Bakersfield Attractions
Kern County
Location and origin
Bakersfield is easy to reach by road, along one of the great motorways of California, the U.S. 5; it is 111mi/179km from Los Angeles and about 290mi/465km from San Francisco. Founded by Colonel Thomas Baker in the seventies of the last century, it first came to life in 1885, when - almost 40 years later than in the actual gold area to the north - gold was discovered in the Kern River Canyon. Major roles in the development of this town were played by the discovery of oil and by agriculture. However, in 1889 a fire destroyed the old town; the 1952 earthquake also caused great damage. Nevertheless, the population increased considerably in the years that followed; with an annual growth rate of some 7% Bakersfield stands at the head of all Californian towns.
Location and origin
Bakersfield is easy to reach by road, along one of the great motorways of California, the U.S. 5; it is 111mi/179km from Los Angeles and about 290mi/465km from San Francisco. Founded by Colonel Thomas Baker in the seventies of the last century, it first came to life in 1885, when - almost 40 years later than in the actual gold area to the north - gold was discovered in the Kern River Canyon. Major roles in the development of this town were played by the discovery of oil and by agriculture. However, in 1889 a fire destroyed the old town; the 1952 earthquake also caused great damage. Nevertheless, the population increased considerably in the years that followed; with an annual growth rate of some 7% Bakersfield stands at the head of all Californian towns.
Ablin House
Ablin House, located in Bakersfield, was built in 1958 according to the design of Frank Lloyd Wright. The walls are made of concrete blocks with a triangular motif. Inside there are displays of Wright's wood furniture.
Bakersfield Museum of Art
The Bakersfield Museum of Art is located on R Street, it opened at this location in 2001, and sponsors eight exhibits per year. It specializes in art from California.
Bakersfield Museum of Art
1930 R Street
Bakersfield, CA 93301-4815
United States
1930 R Street
Bakersfield, CA 93301-4815
United States
Phone 1 (805) 323-7219
Fax 1 (805) 323-7266
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 |
| Close | 16:00 | 16:00 | 19:30 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 |
Every third Friday of the month, all admission is free. Every second Sunday of the month, all seniors (65 and up) receive free admission.
Disabled
Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Facilities
Gift shop
Bakersfield Speedway
The Bakersfield Speedway is one of the oldest racetracks in California. There are stock car races offered regularly.
Bakersfield Speedway
304 Egret Court
Bakersfield, CA 93309-1320
United States
304 Egret Court
Bakersfield, CA 93309-1320
United States
Phone 1 (661) 393-3373
Fax 1 (661) 393-7085
Buena Vista Museum of Natural History
The Buena Vista Museum of Natural History presents earth history exhibits including paleontology and anthropology.
All values are in United States Dollars
Buena Vista Museum of Natural History
2018 Chester Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301-4611
United States
2018 Chester Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301-4611
United States
Phone 1 (661) 324-6350
Fax 1 (661) 324-7522
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | Closed | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | Closed |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
| Adult | $ 7.00 |
| Child 18 & under | $ 4.00 |
| Senior | $ 4.00 |
| Child 5 & under | FREE |
The Third Thursday of each month is free. The First Saturday of each month is Family day (2 adults and up to 6 children admission only $20). Second Saturday of the every month is Seniors Day, seniors admission $1.
Facilities
Gift shop
California Living Museum
The California Living Museum is a combination zoo, garden and natural history museum. It was established in 1980 and opened in 1983.
All values are in United States Dollars
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Always closed on:
New Year's Day (January 1)
Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November )
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24)
Easter - Christian (Apr 08)
Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November )
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24)
Easter - Christian (Apr 08)
| Adult | $ 9.00 |
| Senior over 60 | $ 7.00 |
| Child 12 & under | $ 5.00 |
| Child 2 & under | FREE |
Disabled
Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Facilities
Gift shop
Crystal Palace
Visitors to the Crystal Palace can attend a concert, visit Buck's collection of guitars in the museum and shop in his country store.
Crystal Palace
2800 Buck Owens Boulavard
Bakersfield, CA 93308
United States
2800 Buck Owens Boulavard
Bakersfield, CA 93308
United States
Phone 1 (661) 328-7560
Fax 1 (661) 328-7565
Facilities
Gift shop
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Mesa Marin Raceway (closed)
ATTRACTION IS PERMANENTLY CLOSED.
The Mesa Marin Raceway in Bakersfield is a half mile oval racetrack for stock and NASCAR racing.
The Mesa Marin Raceway in Bakersfield is a half mile oval racetrack for stock and NASCAR racing.
