Location: Bakersfield
Top Things to do in Bakersfield
Top 10 Things to do Good for Big Groups 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. The Gaslight Theatre & Music Hall
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By 26sherig - Stockton, United States
Went with two other couples on a Saturday night. Place was packed, so clearly a popular destination. The performance was a hoot, great singing, hilarious characterizations, really fun energy in the cast and audience. They really bring the audience into the experience also. Definitely recommend for date night, friends night out, just for a good time any old time.
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. Puzzle Effect
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 43 reviews
Now offering Virtual Escape Games! What if your favorite board game came to life? Imagine a completely immersive room filled with puzzles, clues, and riddles, and one hour on the clock. No phones, no distractions. Just unexpected twists, scenery that transports you, and that feeling of accomplishment when you solve a puzzle (or maybe the whole room!). Puzzle Effect is your new entertainment obsession. Escape rooms are perfect for new friends, old friends, family, date nights, birthday celebrations, and even team building. Book your adventure today!
Reviewed By F6915FSshannona - Sacramento, United States
Went here with the family. Had no Idea what to expect. Everyone found a clue and they were involved. We didn't make it in the allotted time but it was so much fun. The gamemaster or whatever he is called gave us clues that really made you think. But we did a lot of work on our own and made good progress. The ages of our group was 53, 44, 33, 11, 9 & 6. We did the Crimson Storm room. I can't wait to go back and try the other rooms.
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. Fox Theater
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
Reviewed By sahara283
The theater is so original, i've reaaly had a great time enjoying a country concert while i was on a visit around california. The staff is really helpful and nice.
7. 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!
8. Rabobank Arena, Theater & Convention Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 157 reviews
Reviewed By 361pam93312 - Bakersfield, United States
This theater/arena is centrally located in downtown Bakersfield. I visited the theater recently. First was The Nutcracker Ballet followed by the Willy Nelson and Family concert and finally The Kern County Schools Honors bands concert this week. The viewing is good from all the seats. The sound quality is excellent. The employees are very courteous and helpful if you need assistance. Parking is across the street in pay parking lot or behind the facility. Highly recommend this theater venue for any of the shows and concerts.
9. 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!
