This Central Valley city produces oil and agricultural goods, while celebrating its country music roots at the Buck Owens Crystal Palace and local museums.
Bakersfield, located in California's San Joaquin Valley, is a city where country music echoes through the halls of Buck Owens Crystal Palace and the 1930s Fox Theater. The surrounding farmland supplies fresh produce to local markets, while traditional Basque restaurants serve family-style meals that trace back to early European settlers. At the California Living Museum (CALM), you can see native species like desert tortoises and black bears, while the Kern County Museum tells stories of oil drilling and farming that shaped the region.
Experiencing the Bakersfield Sound
The city became known as "Nashville West" when the Bakersfield Sound dominated country music in the 1950s and 1960s. At Buck Owens Crystal Palace, you can dine while surrounded by guitars, stage costumes, and photographs from performers like Buck Owens and Merle Haggard. The Fox Theater, with its art deco interior and restored 1930s marquee, hosts concerts and comedy shows. You'll find live music performances at bars and venues across downtown throughout the week.
Museums and Cultural Sites
At the California Living Museum (CALM), you can walk through exhibits of native California wildlife, including mountain lions, bobcats, and birds of prey. The Kern County Museum preserves 56 original structures from the 1800s, including a pioneer log cabin and an early oil derrick. The Bakersfield Museum of Art displays works by California artists, with new exhibitions every few months.
Parks and Recreation
You can walk or jog along the Kern River at the Park at River Walk, which includes two lakes for fishing. The city has built over 170 miles of bike paths, including the 30-mile Kern River Parkway trail that follows the riverbank. With more than 60 public parks spread across Bakersfield, you can find spaces for sports, picnics, and playgrounds in every neighborhood.
Local Food Scene
In Bakersfield's Basque restaurants, you'll sit at long communal tables for multi-course meals that include specialties like oxtail stew and garlic fried chicken. The tradition comes from Pyrenees immigrants who settled here as shepherds. Local farmers sell their produce at several markets, including the year-round F Street Farmers Market and Haggin Oaks Farmers Market.
Getting Around
A car is the main way to explore Bakersfield, with most trips taking about 24 minutes. The expanding network of bike lanes makes cycling practical for both commuting and exploring. From Meadows Field Airport, you can fly directly to Phoenix, Dallas, and San Francisco. The downtown Amtrak station is California's fifth busiest, connecting you to major cities across the state.
