Bakersfield

Travel Guide
Bakersfield
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

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Downtown Bakersfield

If you're spending some time in Downtown Bakersfield, Mechanics Bank Arena and Fox Theater are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Bakersfield
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Wheeler Ridge

Shopping and restaurants are notable features of Wheeler Ridge. You might consider stopping by Outlets at Tejon while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Wheeler Ridge
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Rosedale

You might make a stop by Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall while you're exploring Rosedale.

Rosedale
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West Park Community

4/5(1 area review)

West Park Community might not have many top sights, but Buck Owens Crystal Palace and Fox Theater are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

West Park Community
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Oleander - Sunset

3.5/5(2 area reviews)

Though Oleander - Sunset may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Mechanics Bank Arena and Kern County Fairgrounds.

Oleander - Sunset
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Oildale

While there might not be top attractions in Oildale, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Kern County Museum and Buck Owens Crystal Palace.

Oildale
Hourglass Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
Hourglass Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
3 out of 5
2400 Camino Del Rio Court, Bakersfield, CA
The price is €117 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
€117
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Bakersfield. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,109 reviews)
"Balcony"

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Hourglass Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bakersfield
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bakersfield
4 out of 5
3100 Camino Del Rio Ct, Bakersfield, CA
The price is €121 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
€121
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Bakersfield. Enjoy free parking, breakfast, and internet. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,015 reviews)
"Clean"

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bakersfield
The Padre Hotel
The Padre Hotel
3.5 out of 5
1702 18th St, Bakersfield, CA
The price is €136 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
€136
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,008 reviews)
"We love history and staying in an old historic hotel is always a treat. The Farmacy Restaurant for breakfast was great. The Brimstone Restaurant serves great food but the music was way too loud. Room was nice but finishes are starting to look dated. all in all, a good experience."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

The Padre Hotel
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.
Hidden Gem Pool | Game Room
Hidden Gem Pool | Game Room
Bakersfield
Stay at this vacation home in Bakersfield. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and barbecue grills. Popular attractions Links at Riverlakes Ranch Golf Course and Buck ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
Quick Family Reunion
"Exactly what was advertised. Jesse, the property manager, was super responsive to questions about how to operate appliances and other minor informational needs. Plan to rent the house again."

Reviewed on 24 Nov 2023

Hidden Gem Pool | Game Room
A beautiful 3 bedrooms 2 Living rooms and 2  bathrooms
A beautiful 3 bedrooms 2 Living rooms and 2 bathrooms
Bakersfield
Stay at this vacation home in Bakersfield. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Valley Plaza Mall and Icardo Center are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (20 reviews)
Great Stay!!!
"The property was great. It had everything that needed. I wish the pool was heated but still an amazing stay."

Reviewed on 28 Feb 2024

A beautiful 3 bedrooms 2 Living rooms and 2 bathrooms
Peaceful Lakefront house -5 min away from Golf Course
Peaceful Lakefront house -5 min away from Golf Course
Bakersfield
Stay at this vacation home in Bakersfield. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Links at Riverlakes Ranch Golf Course and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
Great location and home layout
"We enjoyed our visit and the bed types were perfect for our group"

Reviewed on 20 Mar 2024

Peaceful Lakefront house -5 min away from Golf Course
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
2
" "5 - Excellent 10.526315789473685%
4 - Good
8
" "4 - Good 42.10526315789474%
3 - Okay
9
" "3 - Okay 47.36842105263158%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
29 Sep 2019

Only stayed on the outskirts so no comment to make about the town.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
21 May 2019

We didn’t explore, it was a pit stop