Bakersfield, California Travel Guide
City City in California, famous for agriculture
Downtown Bakersfield hides Basque boarding‑house restaurants and jukebox honky‑tonks that spawned the Bakersfield sound. People visit for Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, access to Sequoia foothills, Kern River rafting and roadside BBQ.
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Why Visit Bakersfield, California? #
Known for its fertile valley and distinct music legacy, the city draws fans of the Bakersfield sound and country roots to venues like Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace. Outdoor access to the Kern River and nearby Sequoia National Forest appeals to hikers and rafters, while Basque restaurants reflect a long culinary tradition. Add a local craft-beer scene and affordable museums, and you have a practical base for exploring California’s southern Central Valley.
Who's Bakersfield, California For?
Bakersfield is a practical launch point for Kern River rafting, Sequoia and Sierra hiking, and mountain biking in the nearby foothills. Outdoor services and guides in town make day trips straightforward, though serious backcountry trips require prep.
Parks, family museums and attractions like the California Living Museum offer affordable family days. Downtown events and easy drives to nature areas give parents options for low-cost outings with children.
An agricultural and energy industry centre, Bakersfield has practical business hotels and convention facilities near Downtown and Seven Oaks. Regional corporate travel is served by reasonable hotel rates and direct highway connections.
Local Central Valley produce informs solid casual dining-Mexican, Basque influences and farm-to-fork spots. Expect mid-range prices and hearty portions; specialty dining is limited compared with larger California cities.
Best Things to Do in Bakersfield, California
All Attractions ›Bakersfield, California Bucket List
- Buck Owens' Crystal Palace - Live country performances, museum exhibits, and classic diner atmosphere celebrating Bakersfield sound.
- Kern County Museum - Indoor and outdoor exhibits trace local history with authentic buildings and pioneer artifacts.
- California Living Museum (CALM) - Small zoo focused on native Central Valley wildlife and rehabilitation education programs.
- Bakersfield Museum of Art - Regional and contemporary art collections alongside rotating exhibitions in the downtown cultural center.
- Fox Theater Bakersfield - Restored 1930s movie palace hosting concerts, film screenings, and community events downtown.
- Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science - Local fossils, mineral displays, and paleontology exhibits appealing to curious families and collectors.
- Kern River Parkway - Miles of trails and riverside parks perfect for walking, birdwatching, and weekend picnics.
- The Padre Hotel - Historic downtown hotel with a lively rooftop bar and artisanal cocktail program.
- Hart Memorial Park - Expansive oak-studded park with lakes, picnic areas, and family-friendly hiking trails.
- Sequoia National Park - Giant sequoia groves, hiking trails, and panoramic mountain scenery near Three Rivers.
- Lake Isabella and Kern River Canyon - Popular for fishing, boating, and whitewater rafting, about an hour northeast of Bakersfield.
- Tehachapi and the Tehachapi Loop - Historic mountain town with the famous Tehachapi Loop and local wineries nearby.
- Santa Barbara - Coastal streets, State Street dining, and harbor activities reachable in roughly two to three hours.
Regions of Bakersfield, California #
Downtown
Bakersfield’s downtown still punches above its weight: a compact theatre scene, local museums and an improving restaurant strip. It’s the best place to catch live music or a cultural event and stay in a walkable area.
Top Spots
- Fox Theater - Restored venue hosting concerts and events.
- Kern County Museum - Local history and outdoor exhibits.
- 19th Street shops & cafés - Central dining and bar options.
Old Town
Old Town nods to Bakersfield’s Basque and country-music roots. It’s the place to try traditional family-style dinners and visit Buck Owens’ venue for music and memorabilia.
Top Spots
- Basque restaurants (Chester Ave area) - Hearty multi-course meals a Bakersfield specialty.
- Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace - Country music museum and live shows.
- Historic storefronts - Walkable streets with local charm.
Kern River Parkway
The river corridor gives Bakersfield green breathing room: trails, parks and weekend recreation. Families and outdoorsy visitors come out here for relaxed days by the water.
Top Spots
- Kern River trails - Walks, biking and shaded picnic spots.
- Hart Park - Green space with seasonal events.
- Outdoor activity centers - Kayak and sport rental points.
Plan Your Visit to Bakersfield, California #
Best Time to Visit Bakersfield, California #
Visit Bakersfield in spring and fall to avoid the Central Valley's intense summer heat and occasional winter rain. Those shoulder months bring pleasant days, cool nights, and the easiest access to outdoor activities and nearby Sierra foothills.
Best Time to Visit Bakersfield, California #
Bakersfield, California's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 3°C to 37°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 4°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C. Light rainfall.
