Beaches & Waterfront Activities in Bakersfield, California, United States

Bakersfield, United States, Bakersfield, Outdoor & Adventure, Beaches & Waterfront Activities

Beaches & Waterfront Activities in Bakersfield, California, United States

1. Kern River Parkway State Recreation Area

A scenic trail along the Kern River offering picnic areas, fishing spots, and wildlife viewing. Ideal for biking, hiking, and birdwatching.
  • Natural Beauty: Features stunning natural landscapes with lush vegetation, diverse wildlife, and the flowing Kern River.
  • Outdoor Activities: Provides various recreational opportunities such as biking, hiking, and fishing.
  • Wildlife Observation: Offers the chance to spot a variety of birds, rabbits, deer, and other wildlife along the parkway.

2. Buena Vista Lake

A popular lake for boating, fishing, and camping. The lake also provides stunning sunset views.
  • Water Recreation: Ideal for various water activities like boating, fishing, swimming, and jet skiing.
  • Camping Experience: Provides campgrounds for an immersive outdoor experience near the lake.
  • Sunset Views: Offers picturesque sunsets that create a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

3. Lake Ming Recreation Area

A large recreational area with a lake for boating, fishing, and swimming. Also features a water park and campgrounds.
  • Water Activities: Offers various water activities like boating, fishing, and swimming.
  • Water Park: Features a water park with slides, pools, and other attractions for kids and adults.
  • Camping Experience: Provides campgrounds for an immersive outdoor experience near the lake.

4. California Oil Museum

A museum showcasing the history of the oil industry in Kern County. Visitors can learn about the extraction process and view antique equipment.
  • Historical Education: Offers insights into the history and evolution of the oil industry.
  • Antique Equipment Display: Features various antique drilling equipment and tools from the early days of oil extraction.
  • Interactive Exhibits: Provides interactive exhibits to engage visitors in a hands-on learning experience.

5. Kern National Wildlife Refuge

A wildlife refuge protecting migratory birds and other wetland species. Visitors can explore the area via auto tour or guided hikes.
  • Wildlife Conservation: Protects and supports a variety of wildlife, including migratory birds.
  • Auto Tour: Allows visitors to explore the refuge via their vehicles while enjoying views of the wetlands and wildlife.
  • Guided Hikes: Offers guided hiking tours to help visitors discover the unique ecosystems within the refuge.

6. Hart Park

A city park with a lake for fishing, boating, and picnicking. The park also features tennis courts, playgrounds, and walking trails.
  • Water Activities: Offers various water activities like boating, fishing, and swimming.
  • Sports Facilities: Features tennis courts, basketball courts, and other sports facilities for active visitors.
  • Picnic Areas: Provides picnic areas with tables and grills for relaxing and enjoying meals outdoors.

7. Buena Vista Aquatic Recreation Area

A recreational area offering boating, swimming, and fishing. It also features a concession stand and restrooms.
  • Water Activities: Offers various water activities like boating, swimming, and fishing.
  • Concession Stand: Provides a concession stand for snacks, drinks, and other supplies.
  • Restrooms: Offers clean restrooms for the convenience of visitors.

8. Ming Lake Campground

A campground located near a lake, offering various water activities and recreational opportunities.
  • Water Activities: Offers various water activities like boating, fishing, and swimming.
  • Camping Experience: Provides campgrounds for an immersive outdoor experience near the lake.
  • Recreational Opportunities: Features various recreational facilities, including a playground and volleyball court.

9. Kern River Rafting Trips

White-water rafting adventures on the Kern River for thrill seekers. The trips range from beginner to expert levels.
  • Thrilling Adventure: Offers white-water rafting experiences suitable for both beginners and experts.
  • Expert Guides: Equips participants with professional guides who ensure safety and provide an enjoyable experience.
  • Scenic Beauty: Provides stunning views of the Kern River Canyon and its surrounding landscapes.

10. Pirate's Cove Waterpark

A water park featuring water slides, pools, and a lazy river. It's perfect for families seeking fun-filled water activities.
  • Water Slides: Offers various water slides of different heights and speeds for thrill seekers.
  • Lazy River: Features a relaxing lazy river for those seeking a calmer aquatic experience.
  • Family-Friendly: Designed to provide enjoyable water activities for the entire family.

11. Lake Isabella State Recreation Area

A large recreational area offering boating, fishing, and camping. It also features a marina, beaches, and picnic areas.
  • Water Activities: Offers various water activities like boating, fishing, and swimming.
  • Marina: Features a marina with boat rentals for visitors.
  • Camping Experience: Provides campgrounds for an immersive outdoor experience near the lake.

12. Cerro Gordo Ghost Town

A historic mining town turned tourist attraction. Visitors can explore abandoned mines, buildings, and artifacts.
  • Historical Education: Provides insights into the history of California's gold rush era.
  • Abandoned Mines: Allows visitors to explore abandoned mines and underground tunnels.
  • Artifact Display: Features various artifacts and relics from the mining town's past.

13. Buena Vista Conservation Area

A conservation area for birdwatching, hiking, and wildlife observation. It also features a wetland education center.
  • Wildlife Observation: Offers the chance to spot a variety of birds, rabbits, deer, and other wildlife.
  • Birdwatching: Provides opportunities for birdwatching in various habitats.
  • Wetland Education Center: Features a wetland education center with exhibits about the ecosystem and its inhabitants.

14. Santa Clara River Parkway

A trail system running along the Santa Clara River, perfect for biking, hiking, and horseback riding.
  • Natural Beauty: Features stunning natural landscapes with lush vegetation and flowing river views.
  • Outdoor Activities: Provides various recreational opportunities such as biking, hiking, and horseback riding.
  • Wildlife Observation: Offers the chance to spot a variety of birds, rabbits, deer, and other wildlife along the parkway.

15. McKittrick Canyon

A scenic canyon offering hiking trails, wildlife observation, and stunning views. It's also home to the famous ghost town of Calico.
  • Natural Beauty: Features breathtaking landscapes with colorful canyon walls, rock formations, and wildlife.
  • Hiking Trails: Offers various hiking trails suitable for different skill levels.
  • Ghost Town of Calico: Includes the historic ghost town of Calico, where visitors can explore abandoned mines and buildings.