5 Best Things to Do in Bakersfield, California
Famously known as the country music capital of the West Coast, Bakersfield is a fast-growing city in Kern County, California. The city is home to several famous country music legends and the popular music genre Bakersfield Sound. Bakersfield is known for its therapeutic outdoors experience with a mix of history and modern attractions. The sunny town is surrounded by parks where you can picnic, stroll or ride a bike before visiting one of its award-winning museums. With great bike paths and about 60 parks, it is the perfect outdoor getaway. There are limitless things to do in Bakersfield; check out this list of the five best things to do in Bakersfield;
If you are looking to spend quality quiet time with family, visit the Hart Memorial Park. The park offers unending recreational activities from picnicking, golfing, hiking, walking, biking, fishing, and playing and riding the Central California Children’s Railroad. Hart Park is a favorite amongst Bakersfield residents.
Hart Park features two fishing lakes, equestrian trails, a golf course, lawns for sports, hiking and biking trails and disc golf. In addition, the entire park is dotted with numerous mature trees, playgrounds and picnic tables where you and your whole family can set up for an afternoon of relaxation.
Hart Memorial Park is part of a much larger Kern River County Park.
Watching a show at the Fox Theatre is one of the best things to do in Bakersfield. You can enjoy movies, comedy and excellent acoustic music at this historic venue. The theatre has an intimately decorated interior with a vintage charm, velvet curtains and matching architecture that will awe you. Fox Theatre has been in existence since the early 20th century. Many celebrities like Carlos Mencia and The Pretenders have graced its historic stage. Today, live music performances are often staged at the Fox Theater.
You cannot claim to have explored Bakersfield before you have visited and listened to Buck Owen’s Crystal Palace. It is one of Bakersfield’s most popular tourist destinations. This destination triples as a music venue, museum and restaurant. Enjoy a three-course meal with an opening act appetizer, fried chicken steak main course, and main stage dessert. There is always a lineup of varied country music performers to entertain at Crystal Palace. Buck Owen’s Crystal Palace stands to preserve the Bakersfield Sound.
One of the most exciting ways to spend your day is by enjoying a walk on the Kern River Parkway Trail. Parkway Trail is a pedestrian route along the banks of the Kern River. Enjoy the scenic views of this trail on your morning or afternoon walk.
Drive down to the Kern River Canyon to enjoy a gorgeous sunset. The brown hills make a reflection on the water, leaving a picturesque backdrop. The Kern River Canyon is arguably California’s best-kept secret. You can also set up camp here, fish, hike and enjoy the entirety of the Canyon.