
Hiking & Outdoor Adventures Nearby in Bakersfield, California, United States
1. Kern Canyon State Recreation Area
Experience beautiful canyons and rivers for hiking, biking, or horseback riding.
- Water Activities: Offers opportunities for kayaking and fishing.
- Camping: Provides campgrounds for overnight stays.
- Scenic Viewpoints: Features panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
2. Balch Park
Enjoy a variety of trails and wildlife viewing in this urban park.
- Urban Oasis: Located within the city, providing easy access for hiking.
- Wildlife Observation: Home to a diverse array of local wildlife, including coyotes and bobcats.
- Picnic Area: Offers picnic tables for relaxing outdoors.
3. Buena Vista Lake
Experience hiking, birdwatching, and boating on this large reservoir.
- Water Sports: Popular for water sports like jet-skiing and wakeboarding.
- Fishing Spots: A popular destination for bass and catfish fishing.
- Scenic Drives: Offers scenic drives along the lake's perimeter.
4. California Oil Museum
Learn about the history of oil in California through exhibits and tours.
- Educational Experience: Provides insights into the role of oil in shaping Bakersfield's history.
- Interactive Exhibits: Includes interactive exhibits for a hands-on learning experience.
- Guided Tours: Offers guided tours of the museum and historic oil rig.
5. Rabobank Arena Theater
Watch live music performances, comedy shows, and other events at this popular venue.
- Variety of Events: Hosts a wide variety of entertainment options throughout the year.
- Seating Options: Offers multiple seating choices, including VIP boxes and balcony seats.
- Accessible Location: Conveniently located in downtown Bakersfield.
6. Buena Vista Museum of Natural History
Discover fossils and local geology at this small but informative museum.
- Natural History Exhibits: Features exhibits on local fossils, minerals, and dinosaurs.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs for schools and groups.
- Small and Intimate: A cozy museum that allows for a personalized learning experience.
7. Hart Memorial Park
Relax and enjoy picnics, playgrounds, and sports fields at this popular city park.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Offers playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports facilities.
- Scenic Lake: Features a scenic lake for fishing and boating.
- Dog Park: Includes an off-leash dog park for furry friends.
8. Kern National Wildlife Refuge
Explore wetlands and grasslands home to a variety of wildlife, including birds and bighorn sheep.
- Wildlife Observation: Offers opportunities for birdwatching and spotting bighorn sheep.
- Nature Trails: Provides nature trails for hiking and exploring.
- Photography Opportunities: Features picturesque landscapes perfect for capturing memories.
9. Lake Ming Recreation Area
Enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing at this popular recreation area.
- Water Activities: Offers opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing.
- Camping: Provides campgrounds for overnight stays.
- Picnic Area: Offers picnic tables and grills for a relaxing outdoor meal.
10. McKittrick Cave
Explore this underground limestone cave filled with unique formations.
- Underground Adventure: Provides a unique opportunity to explore an underground cave.
- Limestone Formations: Features impressive limestone formations within the cave.
- Guided Tours: Offers guided tours for a safe and educational experience.
11. Kern River Preserve
Protect and observe wildlife in this nature preserve along the Kern River.
- Wildlife Observation: Provides opportunities for spotting otters, beavers, and birds.
- Nature Trails: Offers nature trails for hiking and exploring.
- Photography Opportunities: Features scenic landscapes perfect for capturing memories.
12. Panorama Bluffs Regional Park
Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valley from this park's bluffs.
- Scenic Viewpoints: Features stunning viewpoints overlooking the valley.
- Hiking Trails: Provides hiking trails for exploring the park's landscapes.
- Dog Park: Includes an off-leash dog park for furry friends.
13. Sequoia National Forest
Experience the beauty of giant sequoias and other natural wonders in this national forest.
- Giant Sequoias: Features groves of towering giant sequoia trees.
- Hiking Trails: Provides numerous hiking trails for exploring the forest.
- Wilderness Experience: Offers opportunities for camping and backcountry exploration.
14. Lake Casitas Recreation Area
Enjoy boating, fishing, and hiking at this popular recreation area.
- Water Activities: Offers opportunities for boating, swimming, and fishing.
- Camping: Provides campgrounds for overnight stays.
- Hiking Trails: Offers hiking trails for exploring the area.
15. Mount Pinos Wilderness
Explore high-altitude forests and alpine meadows in this wilderness area.
- Alpine Landscapes: Features high-altitude forests and alpine meadows.
- Hiking Trails: Provides numerous hiking trails for exploring the wilderness.
- Wildlife Observation: Offers opportunities for spotting wildlife, including deer and black bears.