Unusual & Offbeat Destinations in Bakersfield, California, United States
1. Kern River Valley
A scenic valley offering outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and camping. The unique geological formations make it a haven for rock climbers.
- Natural Beauty: Offers breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
- Outdoor Activities: Provides a variety of outdoor activities for adventurous travelers.
- Rock Climbing: Home to unique geological formations ideal for rock climbing.
2. Buena Vista Museum of Natural History
A small museum showcasing local fossils, minerals, and Native American artifacts. The unique collection is a testament to Bakersfield's geological and cultural history.
- Local History: Provides insights into Bakersfield's geological and cultural past.
- Small Museum: Offers an intimate experience to explore the local history.
- Fossils and Minerals: Showcases a unique collection of fossils, minerals, and Native American artifacts.
3. Peter Pan Park
A whimsical park inspired by J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan, featuring life-size statues of characters from the story. The unique atmosphere transports visitors to Neverland.
- Whimsy and Creativity: Offers a fantastical environment inspired by Peter Pan.
- Interactive Experience: Allows visitors to interact with life-size statues of characters from the story.
- Nostalgia Trip: A perfect spot for fans of Peter Pan to revisit their childhood memories.
4. Kern County Museum
A large museum featuring exhibits on local history, agriculture, oil, and railroads. The unique collection showcases Bakersfield's rich cultural heritage.
- Local History: Provides insights into Bakersfield's agricultural, oil, and railroad history.
- Large Museum: Offers a comprehensive experience of Bakersfield's cultural heritage.
- Unique Exhibits: Showcases a unique collection on local history, agriculture, oil, and railroads.
5. Kern River Preserve
A nature preserve offering bird watching, hiking, and kayaking opportunities. The unique ecosystem supports a variety of rare and endangered species.
- Nature and Wildlife: Provides opportunities for bird watching, hiking, and kayaking.
- Rare Species: Supports a variety of rare and endangered species.
- Educational Tours: Offers guided tours to educate visitors about the preserve's unique ecosystem.
6. California Oil Museum
A museum dedicated to the history of oil in California. The unique collection showcases the tools and techniques used in oil drilling.
- Oil Industry History: Provides insights into the history of the oil industry in California.
- Large Collection: Showcases a vast collection of artifacts related to the oil industry.
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive exhibits that explain the process of oil drilling.
7. Pioneer Woman Statue
A statue honoring Susanna Leonard Cullen, a pioneer woman who settled in Bakersfield. The unique design captures her spirit and the hardships of early life in the region.
- Historical Figure: Honors Susanna Leonard Cullen, a pioneer woman who settled in Bakersfield.
- Unusual Design: Features an unusual and unique design that captures the spirit of early life in the region.
- Community Pride: Symbolizes community pride for Bakersfield's pioneer history.
8. Buena Vista Grain Elevator
A historic grain elevator that once served as a vital link in the local agriculture industry. The unique architecture and history make it a must-visit.
- Historic Architecture: Showcases unique historic architecture.
- Local Agriculture History: Provides insights into the local agriculture history.
- Photography Opportunities: Offers excellent opportunities for photography enthusiasts.
9. Rabbit Farm
A unique farm that specializes in raising rare and exotic breeds of rabbits. The unusual attraction offers guided tours and rabbit-themed souvenirs.
- Unusual Attraction: Offers a unique experience with rare and exotic breeds of rabbits.
- Guided Tours: Provides guided tours for visitors to learn about the various rabbit breeds.
- Rabbit-Themed Souvenirs: Offers souvenirs featuring various rabbit breeds and designs.
10. Kern County Star Theatre
A small theater showcasing independent films, live music events, and art exhibitions. The unique atmosphere fosters a sense of community and creativity.
- Independent Films: Showcases independent films not typically seen in mainstream theaters.
- Live Music Events: Hosts live music events featuring local and regional artists.
- Art Exhibitions: Provides a platform for local artists to showcase their work.
11. Farm-to-Table Restaurants
Restaurants that source fresh ingredients directly from local farms. The unique dining experience showcases the region's agricultural bounty.
- Fresh Ingredients: Uses fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
- Agricultural Bounty: Showcases the region's agricultural bounty through its dishes.
- Supporting Local Farmers: Supports local farmers by using their fresh produce and ingredients.
12. Antique Shops
Shops offering a wide variety of antiques and vintage items. The unique shopping experience allows visitors to explore Bakersfield's past.
- Unique Shopping Experience: Offers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience with antiques and vintage items.
- Exploring Bakersfield's Past: Allows visitors to explore Bakersfield's past through its antique shops.
- Supporting Local Businesses: Supports local businesses by shopping at the antique shops.
13. Kern County Livestock Show
An annual event showcasing livestock competitions, rodeos, and agricultural exhibits. The unique event celebrates Bakersfield's rural roots.
- Celebrating Rural Roots: Celebrates Bakersfield's rural roots through livestock competitions, rodeos, and agricultural exhibits.
- Annual Event: Takes place annually, attracting visitors from across the region.
- Educational Opportunities: Offers educational opportunities about livestock and agriculture.
14. Street Art Tour
A self-guided tour showcasing the vibrant street art scene in Bakersfield. The unique tour offers insights into the city's culture and creativity.
- Street Art Scene: Showcases Bakersfield's vibrant street art scene.
- Self-Guided Tour: Offers a self-guided tour for visitors to explore the city at their own pace.
- Insights into Culture and Creativity: Provides insights into Bakersfield's culture and creativity through its street art.
15. Underground Railroad Tour
A guided tour exploring Bakersfield's history as a stop on the Underground Railroad. The unique tour offers insights into the city's role in the abolitionist movement.
- Underground Railroad History: Explores Bakersfield's history as a stop on the Underground Railroad.
- Guided Tour: Offers a guided tour for visitors to learn about the city's role in the abolitionist movement.
- Insights into Social History: Provides insights into Bakersfield's social history during the abolitionist movement.