Location: Bakersfield
Top Things to do in Bakersfield
Countries
10 Things to do in Bakersfield That You Shouldn't Miss
Bakersfield is a city in and the county seat of Kern County, California, United States. It covers about 142 square miles (370 km) near the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley and the Central Valley region. Bakersfield's population is approximately 365,000, making it the ninth-most populous city in California and the 52nd-most populous city in the nation. The Bakersfield–Delano Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes all of Kern County, had a 2010 census population of 839,631, making it the 62nd largest metropolitan area in the United States. The more built-up urban area that includes Bakersfield and areas immediately around the city, such as East Bakersfield, Oildale and Rosedale, has a population of approximately 464,000. Bakersfield is a charter city.
Restaurants in Bakersfield
1. Buena Vista Museum of Natural History
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By MistyD103 - Huntsville, United States
This small museum is located in an older building off of Chester Ave, but it is full of great exhibits! The first floor has models (some may be taxidermy) of animals from Africa and a few local critters too, a great shark exhibit with various shark jaws and fossils, fossils from now extinct critters that once roamed the area, and a few other neat fossils. The second floor has fabulous gem and mineral exhibits, dinosaurs and fossils, and an exhibit on Native Americans from the area. The basement level is a fun hands on area for children with biology exhibits ranging from invertibrates to human anatomy. The entire museum is a lot of neat stuff nicely arranged in a small unassuming space, and is well worth a couple of hours to visit.
2. The Gaslight Theatre & Music Hall
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By 26sherig - Stockton, United States
Went with two other couples on a Saturday night. Place was packed, so clearly a popular destination. The performance was a hoot, great singing, hilarious characterizations, really fun energy in the cast and audience. They really bring the audience into the experience also. Definitely recommend for date night, friends night out, just for a good time any old time.
3. Kern County Raceway Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By 495armandos - Bakersfield, United States
Excellent venue for the Spears Southwest Tour. Great view of the track, no matter where to pick. RV Parking available to watch also available. Modern clean easy to get to, right off I-5, 20/30 minutes southwest of Bakersfield. Food and beverage choices excellent.
4. Central Park Antique Mall
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
We have one of the largest antique malls in Bakersfield, CA. *Antiques *Vintage *Clothing *Shabby Chic *Collectibles *Painted Furniture We have it all!
5. Faith Baptist Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Faith Baptist Church is a Bible believing church that is focused on loving God and loving people. All are welcome and everyone can find a place to belong at this church!
6. The Great Central Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
The area located in the middle of California, marked by San Joaquin to the south and Sacramento to the north.
Reviewed By J8922ZWjackg - Bakersfield, United States
Very diverse agricultural, economic and environment for wildlife. Much of nations food supply and Kern County is largest oil producer in state. Flora and fauna of all types available for viewing
7. Buck Owens' Crystal Palace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 552 reviews
Combination, Steakhouse, theater and a museum housing memorabilia spanning Buck Owens' 40 year career in country music.
Reviewed By jenedc2016 - Santa Rosa, United States
Bakersfield, the "Nashville of the West, is known for the Bakersfield Sound branch of American Country Music, in contrast to the different style of Nashville and this is an important aspect of the culture of Bakersfield. Buck Owens was one of the first and most important musicians of this style and in the 1990s he opened this large, fanciful-Western building which serves as music venue, restaurant, night club, and museum of all things related to Buck Owens. There is good food, great country music and line dancing, and the central area is lined with cases displaying Buck Owens memorabilia - his suits, guitars, photos, numerous other items giving detailed history of them. There are statues in the lobby area of Buck and other country greats. Over the back of the bar in the centre is a customized Pontiac belonging to Buck (the car was supposedly previously owned by Elvis Presley before Buck won it in a card game but there is a dispute about that and a different version says that this was one of a handful of cars customized in the same way, of which one was for Elvis but Elvis never took possession of it and Buck then obtained it). If you love country music, then this would definitely be a highlight of a visit to the area, but even if you don't, you should still visit this place to get the full Bakersfield experience and either way this is a must-see place in town.
8. Kern County Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 272 reviews
Reviewed By 948phyllisw
My daughter and I had a great time seeing the historic homes/businesses and oil industry exhibition displayed at the Kern County Museum. I thought the way it was set up, where you view the exterior of structures while peaking inside through window viewing areas, was very clever. During the current pandemic times, it is a great place to visit, since all activities are outdoors.
9. Fox Theater
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
Reviewed By sahara283
The theater is so original, i've reaaly had a great time enjoying a country concert while i was on a visit around california. The staff is really helpful and nice.
10. California Area Living Museum (CALM)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 288 reviews
Reviewed By jfandslsanchez2012 - Bakersfield, United States
The Christmas Lights At Calm are a Fabulous sight to see! Would be a Great Family Night Activity for all Ages!