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March
March is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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June
June is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is the hottest month with highs of 37°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is warm with highs of 36°C and lows of 20°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 6°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is the coolest month with highs of 15°C and lows of 3°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Bakersfield, California
Bakersfield is easiest to reach by air via Meadows Field Airport (BFL) for regional flights; larger airports such as LAX serve international and wider domestic connections. Bakersfield is also a stop on Amtrak San Joaquins, with bus links (Amtrak Thruway, Kern Transit) for destinations not directly served by rail.
Meadows Field Airport (BFL): Meadows Field is Bakersfield’s local airport, a short drive north of downtown. Ground options include rental car (on‑site), taxis or rideshares (Uber/Lyft) - expect about a 10-20 minute drive to central Bakersfield; typical taxi/rideshare fares are approximately $15-30 and rental cars run from roughly $40/day depending on season. There is no frequent airport shuttle to all hotels, but some hotels offer private shuttles or can arrange pickups.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): LAX is the largest nearby international gateway for flights not served into BFL. Driving time to Bakersfield is roughly 2-2.5 hours depending on traffic; rental cars and long‑distance rideshares/taxis are available (rideshare/taxi fares often exceed $100-200 for the full drive). A common alternative is to take Amtrak/Amtrak Thruway bus or a fly‑into LAX and connect via train/bus to Bakersfield (see Train & Bus card for typical connections).
Train: Bakersfield is served by Amtrak San Joaquins at the Bakersfield Amtrak Station (downtown). San Joaquins trains run north to Fresno, Merced, Stockton and Sacramento and connect with buses for through service to southern California. Fares vary by route and advance purchase; typical one‑way fares for regional trips often fall roughly in the $20-40 range depending on distance and discounts.
Bus: Local fixed‑route service is provided by Golden Empire Transit (GET) with stops across the city and downtown; Kern Transit and other intercity buses connect Bakersfield with towns across Kern County and the Central Valley. Amtrak Thruway buses link Bakersfield with Los Angeles Union Station and other destinations; intercity bus fares vary by operator and distance, with many regional hops commonly in the low tens of dollars.
How to Get Around Bakersfield, California
Bakersfield is a car‑oriented city - renting a car or using rideshares is the most flexible way to get around, especially for day trips outside the city. Public transit (GET, Kern Transit, Amtrak San Joaquins/Thruway) covers the core and regional connections but runs less frequently than in larger metro areas, so check schedules ahead and plan accordingly.
- Rental car ($40+/day (varies)) - Bakersfield and the surrounding Kern County are best explored by car - highways are direct and parking is generally easy and inexpensive. Rental desks are available at Meadows Field and downtown; a car gives the most flexibility for day trips (Sequoia National Forest, wineries) and avoiding limited transit schedules. Expect standard one‑way and daily rates to vary by season and provider.
- Golden Empire Transit (GET) buses (≈$1.50-$2.00 per ride) - GET operates Bakersfield's local fixed‑route network with frequent service on core corridors and routes serving downtown, Bakersfield College and shopping areas. Buses are the most economical way to get around the central city but can be slower than driving and have limited evening service on some routes. Buy fares on board or with the agency's app where available; check route maps for timed connections.
- Kern Transit / Intercity buses ($3-$25 (depending on route)) - Kern Transit and private intercity buses link Bakersfield with smaller towns across Kern County and parts of the Central Valley. These services are good for reaching destinations without a car, but schedules can be infrequent - plan around published timetables. Amtrak Thruway buses provide useful connections to Los Angeles and to San Joaquins train stations when direct rail isn't available.
- Amtrak San Joaquins (train + Thruway) (≈$20-$40 (typical regional fares)) - The Bakersfield Amtrak Station is the southern terminus of the San Joaquins corridor; trains run north to Fresno, Merced, Stockton and Sacramento. For destinations southwards (Los Angeles, San Diego) Amtrak Thruway buses connect with the trains at Bakersfield. Trains are comfortable for longer Central Valley trips and avoid highway traffic; buy tickets in advance for best fares and seat availability.
- Taxi / Rideshare (Uber, Lyft) (Short trips ≈$8-$25) - Taxis and rideshares are widely available in Bakersfield and are convenient for airport transfers, short hops and evenings when bus service is limited. Fares are reasonable for short intra‑city trips but can add up for longer drives; airport pickups/drop‑offs may include additional fees. Rideshare wait times are usually short in central areas but can be longer in suburbs or late at night.
- Walking - Downtown Bakersfield and some neighborhoods (e.g., the Arts District) are walkable for short errands, dining and attractions, but the city is generally spread out. Sidewalk quality is mixed outside the core, so plan walks in advance and use pedestrian crossings on busy roads. Walking is best for short, local trips rather than getting across the metro area.
Where to Stay in Bakersfield, California #
- Padre Hotel (budget rooms available) - Historic downtown boutique with basics.
