What to do in Bakersfield, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Bakersfield

Types of activities

Where to stay

Bakersfield travel guide

Sunset aerial view of historic downtown Bakersfield, California, USA.

Bakersfield, California, USA - November 24, 2023: Afternoon sun shines on a historic church and urban core of downtown Bakersfield.

Red convertible driving past colorful bouquet of spring flowers blossoming off Route 58 on Shell Creek road, West of Bakersfield in CA

USA, California, Bakersfield, telephone pole in desert

Bakersfield Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Bakersfield has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Bakersfield, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Bakersfield with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Bakersfield

Bakersfield is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Bakersfield, and make it a breeze to explore Bakersfield and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Bakersfield to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Bakersfield, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Bakersfield.

Bakersfield attractions

Bakersfield has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Bakersfield to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Bakersfield.

Looking for things to do in Bakersfield can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Bakersfield or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Bakersfield attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

Explore activities
Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
Book with ease
Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
Treat yourself
One Key members save % or more on select activities, hotels, cars and holiday rentals.
Learn about One Key

Recommended things to do in Bakersfield

Number of things to do	3
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia	A Remarkable Scavenger Hunt: Resilient Bakersfield: £10
Top 5 things to do	Buried & The Burned Bakersfield Ghost Tour Bakersfield Scavenger Hunt Interactive Activity A Remarkable Scavenger Hunt: Resilient Bakersfield
Half-day tours	Buried & The Burned Bakersfield Ghost Tour Bakersfield Scavenger Hunt Interactive Activity A Remarkable Scavenger Hunt: Resilient Bakersfield
With kids	Buried & The Burned Bakersfield Ghost Tour

What to do in Bakersfield

Popular places to visit

Aerial view of Mechanics Bank Arena, a theater and convention center, in Bakersfield, California, USA. The arena hosts events and conventions.

Dignity Health Arena

Catch an event at Dignity Health Arena during your trip to Bakersfield. Discover the top-notch restaurants and entertainment choices in this family-friendly area.

As old country as it gets.

#california #signs

Buck Owens Crystal Palace

You can enjoy a show at Buck Owens Crystal Palace on your trip to Bakersfield. Visit the lively bars or top-notch restaurants in this relaxing area.

The Park At River Walk

Explore the great outdoors at The Park At River Walk, a lovely green space in Bakersfield. Visit the lively bars or cosy cafes in this family-friendly area.

California State University-Bakersfield

Explore the campus of California State University-Bakersfield during your travels in Bakersfield. Visit the cosy cafes or lively bars in this relaxing area.

Kern County Fairgrounds

Take the family on an outing to Kern County Fairgrounds during your trip to Bakersfield. Discover the top-notch restaurants and entertainment choices in this relaxing area.

Outlets at Tejon

During your trip to Arvin, you can do some window-shopping at Outlets at Tejon. Discover the mountain views and restaurants in this family-friendly area.

Bakersfield College

Take a campus tour or just explore the area of Bakersfield College during your travels in Bakersfield. Visit the top-notch restaurants or lively bars in this family-friendly area.

Fox Theater

You can get tickets for a performance at Fox Theater on your trip to Bakersfield. Discover the lively bars and entertainment choices in this family-friendly area.

Bakersfield Sports Village

Catch an event at Bakersfield Sports Village during your trip to Bakersfield. Visit the lively bars or cosy cafes in this family-friendly area.

Explore areas of Bakersfield

Downtown Bakersfield

If you're spending some time in Downtown Bakersfield, Dignity Health Arena and Fox Theater are top sights worth seeing.

Wheeler Ridge

Shopping and restaurants are notable features of Wheeler Ridge. You might consider stopping by Outlets at Tejon while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

The Kern River oilfield in Oildale, Bakersfield, California, USA. Following an unprecedented four year long drought, Bakersfield is now the driest city in the USA, driven by clima

Rosedale

You might make a stop by Gaslight Melodrama Theatre & Music Hall while you're exploring Rosedale.

Bakersfield welcome sign, a wide arched street sign. Also known as the Bakersfield Neon Arch, it is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Bakersfield, California.

West Park Community

4/5(1 area review)

West Park Community might not have many top sights, but Buck Owens Crystal Palace and Fox Theater are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Autumn morning view of the Kern River as it flows through Bakersfield, California, USA.

Oleander - Sunset

3.5/5(2 area reviews)

Though Oleander - Sunset may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Dignity Health Arena and Kern County Fairgrounds.

East Bakersfield

While East Bakersfield isn't home to many top sights, Dignity Health Arena and Fox Theater are some notable places to visit nearby.

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

Day trip destinations from Bakersfield

Tehachapi

First light on the San Joaquin Valley grasslands on the Tejon Ranch, California.

Lebec

Taft

Shafter

Frequently asked questions

Is Bakersfield worth visiting?

Whether you want to experience the local charm and cultural hotspots or sample regional foods and explore the outdoors, there are plenty of things to do in Bakersfield.

How do I spend a day in Bakersfield?

Once you've visited leading attractions like Kern County Museum and Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science, spend the rest of your day experiencing Bakersfield's retail and dining scene.

What is the top tourist attraction in Bakersfield?

Fox Theatre is one of the top tourist attractions in Bakersfield and deserves a place on every itinerary of the area.

Is three days enough to stay in Bakersfield?

Three days will give you time to tick off the leading city highlights, such as Fox Theatre, Kern County Museum and Bakersfield Museum of Art. The average stay in Bakersfield is two days. If you have the urge to extend your adventure, Buttonwillow isn't far away.

Is Bakersfield a walkable city?

Some leading attractions in Bakersfield, like Fox Theatre and Kern County Museum, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Only 3 kms (2 miles) from central Bakersfield is West Park Community and Downtown Bakersfield is 0.32 kms (0.20 miles) away.

What are some activities to do in Bakersfield with kids?

Whether you're travelling with young explorers or playful teenagers, a schedule filled with fun activities makes all the difference. Check out our ideas for what to do in Bakersfield with kids.

Buried & The Burned Bakersfield Ghost Tour

What to do in Bakersfield for adults?

Mechanics Bank Arena is one of the top things to do in Bakersfield. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone.

Are there free things to do in Bakersfield?

From relaxing in parks to strolling around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's simple to find free things to do in Bakersfield. If you need new ideas, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Bakersfield Museum of Art is a must for anyone wanting to save on their travelling adventures.