Tourist Attractions- Places To Visit In Bakersfield California
The city of Bakersfield, California is situated in south-central California. Founded in 1869 by Thomas Baker, this city was once known as Baker’s Field. Today, it is a thriving, diverse community with many attractions.
For music lovers, a trip to Bakersfield is not complete without a stop at the Crystal Palace, a restaurant and music venue dedicated to preserving the Bakersfield sound.
History buffs may be interested in the Pioneer Village, a 16-acre historical district. This site hosts an annual village flea, with antiques and artifacts from the area’s history.
"Click Here for the Web-story of this Article."
Fox Theater #1
The Fox Theater, located on H Street in downtown Bakersfield is a historic theater which opened in 1930. It hosts many events, including ballets, recitals and performances by pop artists.
While the exterior was constructed in Spanish Colonial Revival style, the interior featured a Mediterranean theme. The Fox was closed down in 1977 after 47 years. It was originally scheduled for demolition.
However, a group businessmen formed the Fox Theater Foundation in 1994 and began restoration. You can rent the Fox for special events like weddings, parties, and other occasions.
Rabobank Arena, Theater & Convention Center #2
The Rabobank Theater, Theater & Convention Center is a performing art venue and convention center on Truxtun Avenue. It was originally built in 1962.
It was previously known as Bakersfield Civic Auditorium or the Bakersfield Convention Center. The Convention Center was built in 1980. In 1993, the adjacent hotel was also completed.
In 1998, the center was expanded to include a 10,000-seat sports arena. It hosts many events, including “Disney on Ice: Dared to Dream”, the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra, and “A Taste of Home.”
Kern County Raceway Park #3
Kern County Raceway Park, a 0.5-mile (0.80 km), oval race car track, was built in 2013 to replace the Mesa Marin Raceway. There are 21 VIP suites available in the grandstand to allow fans to watch the races. The stadium has a capacity of 5,000 people.
The park also has 18 concession stands. Special events can have the stadium’s capacity increased to 17,000 seats. It hosts events like NASCAR’s Whelen All-American Series, the K&N Pro Series West, and car shows.
Bakersfield Museum of Art #4
If you’re planning a visit to Bakersfield, California, make sure to include the Bakersfield Museum of Art in your itinerary. Located in Central Park on the corner of 19th and R Streets, the museum’s four galleries feature works by regional artists and traveling exhibitions.
The museum’s collection includes pieces by artists from the 20th century, with many of the works being photos, paintings, or sculptures. The museum spans 17,400 square feet, with two large and two small galleries, classrooms, and a banquet hall.
Another Bakersfield museum is the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History. The museum was founded in 1995, and is home to a vast collection of fossils from the city’s Shark Tooth Hill.
Buck Owens Crystal Palace #5
Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace is a country music venue that features a large display of Buck’s memorabilia and serves a variety of food and drinks. The venue also hosts Buck’s own country concerts.
This popular concert venue has hosted over one thousand concerts, from Taylor Swift to Garth Brooks. Among the most well-known stars that have played here are Brad Paisley, Eric Church, and Kenneth Chesney.
This music venue is a great place to celebrate a Buck Owens birthday. The restaurant is dotted with statues of Buck Owens and has a 50-foot bar that resembles an Elvis Presley vehicle.
California Area Living Museum #6
If you’re looking for a zoo that focuses on native California plants and animals, you’ve come to the right place. The California Area Living Museum in Bakersfield is a unique, hands-on zoo where you can learn about the native species of California.
This 17-acre museum has a zoo, botanical garden, and an education center. Its primary purpose is to educate the public about native California plants and animals, and the museum also houses a wildlife rehabilitation center, which cares for hundreds of animals each year.
These animals have been injured and are rehabilitated so that they can be released back into the wild. In addition to the zoo, the California Living Museum also has a book room with a variety of science and nature related items.
Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science #7
The Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science is a natural history museum located in downtown Bakersfield, California. It focuses on three main areas: human history, animal life, and science.
The Buena Vista Museum of Natural History is a popular destination for families and children visiting the area. It is open daily Thursday through Sunday and adult admission costs $10, while children two and under are free.
The museum contains a stunning collection of fossils and gemstone jewelry. Visitors can learn about fossil preservation and repair in the museum’s Paleo Lab. There is also a children’s play area and a gift shop.
FAQs: Bakersfield, California
Is Bakersfield a Good Place to Live?
It is a fairly affordable place to live compared to other California cities. Its median home price is just under $350,000, which is only slightly higher than the California state average of $787,000. While housing prices are cheaper in Bakersfield than in neighboring California cities, they are not as cheap as in nearby Los Angeles and San Francisco. This is due to a lower demand for housing and a lower income-earning potential.
What is Bakersfield California known for?
There are many things to do in Bakersfield, California. From the downtown area where you can check out local museums to shopping and dining options, there is plenty to keep you busy and entertained. The city also has many cafes and restaurants to enjoy, from coffee and newspapers to theater performances and sports events.
