Visit Bakersfield

Experience the magic of country music, rich agricultural heritage, and discover why Bakersfield is known as the "Country Music Capital of the West"

Country Music
Basque Cuisine
River Walk Park

Welcome to Bakersfield

Bakersfield is a vibrant California city located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the agricultural heartland of California. This dynamic city is known for its rich agricultural heritage, legendary country music scene, and unique Basque culture that has shaped the region for generations.

From the famous Crystal Palace country music venue to the beautiful Kern River and Tehachapi Mountains, Bakersfield offers visitors a perfect blend of cultural experiences, outdoor recreation, and agricultural heritage. The city also boasts the Kern County Museum, River Walk Park, and some of the best Basque cuisine in California.

403,455 Population
404 ft Elevation
272 Sunny Days

📊 Travel Information & Statistics

Essential travel data to help you plan your perfect Bakersfield adventure

Best Time to Travel

Spring (March-May) Wildflowers, agricultural tours, perfect weather
Fall (September-November) Harvest festivals, country music events, comfortable temperatures
Peak Season March-May (Spring blooms, festivals)

Average Temperature

Jan 38°F / 58°F
Apr 52°F / 75°F
Jul 68°F / 96°F
Oct 55°F / 80°F

Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers

Airports

Meadows Field Airport (BFL)

Main airport, 4 miles from downtown Bakersfield

  • Major airlines: American, United
  • Direct flights to major California cities
  • Rental car services available

Los Angeles International (LAX)

Major international airport, 110 miles away

  • International and domestic flights
  • More flight options and airlines
  • Shuttle services to Bakersfield

Travel Statistics

Annual Visitors 2+ million
Hotel Rooms 3,500+
Restaurants 500+
Country Music Venues 15+
Average Hotel Price $120/night
Public Transit GET buses

Flight Statistics

Daily Flights 20+
Direct Destinations 10+ cities
Average Flight Price $280
Peak Travel Months Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Major Airlines 2 carriers
On-time Performance 85%

Airport Operations

Terminals 1
Gates 6
Parking Spaces 1,500+
Rental Car Companies 4
Distance to Downtown 4 miles
Ground Transportation Shuttle, Taxi, Bus

Local Transportation

Bus Routes 25+
Bus Frequency 30-60 min
Fare $1.50
Operating Hours 6AM-10PM
Bike Share Stations 15
Ride Share Uber, Lyft

Cultural & Entertainment

Country Music Venues 15+
Agricultural Companies 500+
Basque Restaurants 10+
Movie Theaters 8
Museums 5+
Annual Events 25+

Outdoor Recreation

Hiking Trails 50+ miles
Bike Paths 30+ miles
Golf Courses 8
Kern River 164 miles
Parks 50+
Weather Year-round outdoor

Popular Destinations & Demographics

Top Domestic Origin Los Angeles
Top International Origin Mexico
Popular Airlines American, United
Average Age 32 years
Agricultural Industry 60%
Average Stay 2.8 days

Shopping & Retail

Country Music Venues 15+
Basque Restaurants 10+
Average Spending $280/person
Agricultural Industry $8B annually
Tax Rate 7.25%
Popular Items Music, Food, Agriculture

Safety & Health

Crime Rate Low
Hospitals 3 major
Urgent Care Centers 15+
Pharmacies 25+
Emergency Services 24/7
Tourist Safety Excellent

🚗 Rent a Car in Bakersfield

Explore Bakersfield and the beautiful San Joaquin Valley at your own pace with a rental car

🌟 Top Attractions in Bakersfield

Discover the must-see destinations and experiences in the Country Music Capital of the West

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace

Experience the legendary Crystal Palace, Buck Owens' famous country music venue that helped establish Bakersfield's "Bakersfield Sound" in country music.

Year-round 2-4 hours Downtown Bakersfield
Kern County Museum

Kern County Museum

Explore the Kern County Museum featuring Pioneer Village, historic buildings, agricultural exhibits, and artifacts showcasing the region's rich history.

Year-round 2-3 hours Bakersfield
Tehachapi Mountains

Tehachapi Mountains

Discover the beautiful Tehachapi Mountains featuring hiking trails, scenic drives, the famous Tehachapi Loop railroad, and stunning mountain views.

Year-round 4-8 hours 30 miles east
Kern River

Kern River

Enjoy the beautiful Kern River with fishing, rafting, hiking trails, and scenic views along the 164-mile river that flows through the San Joaquin Valley.

Year-round 2-6 hours Near Bakersfield
River Walk Park

River Walk Park

Stroll through the beautiful River Walk Park featuring walking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and scenic views along the Kern River.

Year-round 1-3 hours Bakersfield
Hart Memorial Park

Hart Memorial Park

Visit Hart Memorial Park featuring camping, fishing, hiking trails, and beautiful natural scenery in the foothills near Bakersfield.

Year-round 2-6 hours Near Bakersfield

🍽️ Bakersfield's Basque & California Cuisine

Savor the flavors of California's agricultural heartland with Bakersfield's diverse culinary scene

Basque Cuisine

Experience Bakersfield's famous Basque cuisine with authentic family-style dining featuring lamb, seafood, and traditional Basque dishes that have been served for generations.

Top Basque Restaurants:

  • Wool Growers Restaurant
  • Pyrenees Cafe
  • Noriega's Restaurant

California Cuisine & Local Flavors

Discover Bakersfield's diverse food culture featuring farm-to-table dining, fresh local produce, and innovative California cuisine influenced by the region's agricultural heritage.

Must-Try Local Spots:

  • Downtown Bakersfield Restaurants
  • Local Farm-to-Table Eateries
  • Kern County Produce Markets

🏨 Where to Stay in Bakersfield

Find the perfect accommodation for your Bakersfield adventure

✈️ Find Flights to Bakersfield

Search for the best flight deals to Meadows Field Airport (BFL) or Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

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