Bakersfield, CA

Travel Guide

Bakersfield
Bakersfield
Bakersfield
Photo by John Edralin
Photo by TnT Travel
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 paleontology. View its extensive collection of fossils and taxidermy animals. Not far from the museum is the Fox Theater, 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

3.5/5(122 area reviews)

This central business district is hone to theaters, sports complex, museums, and historical landmarks. Enjoy shopping, dining, Arts District, Civic Center, and Mill Creek. Easily accessible via State Routes and public transit.

Downtown Bakersfield
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Wheeler Ridge

Shopping and restaurants are notable features of Wheeler Ridge. You might consider a stop by Outlets at Tejon while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Wheeler Ridge
Driving through Shafter I saw this impressive set of horns!

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

3/5(158 area reviews)

Though West Park Community might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Camelot Park and Buck Owens Crystal Palace.

West Park Community
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Oildale

When in Oildale, you can plan a visit to Sam Lynn Ballpark and Kern County Museum, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Oildale
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East Bakersfield

Primarily a mix of residential and commercial spaces, East Bakersfield is home to Old Town Kern, the former central business district of Sumner. Discover the area's Basque-cuisine restaurants for a unique dining experience.

East Bakersfield
Vagabond Inn Bakersfield South
Vagabond Inn Bakersfield South
2 out of 5
6501 Colony Rd, Bakersfield, CA
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Bakersfield. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,460 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Vagabond Inn Bakersfield South
Hyatt Place Bakersfield
Hyatt Place Bakersfield
3 out of 5
310 Coffee Road, Bakersfield, CA
The price is ¥17,811 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
¥17,811
¥19,988 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Bakersfield. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,167 reviews)
"I stayed in Room 322 and my daughter stayed in room 324,however, my room (322) had a strange smell (like pee) right after I opened the door. That smell only had in my room especially around the tile area."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Hyatt Place Bakersfield
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Bakersfield South
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Bakersfield South
3 out of 5
3232 Riverside Dr, Bakersfield, CA
The price is ¥9,337 per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
¥9,337
¥10,457 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Bakersfield. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
6/10 (1,204 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Bakersfield South
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.
Charming Brand New & Fully Furnished NW Home
Charming Brand New & Fully Furnished NW Home
Shafter
Stay at this vacation home in Bakersfield. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Links at Riverlakes Ranch Golf Course and Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"This property was clean and as promoted. Enjoyed our stay! Especially the backyard."

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

Charming Brand New & Fully Furnished NW Home
Charming Hideaway
Charming Hideaway
Bakersfield
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Bakersfield. Enjoy patios, an in-room coffeemaker, and housekeeping. Popular attractions Camelot Park and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (14 reviews)
"The home was very inviting, clean and child friendly. My grandson loved all the toys. The bed was comfortable. We would definitely stay again."

Reviewed on Jun 18, 2025

Charming Hideaway
Modern and Relaxing Home
Modern and Relaxing Home
Bakersfield
Stay at this vacation home in Bakersfield. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Panorama Vista Preserve and Kern County Museum ...
Amazing Home
"The home was perfect and the neighborhood was also nice. I would recommend this beautiful home to anyone."

Reviewed on Jan 5, 2025

Modern and Relaxing Home
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

Things to do

Reviews of Bakersfield

3.6
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
315
5 - Excellent 16%
4 - Good
789
4 - Good 39%
3 - Okay
688
3 - Okay 34%
2 - Disappointing
131
2 - Disappointing 7%
1 - Terrible
76
1 - Terrible 4%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Nice city

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I love Bakersfield.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

Used to live here and it has gone drastically down hill

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Best place i have been in

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Crab shack, Jamaica restaurant was excellent

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Bakersfield will always be home

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