One of the California communities with the quickest rates of growth in recent years is Bakersfield. I hadn’t learned a lot about Bakersfield before moving here a year ago, other than the fact that the summers are quite hot.
It may take some time, as with any new area, but soon you’ll discover all the enjoyable things to do in Bakersfield, such as your go-to Sunday brunch restaurant, dog-friendly hiking paths, and other intriguing weekend activities.
Bakersfield’s culinary culture has improved recently with the opening of several fashionable restaurants, breweries, and exciting locations for date nights. Additionally, significant outdoor attractions, National Parks, and a few of California’s top whitewater rafting locations are all only a short drive away.
After staying in Bakersfield for a long time, I am aware of why it’s one of the best-undervalued towns in Central California.
Discovering something new and fascinating in Bakersfield continues to be a possibility, regardless of how long you’ve lived here! Here are a few fun things to do in Bakersfield.
Breakfast At Café Smitten
In Bakersfield, Cafe Smitten ranks as one of my all-time favorite restaurants.
I first visited this place for lunch shortly after moving to Bakersfield, and I have since returned numerous times.
Cafe Smitten offers everything — lovely décor, delicious food, pleasant service, terrific coffee, and mouth-watering sweets.
They established a second store in West Bakersfield because it’s such a local favorite. In terms of both atmosphere and cuisine, Cafe Smitten ranks among the greatest eateries in Bakersfield.
Specializing in breakfast and lunch dishes, the central Cafe Smitten location is the ideal place to get brunch, hang out on their shady terrace, and catch up with buddies.
Brunch At Moo Creamery
Put Moo Creamery at the very top of your picks if you’re searching for a brunch destination on the weekends where you can enjoy a tasty Bloody Mary and comfort cuisine! Their menu demonstrates that, as stated in their tagline, “It is not your typical grandparents’ dinner.”
The weekend brunch at Moo Creamery features a menu focused on comfort, featuring dishes like Spanish Chorizo Burgers, Pulled Pork Benedict, and Chilaquiles. These dishes go well with their inventive drink options, which include Cucumber-Jalapeño Margarita and Spiked Basil Lemonade.
The Moo Creamery is a terrific place to go for an enjoyable date night or supper with friends, and it has a large beer and cocktails menu.
To provide the greatest tastes, Moo Creamery gets premium, natural components from farmers and ranchers. You may eat outside on the terrace at Moo Creamery or take a seat in the trendy café. We respect you for finishing your dish, but remember to make space for one of their famous shakes or ice creams!
Sunset From Panorama Park
One of Bakersfield’s nicest parks for people who want to enjoy some fresh air and exercise inside the city boundaries is Panorama Park.
There are miles of walking trails in this area that follow “The Bluffs,” a cliffside.
There’s an outstanding vantage at Panorama Park with a 360-degree panorama of Bakersfield’s oil fields. There are many seats here to relax and take in the scenery, making it a very well-liked spot for observing the sunset.
Although Panorama Park contains a lot of green areas and is well-maintained generally, it has an extremely urban feel to it.
As a component of the Panorama Park beautifying program, you may also view many stunning art murals completed in 2019. Enjoying the sunset at this park is one of the most peaceful things to do in Bakersfield.
Beers At Temblor Brewery
It may surprise you to learn that Bakersfield has a burgeoning beer sector if you’re not from the area. However, nothing beats an ice-cold beer to unwind with at the final moment of the day in a region that is scorching hot for half the year! Since its founding, the Bakersfield brewery Temblor Brewing business has gained recognition for itself. It’s one of the greatest brewers in town, offering a large selection of beers and a substantial food list!
Temblor Brewing Company is our favorite because of its large, dog-friendly outside patio, which has an isolated bamboo wall and seems like its own little center. Temblor’s interior is decorated with open areas, contemporary accents, and an industrial, trendy aesthetic.
Temblor Brewing Company serves a wide range of culinary items in addition to beer, contrasting some brewers that just provide beer. Savory sandwiches, traditional burgers, salads, and leisure cuisine from the United States are served here. Among the most well-liked beers include the award-winning Under a Blood Orange Sky wheat beer and the Streets of Bakersfield IPA, both of which are frequently available at neighborhood grocery shops.
Hot Springs
Remington Hot Springs and Miracle Hot Springs are two gorgeous hot springs that are easily accessible from Bakersfield if you’re searching for anything enjoyable and unwinding to do on the weekends.
Situated in Kern Canyon, these two hot springs are accessible from Bakersfield in less than an hour. Tucked down amid rocks and woods on the Kern River are the hot springs of Remington and Miracle. It is possible to overlook them if you are unsure of where to go!
You may explore these two thermal springs in one day because they are only a few kilometers apart. Due to its proximity to the Hobo Campground, Miracle Hot Springs experiences more traffic. It gets less busy since Remington Hot Springs is a little more up the road and takes a quick but high trek to get there.
River Rafting: One Of The Most Fun Things To Do In Bakersfield
One of the most significant river rafting in California is within easy reach from Bakersfield for those looking for an exhilarating adventure!
I had never gone for a water rafting trip before arriving in Bakersfield, but it was a thing I had always wanted to do. I sprang at the chance to go rafting at Three Rivers, which is close to Bakersfield when my buddies asked me.
We went rafting over some crazy rapids full of clean snowmelt throughout the weekend, where we slept, ate delicious food, made memories, and, happily, I stayed in the boat without plunging overboard.
Visit Lake Isabella
Lake Isabella, located just an hour east of Bakersfield, is a stunning lake nestled among mountains and charming Western-style towns.
It’s a popular vacation destination for Bakersfield residents, especially those who love outdoor activities like fishing and river rafting.
We often escape to Lake Isabella for a quick getaway from Bakersfield to enjoy some outdoor time, whether it’s hiking, relaxing by the lake, or off-roading. One of our favorite hikes in the area is the Isabella Peak – Coso Mine Loop Trail, a 2.3-mile trek that offers breathtaking 360-degree views of Lake Isabella and its picturesque surroundings. Some of the other fun things to do in Bakersfield Isabella Lake are exploring the historic Silver City Ghost Town, enjoying a refreshing beer at the Kern River Brewing Company, and relaxing in a charming vacation rental by Lake Isabella.
Sequoia Trees
The Trail of 100 Giants, located in Sequoia National Forest, is a popular day hike featuring some of the biggest and oldest trees in the world.
Easily accessible from nearby cities like Bakersfield, it’s a great spot for a quick summer getaway to escape the valley heat and enjoy the cooler mountain temperatures.
The trail is paved, mostly flat, and stroller-friendly, making it easy for all visitors. The loop covers a total of 1.3 miles, but you can shorten your walk if you start to feel tired.
Highlights of the Trail of 100 Giants include the Proclamation tree, which is over 2,000 years old, the Goose Pen tree with its open, hollow center, as well as lush meadows and enormous fallen sequoias.
We believe that our list of things to do in Bakersfield has assisted you in finding an exciting brand-new activity, a dining option, and other nearby attractions!