Where to stay

in Bakersfield

Visit Bakersfield

Where to Stay for Outdoor Activities Great Neighborhoods for Culture and History Best Places for Shopping and Dining

Bakersfield, in California's southern Central Valley, is full of new and old attractions. The city's history stems from oil and agriculture industries. However, its reputation is now firmly enhanced by Basque culture, art districts, outdoor activities, and a thriving country music scene. Choose where to stay from a variety of unique neighborhoods and book a great hotel near favorite attractions. Some of the best sightseeing highlights include Buck Owens' Crystal Palace, the historic Fox Theater, and the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History. When it's time to dine, several restaurants serve the delicious Basque food the city is famous for.

Where to Stay for Outdoor Activities

Bakersfield has plenty of sunny days each year, perfect for enjoying nature in areas surrounding the city. Book a hotel in Gorman, a short drive from Bakersfield, to explore the oak woodlands and valleys of the Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area. Visitors staying in Buttonwillow have easy access to motorsports action at Buttonwillow Raceway Park. For accommodations surrounded by desert and mountain scenery, consider a stay in Wheeler Ridge, which is also close to Los Padres National Forest. Those staying in Downtown Bakersfield can enjoy water-based fun at McMurtrey Aquatic Center.

Buttonwillow

Buttonwillow is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Buttonwillow Raceway Park and Buttonwillow Recreation Park.

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Gorman

Gorman is well-liked for its mountain views and restaurants. If you're hoping to see more of the larger area, Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area and Hungry Valley Oak Woodland Nature Preserve are some interesting sights nearby to check out.

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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.

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Great Neighborhoods for Culture and History

Many of the city's historic buildings are easy to see on foot from hotels in Downtown Bakersfield. Take a walking tour to discover the performing arts hub with the Fox Theater, Masonic Temple, and Spanish Colonial Padre Hotel. Kern County Museum, just north of downtown, features historic buildings including a jail, a school, and a general store across landscaped grounds. Located within a 1-hour drive of Bakersfield, Lebec is the place to stay to explore Fort Tejon's army exhibits, restored adobes, and ancient valley oak trees. At times, the fort offers battlefield and living history demonstrations.

Lebec

Unique features of Lebec include the mountain views and theme parks. Make a stop by Tejon Ranch Commerce Center or Fort Tejon State Historic Park while you're exploring the area.

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Best Places for Shopping and Dining

Book a room in Downtown Bakersfield to find treasures in the antique district and dine at traditional Basque restaurants. Bars, lounges, and pubs are scattered throughout the area for drinks within walking distance of popular hotels. For serious shoppers, plenty of hotels are located close to Valley Plaza Mall. It's the largest retail space in the San Joaquin Valley and features more than 140 stores, a cinema, and dining options ranging from full-service restaurants to takeaway favorites. For bargain-hunters, hotels in Arvin are within easy reach of the Outlets at Tejon, where big brand names are available for big discounts.