About Bakersfield
Bakersfield is a city in and the county seat of Kern County, California, United States. The city covers about 151 sq mi (390 km2) near the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley, which is located in the Central Valley region.
Places to visit in Bakersfield
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Kern County Museum
MuseumAn open-air museum with dozens of historic buildings recreating pioneer life in the southern San Joaquin Valley, plus exhibits on the oil industry and the region's twangy Bakersfield Sound country music.
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Buck Owens' Crystal Palace
EntertainmentA music venue and restaurant created by country star Buck Owens, with live country music most nights, a dance floor and display cases full of memorabilia from his long career.
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California Living Museum
ZooA small zoo and botanical garden showing only native California plants and animals, many of them rescued and unable to return to the wild, including bears, eagles, coyotes and desert tortoises.
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Fox Theater
HistoricA restored Spanish Colonial style movie palace downtown, recognizable by its tall tower and marquee, that now hosts concerts, comedy and special events in its atmospheric auditorium.
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Kern River Canyon
Nature · 18 mi from centreEast of town, the Kern River runs through a steep, rocky canyon offering guided whitewater rafting, fishing and scenic drives; its swift currents are dangerous, so swimming is strongly discouraged.
Where to stay in Bakersfield
Popular hotels in Bakersfield, out of 79 properties you can book.
Hampton Inn & Suites Bakersfield North Airport
From $102 per night
Padre Hotel
From $146 per night
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bakersfield
From $119 per night
Bakersfield Marriott at the Convention Center
From $238 per night
Comfort Suites Bakersfield
From $104 per night
Home2 Suites By Hilton Bakersfield
From $141 per night
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Bakersfield Nort
From $102 per night
Hourglass Hotel Trademark Collection By Wyndham
From $97 per night
Holiday Inn Express Bakersfield
From $87 per night
Holiday Inn & Suites Bakersfield
From $101 per night
Country Inn & Suites By Radisson, Bakersfield, Ca
From $83 per night
Rodeway Inn & Suites Bakersfield
From $72 per night
Best time to visit Bakersfield
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Bakersfield is April and October, when average daytime highs are around 78–84°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Bakersfield weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 76° 54° 46%
- Thu 22 Oct 73° 54° 66%
- Fri 23 Oct 69° 59° 9%
- Sat 24 Oct 80° 56° 0%
- Sun 25 Oct 82° 59° 1%
- Mon 26 Oct 83° 63° 1%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/Los_AngelesUTC−7
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Bakersfield
These are the airports closest to central Bakersfield. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- BFL Meadows Field Airport5 mi (8 km) from the city centre
Getting around Bakersfield
Bakersfield is a car-based city with poor mass transit options, so driving your own car or renting one is probably wise. However, if you are intrepid and determined to save money, the city bus can be used.
By bike
Biking is not a typical mode of transit, but it can be done. However, most bike lanes are on arterial roads with multiple car lanes and high speed limits.
By foot
The downtown core of Bakersfield is very small and walkable, with shopping centers and parks.
Bakersfield travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Bakersfield?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Bakersfield is April and October, when average daytime highs are around 78–84°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.
What is the weather like in Bakersfield?
July is usually the warmest month in Bakersfield, with average highs of 106°F (41°C). December is the coolest, with average lows of 42°F (6°C). The wettest month is typically March, with about 83 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Bakersfield?
Meadows Field Airport (BFL) is the closest airport, about 5 miles (8 km) from the centre of Bakersfield.
What time zone is Bakersfield in?
Bakersfield uses the America/Los_Angeles time zone (currently UTC−7). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Bakersfield?
Bakersfield is a car-based city with poor mass transit options, so driving your own car or renting one is probably wise. However, if you are intrepid and determined to save money, the city bus can be used.
What are the best places to visit in Bakersfield?
Top sights in Bakersfield include Kern County Museum, Buck Owens' Crystal Palace, California Living Museum and Fox Theater. An open-air museum with dozens of historic buildings recreating pioneer life in the southern San Joaquin Valley, plus exhibits on the oil industry and the region's twangy Bakersfield Sound country music.
Where should I stay in Bakersfield?
Popular areas for hotels in Bakersfield include Downtown. Well-reviewed options include Hampton Inn & Suites Bakersfield North Airport and Padre Hotel.
How many hotels can I book in Bakersfield?
Destina Holidays currently lists 79 properties in and around Bakersfield, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
