Your Community
Bakersfield's Schools
The numerous elementary, middle and high schools of the district are committed to the academic excellence of each student enrolled. Their many fine programs provide a strong academic curriculum, helping children reach their full potential. Their positive and effective integrated learning environment gives students successful experiences that promote high achievement and will create respect and appreciation for self and others.
Healthcare
Bakersfield's hospitals and medical centers provide compassionate care, at a cost that represents value. This ensures the health and well being of Bakersfield's residents and is empowering personal growth and continuous improvement.
Post Offices
The United States Postal Service has several state of the art facilities within a short driving distance.
Meadow's Field Airport
Bakersfield's airport provides direct access to airline hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix.
Shopping
The Shops at River Walk
The Shops at River Walk is a one-of-a-kind shopping plaza that already features the popular Elephant Bar and California Pizza Kitchen and is soon to incorporate many upscale shops and services. Residents can actually bike from River Walk Park over to their favorite restaurant, take a stroll before dinner or even pick up a meal for a picnic beneath a shady tree on a gorgeous day. This new recreation and shopping area is all part of Castle & Cooke’s commitment to providing the highest quality of life for its homeowners. Castle & Cooke has been involved with development of River Walk Park since the beginning in a private-public partnership that benefits the entire community.
Marketplace
The Marketplace Shopping & Entertainment Center features a variety of shops, whether you are searching for the ideal gift or simply picking up a few last minute items. Perhaps you need to do a little banking or make a quick trip to the cleaners. You can also enjoy many restaurants and a 14-screen movie theater. You will find it all and more
at the Marketplace Shopping & Entertainment Center.
Dining & Entertainment
Rabobank Arena
To celebrate its centennial, the City of Bakersfield funded and constructed a 9,200-seat, multipurpose arena with an adjoining 25,000-square-foot plaza, built by donations and volunteer labor from the local centennial foundation. Today, Rabobank Arena is host to a wide variety of events, from boxing to hockey, comedy, concerts and much more.
The Historic Fox Theater
The Fox Theater of Bakersfield typifies an era of elegance, romance and big screen entertainment. Recently restored, it is a community treasure being preserved for posterity. Today, the Bakersfield Fox Theater is recognized for its fine acoustics and attracts not only artists and bands, but also a wide variety of other performances and shows.
Stars Dinner Theater
Intimate musicals and comedies with dinner. Start with an elegant, served gourmet meal by our award-winning chef...then settle back for the show. All from the comfort of your dining table!
Buck Owen's Crystal Palace
Come to Buck Owens' Crystal Palace for great food and great country music 5 days a week. From live dance music to concerts by some of your favorite performers, the Crystal Palace is your number one night club for the best in country.
Famous Basque Restaurants
Around 1850, California, following its becoming a state, was the main destination for Basque sheepherders migrating west. Many people were coming to seek their fortune. In the second half of the 19th century, Los Angeles and San Francisco were the main destinations for Basques. The first Basque hotel in the Bakersfield area dates from 1893. At that time there were already Basques settled in the city, although many others continued to work as herders. Today Bakersfield and Kern County enjoy a large Basque population. Kern County is also proud of the half dozen Basque establishments that are included in its list of most popular restaurants. Basque cuisine consists of beef and lamb steaks, soup, crisp salad, beans, spaghetti, bread and wine.
The Arts
The Bakersfield Museum of Art
Provides broad spectrum of visual arts experiences, exhibitions, educational programs, community outreach and
special events. Maintains & expands its permanent collection for Southern San Joaquin Valley residents, artists, and visitors of all ages. All Museum activities are designed to increase awareness and understanding of the visual arts and the important role the arts play in the educational development of young people, in building cross-cultural appreciation, and enriching the quality of life for all people.
Bakersfield Symphony
Through the years the Bakersfield Symphony concert season has expanded to six subscription concerts, as well as a chamber music series, New Directions, a Young People's Concert Series, and educational programs including the Academic Decathlon. The Nutcracker Ballet is performed annually in collaboration with the Civic Dance Center. In addition, four affiliated organizations have become part of the Symphony family with their own concert seasons: Bakersfield Masterworks Chorale, Symphony Singers, Bakersfield Youth Symphony, and Bakersfield Municipal Band.
