Family Road Trip Adventure: 4 Days in Bakersfield
Discover family fun in the heart of Bakersfield, where excitement and memories await!
19 July 2023
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
Bakersfield, located in California's sunny San Joaquin Valley, offers the perfect destination for a family-friendly trip. With its abundance of outdoor activities, families can enjoy exploring the breathtaking scenery of the nearby Sequoia National Forest or have a fantastic day of fun at the popular Camelot Park, featuring thrilling rides and mini-golf. Additionally, Bakersfield's vibrant downtown area is filled with museums, theaters, and delicious dining options, ensuring everyone in the family will have an unforgettable trip.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information

- Hop in your trusty family wagon and embark on a thrilling road trip to Bakersfield!
- Check into the charming and family-friendly Hotel Pizzazz, where the welcoming staff will make you feel like celebrities.
- Dive into the Kern County Museum, where history comes to life with interactive exhibits and a stunning outdoor Pioneer Village.
- Satisfy your hunger at Buck Owen's Crystal Palace, a country music honky-tonk with delicious Southern comfort food and toe-tapping entertainment.
- Take a leisurely stroll through the scenic Gardens of Bakersfield, filled with vibrant blooms and secret hidden paths.
- Fuel up with a scrumptious breakfast at Biscuit Elegance, a quirky spot where buttery biscuits are treated like royalty.
- Immerse yourself in the colorful world of art at the Bakersfield Museum of Art, featuring captivating exhibitions that will leave you inspired.
- Test your puzzle-solving skills at Bakersfield Escape Room, where your family will bond as you work together to escape a thrilling scenario.
- Recharge at the breathtaking Hart Memorial Park, where the air smells of adventure and kids can let loose on the playground and splash pads.
- Wrap up the day with an unforgettable dining experience at Luigi's Family Restaurant, a local gem serving mouthwatering pasta dishes that would make Nonna proud.
- Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at The Barnyard, a charming farm-to-table eatery adorned with rustic charm and fluffy pancakes.
- Embark on an epic Wild West adventure at the Buckaroos of Bakersfield, where your little ones can ride ponies, pan for gold, and learn lasso skills.
- Discover the intriguing world of reptiles and amphibians at the California Living Museum, home to over 250 species in a beautifully curated setting.
- Refuel with a delightful meal at the Westchester Bowl café, where indulging in a burger and fries becomes an art form.
- Cap off the day with a drive-in movie at the legendary Bakersfield Swap Meet, snuggling up in your car with popcorn as cinematic magic fills the night sky.
- Savor a delectable breakfast at Milt's Coffee Shop, where the coffee flows as freely as the laughter.
- Take a leisurely hike through the scenic trails of Kern River Parkway, crossing charming bridges and waving to the gentle ducks along the way.
- Indulge in retail therapy at the Valley Plaza Mall, a shopaholic's paradise with a plethora of stores and a vibrant atmosphere.
- Treat yourselves to a memorable lunch at Café Med, where Mediterranean flavors dance on your taste buds and the atmosphere transports you to a European getaway.
- Bid adieu to Bakersfield with a sweet treat from Dewar's Candy Shop, where homemade ice cream and famous taffy will leave you drooling long after you've departed.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Bakersfield by plane is to fly into Meadows Field Airport (BFL) which is located about 7 miles north-west of the city. Major airlines like United, American or Delta provide daily flights to BFL from major cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Denver or Phoenix.
Car
Bakersfield is easily accessible via major highways like Interstate 5 or 99. If you're driving from San Francisco or Los Angeles, you can reach Bakersfield by taking Interstate 5 which passes through the western part of the city. Alternatively, you can take Highway 99 which connects Sacramento, Fresno, and Bakersfield.
Train
Unfortunately, there is no train station in Bakersfield. The nearest Amtrak stations are located in Fresno and Los Angeles.
Boat
Since Bakersfield is landlocked and there are no ports nearby, boat transportation isn't an option for this destination.
Bus
You can reach Bakersfield by bus by taking greyhound bus services which operate from different cities across California like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Fresno or Sacramento. The Greyhound station is located at 1820 18th St, Bakersfield, CA 93301.