- Budget motels along East Brundage - Practical, affordable nightly options.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Bakersfield - Reliable brand, downtown convenience.
- Radisson Hotel Bakersfield - Comfortable rooms and business facilities.
- Padre Hotel - Boutique luxury with rooftop bar.
- Select higher-end branded hotels - Upscale rooms and event facilities.
- Padre Hotel - Central, walkable downtown location.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Bakersfield - Convenient for transport and sites.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Bakersfield - Family rooms and pool amenities.
- Padre Hotel - Spacious suites and rooftop space.
- Padre Hotel - Good public spaces and Wi‑Fi.
- Radisson Hotel Bakersfield - Business facilities and reliable internet.
Where to Eat in Bakersfield, California #
Bakersfield is a Central Valley food town - straightforward, hearty and influenced heavily by Mexican cuisine and American diner culture. For a genuine Bakersfield night out, Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace mixes country music with classic American plates, while long-running spots like Wool Growers serve traditional steaks and homestyle meals.
Local Mexican taquerias and family-run Asian restaurants are where most residents grab everyday meals. Don’t miss Dewar’s for classic local ice cream if you want a real Bakersfield treat.
- Buck Owens' Crystal Palace - Country-music venue with Southern-inspired plates.
- Wool Growers Restaurant - Historic steakhouse and homestyle American fare.
- Dewar's Candy Shop & Ice Cream - Longtime local spot for ice cream.
- Taquerias on 19th Street - Authentic Mexican tacos and salsas.
- Pan-Asian restaurants - Sushi, Thai and Chinese family restaurants.
- Mediterranean cafés - Falafel, kebabs and mezze plates.
- Vegetarian-friendly cafés - Bowls, salads and meatless sandwiches.
- Farm-to-table restaurants - Seasonal vegetable sides and vegan options.
- Bakeries and delis - Vegetarian pastries and breakfast options.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Bakersfield, California's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Bakersfield, California #
Shopping in Bakersfield, California #
Bakersfield’s shopping is car-oriented: malls, big-box stores and strip malls dominate, with pockets of downtown shops and farmer markets. For chain shopping and outlets go to Valley Plaza and the larger retail corridors; for local produce and a more authentic feel, hit the Bakersfield Farmers’ Market and downtown antique and vintage shops. Expect broad choices for home goods and automotive supplies rather than boutique shopping.
Best Bets
- Valley Plaza Mall - Large indoor mall with national retailers and food options.
- The Marketplace / Riverwalk shops - Cluster of big-box stores and dining near the river corridor.
- Bakersfield Farmers' Market - Local produce, baked goods and seasonal specialty stalls.
- Downtown Bakersfield boutiques & antique shops - Independent shops, vintage stores and local galleries.
- Antique and vintage stores - Good spots for secondhand furniture and collectibles.
- Nearby outlet stores & retail parks - Outlet and discount shopping a short drive from the city.
Digital Nomads in Bakersfield, California #
Bakersfield offers low living costs and a practical base for remote work in California’s Central Valley. Coworking is limited compared with coastal metros; public libraries, university spaces and cafés are the usual work spots. The pace is quieter and community-focused, useful if you prefer affordability and predictable living expenses.
Visa info: the U.S. has no digital nomad visa; visitors use ESTA (90 days under Visa Waiver) or B‑1/B‑2 visitor visas (up to six months). Monthly budgets for a solo remote worker in Bakersfield sit around $1,800-$2,500 (one‑bed rent $800-$1,300, food and transport $400-$600, cafés/coworking $50-$200). Home broadband commonly offers 100-300 Mbps via cable providers, with mobile LTE/5G good in most areas.
- Bakersfield Downtown Library - Study desks, public Wi‑Fi, quiet environment
- Regus Bakersfield - Business rooms, flexible day passes available
- The Empty Chair Coffee Company - Cafe with seating, useful Wi‑Fi, central spot
- The Hive Bakersfield (local coworking) - Freelancer hub, occasional workshops and socials
- CSUB library spaces - California State Univ., Bakersfield study areas available sometimes
- Xfinity (Comcast) - Common cable ISP, good downstream speeds
- AT&T Internet - DSL and limited fiber, variable availability
- Local fiber providers - Expanding fiber footprint in denser neighborhoods
- Mobile hotspots - Good LTE coverage, decent 5G in parts
- Public library Wi‑Fi - Free and stable for most remote tasks
- Greater Bakersfield Chamber events - Business networking, local entrepreneur gatherings
- Local meetup groups - Tech and creative meetups sporadic, practical
- CSUB events - University lectures and public events for networking
- Coffee shop socials - Informal networking among freelancers and students
- Downtown events - Farmer markets, pop‑ups, occasional business mixers
Demographics
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