THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Bakersfield (Updated 2024)
Things to do in Bakersfield

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Bakersfield

Things to Do in Bakersfield


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Bakersfield.

Top Attractions in Bakersfield

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.

*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • elizabethlascheid
    Los Angeles, CA4,732 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    CALM is a great little zoo and museum. It is so family friendly. You will love it. It is only closed on Monday. The prices are great, we paid 10$ per adult for the whole day.

    Located in Bakersfield, which is fun, it is part of Kern County which has a lot to offer. The zoo is kept super clean and the staff is very friendly. It can get super hot in the summer so keep that in mind. It was fine the day we were there.

    CALM has grown from a locals-only attraction to an international destination point. Visitors from around the world are attracted to the zoo to see a variety of endangered species and California’s native species. You will get to see animals and plenty of plant life that you will never see at some zoos.

    They also have a rehab center for all manner of animals and your entrance fee helps to support that.

    You can also rent the entire place. I know nothing about it. You would need to call them.

    You will just have the best time at this little zoo on the hill. Have fun.
    Written March 8, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Richard S
    Angmering, UK761 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We went with friends from Bakersfield who are members of this 'working' museum. It is a real gem that tells the story of the history of Bakersfield. We never knew about the Bakersfield sound, being second only to Nashville. The hostory of the railroad, the oil and the people.that built this city.
    Written December 23, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • averyfamily3
    U S A489 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic place for live music, memorabilia, and food! So glad we went here for dinner! The service and staff were fantastic! The live music and food was great! We will be back.
    Written August 17, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jim
    56 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Good selection of jams, jellies, honey, BBQ sauce. Most of the BBQ sauce was somewhat spicy, however - chipotle, for example. Some vegetables, although I would think the selection varies with the season. Some very good candy. Very helpful employees.
    Written March 22, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Maria P
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    One of the oldest here in town and one of the small intimate place to see good show and old movies , it is nice to have historical building like place
    Written December 30, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ashley G
    12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    My seven year old had a great time here. It’s small, but packed with great artifacts and learning opportunities about dinosaurs, sharks, native Americans, and rocks and minerals.
    Written November 6, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • carrot_fixer
    Bakersfield, CA263 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Built for hockey, but a nice place for a concert. My wife is 4'10" so floor seats don't work for her, but since it was built for hockey, it is great for a concert. Even if someone stands in front of you, you can still see
    Written May 7, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Armando S
    Bakersfield, CA117 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent venue for the Spears Southwest Tour. Great view of the track, no matter where to pick. RV Parking available to watch also available. Modern clean easy to get to, right off I-5, 20/30 minutes southwest of Bakersfield. Food and beverage choices excellent.
    Written March 21, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Backpacker
    San Luis Obispo, CA967 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I camped here for 2 nights over the past weekend. I LOVED it! The trails are awesome! Great scenery, especially since the hills are so green right now after the recent storms. Saw some coyotes loping in a field and heard their calls every night. As a camper, it's nice that they lock the gates. It means that inconsiderate campers can't come in late at night and make all this noise. This place is really a treasure! So much solitude on the trails and a great place for wild animals! Thanks so much Wildlands Conservancy!
    Written February 15, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Julieinaz
    Tucson, AZ10 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The beauty of the trees and rivers will
    Almost steal your heart, but there is trash on the ground everywhere, and the trash bins are overflowing.
    Written July 7, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Brian R
    Bakersfield, CA223 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Other than the hot summers and lack of rain, this is a great place to live and raise a family. The cost of living is low for cali and the town is rather conservative, with ag and oilfield jobs.
    Written November 7, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • miguelacruz216
    Bakersfield, CA6 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Peacocks geese ducks and lot wild life its nice place take your family family too bbq just dont go into the lake maybe the river but at your own risk takes a lot of tourist lives but over pl a hgood sot active spot on easter
    Written October 15, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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