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

Default Image

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
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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Best ice cream shop in Bakersfield!

Oleander - Sunset

3.5/5(89 area reviews)

While Oleander - Sunset isn't home to many top sights, Mechanics Bank Arena and Kern County Fairgrounds are some notable places to visit nearby.

Oleander - Sunset
Vagabond Inn Bakersfield South
Vagabond Inn Bakersfield South
2 out of 5
6501 Colony Rd, Bakersfield, CA
$52 nightly
The price is $58 total per night from Jun 16 to Jun 17
$58 total
Jun 16 - Jun 17
Total includes taxes and fees
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! (1,396 reviews)
"Nice and quiet"

Reviewed on Jun 9, 2025

Vagabond Inn Bakersfield South
The Padre Hotel
The Padre Hotel
3.5 out of 5
1702 18th St, Bakersfield, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$134 nightly
The price is $150 total per night from Jun 15 to Jun 16
$150 total
Jun 15 - Jun 16
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Bakersfield. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Overall great service from valet to the front desk , everyone was friendly and very helpful. Great service all the way around!"

Reviewed on Jun 9, 2025

The Padre Hotel
Ramada by Wyndham Bakersfield North
Ramada by Wyndham Bakersfield North
2.5 out of 5
828 Real Rd, Bakersfield, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$98 nightly
The price is $110 total per night from Jun 15 to Jun 16
$110 total
Jun 15 - Jun 16
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Bakersfield. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Cleanliness, friendly and professional service, great breakfast."

Reviewed on Jun 11, 2025

Ramada by Wyndham Bakersfield North
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 & ...
Beautiful Shafter, CA Home
"This home is new and very comfortable and is as the pictures describe. The bedrooms are upstairs and it was fine for our 86 and 88 year olds with us.The home is located in a quiet neighborhood and I would definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on Apr 30, 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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
Great comfortable stay
"Great comfortable stay"

Reviewed on Jun 2, 2025

Charming Hideaway
Beautiful 3-bedroom 2-baths with a pool and RV parking.
Beautiful 3-bedroom 2-baths with a pool and RV parking.
Bakersfield
Stay at this vacation home in Bakersfield. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions The Empty Space and Bakersfield Sports Village are ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (6 reviews)
Quiet neighborhood
"Communication was real easy. Communication was prompt. Home was really nice and well kept. Swimming pool was nice. Neighborhood was very quiet. Looking to stay there again really soon."

Reviewed on May 21, 2025

Beautiful 3-bedroom 2-baths with a pool and RV parking.
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

Cities near Bakersfield

Other places like Bakersfield