Location: Bakersfield
Top Things to do in Bakersfield
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What to do and see in Bakersfield, California (CA): The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day
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. Puzzle Effect
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 43 reviews
Now offering Virtual Escape Games! What if your favorite board game came to life? Imagine a completely immersive room filled with puzzles, clues, and riddles, and one hour on the clock. No phones, no distractions. Just unexpected twists, scenery that transports you, and that feeling of accomplishment when you solve a puzzle (or maybe the whole room!). Puzzle Effect is your new entertainment obsession. Escape rooms are perfect for new friends, old friends, family, date nights, birthday celebrations, and even team building. Book your adventure today!
Reviewed By F6915FSshannona - Sacramento, United States
Went here with the family. Had no Idea what to expect. Everyone found a clue and they were involved. We didn't make it in the allotted time but it was so much fun. The gamemaster or whatever he is called gave us clues that really made you think. But we did a lot of work on our own and made good progress. The ages of our group was 53, 44, 33, 11, 9 & 6. We did the Crimson Storm room. I can't wait to go back and try the other rooms.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. California Fruit Depot
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71 reviews
Reviewed By MarilynB1313 - Gustavus, United States
We're staying at the RV Park just around the corner from California Fruit Depot, which is within easy walking distance. It is well worth the quick stop off Highway 58 (which connects Bakersfield to Barstow) if you happen to be passing by. The young woman at the register could not have been more personable and you can sample almost everything before purchasing. They specialize in oranges and dates that they grow but also offer other yummies. They have dried fruits and vegetables, stuffed olives, nuts, trail mixes, candy, specialty sauces and my new favorite-Atomic Frog Balls. They're spicy/dilly marinated brussel sprouts with jalapeños, garlic, "secret spices" and red pepper flakes--zippety doo da!!
6. Maya Cinema Bakersfield 16
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By Culture59981068818 - Bakersfield, United States
Very clean lobby and theater, well maintained bathrooms, comfortable seats. Every seat is a good one!
7. Rabobank Arena, Theater & Convention Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 157 reviews
Reviewed By 361pam93312 - Bakersfield, United States
This theater/arena is centrally located in downtown Bakersfield. I visited the theater recently. First was The Nutcracker Ballet followed by the Willy Nelson and Family concert and finally The Kern County Schools Honors bands concert this week. The viewing is good from all the seats. The sound quality is excellent. The employees are very courteous and helpful if you need assistance. Parking is across the street in pay parking lot or behind the facility. Highly recommend this theater venue for any of the shows and concerts.
8. Bakersfield Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 30 reviews
Accredited art museum with exhibits rotating three times per year; education programs for children, teens, and adults; lots of special events. Also holds many weddings and other events.
9. Studio Movie Grill (Bakersfield)
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By luterl2018 - Bakersfield, United States
We have visited Studio Movie Grill several times since it opened. It's nice to select your seat ahead of time and awesome to eat there also! We have had a meal every time we saw a movie. All but one of the meals were very good.. Hubby loves the bagel dogs and we both love the margarita pizza. The salads are also great. The servers are usually very friendly and prompt. If you live in the northwest part of Bakersfield i highly reccommend it!
10. Reading Cinemas Valley Plaza 16
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 17 reviews