Nature & the Great Outdoors
Wildlife
Kern County's vast government protected lands sustain abundant wildlife. Deer, black bear, coyotes, mountain lions, bobcats and hundreds of bird species are found frequently. Those not fortunate enough to see animals in the wild can 
visit one of several locations housing and protecting native species. The California Living Museum at Bakersfield, Exotic Feline Breeding Compound at Rosamond, and Tule Elk State Reserve near Tupman are open to public viewing. Those who interests cater toward flying wildlife can visit the Kern National Wildlife Refuge near Delano or the Audubon's Kern River Preserve near Weldon. Photo courtesy California Department of Fish and Game.
Hiking
The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail is a continuous 2,600 mile hiking trail from the Mexican border to the Canadian border. The Owens Peak Segment begins at Walker Pass in Kern County, and extends 41 miles north to the Sequoia National Forest at Rockhouse Basin within the Domelands Wilderness. Elevations range from 5,245 feet at Walker Pass to 7,900 feet on Bear Mountain. The trail offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The California Living Museum
California's Premier Native Zoo and Garden. Founded in 1980, CALM displays and interprets native animals, plants, specimens, and artifacts to teach a respect for all living things through education, recreation, conservation, and research.
Wildflowers
By mid-March, you can see the first hint of color as plum blossom, peach and nectarine orchards begin to bloom. Apples blossom in late March and early April, with citrus coming in April Vibrant wildflowers emerge between mid-March and mid-April, cover the foothills and spread across the valley and desert floors, moving to higher elevations with warmer weather.
Walking and Bike Trails along the Kern River
The Kern River Parkway Bike Path is indeed one of those rare assets that reflects the community's unique commitment to improving "quality of life"--now and for the future. Paralleling the Kern River, it stretches from Enos Lane west of Cal State Bakersfield to China Grade Loop just north of Gordon's Ferry, where it connects with Alfred Harrell Highway. The community is planning extensions on both sides and improvements along the path, such as the coming addition of Rio Vista Park with its planned Aquatheater and lakes.
River Walk Park
Bakersfield's premiere park space, the stunning new 32-acre Park at River Walk, recently opened to the public. The city's latest and greatest recreational facility is next to the Kern River and offers rolling hills, miles of trails, pretty picnic areas, a large playground, and the Bright House Networks Amphitheatre, a state of the art outdoor performance venue surrounded by a three-acre lake and cobble-lined streambed. Located along Stockdale Highway, this beautiful recreational space is making it easy for residents to enjoy the outdoors anytime. In addition, a grand piazza from the Shops at River Walk opens into the new city park with direct access to the Kern River bike path.
Camping
Walker Pass Trailhead/Campground is located just west of Walker Pass on State Highway 178. There is drinking water from spring through fall. Eleven sites are walk-in sites for Pacific Crest Trail hikers and tent campers while two sites have a parking spur for vehicles. Hitching racks and corrals are available for horses. Located at 5,000 feet there are pinyon pines and a few Joshua trees in this semi-arid setting. There are no reservations or fees but donations are accepted.
Fishing
Buena Vista Aquatic Recreation Area:
Webb Lake and Evans Lake are open for fishing for catfish, striped bass, black bass and crappie.
California Aqueduct: There are several fishing access points along the aqueduct, which runs through western Kern County.
Hart Park Lake: This lake is located off Alfred Harrell Highway in Hart Park. Also features playgrounds, concession stand, and canoe and paddleboat rentals. It is open for fishing October through March for trout, catfish and bass.
Kern River:
The river, both above and below Lake Isabella, is 
open to fishing year-round. Special fishing regulations may apply on upper Kern River north of Kernville. Trout are planted on a regular basis in the Kern River.
