United States

Bakersfield

Bakersfield

Bakersfield is a city located in the southern part of the San Joaquin Valley, in Kern County, California. With a population of roughly 380,…

Best for you if…

  • A 4–5 day trip
  • Exploring with transit or a car
  • Outdoor activities travelers
  • Museum visits travelers
  • Visiting in Summer
Recommended stay
3-5 days
Best time
Summer
Walkability
Spread
Guide depth
Deep guide
More about this guide

Bakersfield is a strong pick for outdoor activities & museum visits — plan about 3-5 days; group places into half-day loops. Peak season: Summer.

Deep guide guide · about 3 min to read · depth score 88/100 (coverage of intro, tips, and mapped places)

Spread density — Wide area — group nearby places into half-day loops. (≈52.9 km span)

37 Places to explore
3-5 Recommended days
Summer Best season
8 Nearby places

Find nearby destinations

When to go

High season: Summer

JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC

Best months for lower-cost travel: January · February · November · December

Weather

Autumn

20°C - 35°C

Spring

15°C - 30°C

Summer

25°C - 40°C

Winter

10°C - 20°C

How to get there

By air

To reach Bakersfield in the United States, you can follow these steps: 1. By Air: - Book a flight to Meadows Field Airport (BFL), which is located in Bakersfield. - Arrive at the airport and go through the necessary customs and immigration procedures if applicable. - Once you have cleared the airport, you can take a taxi, rent a car, or use public transportation to reach your desired destination within Bakersfield. 2. By Car: - If you are already in the United States, you can reach Bakersfield by driving. - Determine your starting location and plan your route accordingly using a navigation system or map. - Drive towards Bakersfield, following the appropriate highways or roads depending on your location. - Keep an eye out for signs indicating the direction to Bakersfield and follow them until you reach your destination. 3. By Bus: - Check for bus services that operate in your area or nearby cities. - Find a bus company that provides routes to Bakersfield. - Purchase a ticket for your desired departure time and date. - Arrive at the designated bus station or stop on time and board the bus heading to Bakersfield. - Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride until you reach your destination. 4. By Train: - Check if there are any train stations near your location or in nearby cities. - Find a train service that offers routes to Bakersfield. - Purchase a train ticket for your preferred departure time and date. - Arrive at the designated train station on time and board the train heading to Bakersfield. - Enjoy the journey until you arrive at your destination. Remember to plan your trip in advance, considering factors such as transportation availability, schedules, and any necessary travel documents. Safe travels!

Getting to know Bakersfield

Bakersfield is a city located in the southern part of the San Joaquin Valley, in Kern County, California. With a population of roughly 380,000 people, it is considered the ninth most populous city in California and the 52nd most populous city in the United States. The city is known for its petroleum and agricultural industries, and it serves as a hub for both. In addition, Bakersfield boasts a rich musical heritage and is home to several popular country music venues.

The city has a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and mild winters. It is situated at the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley and is surrounded by mountains on three sides. Bakersfield is also noted for its proximity to several recreational areas, including the Sequoia National Forest and the Kern River, which offer opportunities for hiking, camping, and water sports.

Overall, Bakersfield is a city that combines the amenities and opportunities of a major urban center with the natural beauty and outdoor appeal of a smaller town. Its diverse economy and cultural offerings make it an attractive destination for both visitors and residents alike.

Pre-trip checklist

Compiled from local tips, stay length, and season notes.

Local tips

  • Visit the Kern County Museum
  • Explore the Sequoia National Forest
  • Try local Basque cuisine

Places worth exploring

37 places mapped for this destination

0–1
1–3
3–8
8–20
20+

Walking loops

Evening strolls, half-days, and fuller day loops — clustered by proximity.

Suggested 3-day outline

Places ordered by proximity into day buckets. Add what you like to your trip.

Frequently asked questions

Answers compiled from stay length, season, and local tips for this guide.

How many days do you need in Bakersfield?

Most travelers spend about 3-5 days in Bakersfield, United States.

When is the best time to visit Bakersfield?

High season is typically Summer.

Which months are more budget-friendly in Bakersfield?

Travelers often find better value in January, February, November, December.

What kind of trip is Bakersfield good for?

Bakersfield suits Outdoor activities, Museum visits, Food and wine tours.

Is Bakersfield walkable?

Wide area — group nearby places into half-day loops.

Any local tips for Bakersfield?

Visit the Kern County Museum

Build your trip

Add Bakersfield and the places you want to see — your itinerary stays on this device.

Multi-city ideas

Nearby combinations sharing travel styles. See all routes

  • Bakersfield → Lamont in the United States → Weedpatch · ≈14 km
  • Bakersfield → Weedpatch → Lamont in the United States · ≈16 km
  • Bakersfield → Lamont in the United States → Arvin · ≈22 km

Same vibe

Destinations sharing travel styles, stay length, or region.

Explore nearby

Nearby places worth adding to your trip

Lamont in the United States

United States

12 km · Best: Summer · 3-5 days · Moderate

Lamont is a small town located in the United States. Situated in the state of Connecticut, Lamont is known for its picturesque landscapes a…

Oildale

United States

12 km · Best: Summer · 5 days · Moderate

Oildale is a small unincorporated community located in Kern County, California, United States. It is situated just north of the city of Bak…

Weedpatch

United States

13 km · Best: Spring · 3-5 days · Moderate

Weedpatch, located in the United States, is a small yet significant place known for its rich history and vibrant community.

Arvin

United States

22 km · Best: Summer · 5 days · Moderate

Arvin is a city located in Kern County, California, United States. It is situated in the southern San Joaquin Valley, approximately 15 mile…

Shafter

United States

26 km · Best: Summer · 3-5 days · Spread

Shafter is a city located in Kern County, California, United States. It is situated in the southern San Joaquin Valley, approximately 18 mi…

Bear Valley Springs

United States

36 km · Best: Summer · 5-7 days · Spread

Bear Valley Springs is a charming community located in the United States. Situated in the state of California, it is nestled within the Teh…

Buttonwillow

United States

40 km · Best: Summer · 3-5 days · Spread

Buttonwillow is a small town located in the United States. Situated in Kern County, California, it is known for its picturesque landscape a…

Stallion Springs

United States

42 km · Best: Spring and Fall · 3-5 days · Spread

Stallion Springs is a small residential community located in the southern part of the state of California, United States.