United States

Taft

Taft

Taft is a small city located in the southern part of Kern County, California, United States. Situated in the heart of the state's oil field…

Best for you if…

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

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

Solid guide guide · about 3 min to read · depth score 66/100 (coverage of intro, tips, and mapped places)

Spread density — Wide area — group nearby places into half-day loops. (≈12.8 km span)

3 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

Fall

60°F-80°F

Spring

60°F-80°F

Summer

70°F-90°F

Winter

40°F-60°F

How to get there

How to Reach Taft, United States

Taft is a charming city located in the United States. If you are planning a trip to Taft and wondering how to get there, we have got you covered! Here are some convenient ways to reach Taft:

By Air:

The easiest way to reach Taft is by flying into the nearest major airport, which is the Bakersfield Meadows Field Airport (BFL). From the airport, you can rent a car or take a taxi to reach Taft, which is approximately a 30-minute drive away.

By Car:

If you prefer driving, Taft can be easily reached by car. The city lies along Highway 33 and is well-connected to other major cities in California. Simply plan your route and enjoy a scenic drive to Taft.

By Bus:

Another option is to reach Taft by bus. Several bus services operate in the region, providing convenient transportation to and from Taft. Check the schedules and book your tickets in advance for a hassle-free journey.

By Train:

Although Taft does not have its own train station, you can still reach the city by train. The closest Amtrak station is located in Bakersfield, which is approximately 30 miles away from Taft. From there, you can take a taxi or rent a car to complete your journey.

No matter which mode of transportation you choose, reaching Taft is relatively easy and accessible. Prepare for an exciting visit to this wonderful city, known for its rich history and beautiful landscapes!

Getting to know Taft

Taft is a small city located in the southern part of Kern County, California, United States. Situated in the heart of the state's oil fields, Taft has a rich history deeply intertwined with the petroleum industry. The city was founded in 1909 as a supply center for nearby oil fields and quickly grew as oil production boomed in the area. Today, Taft remains an important hub for the oil and gas industry, with numerous drilling and production sites dotting the landscape.

Aside from its connection to the oil industry, Taft is also known for its charming small-town atmosphere and historic downtown area. The city's Main Street features a variety of local businesses, shops, and restaurants, many of which have been operating for decades. Taft's downtown district exudes a nostalgic vibe, with its well-preserved architecture and old-fashioned storefronts, attracting both residents and visitors alike.

In terms of recreational opportunities, Taft offers a range of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. The city is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, including rolling hills, expansive fields, and scenic vistas. The nearby Carrizo Plain National Monument provides ample opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife observation. Additionally, the area's favorable climate makes Taft an ideal location for golfing, with several golf courses available to residents and visitors.

Pre-trip checklist

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

Local tips

  • Don't forget sunscreen and a hat during summer months.
  • Book accommodations in advance during high season.
  • Try local wineries for unique tasting experiences.
  • Explore hiking trails in the nearby national parks.

Places worth exploring

3 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 Taft?

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

When is the best time to visit Taft?

High season is typically Summer.

Which months are more budget-friendly in Taft?

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

What kind of trip is Taft good for?

Taft suits Historical sites, Outdoor activities, Wine tasting, Nature exploration.

Is Taft walkable?

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

Any local tips for Taft?

Don't forget sunscreen and a hat during summer months.

Build your trip

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

Multi-city ideas

Nearby combinations sharing travel styles. See all routes

  • Taft → South Taft → Buttonwillow · ≈35 km
  • Taft → South Taft → Shafter · ≈47 km
  • Taft → Taft Heights → Shafter · ≈48 km

Same vibe

Destinations sharing travel styles, stay length, or region.

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