11 Things To Do In Bakersfield For A True Taste Of The City

Emily Carter -

Bakersfield isn’t the first city that comes to mind when you think of a California getaway, but maybe it should be. Tucked into the southern end of the Central Valley, this underrated gem blends rich history with soulful music, vibrant food culture, and sprawling natural beauty. It's a place where cowboy boots meet craft beer, and where wildflower trails lead to Basque feasts and honky-tonk nights.

Once known primarily for oil and agriculture, Bakersfield has evolved into a city with stories to tell through its music, museums, landscapes, and locals.

Here’s how to dive deep into Bakersfield and discover its most rewarding experiences.

1. Find Calm at Hart Memorial Park

📍 Location: Hart Park, 10800 Alfred Harrell Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93306

A short drive from downtown, Hart Memorial Park is Bakersfield’s green escape—a peaceful, tree-filled haven where locals come to fish, hike, and breathe a little easier. With over 300 acres of grassy fields, lakes, and gentle trails, it’s the kind of place where families picnic under old sycamores and joggers share paths with meandering geese.

In spring, the park explodes with wildflowers, and the lake becomes a canvas of reflections. Bring a fishing rod, a good book, or just your walking shoes—this is Bakersfield at its most tranquil.

Tip:

Visit in spring for wildflower blooms and mild weather. Bring snacks—there aren’t many food options nearby.

2. Hike Through Wild Beauty at Wind Wolves Preserve

📍 Location: 16019 Maricopa Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93311 (about 30 miles SW of downtown)

Drive 30 minutes southwest and the landscape opens up to Wind Wolves Preserve, a stunning 95,000-acre expanse of protected wilderness. It’s the largest nonprofit nature preserve on the West Coast—and it shows. Picture rolling golden hills, seasonal wildflowers, and trails that seem to stretch to the horizon.

This is where you spot Tule elk or bobcats if you're lucky, and where sunrise hikes reward you with pure silence and sweeping views. Ranger-led tours add context and storytelling to the scenery, perfect for nature lovers who want more than just a walk in the woods.

Tip:

Go early to avoid the heat, especially in summer. Weekends may have free guided hikes—check their website!

3. Wander the Sierra Start of the Pacific Crest Trail at Kennedy Meadows

📍 Location: Kennedy Meadows Rd, Inyokern, CA 93527 (approx. 2.5 hrs northeast of Bakersfield)

To experience the soul of California’s wilderness, head to Kennedy Meadows—a remote, rugged gateway into the Sierra Nevada and a legendary stop for Pacific Crest Trail hikers. For thru-hikers, it's a rite of passage. For the rest of us, it's a place to taste that same freedom.

Hike short trails into the alpine air, explore quiet creeks, or chat with hikers resting up at the rustic general store. It’s raw, refreshing, and unforgettable.

Tip:

Stock up on supplies at the Kennedy Meadows General Store. Cell service is spotty, so download maps offline.

4. Make It a Play Day at Bakersfield’s Camelot Park

📍 Location: 1251 Oak St, Bakersfield, CA 93304

Camelot Park isn’t fancy, but it’s fun—pure, old-school, laugh-until-you’re hoarse kind of fun. Go-karts zip around the track, kids squeal on bumper boats, and mini-golfers try (and usually fail) to sink a hole-in-one.

It’s ideal for families looking for a low-stress, high-energy outing. Bonus: the snack bars and arcade keep everyone happy, and there’s plenty of parking.

Tip:

Go on weekday afternoons to avoid crowds. Great stop if traveling with kids between major activities.

5. Connect with California’s Wildlife at CALM

📍 Location: 10500 Alfred Harrell Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93306

Short for California Living Museum (CALM) is part-zoo, part-rescue center, and part-classroom. Every animal here—from the mountain lions to the owls—has a backstory, often involving injury or rescue.

Stroll shaded paths past native species in naturalistic enclosures, and don’t miss the HolidayLights event in winter—one of the city’s most beloved seasonal traditions. CALM is heartfelt, educational, and quietly moving.

Tip:

Visit during their HolidayLights event in winter for a magical experience, but arrive early—parking fills fast.

6. Time Travel Through Pioneer Life at Kern County Museum

📍 Location: 3801 Chester Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301

Want to know what Bakersfield looked like 100 years ago? Walk into Pioneer Village at the Kern County Museum, where historic buildings—including a one-room schoolhouse and jail—are preserved just as they were.

Costumed interpreters, interactive exhibits, and rotating displays make history feel alive. The oil and agricultural exhibits also help paint a full picture of how the region evolved.

Tip:

Plan for 1.5–2 hours to explore fully. Don't miss Pioneer Village—it's the highlight and mostly outdoors.

7. Go Fossil-Hunting at the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History

📍 Location: 2018 Chester Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301

Right in downtown Bakersfield, this under-the-radar gem houses one of the largest collections of Miocene-era marine fossils in the U.S.—many from nearby Sharktooth Hill.

Kids love the hands-on exhibits; adults love the geeky-cool depth of the displays. From mammoth skulls to Native American tools, the Buena Vista Museum is an unexpected treasure trove for curious minds.

Tip:

Ask about Sharktooth Hill fossils—they’re local and fascinating. Ideal indoor activity for hot days.

