Things to do & places to visit in Bakersfield, California, United States

Bakersfield city in California, United States. Timezone: America/Los_Angeles, current date and time: Friday, May 03, 2024, 10:00.

Top things to do (24)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Puzzle Effect - Bakersfield (99 reviews)
- Amnesia
Friday: 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

Now offering Virtual Escape Games! What if your favorite board game came to life? Imagine a completely immersive room filled with puzzles, clues, and riddles, and one hour on the clock. No phones, no distractions. Just unexpected twists, scenery that transports you, and that feeling of accomplishment when you solve a puzzle (or maybe the whole room!). Puzzle Effect is your new entertainment obsession. Escape rooms are perfect for new friends, old friends, family, date nights, birthday celebrations, and even team building. Book your adventure today! See more..
5.0 Kern County Raceway Park (28 reviews)
- one of the finest race tracks
Spent More than 3 hours Auto Racing Tracks

My family has been going to the track for the last five years. We have been going to the SRL race in February. We have seen some of the finest cars in the country come out to this race. Kyle bush has attend this race and many top nascar stars. Very fast track. Family friendly. We have camped out the last two years at the track with many other spectators and had a great time. We even had somebody from the track stop by our camp fire and have a beer with us.The weather did play havoc on the the racing in 2019 but we are still looking to come back in 2020. WE will see you there. See more..
5.0 The Gaslight Theatre & Music Hall (16 reviews)
- Always A Fun Time
Friday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Theaters

A couple of friends and I just went to the Melodarama. We've been coming here for years. We used to go when it was in Oildale on China Grade Loop. We always enjoy the shows and Always have fun. So much so, we all bought Season Tickets. Good family fun also. Thank you Melodrama for great, clean entertainment. See more..
5.0 Central Park Antique Mall (2 reviews)
- Next Level Thrifting!
Friday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Antique Shops

We have one of the largest antique malls in Bakersfield, CA. *Antiques *Vintage *Clothing *Shabby Chic *Collectibles *Painted Furniture We have it all! See more..
5.0 Cricklewood Secret Garden (1 review)
- Garden will whisk you away!
Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Gardens

If you drive fast, you may not even notice this hidden gem. Thankfully I stopped to see what Cricklewood was. It’s such a beautiful garden that seems to go on and on. You will definitely feel as if you have stumbled upon a coastal garden somewhere near the beach...but nope, it’s Bakersfield. There are so many lovely plants and fountains and the staff is very friendly. I bought a few new plants for the house but even if you just browse, it’s totally worth a stop. I will come back just for the tranquility and beauty of the space. See more..
5.0 Faith Baptist Church (1 review)
- Awesome church experience
Spent < 1 hour Religious Sites

Faith Baptist Church is a Bible believing church that is focused on loving God and loving people. All are welcome and everyone can find a place to belong at this church! See more..
4.5 Buck Owens' Crystal Palace (559 reviews)
- Great country hangout
Friday: 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums

Combination, Steakhouse, theater and a museum housing memorabilia spanning Buck Owens' 40 year career in country music. See more..
4.5 California Living Museum (CALM) (292 reviews)
- Glad we stopped
Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Zoos

Happened on this place late on a chilly damp Sunday afternoon. An hour was just barely enough to see everything (allow more time with kids). It’s an unusual “zoo” because it only has injured native animals and birds. So cool to see condors and owls and a porcupine. See more..
4.5 Kern County Museum (279 reviews)
- Historical visit
Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM History Museums

Amazing museum and worth a visit cost $10. It takes you back to the 1800s and 1900s era, how people lived in terms of their migration to Bakerfield, their homes, their clothes, their tools, their furniture, their jobs, and their means of transportation. The museum is outdoor and built in the shape of a replicants neighborhood. Walking around the museum, you feel as if you are living in that era. It takes two hours or more to complete it. See more..
4.5 Fox Theater (127 reviews)
- Flix international movies series
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Theaters

Love the Fox Theatre, the ambiance and management are great . The international movie series is amazing. See more..
4.5 Buena Vista Museum of Natural History (39 reviews)
- Off the beaten path
History Museums

