5 Best Activities to Do in Bakersfield, California

What are the best activities to do in Bakersfield, California? There’s no shortage of fun things to do when visiting or living in this city, but these five activities should be at the top of your list! Bakersfield has something to offer every visitor, from its rich agricultural history to its revived downtown scene, or its thriving craft beer scene. Even if you don’t have time to visit all the areas of town, consider checking out one or more of the best activities to do in Bakersfield, California! Make sure to prepare for your stay and book now! 

California Living Museum (CALM)

• The California Living Museum (CALM) is a nature-based experience that is perfect for the whole family. CALM has an abundance of exhibits and programs that allow guests to learn about wildlife and conservation while they explore the museum. Visitors can enjoy the indoor exhibit with live frogs and reptiles or venture outside to see giant tortoises up close and take a guided tour.  When you visit CALM, you will be able to see an exhibit with black bears, mule deer, porcupines, badgers, and even mountain lions. There are also interactive displays designed for kids of all ages, this venue offers something exciting for every member of your group. Plus, there are naturalist-led tours throughout the day that provide fascinating insights into the world around us - and what better way to spend time with your family?

Buena Vista Museum of Natural History and Science

• The Buena Vista Museum of Natural History and Science is a great place to visit if you're interested in science. If you like history, they also have an extensive collection of historical artifacts. There are always new exhibits coming through the museum so there will always be something new to see! They often have events going on where you can learn more about different scientific topics. For example, last year they had a night where kids could make slime (and adults too!) which was a lot of fun. They offer free tours every Saturday morning at 10am which is a great way to get inside the building and learn more about the natural history that this city has preserved for years!

Kern County Museum

• The Kern County Museum is a great place to learn about the history of the county and the people who have lived here. The museum has an art gallery that features local artists as well as rotating exhibits throughout the year. It also has a large exhibit space where they rotate what's on display. There's always something new to see at this museum.

Panorama Vista Preserve

• One of the best activities to do in the Panorama Vista Preserve is to go on a hike. You can walk along a wide trail that winds through the center of the preserve and explore its two ponds and lakes. The trails are relatively flat and are perfect for people of all ages who want to enjoy a nice walk while they take in the scenery. 

Sequoia National Forest

• No trip to the Central Valley is complete without a stop at Sequoia National Forest. It's the birthplace of the towering redwoods and has plenty of activities to do including hiking, biking, and boating. If you're looking for a different kind of thrill then head over to the Kern River Adventure Park where you can zip line through tree tops or ride the rapids on a tube. When you need a break from all that adventure there are several great places to grab some food and enjoy an outdoor patio overlooking the river. Just up Highway 58, there's The Bell Tower which offers bistro-style cuisine with seasonal menus that include dishes like skirt steak with creamed potato fondue, house-made gnocchi with wild mushrooms in brown butter sage sauce, grilled salmon fillet with sweet potato hash cakes topped with smoked bacon lardons, fried local shrimp served over homemade rice noodles tossed in garlic butter sauce. The best part about this restaurant is it doesn't take reservations so it feels like your own private room to enjoy your meal!