Know Before You Go: About Bakersfield
Get to know one of the fastest-growing cities in California
Bakersfield is situated just north of Los Angeles County, but it’s low desert landscape, oil fields and agricultural farmlands will remind you that you’re no longer in the big city that is LA. Still, the city offers destinations to appreciate fine arts and history. Its southern Central Valley location near the Tejon Pass makes it an ideal transportation hub, but a change of scenery is also easy. The Sierra Nevada, wine country and Pacific Ocean are all within a 2-hour drive.
Sunshine City
While prepping for your Bakersfield trip, expect moderate weather year-round to enjoy the region’s sites. Keep in mind that it’s still a low desert climate with warm, arid days and plenty of sunshine. Summer temperatures tend to stay in the upper 90s and are fabulous for taking a dip in the hotel pool, although triple digits sporadically occur during the warmer months. Winters are mild, and freezing temperatures are typically confined to a few nights in January. Afternoon is the ideal time to get outside, with temperatures in the 50s and 60s. The city has an average of 270 days of sunshine per year, so it's unlikely your plans will be ruined by the weather.
River Rapids and Wildlife
Bakersfield offers destinations galore and arrays of outdoor activities to suit your fancy, whether you want to enjoy the Central Valley or stay close to downtown. If you're feeling adventurous, opt for a whitewater rafting trip with Kern River Outfitters to get your heart pumping. Guides select the best stretches on the Upper Kern River daily, so you'll see new landscapes and experience different rapids each trip. If you want to remain on dry land, explore one of the museums that all reflect the region’s dynamic history. Surround yourself in 14 acres of native landscapes and more than 80 animal, reptile and bird species at the California Living Museum (CALM). Take in an extensive collection of artwork highlighting the work of artists in the Golden State from the 19th century to the present day at the Bakersfield Museum of Art, or experience a day in the life of the mid-19th century pioneer at the Kern County Museum.
Black Gold with a Dash of Green
Known as the “oil capital of California,” the oilfields in Bakersfield and surrounding Kern County produce more liquid gold than any other county in the United States. More than 15,000 people work in the local oil industry and produce at least one-half million barrels daily. Bakersfield also has a thriving agriculture industry, and the landscape is dotted with large tracts of farmland. Nearly 100 different types of fruits, nuts and vegetables start their life in this ideal climate. Grapes top the list of Bakersfield’s primary crop, and the region’s Thompson Seedless variety are more likely to become sweet snacks for the kids in a box of raisins.
Getting Around Kern County
Flights into Bakersfield will likely land you at the William M. Thomas Terminal at Meadows Field Airport. It offers both national and international flights served by United Airlines and US Airways for a seamless arrival and departure. Just 15 minutes from downtown Bakersfield, arranging ground transportation is easy via rental cars, taxis and hotel shuttles. Other options for rolling into town include the Greyhound bus lines and Amtrak train service. The Bakersfield Amtrak and Greyhound Stations offer numerous routes in and out of the city, plus options to rent a bicycle are available.
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