We absolutely enjoyed our visit to the Buena Vista Museum. Because the museum is so small, you can get up close and intimate with the exhibits, which makes the experience so much the better. Museums like this definitely deserve our support—where else can you learn so much about the natural history of Bakersfield? See more..
4.5 The Great Central Valley (26 reviews)
- Incredible place to drive through, from arable farming to oil wells
Valleys

The area located in the middle of California, marked by San Joaquin to the south and Sacramento to the north. See more..
4.5 Stars Theatre Restaurant (17 reviews)
- Best lunch restaurant
Theaters
I go to Stars about once a month, but I used to go every other week (with coupons). I love their special board, their Friday Clam Chowder and best of all, the hamburger without the bun. Their french fries are the best in town. See more..
4.5 Weedpatch Camp (12 reviews)
- Visit but call first
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Officially known as the Arvin Federal Government Camp, the migrant worker center was most notably featured in John Steinbeck's novel The Grapes of Wrath. This camp was a government rescue center for distressed migrant workers fleeing the Oklahoma Dust Bowl during the Great Depression. Various scenes from the 1940 film adaptation of the novel were filmed at the camp. The camp still aids migrants today. Tours with a presentation are available by contacting Sharon Garrison at 661-431-9418. On the National Register of Historic Places. From Bakersfield: (20 minutes, 16 miles) Take Highway 99 south. Turn left to merge onto Bakersfield Tehachapi Hwy/CA-58 E. Take the Weedpatch Hwy/CA-184 exit toward Lamont. Turn right at CA-184 S/Weedpatch Hwy. Turn left at Sunset Blvd. Community center is on right. 8301 Sunset Blvd Lamont, CA 93241 See more..
4.5 Merry Go Round Antique Mall (4 reviews)
- Lots to see!
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Antique Shops
We had a fun day perusing this store and I’m confident we didn’t see half of it! We will purpose to come back. See more..
4.0 Murray Family Farms, The Big Red Barn (250 reviews)
- Stop, stretch and maybe buy something.
Friday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Farms

We're a family owned farm that grows the worlds tastiest fruit, but The Big Red Barn is special - really special! We opened these barn doors to give regular folk the opportunity to experience real farm life. Delicious farm fresh food inside, games and rides outside, and the kindest darn farmhands you'll ever meet. If you've ever visited, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for supporting our family, and Bakersfield! See more..
4.0 Rabobank Arena, Theater & Convention Center (157 reviews)
- Mechanics/Rabobank Theater
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Convention Centers

This theater/arena is centrally located in downtown Bakersfield. I visited the theater recently. First was The Nutcracker Ballet followed by the Willy Nelson and Family concert and finally The Kern County Schools Honors bands concert this week. The viewing is good from all the seats. The sound quality is excellent. The employees are very courteous and helpful if you need assistance. Parking is across the street in pay parking lot or behind the facility. Highly recommend this theater venue for any of the shows and concerts. See more..
4.0 The Park at River Walk (64 reviews)
- Great family park
Parks

This park is getting 5 stars, but it's certainly not because of the beautiful River. April 2021, zero water in the River. but this is a beautiful green space with some nice picnic tables and public bathrooms. There are some swings for the kids, and for adults. Great place to have a family get-together. See more..
4.0 Peacocks at Hart Park (54 reviews)
- River, ponds and cranes too!
Parks

Love how you can go down to the river and see the fish swimming around. So crystal clear! We had to put our feet in. Loved the cranes. Have to go back and see the peacocks next time we are in town. See more..
4.0 Bakersfield Museum of Art (30 reviews)
- Intimate
Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Art Museums

Accredited art museum with exhibits rotating three times per year; education programs for children, teens, and adults; lots of special events. Also holds many weddings and other events. See more..
4.0 Kern River Parkway Trail (29 reviews)
- Always fun
Hiking Trails

This is Bakersfield’s staple bike riding trail. Long vast trail with much to see. In certain areas you do have to be cautious of people walking the trail with their families and/or dogs but for the most part they are considerate of people on bikes. See more..
4.0 McMurtry Aquatic Center (18 reviews)
- Great FuN!
Friday: 5:30 AM - 7:30 AM, 9:15 AM - 12:45 PM Sports Complexes

