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
in Bakersfield
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 Kern Country Sheriff's Office.
Recommended hotels in Buttonwillow
Gorman
Noted for its mountain views and restaurants, you might consider exploring all Gorman has to offer. You won't have to venture far to check out nearby attractions like Hungry Valley Oak Woodland Nature Preserve.
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.
Recommended hotels in Wheeler Ridge
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.
Recommended hotels in Lebec
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.
Arvin
Shopping and restaurants are notable features of Arvin. You might consider a stop by Outlets at Tejon while you're exploring the neighborhood.
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- Hotels near Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science
- Hotels near Fox Theater
- Hotels near Downtown Bakersfield
- Gay friendly Hotels in Downtown Bakersfield
- Hotels near Mechanics Bank Arena
- Hotels near Unity Church
- Hotels near Bakersfield Museum of Art
- Hotels near McMurtrey Aquatic Center
- Hotels near Bakersfield Station
- Hotels near Oleander - Sunset
- Hotels near Kern County Museum
- Hotels near Camelot Park
- Hotels near Baker Street
- Hotels near Sam Lynn Ballpark
- Hotels near Buck Owens Crystal Palace
- Hotels near West Park Community
- Hotels near Kern County Fairgrounds
- Hotels near Golden West Casino
- Hotels near East Bakersfield
- Hotels near Valley Plaza Mall
- Hotels near Oildale
- Hotels near Bakersfield College
- Hotels near Sundale Country Club
- Hotels near North Country Meadows
- Hotels near Meadows Field
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- Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science
- Fox Theater
- Mechanics Bank Arena
- Unity Church
- McMurtrey Aquatic Center
- Bakersfield Museum of Art
- Kern County Museum
- Sam Lynn Ballpark
- Buck Owens Crystal Palace
- Golden West Casino
- Kern County Fairgrounds
- Valley Plaza Mall
- Bakersfield College
- Sundale Country Club