Most Scenic Road Trips in Bakersfield, California, United States
1. Kern River Bridge Scenic Byway
Follow the Kern River through rugged canyons and picturesque farmlands along this 50-mile route.
- Natural Beauty: Offers stunning views of the Kern River and surrounding mountains.
- Outdoor Activities: Perfect for fishing, hiking, and picnicking along the way.
- Historical Significance: Features historical sites like the Kern Bridge and mining towns.
2. California Oil Museum Road Trip
Learn about the oil industry's history in Bakersfield while enjoying scenic views of farms and vineyards.
- Historical Insight: Provides an in-depth look at the role of oil in California's history.
- Scenic Drive: Features beautiful countryside landscapes and charming small towns.
- Educational Experience: Offers interactive exhibits and guided tours at the California Oil Museum.
3. Buena Vista Lake Scenic Drive
A scenic drive around Bakersfield's largest reservoir offers beautiful views of the lake and surrounding farmlands.
- Natural Beauty: Features breathtaking sunsets and diverse wildlife.
- Outdoor Activities: Perfect for boating, fishing, and picnicking.
- Historical Significance: Passes by historic sites like the old Buena Vista Railroad Depot.
4. Highway 43 Scenic Drive
Travel through rolling hills and farmlands to reach the charming town of Maricopa along this scenic route.
- Scenic Drive: Offers stunning views of the valley and surrounding mountains.
- Historical Significance: Features historical sites like the Maricopa Courthouse Museum.
- Small Town Charm: Maricopa offers unique shops, restaurants, and a charming ambiance.
5. Pirates Cove Road Trip
A winding drive through the mountains leads to a secluded lake perfect for swimming and picnicking.
- Scenic Drive: Features breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
- Outdoor Activities: Ideal for swimming, fishing, and camping.
- Seclusion: Provides a peaceful and serene atmosphere away from the city.
6. Mount Pinos Scenic Byway
A scenic drive through the mountains leads to stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- Scenic Drive: Offers breathtaking panoramic views from the summit.
- Natural Beauty: Features diverse ecosystems like forests and meadows.
- Hiking Opportunities: Offers numerous trails for hiking and exploring the mountains.
7. Five Mile Road Trip
A scenic drive along Five Mile Road takes you through charming rural communities and farmlands.
- Scenic Drive: Offers beautiful views of the countryside.
- Small Town Charm: Features unique shops, restaurants, and local culture.
- Historical Significance: Passes by historical sites like the Five Mile Road Schoolhouse Museum.
8. Farmersville Loop Scenic Drive
A scenic drive through rolling hills and farmlands takes you to the charming town of Farmersville.
- Scenic Drive: Offers stunning views of the countryside and orchards.
- Small Town Charm: Features unique shops, restaurants, and local culture.
- Historical Significance: Passes by historical sites like the Old Farmersville Schoolhouse.
9. Lake Ming Scenic Drive
A scenic drive around Lake Ming offers beautiful views of the lake and surrounding farmlands.
- Natural Beauty: Features breathtaking sunsets and diverse wildlife.
- Outdoor Activities: Perfect for boating, fishing, and picnicking.
- Historical Significance: Passes by historical sites like the old Lake Ming Dam.
10. Golden State Highway Scenic Drive
A scenic drive along the Golden State Highway takes you through rolling hills, farmlands, and charming small towns.
- Scenic Drive: Offers beautiful views of the countryside and mountains.
- Small Town Charm: Features unique shops, restaurants, and local culture.
- Historical Significance: Passes by historical sites like the old Kern County Courthouse.
11. Sky Ranch Scenic Drive
A scenic drive through the rolling hills and vineyards leads to Sky Ranch for beautiful views of the valley.
- Scenic Drive: Offers stunning views of the countryside, vineyards, and the valley.
- Small Town Charm: Features unique shops, restaurants, and local culture.
- Historical Significance: Passes by historical sites like the old Sky Ranch Airport.
12. Sequoia National Park Road Trip
A road trip to Sequoia National Park offers breathtaking views of giant sequoias and diverse ecosystems.
- Natural Beauty: Features massive giant sequoias and beautiful mountain landscapes.
- Outdoor Activities: Ideal for hiking, camping, and exploring.
- Historical Significance: Offers opportunities to learn about the park's history and wildlife.
13. Yosemite National Park Road Trip
A road trip to Yosemite National Park offers breathtaking views of waterfalls, giant sequoias, and diverse ecosystems.
- Natural Beauty: Features massive waterfalls, giant sequoias, and beautiful mountain landscapes.
- Outdoor Activities: Ideal for hiking, camping, and exploring.
- Historical Significance: Offers opportunities to learn about the park's history and wildlife.
14. King's Canyon National Park Road Trip
A road trip to King's Canyon National Park offers breathtaking views of canyons, giant sequoias, and diverse ecosystems.
- Natural Beauty: Features massive giant sequoias, beautiful canyon landscapes, and diverse ecosystems.
- Outdoor Activities: Ideal for hiking, camping, and exploring.
- Historical Significance: Offers opportunities to learn about the park's history and wildlife.
15. Sequoia-Kings Canyon Scenic Byway
A scenic drive between Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks offers breathtaking views of canyons, giant sequoias, and diverse ecosystems.
- Scenic Drive: Offers stunning views of the countryside, mountains, and national parks.
- Natural Beauty: Features massive giant sequoias, beautiful canyon landscapes, and diverse ecosystems.
- Outdoor Activities: Ideal for hiking, camping, and exploring.