Attractions
Beyond Recreation
Bakersfield has plenty of recreation – golfing, hunting and fishing, auto racing, sky diving, rock climbing, biking, off-roading, skiing, kayaking, and river rafting. Plus sporting events, museums, entertainment, shopping, dining and art. Why stay put when you can jump in your car and go. We’re convenient to everything…
California Area Living Museum
Founded in 1980, CALM displays and interprets native California animals, plants, fossils, and artifacts to teach a respect for all living things through education, recreation, conservation, and research. You’ll see condors, owls and even a porcupine. The Coastal section is indoors and has jellyfish, sea horses and all types of crustaceans and sea life in the shallow enclosure. If you like animals, you’ll love visiting CALM.
Kern County Museum
Oil is a big part of Kern County and the Black Gold Exhibit is the star of the show. The old wooden drilling rig shows how far we’ve come. The artifacts laying all over inside and out tell the evolution of the industry. You can spend half a day here easily. All the old buildings on the property tell a story as well. You can rent the entire Kern County Museum for events. Lots of interesting places to explore. Go and enjoy!
The Park at Riverwalk
Take your bike, take your dog – he will love a dip in the Kern River! It’s a great Bakersfield park. Plenty of grassy areas in sun and shade with 2 ponds. There are plenty of picnic areas with BBQ grills. Bike trail path runs parallel to the Kern River.
Murray Family Farms, The Big Red Barn
Come get fresh & dried veggies, pies, and a free pumpkin; enjoy the rides; and visit the Farm or the Animal Garden. The Big Red Barn is a Farm Market gone wild!
Panorama Vista Preserve
Hike, bike or ride horses at Panorama Vista Preserve, a wonderful wildlife refuge and recreational area of more than 930 acres right in Bakersfield. Dog friendly!
Kern River Golf Course
Fun and inexpensive municipal golf course. Kern River GC offers instruction, disc golf, foot golf, the River Grill, and a practice facility, in addition to rolling fairways and verdant greens.
Fishing, Waterskiing, and Boating in Lake Ming
Boat launch ramps and two landscaped shorelines. You’ll need a CA Fishing license to catch largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill in nearby Lake Ming.
Bakersfield Museum of Art
The Bakersfield Museum of Art has four galleries which house a permanent collection, and rotating exhibits from regional artists and traveling shows. It’s a wonderful museum.
Downtown Shopping & Restaurants
Shop the downtown antique district, the Valley Plaza Mall and the Marketplace. Bakersfield has everything you want and need. Be sure to check the events calendar for exciting activities all year long. And when you’re hungry, Bakersfield restaurants offer a delicious variety.