City of Bakersfield Parks & Recreation public pool. See more..
4.0 Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area (6 reviews)
- Fantastic
Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

Traveling in December has many advantages. One is the availability of camp sites and the other is the scarcity of people. Both combined to provide us with an exceptional experience here. We had a campsite along and facing the lake with no one immediately next to or across from us. The site is laid out so that water front sites are pull through and positioned parallel to the lake so you can more easily enjoy the water view. Which we did for sunset and sunrise. We heard the hoot of owls at night and enjoyed several strolls during our too short stay. The check in was competent and by a service oriented and friendly attendant. Showers were okay but beware of the sand blast of water that hits you. Move your clothes or they'll get blasted and your shoes will fill with water. Showers are free. All totaled, this was a top notch stay. Enjoy! See more..
4.0 Kern River State Park (5 reviews)
- Absolutely gorgeous park.
State Parks • Bodies of Water

We stayed at this park for a week before returning home to Canada this March. It is in a gorgeous setting along the river, with lot's of grass, and walking paths. There is a lake above it which has also a walking path around it. The park host Gil is a wonderful man who does a very good job of looking after the park and campers. There are no hook-ups, but there is a dump site. See more..
3.5 Sam Lynn Ballpark (15 reviews)
- Enjoyed the game
Spent 2-3 hours Arenas & Stadiums

Old historic ballpark where you are right on top of the action. Really a nice homey atmosphere. No fancy frills, level of competition is lacking but a nice way to spend an evening. See more..
3.5 The Metro Galleries (7 reviews)
- Sad to say...
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Dinner with wedding party after nuptials. Started off OK, sat at my table only to have the folding chair collapse beneath me, sending me to the floor, hitting my head on the table behind me. Emailed the President/Creative Director, no response. Telephoned...no response. Well, I just hope someone else doesn't experience the same, or worse. See more..
3.5 Unity Church (4 reviews)
- Great church.
Religious Sites

See more..
3.5 Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary (3 reviews)
- Birthday lunch
Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Cemeteries

Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary has served Bakersfield and surrounding area families since its founding in 1962. As a proud member of the Dignity Memorial® network of funeral, cremation and cemetery service providers, we are devoted to exceeding expectations and providing a standard of service that is 100 percent guaranteed. Occupying approximately 80 acres, our beautiful facility offers a comforting environment featuring rolling hills, numerous trees, a variety of flowers, and peaceful ponds and fountains offering a serene and calm setting. Other features include a spacious chapel and several memorials, monuments and personalized benches. Ours is the only memorial park in the Bakersfield area to offer private family estate gardens. Private estates offer intimate exclusivity in which customization and custom landscapes provide a highly personal resting place. Our private estate garden is located in the court of our Serenity Cremation Garden, which also features a beautiful fountain and a courtyard of brick niches where those selecting cremation may have a personal resting place. Our private estates and cremation gardens are adjacent to our Chapel Mausoleum and our newly created Pavilion staging area where families may have their services as well as private family receptions. We also take great pride in honoring active duty military and veterans by assisting families and the armed forces with our expertise in traditional military honors. Our Hill of Valor specifically honors veterans, members of the armed forces and their family and friends, and features an upright monument display of all the branches of service along with their flags. To further assist families, we provide the convenience of both funeral and burial services in one location, as well as a highly professional staff with Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking capabilities. Our caring staff is well-versed in helping families with a present need, as well as those who choose to prearrange their services... See more..
3.0 Valley Plaza Mall (12 reviews)
- Big average mall.
Shopping Malls

We chose to stop at Valley Plaza Mall on our trip from San Francisco to Las Vegas because it was midway and it was one place with decent food and restrooms. We had lunch at the food court and from what we could see it has many of the mayor retail stores like Sears, Macy´s and JC Penny. Also has Target and an IMAX theater. Just your average town mall. See more..
3.0 Camping World (12 reviews)
- Camping World Stratford Mo
Factory Outlets
Huge warehouse for camping items and goods. See more..