Bakersfield on a Budget: 5 Days of Fun

Discover Bakersfield's hidden gems while sticking to your budget.

21 June 2023

Exploring Bakersfield on a budget can be a delight for visitors who want to enjoy the city's cultural scene and natural beauty without breaking the bank. From free museums and parks to affordable eats and hotels, this city in California offers plenty of opportunities for budget-conscious travelers. Whether you want to hike in the Sierra Nevada mountains or enjoy some live music at a local bar, Bakersfield has something to offer for every taste and budget.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Finding Our Bearings in Bakersfield

Arrive at the Country Inn & Suites by Carlson, clean and cozy with friendly staff
Grab breakfast at the nearby Jamba Juice, fresh smoothies and breakfast bowls
Explore the Kern County Museum, step back in time with historic buildings and interesting exhibits
Lunch at the Noriega Hotel, a Bakersfield landmark with delicious Mexican food
Check out the Rabobank Arena, catch a hockey game, concert or show
Dinner at Salty's BBQ & Catering, finger-licking-good ribs and sides

Day 2

Nature's Playground

Start the day with a hike in the nearby Sequoia National Forest, breathtaking views of towering trees
Stop for lunch at Nelda's Diner, a classic 50s-style diner with hearty burgers and milkshakes
Head to the California Living Museum, see native animals up close and personal
Stop by Lake Ming, rent kayaks or paddleboards for a fun afternoon on the water
Dinner at the fabulous sushi spot, Hodel's, fresh and tasty seafood and sushi rolls

Day 3

Arts and Culture

Check out the Bakersfield Museum of Art, featuring both contemporary and traditional works
Grab lunch at Mexicali, an old-school taco shop with fantastic burritos
Visit the Fox Theater, a beautifully restored landmark with concerts and movie screenings
Take a stroll through the calming Japanese Garden, serene and tranquil
Dinner at Luigi's Restaurant, authentic Italian food with a cozy atmosphere

Day 4

Shopping and Local Eats

Peruse the Valley Plaza Mall, home to over 140 stores for all your shopping needs
Stop for lunch at Woolworth's Diner, a classic lunch counter with tasty sandwiches and fries
Visit the Kern County Fairgrounds, catch a rodeo or come for the annual fair
Stop by Dewar's Candy Shop, indulge in old-fashioned candy and ice cream
Dinner at Uricchio's Trattoria, a local favorite with delicious homemade pasta dishes

Day 5

Exploring Downtown Bakersfield

Check out the historic Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, with fossils and minerals from the area
Grab lunch at Luigi's Sandwich Palace, tasty deli sandwiches made with local ingredients
Head to the Kern County Library, a beautiful building with a vast collection of books
End the day with a stroll through the bustling downtown district, with local shops and restaurants
Dinner at Pyrenees Cafe, delicious Basque cuisine with large portions and friendly service.

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Type of trip

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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.