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.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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.

Destination

Bakersfield

Bakersfield - where the heat is as sizzling as the local BBQ and the accents are as thick as the pancakes at breakfast diners. Don't be surprised if you leave with a newfound love for country music and cowboy boots.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Bakersfield in 3 Days: Budget-Friendly Family Fun!

Bakersfield, located in the southern part of California, offers a fantastic family-friendly trip with its wide array of attractions and activities. Enjoy a day at the California Living Museum, where kids can admire and learn about native wildlife, or head to Murray Family Farms for a fun-filled day of fruit picking, hayrides, and animal encounters. Explore the stunning Kern River Parkway, perfect for bike rides and picnics, and make sure to visit the Kern County Museum for a history lesson in the region's rich heritage.

Bakersfield Bonanza: 5 Days of Family Fun

Bakersfield, located in California's Central Valley, offers a fantastic family-friendly trip with an abundance of attractions and activities. Explore the captivating exhibits in the California Living Museum, where you can witness diverse wildlife up close, or indulge in fun-filled water adventures at the popular McMurtrey Aquatic Center. Additionally, enjoy quality family time at the scenic Murray Family Farms, where you can pick your own fruits, have thrilling hayrides, and savor delicious homemade treats.

A Romantic Day Trip to Bakersfield, California

Bakersfield, located in central California, is a perfect destination for a romantic trip. Couples can enjoy long drives on scenic routes, explore local wineries, and indulge in delicious farm-to-table cuisine. The city also offers a variety of cultural attractions such as galleries, theaters, and museums to add to your itinerary.

Bakersfield on a Budget: A Day Trip Guide

Bakersfield, located in the southern part of California, is a city known for its agricultural industry and oil production. Despite being a smaller city, there are many budget-friendly activities to enjoy such as hiking in the nearby mountains or visiting local museums. Additionally, there are numerous affordable dining options, including authentic Mexican cuisine and classic American diners.