Location: Bakersfield
Top Things to do in Bakersfield
The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Bakersfield, California (CA)
Bakersfield is a city in and the county seat of Kern County, California, United States. It covers about 142 square miles (370 km) near the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley and the Central Valley region. Bakersfield's population is approximately 365,000, making it the ninth-most populous city in California and the 52nd-most populous city in the nation. The Bakersfield–Delano Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes all of Kern County, had a 2010 census population of 839,631, making it the 62nd largest metropolitan area in the United States. The more built-up urban area that includes Bakersfield and areas immediately around the city, such as East Bakersfield, Oildale and Rosedale, has a population of approximately 464,000. Bakersfield is a charter city.
Restaurants in Bakersfield
1. Buena Vista Museum of Natural History
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By MistyD103 - Huntsville, United States
This small museum is located in an older building off of Chester Ave, but it is full of great exhibits! The first floor has models (some may be taxidermy) of animals from Africa and a few local critters too, a great shark exhibit with various shark jaws and fossils, fossils from now extinct critters that once roamed the area, and a few other neat fossils. The second floor has fabulous gem and mineral exhibits, dinosaurs and fossils, and an exhibit on Native Americans from the area. The basement level is a fun hands on area for children with biology exhibits ranging from invertibrates to human anatomy. The entire museum is a lot of neat stuff nicely arranged in a small unassuming space, and is well worth a couple of hours to visit.
2. Kern County Raceway Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By 495armandos - Bakersfield, United States
Excellent venue for the Spears Southwest Tour. Great view of the track, no matter where to pick. RV Parking available to watch also available. Modern clean easy to get to, right off I-5, 20/30 minutes southwest of Bakersfield. Food and beverage choices excellent.
3. The Great Central Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
The area located in the middle of California, marked by San Joaquin to the south and Sacramento to the north.
Reviewed By J8922ZWjackg - Bakersfield, United States
Very diverse agricultural, economic and environment for wildlife. Much of nations food supply and Kern County is largest oil producer in state. Flora and fauna of all types available for viewing
4. Buck Owens' Crystal Palace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 552 reviews
Combination, Steakhouse, theater and a museum housing memorabilia spanning Buck Owens' 40 year career in country music.
Reviewed By jenedc2016 - Santa Rosa, United States
Bakersfield, the "Nashville of the West, is known for the Bakersfield Sound branch of American Country Music, in contrast to the different style of Nashville and this is an important aspect of the culture of Bakersfield. Buck Owens was one of the first and most important musicians of this style and in the 1990s he opened this large, fanciful-Western building which serves as music venue, restaurant, night club, and museum of all things related to Buck Owens. There is good food, great country music and line dancing, and the central area is lined with cases displaying Buck Owens memorabilia - his suits, guitars, photos, numerous other items giving detailed history of them. There are statues in the lobby area of Buck and other country greats. Over the back of the bar in the centre is a customized Pontiac belonging to Buck (the car was supposedly previously owned by Elvis Presley before Buck won it in a card game but there is a dispute about that and a different version says that this was one of a handful of cars customized in the same way, of which one was for Elvis but Elvis never took possession of it and Buck then obtained it). If you love country music, then this would definitely be a highlight of a visit to the area, but even if you don't, you should still visit this place to get the full Bakersfield experience and either way this is a must-see place in town.
5. Kern County Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 272 reviews
Reviewed By 948phyllisw
My daughter and I had a great time seeing the historic homes/businesses and oil industry exhibition displayed at the Kern County Museum. I thought the way it was set up, where you view the exterior of structures while peaking inside through window viewing areas, was very clever. During the current pandemic times, it is a great place to visit, since all activities are outdoors.
6. California Area Living Museum (CALM)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 288 reviews
Reviewed By jfandslsanchez2012 - Bakersfield, United States
The Christmas Lights At Calm are a Fabulous sight to see! Would be a Great Family Night Activity for all Ages!
7. California Fruit Depot
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71 reviews
Reviewed By MarilynB1313 - Gustavus, United States
We're staying at the RV Park just around the corner from California Fruit Depot, which is within easy walking distance. It is well worth the quick stop off Highway 58 (which connects Bakersfield to Barstow) if you happen to be passing by. The young woman at the register could not have been more personable and you can sample almost everything before purchasing. They specialize in oranges and dates that they grow but also offer other yummies. They have dried fruits and vegetables, stuffed olives, nuts, trail mixes, candy, specialty sauces and my new favorite-Atomic Frog Balls. They're spicy/dilly marinated brussel sprouts with jalapeños, garlic, "secret spices" and red pepper flakes--zippety doo da!!
8. Murray Family Farms, The Big Red Barn
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 242 reviews
We're a family owned farm that grows the worlds tastiest fruit, but The Big Red Barn is special - really special! We opened these barn doors to give regular folk the opportunity to experience real farm life. Delicious farm fresh food inside, games and rides outside, and the kindest darn farmhands you'll ever meet. If you've ever visited, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for supporting our family, and Bakersfield!
Reviewed By 841russellu
We went with family, kids and adults. Everyone had a blast! From the Petting Zoo to the hayride and pumpkin patch it was awesome!
9. Bakersfield Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 30 reviews
Accredited art museum with exhibits rotating three times per year; education programs for children, teens, and adults; lots of special events. Also holds many weddings and other events.
10. Kern River Parkway Trail
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By ernestomdo - Bakersfield, United States
This is Bakersfield’s staple bike riding trail. Long vast trail with much to see. In certain areas you do have to be cautious of people walking the trail with their families and/or dogs but for the most part they are considerate of people on bikes.