8. Catch a Show at the Historic Fox Theater

📍 Location: 2001 H St, Bakersfield, CA 93301

Step inside the Fox Theater, and you're instantly transported to a golden age of glamour and grit. Opened in 1930 as a grand movie palace, this downtown landmark has survived earthquakes, near-demolition, and countless reinventions to remain the cultural heartbeat of Bakersfield.

Today, the Fox isn’t just a performance venue—it’s a piece of living history. The restored Art Deco interiors glow with vintage charm, from the velvet seats to the starlit ceiling. Whether you're catching a rock concert, a touring Broadway show, or a nostalgic film screening, every performance here feels special.

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The programming is as eclectic as Bakersfield itself—expect everything from symphony nights to stand-up comedy, indie films to mariachi bands. Locals dress up. Out-of-towners are welcomed like regulars. And when the lights dim, there’s a shared sense that something magical is about to happen.

Tip:

Book tickets in advance, especially for big-name acts. Grab dinner downtown beforehand—24th Street Café is a solid local pick.

9. Shop, Stroll, and Recharge at Valley Plaza Mall

📍 Location: 2701 Ming Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93304

If you're looking to cool off, catch a flick, or just unwind indoors for a while, Valley Plaza Mall is Bakersfield’s go-to destination. It’s the largest shopping center in the region and offers more than just retail therapy—it’s a microcosm of the city’s evolving style and social scene.

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Inside, you'll find a solid mix of national brands, department stores, and local boutiques. Need to update your travel wardrobe? Grab gifts? Replace your lost sunglasses? It's all here. There's also a large AMC theater, which makes it easy to slide into a movie between meals or shopping sprees.

The food court and full-service dining spots give you options whether you want a quick bite or a sit-down meal with friends. And since Bakersfield summers can be scorchers, the mall becomes a comfortable, air-conditioned hub for families and travelers alike. It might not be a “bucket list” destination, but when you need an afternoon indoors, it delivers.

Tip:

Best place for AC during hot afternoons. The AMC Theatres here often run matinee discounts.

10. Beat the Heat at McMurtrey Aquatic Center

📍 Location: 1325 Q St, Bakersfield, CA 93301

Let’s face it: Central Valley summers don’t mess around. When the sun's relentless, McMurtrey Aquatic Center becomes a local oasis. This city-run water complex is where kids learn to swim, teens race down water slides, and parents finally sit down and relax in the shade.

The Olympic-sized pool draws lap swimmers and fitness buffs, while the recreational zone—with its curly slides, splash features, and shallow play areas—caters to younger visitors and families. It’s affordable, clean, and staffed with attentive lifeguards, making it one of Bakersfield’s most reliable warm-weather escapes.

The center also hosts seasonal events like dive-in movie nights, where you can float in the pool while watching a film under the stars—a uniquely Bakersfield twist on summer fun. Whether you're visiting with kids or just need to cool off, McMurtrey brings the splash without the chaos.

Tip:

Bring your own towel and flip-flops. Check their calendar for dive-in movie nights during summer.

11. Immerse Yourself in Art at the Bakersfield Museum of Art

📍 Location: 1930 R St, Bakersfield, CA 93301

The Bakersfield Museum of Art (BMoA) might surprise you with the depth of creativity it holds inside. It’s not massive, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in thoughtful curation and a strong sense of place.

Inside, you'll find rotating exhibitions featuring both emerging and established artists, with a strong focus on California’s Central Valley and its creative voices. Expect a mix of media—from paintings and photography to experimental installations that challenge and inspire. And because the museum changes exhibits regularly, there’s always something fresh to see.

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Step outside, and the experience continues in the Tejon Ranch Sculpture Garden, where large-scale sculptures interact with native trees and peaceful pathways. BMoA also runs engaging programming, including workshops, artist talks, and free family days that make the arts feel accessible and fun.

It’s the kind of museum where you linger longer than expected—and leave feeling a little more connected to Bakersfield’s soulful, creative undercurrent.

Tip:

Pair your visit with a stroll in Central Park next door. Many exhibits rotate, so check ahead for current shows.

Conclusion

Bakersfield may fly under the radar, but that’s part of its magic. This Central Valley city surprises with its deep musical roots, welcoming community, and a landscape that stretches from river trails to rolling hills and forested escapes.

It offers the kind of travel experience that feels personal, a little unexpected, and ultimately unforgettable. Whether you're passing through or planning a stay, it’s well worth slowing down and digging in. Chances are, you’ll leave with more than just great memories—you’ll leave with stories.

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FAQ

1. What unique musical experience does Bakersfield offer?

Bakersfield is renowned for the Bakersfield Sound, a genre that revolutionized country music in the 1950s and 60s. Visitors can delve into this musical history by checking out live performances in venues across the city or exploring museums dedicated to the Bakersfield Sound, celebrating the legacy of local legends.

2. Can I find any special culinary experiences in Bakersfield?

Yes, Bakersfield offers a unique culinary journey, especially famous for its Basque food, a nod to the city's significant Basque community. Enjoy traditional dishes in local Basque restaurants, offering a taste of this distinct cuisine rarely found elsewhere in the United States.

3. Are there opportunities to explore agriculture and fresh produce in Bakersfield?

Absolutely. Situated in one of the largest agricultural areas in the world, Bakersfield hosts several farmers markets, such as the Haggin Oaks and Riverlakes Farmers Markets. These markets are perfect for discovering the fresh, local produce that defines the region's bounty.