. The park holds events such as NASCAR’s Whelen All-American Series as well as the K&N Pro Series West and car shows.

Address: 13500 Raceway Boulevard Interstate 5 and Enos Lane, Bakersfield, California, Phone: 661-835-1264R

See a show at The Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall

See a show at The Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall

© The Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall

The Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall is a family-friendly theater located on Jomani Drive in Bakersfield. The theater features old-time melodramas with sweethearts, heroes, and villains. Many of the performances are spoofs of things such as fantasy, sports, mystery, the Wild West and much more. After each show the company presents a Vaudeville Review that is filled with funny jokes, comedic sketches, and dance and musical numbers.

The Moosehead Lounge features snacks, light meals, soft drinks, and beer and wine. The theater offers an eight week educational program where children are taught dancing, drama, improvisation, singing, and how to apply theatrical makeup. There are also puppet shows and magic shows.

Address: 12748 Jomani Drive, Bakersfield, California, Phone: 661-587-3377

Where to Eat

  • Wool Growers Restaurant – Classic Basque-style dining featuring hearty family-style meals with lamb stew, oxtail soup, and traditional sides.
  • Luigi’s Restaurant and Delicatessen – Longtime local favorite for hearty Italian dishes, sandwiches, and a lively atmosphere.
  • 24th Street Café – Classic American diner offering delicious breakfasts, homemade pies, and comfort food favorites in a cozy setting.

If you are interested in local events:

  • Kern County Fair (September) – Classic county fair with rides, concerts, agricultural displays, and fair food galore.
  • Village Fest (August) – "Party of the year" featuring craft beer tastings, live music, and food from top local restaurants.
  • Bakersfield Christmas Town (December) – Family-friendly holiday lights event with ice skating, rides, and festive displays.

If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Bakersfield, California:

  • Hart Park (20 min) – Enjoy fishing, hiking, and picnicking among shady groves and ponds along the Kern River.
  • Panorama Park Bluffs (10–15 min) – Walk along scenic bluffs offering sweeping views of Bakersfield and the Kern River Valley.
  • Murray Family Farms (20–25 min) – Pick seasonal fruits, explore corn mazes, and visit the farm stand for local treats.
  • Tehachapi, CA (30–40 min) – Explore charming mountain town attractions like train watching at Tehachapi Loop, wineries, and historic downtown.
  • Wind Wolves Preserve (30 min) – Hike through beautiful grasslands and rolling hills in one of the largest nonprofit nature preserves in California.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • What cultural attractions can visitors explore in Bakersfield?
    • Visit the Bakersfield Museum of Art, tour the Bakersfield Crystal Palace built by country music singer Buck Owens, and learn about the local history at the Kern County Museum on your weekend trip to Bakersfield.
  • What are the best things to do in Bakersfield with kids?
    • Best things to do in Bakersfield with kids include the California Area Living Museum, Murray Family Farms, Camelot Park, and the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History.

At a Glance:


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and beautiful wildflowers. Padre Hotel – A stylish and historic boutique hotel in downtown Bakersfield. Visit the California Living Museum (CALM) – See native wildlife and spring blooms.
Summer (June-August) – Hot and ideal for indoor attractions. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bakersfield – A comfortable and centrally located option. See a Show at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace – Experience live country music and great food.
Fall (September-November) – Pleasant weather and harvest season. Homewood Suites by Hilton Bakersfield – A cozy and well-equipped stay. Explore Murray Family Farms – Pick seasonal fruits and enjoy family-friendly activities.
Winter (December-February) – Mild winters, great for nearby mountain trips. Fairfield Inn & Suites Bakersfield – A warm and inviting winter retreat. Visit the Holiday Lights at CALM – Enjoy a magical Christmas light display.

Plan Your Trip