Bakersfield Beat: A Culture and Nature Day Trip

Discover the vibrant charm of Bakersfield.

22 April 2023

Bakersfield, known as the "Country Music Capital of the West Coast," offers a perfect destination for tourists seeking a blend of nature and culture. Visitors can explore the vast Kern River Valley or stroll through downtown to admire the street art and historical buildings. The city also boasts impressive museums, such as the Kern County Museum and Buena Vista Museum of Natural History.

Day trip plan

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Day

Bakersfield Bliss

  • Kick off the day with a hearty breakfast at The Broken Yolk Café where their massive omelets and breakfast burritos are sure to satisfy all appetites.
  • Burn off breakfast with a scenic hike at the Kern River Parkway Trail where you'll traverse a picturesque landscape dotted with wildflowers and native plants.
  • Take in some local culture at the Bakersfield Museum of Art, where you'll find a diverse collection of paintings and sculptures that reflect the unique spirit of the Central Valley.
  • Indulge your love of vintage automobiles at the famous Kern County Raceway Park where you can witness high-speed races and get up close and personal with classic cars.
  • Treat yourself to a mouth-watering dinner at Woolgrowers Restaurant where their signature dish, the Basque-style lamb, is not to be missed. Wash it down with a glass of their house sangria for the perfect meal.
  • Catch a live show or concert at Buck Owens' Crystal Palace, a truly unique venue that combines music and dining for a one-of-a-kind experience.

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.

More travel plans

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Experience Bakersfield's Best in 5 Days

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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.

4 Days of Fun in Bakersfield, California

Bakersfield is located in the southern part of California and is known for its scenic views and rich history. Tourists can explore the city's music heritage by visiting Buck Owens' Crystal Palace or go for a hike in the nearby mountains, such as Kern River Canyon. Bakersfield is also home to a variety of authentic Mexican cuisine, making it a great destination for food lovers.