Bakersfield, CA

Trace the legacy of Buck Owens and Merle Haggard. Visit the Bakersfield Sound exhibit at the Kern County Museum, see Buck's memorabilia at the Crystal Palace, and catch live music at Trout's or other local venues keeping the twang alive.

This unique zoo and botanical garden focuses exclusively on native California wildlife and plants. See black bears, mountain lions, eagles, and endangered San Joaquin kit foxes in natural habitat exhibits.

Wander through Pioneer Village, a 16-acre site with over 50 historic buildings relocated from around the county. It tells the story of Kern's settlement, oil boom, and agricultural development in an engaging, hands-on way.

When water levels allow, the Kern River provides a refreshing escape. Rent a kayak or tube for a leisurely float through the heart of the city at the Park at River Walk, or find more adventurous stretches upstream.

Cheer on the Bakersfield Condors, the city's professional hockey team and AHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers. Games at Mechanics Bank Arena are high-energy community events with a passionate local fanbase.

Marvel at the restored Spanish Colonial Revival architecture of this 1930s landmark. It hosts a diverse lineup of concerts, Broadway touring shows, and comedy acts, serving as a crown jewel of the downtown arts scene.

The city's evolving urban core, centered around Truxtun Avenue and the Arts District. Here you'll find the Fox Theater, museums, government buildings, a growing number of restaurants and cafes, and historic architecture like the El Tejon Hotel.

A prestigious, master-planned community in southwest Bakersfield known for its large custom homes, manicured lawns, the Seven Oaks Country Club, and top-rated schools. It represents the city's modern, suburban growth.

The lively area surrounding California State University, Bakersfield. It's a mix of student housing, casual eateries, and coffee shops, with a youthful, academic energy that contrasts with the city's industrial and agricultural base.

A beloved, tree-lined neighborhood with mid-century and traditional homes, known for its strong community feel. It's close to shopping at The Marketplace, parks like the Park at River Walk, and features the iconic Stockdale High School clock tower.

One of Bakersfield's original mid-century neighborhoods, characterized by charming, well-kept homes on curving streets, many named after nuts and fruits. It offers a quiet, residential feel with easy access to downtown and the Stockdale corridor.