Create meetup in Bakersfieldchevron_right
Select a place on the map to change the location.
I want to meet
Verified required?
explore Bakersfield Guides
bar_chart Trends in Bakersfield
Bakersfield photo spots for a quick trip?
The Kern County Museum on Chester Avenue has a bunch of old buildings and vintage signs that work well for both close-up details and wider shots. The Bakersfield sign at the fairgrounds off Ming Avenue is a classic too, especially at night when it's lit up. If you want something more natural, drive out to Hart Park for the lake and hills, it's about 15 minutes northeast of downtown.
honestly the bluffs along the kern river near the park at the end of truxtun are underrated for landscape shots, especially if you catch golden hour. for urban stuff, the old beale library on truxtun has good architecture and the neon signs on 19th street are worth a wander. downtown is pretty quiet on sundays if you want empty streets for wide shots
load 1 more reply
3 Days in Bakersfield: Itinerary 2026
A three-day trip to Bakersfield works best if you group activities by neighborhood to minimize driving. Downtown, East Bakersfield, and the Northwest are the main areas you'l… 🗓️ Planning Your Trip
A three-day trip to Bakersfield works best if you group activities by neighborhood to minimize driving. Downtown, East Bakersfield, and the Northwest are the main areas you'll explore. Plan for 15 to 25 minutes of transit between these zones by car, or longer if you use public transit. The city is spread out, so renting a car is highly recommended.
🏙️ Day 1: Downtown Discoveries
Start your morning at the Bakersfield Museum of Art (1930 R Street) which opens at 10:00 AM; admission is $10 for adults. Then walk two blocks to the historic Fox Theater (2001 H Street) for a photo of its iconic marquee. For lunch, grab a Basque sandwich at Wool Growers (620 E 19th Street), a local institution since 1954. Spend the afternoon exploring the shops along 19th Street, then head to the Padre Hotel (1702 18th Street) for rooftop drinks at sunset.
🌳 Day 2: Eastside Culture
Begin at the California Living Museum (10500 Alfred Harrell Highway), which opens at 9:00 AM; tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Afterward, drive 15 minutes to the Kern County Museum (3801 Chester Avenue) to see the historic Pioneer Village. Have a late lunch at Noriega's (525 Sumner Street), a Basque restaurant known for its family-style meals, around 1:30 PM. In the evening, catch a show at the Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame (1725 23rd Street) or relax at the nearby River Walk Park.
🍇 Day 3: Northwest Wineries
Head northwest on Highway 99 to the Bakersfield wine region, starting at Toca Madera Winery (36140 Avenue 9) which opens at 11:00 AM for tastings ($10 for five pours). Then visit nearby Rancho Ventavo Cellars (37041 Avenue 9) for a more intimate tasting experience. For lunch, stop at the Kern River Brewing Company (13415 Sierra Way) in Kernville, about a 45-minute drive, for craft beer and burgers. On your way back, catch the sunset at the Panorama Vista Preserve (on Panorama Drive) before returning to town.
🚗 Getting Around
Bakersfield is car-dependent; most attractions are 10 to 20 minutes apart by car. The Golden Empire Transit (GET) bus system covers downtown and major corridors, with a single ride costing $1.50 and a day pass $4.00. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available but can have longer wait times in outer neighborhoods. If you're staying downtown, many spots are walkable, but for Days 2 and 3, you'll need a vehicle.
🍽️ Where to Eat
Bakersfield is famous for Basque food; don't miss Wool Growers (620 E 19th Street) for lunch or Noriega's (525 Sumner Street) for dinner. For a modern twist, try The Mark (1623 19th Street) for farm-to-table dishes, or Moo Creamery (4885 Truxtun Avenue) for creative burgers and ice cream. Breakfast options include 24th Street Cafe (1901 24th Street) and the popular Happy Jack's Pie 'N Burger (1900 19th Street). Most restaurants are open from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, but some close on Sundays.
🏨 Where to Stay
Downtown options like the Padre Hotel (1702 18th Street) offer historic charm and walkable access to nightlife, with rates from $150 per night. For budget travelers, the Best Western Plus Hill House (700 Truxtun Avenue) is centrally located and often under $100. If you prefer modern amenities, the Marriott at the Convention Center (801 Truxtun Avenue) is a solid choice. Book ahead for spring and fall, when local events fill rooms.
💡 Local Tips
Summers in Bakersfield are extremely hot, often exceeding 100°F, so plan indoor activities for midday and carry water. Many museums and attractions offer discounted admission on the first Sunday of the month. Tipping is standard at 15 to 20 percent in restaurants. If you're visiting in March, check out the Bakersfield Jazz Festival; in October, the Kern County Fair draws big crowds.
The Day 2 lineup is good but I'd swap the order. Do Kern County Museum first since it opens at 9 and the Pioneer Village buildings get brutal by early afternoon, then hit CALM after. Also, the museum's J's Place is a solid lunch stop right there on Chester, so you're not driving back across town to Noriega's at 1:30 and waiting for a table. If you do want Basque family style, Noriega's takes reservations and Sunday lunch is the classic slot, not dinner.
Good rundown overall. One thing I'd add for Day 1: the Bakersfield Museum of Art is free on the first Sunday, and honestly the Fox Theater marquee is best shot after dark when it's lit up, so maybe flip that photo stop to evening before the Padre. Also, 19th Street between Chester and Q has decent thrift and antique spots if that's your thing, but a lot of them close by 5, so don't leave shopping for late afternoon. If you're set on Basque lunch, Wool Growers only does lunch on weekdays, weekends it's dinner only, which trips people up.
this is a really thorough writeup, saved me a bunch of planning. one thing nobody mentioned yet, if u end up at CALM on day 2 the animals are way more active in the morning before it heats up, so going right at 9 is worth it. also dewar's is a must if u want the old school candy and ice cream counter, it's been on eye st forever and my grandparents used to take me there as a kid. not sure it's in your eat section but it fits a downtown afternoon