Discover Bakersfield

For your stay in Bakersfield, musical history and cuisine can serve as two clear points of reference: the city was the birthplace of the Bakersfield Sound in the 1950s and 1960s, and Bakersfield is home to the largest concentration of Basque restaurants in the United States. Other visitor interests range from art and history to nature and cycling.

Art and history

The Bakersfield Museum of Art offers art experiences through the exhibition and preservation of works of art. Educational programs, community engagement opportunities and special events are also part of its program. Art is not the only focus: education and community activities also shape what the museum offers.

The Kern County Museum takes a different approach. Historical objects tell stories about life in Kern County. The museum displays thousands of historical and cultural artifacts in more than 56 historic buildings across 16 landscaped areas. If you’re interested in the region’s past, this presentation brings together objects, buildings and landscaped outdoor spaces.

The Bakersfield: A Journey Through Time Historical Trail includes more than 25 stops and leads to historic sites across the city. The trail format focuses on a series of places, while the Kern County Museum presents its themes through artifacts and buildings. This lets you choose between a sequence of historic stops and an experience more focused on collections and museum grounds.

Nature and cycling

The CALM Zoo combines native California wildlife with walk-through outdoor experiences. Education, visitor experiences and conservation connect the zoo to California’s ecosystem. More than 250 animals live at the zoo, and many cannot be released into the wild. This gives conservation a concrete role alongside encounters with the animals.

You can cycle the Kern River Parkway Trail in sections or cover the entire route in one day. There are several free parking lots along the way. You can decide whether to ride individual sections or the full route based on your plans for the day. Check parking conditions before you arrive.

Music, food and wine

The Bakersfield Sound originated in Bakersfield in the 1950s and 1960s. A subgenre of country music, it combines twangy guitars, drums, fiddle and steel guitar. Its classification as a country subgenre and the instruments it features offer a concise musical introduction to the city’s history.

The restaurant scene is another distinctive feature: Bakersfield is home to the largest concentration of Basque restaurants in the United States. Another culinary route is the Bakersfield Kern County Wine Trail. It connects tasting rooms, wine bars and vineyards in designated American Viticultural Areas between Bakersfield and Tehachapi. As participating locations may change, check in advance which stops are available for your visit.

In the broader Kern destination

The broader Kern destination includes other distinct places to visit. Onyx Ranch State Vehicular Recreation Area is in eastern Kern County, next to State Route 14 at the western edge of the Mojave Desert. Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park is open to the public only through guided tours; check tour dates before your trip.

At Red Rock Canyon State Park, Ricardo Campground has 50 basic campsites, drinking water, vault toilets, fire rings and tables. Amenities may change, so it’s a good idea to check before your trip. Recreation at Lake Isabella is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Discover more destinations: Lamont, Lost Hills, Pine Mountain Club, Kernville, Wasco, Ridgecrest, California City, Mckittrick

Go to the broader travel overview: Kern.