Of the many places to visit in California, the city of Bakersfield often gets overlooked. However, there are definitely some fun things to do in this area, whether you’re looking for a new destination or just passing through on a road trip. Here are some of the top things to do in Bakersfield, California, including some details about why they’re worth it and what you should know about the local attractions.
Visit the California Living Museum
What Is It? The California Living Museum (CALM) is a native zoo and garden that has been operational since the 1980s. It has many species of animals in a large park, including eagles, black bears, and reptiles.
Why Do It? Kids love this place and seeing all the animals during a visit to Bakersfield.
Good to Know: The museum is typically open from 9am to 4pm, Wednesdays through Sundays.
Learn at the Kern County Museum
What Is It? This is a local history museum that dates back to the 1940s but highlights pieces that go back even further than that. It is filled with exhibits to learn about the area and also programs and events for families. There are multiple original buildings on site, including historic homes, a jail, and a schoolhouse.
Why Do It? You’ll get a better understanding and appreciation for this area when you learn a bit about its history.
Good to Know: This museum is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 9am to 4pm.
Challenge Yourself to a Scavenger Hunt
What Is It? Using a scavenger hunt app, you can see interesting Bakersfield landmarks and solve challenges to get to know the city. Players take on interactive roles and create memories while getting some good exercise too.
Why Do It? Doing a scavenger hunt is a great way to learn about a new place and really get to know what it has to offer in a unique way. This is an especially fun activity to do for a bachelor/bachelorette party or birthday party.
Good to Know: Keep scavenger hunt groups at 10 people or less for the best results. All ages of kids and adults can participate and have a ton of fun with this.
Watch Baseball at the Sam Lynn Ballpark
What Is It? This local baseball park is named after a local businessman and is a historic place now used for adult basement leagues. Local teams play on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays. The park also hosts dog shows, 5K running events, and drive-in movies from time to time.
Why Do It? There are some fun events held at the park, especially during the summer. So, check out the historic park’s website and social media pages to see if anything is happening during your trip.
Good to Know: The Bakersfield Train Robbers are an independent professional team that plays in the Pecos League and at the park from May through July.
Go Boating on Lake Isabella
What Is It? Within less than an hour northeast of Bakersfield lies Lake Isabella, a recreational lake where you can go boating, sailing, jet-skiing, water skiing, windsurfing, and fishing. You can rent a boat at the French Gulch Marina or North Fork Marina if you don’t have your own. It is necessary for all boats to display a boat permit, which is available for purchase at the marinas.
Why Do It? Although the city of Bakersfield isn’t necessarily known for its water recreation, this lake makes a great day trip. The water is calm and fun to be out on during a warm day.
Good to Know: There are lots of camping opportunities near the lake and also over a thousand miles of hiking trails surrounding the Sequoia National Forest. Golf at the public golf course and fishing for trout, bluegill, bass, and catfish are also popular activities.
Experience Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace
What Is It? This is a music hall for country and western music that was created by singer/songwriter Buck Owens. It has a museum that is filled with guitars and memorabilia to check out.
Why Do It? Buck Owens and his band topped the country music charts in the past and are an important figure in Bakersfield history.
Good to Know: There’s also a restaurant on site that is known for its awesome brunches and comfort food.
Go Hiking in the Area
What Is It? There are some excellent hiking opportunities in the Bakersfield area to help you get outside and active. Some popular hiking areas to check out include Panorama Bluffs Park, Mount Pinos Trail, and the Kern River Trail.
Why Do It? Going for a hike will immerse you into the landscape of this part of California. The scenery you’ll see will range from mountain trails, serene nature preserves, and treks along cliff edges.
Good to Know: There are lots of hiking areas around Bakersfield that are free and dog-friendly so you can bring your pup along for the adventure. The Mill Creek Trail is a great dog-friendly route.
Check Out a Local Brewery
What Is It? Bakersfield has a great craft beer scene with a lot of local breweries to check out and sample from. Some of the most popular breweries in town include Lengthwise Brewing Company, Temblor Brewing Company, and Dionysus Brewing.
Why Do It? Craft breweries in Bakersfield are fun places to meet locals, learn about events going on in town, and just relax with a delicious beer.
Good to Know: Several of the breweries in town offer food in case you get hungry and have a family-friendly vibe.
Enjoy a Day at Murray Family Farms
What Is It? Murray Family Farm is a popular attraction and working farm that grows fresh fruits and vegetables. This includes everything from strawberries to artichokes, melons, pumpkins, and more depending on the season.
Why Do It? Families with kids can come here to see petting zoo animals, take wagon rides, and have a lot of festive fun. There are also delicious items available for purchase, such as pies and smoothies.
Good to Know: Farm activities are typically from 10am to 5pm on select weekends. You can buy tickets online for various activities, such as strawberry picking.
Take the Family to the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History
What Is It? Located in the downtown Arts District, this museum features fossils, dinosaurs, models, and lots of other interesting exhibits for the whole family.
Why Do It? This museum offers opportunities to learn about everything from geology to biology, paleontology, anthropology, anatomy, and astronomy. It’s also in the heart of downtown Bakersfield, making it a convenient destination when you’re out sightseeing.
Good to Know: The museum is typically closed Mondays through Wednesdays but opens Thursdays through Saturdays from 10am to 4pm and Sundays from noon to 4pm.
Watch a Race at Kern County Raceway Park
What Is It? The Kern County Raceway Park is a race car track that has a stadium and grandstand for public viewing. There are multiple concession stands at the park and special events held here too.
Why Do It? It’s exciting to see a race here on the dirt track, asphalt track, or moto-x track. Raceway Park is also a great place for people-watching with a local vibe.
Good to Know: The racetrack’s website has a detailed calendar of events posted, so check the site before your trip to see what’s going on here.
Relax at the Park at River Walk
What Is It? Spanning about 32 acres with two lakes connected by a stream, the Park at River Walk is a popular Bakersfield destination. It’s a public park that’s peaceful and next to the local bike trail
Why Do It? This is a relaxing and scenic park to take a break and have a picnic. Family gatherings are fun here because of the shaded areas and BBQ grills.
Good to Know: Dogs are welcome in the park on a leash, and there is a playground for kids at the park too.
Bike Along the Kern River Parkway Trail
What Is It? You can go walking and biking along this trail that is along a nature preserve and the Kern River. There are multiple trails in the area and horseback riding opportunities and a lake nearby too.
Why Do It? Although the trail runs within the Bakersfield city limits, it has a rural vibe and will make you forget you’re even in the city in certain parts. Other areas are more residential and through subdivisions. But wherever you are on the route, you’ll get some great exercise!
Good to Know: The entire bike path is about 30 miles long from Lake Ming to Enos Lane. You can access the trail from several city parks. Parking is available at the parks and at the western trailhead around Manor Street and Enos Lane.
Take a Scenic Drive to See the Farms
What Is It? If the weather isn’t pleasant or you just need some time off your feet, go for a scenic drive around Bakersfield to see the farming areas. You can even plan your drive route to pass by farms you can visit to learn more about them.
Why Do It? Bakersfield is well-known for its agricultural community, so it’s fun to take a scenic drive through the farmlands to see what’s growing and what the local farmers are up to.
Good to Know: Watch your speed and turn on some chill music to relax and enjoy the peaceful scenery on your drive. Most farms aren’t open to tourists though, so don’t stop by anywhere that doesn’t have a sign out front to welcome guests.