Isabella Lake: The 11,000-acre lake is located in the Kern River Valley accessible from Highway 178. The lake is open to fishing year-round. Trout, bluegill, catfish, bass and crappie can be caught.
Lake Ming: Open for fishing from Oct. 31 through March 31 in designated areas. Trout are stocked during the winter months. Located 10 miles northeast of Bakersfield.
Sports
Buttonwillow Raceway
Experience California's newest and most complete road racing facility. Indy cars, sports cars, motorcycles, go-karts, publishers and commercial production companies have all praised the features of this new racing facility. The location, variety and safety have made Buttonwillow Raceway Park the preferred racing and testing facility in California.
Boating & Waterskiing
Buena Vista Aquatic Recreation Area:
Located southwest of Bakersfield, Buena Vista features close to 11 miles of shoreline along Lake Evans and Lake 
Webb. Sailing and water-skiing take place from sunup to sundown. There are also 112 campsites available. Reservations can be made eight days in advance to a maximum of 15 weeks in advance.
Lake Ming:
A variety of boating and skiing activities take place on this lake east of Hart Park. Several National Jet Boat Association drag boat racing events are held at the lake between March and October.
Lake Isabella: 
Sailboat, water-ski and personal watercraft enthusiasts can all enjoy this lake's 36 miles of shoreline in the mountains east of Bakersfield. Campground use available.
Snow Skiing
There are 10 ski destinations within 3 hours of Bakersfield, including Snow Summit, Snow Valley, Big Bear and Badger Pass, just to name a few. From beginners to advanced skiers and snowborders, these locations offer a variety of slopes and runs to be enjoyed by everyone. In addition, most ski resorts provide ski schools and private instruction and opportunities to rent equipment and gear. A selection of shops and restaurants helps make your day complete and provides further rest and relaxation.
White Water Rafting
The Kern River in Sequoia National Forest has some of the best river rafting in California. A trip down the Lower Kern is the best overnight whitewater river trip in California. The Upper, near the historic town of Kernville, is an ideal day stretch and the Forks is a world famous Class V-IV run.
Destinations
NASA's Dryden Research Facility
Kern is often on the cutting edge of science and technology. NASA's Dryden Research Facility, located on Edwards Air Force Base, is the nation's top flight research area. This is where the U.S. first broke the sound barrier and where the space shuttle first touched down. Tours are available by advance notice.
Santa Barbara & the Central Coast
Billed as the American Riviera, it's a city steeped in Spanish tradition. In addition to the beautiful historical buildings, Santa Barbara boasts excellent museums, grand old theaters, lush parks, botanic gardens, and a world-class zoo. You'll find some of the best shopping in downtown Santa Barbara, where familiar big-name stores stand alongside delightful local boutiques. California's legendary coast and the beautiful Pacific Ocean are just a short drive away.
Sequoia National Forest
Kern County and the Kern River Valley are the gateway to the newly designated Giant Sequoia National Monument and easy driving distance from both Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks. Camp beneath the stars or relax in a peaceful mountain lodge near Isabella Lake, then take the short hop to the Trail of 100 Giants and the nations newest dedicated wilderness area. Then continue up through the one of the state's most magnificent forests and view some of the most beautiful and unspoiled country on earth. The Sequoia National Forest has 38 groves of giant sequoias. The General Sherman Tree at Sequoia National Park is the largest of all living things at 272 feet in height. Its base diameter of 36 feet would cover three freeway lanes. Elevations in the park range from 1,000 feet to the highest point in the continental U.S., the 14,495 foot summit of Mount Whitney at the headwaters of the mighty Kern River.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park covers a huge area of the western Sierra Nevada mountains in central California and has innumerable lakes, meadows, forests and rocky summits with endless unspoiled Alpine scenery. At the center is Yosemite Valley, a half-mile deep depression carved by glaciers during the last ice age, which now has soaring 3,000 foot high granite domes and many powerful waterfalls, including the third and seventh highest in the world.
Los Angeles & its Attractions
Enjoy world class theater, dining, entertainment and professional sports. Plus: Disneyland - "The happiest place on earth"and Disney's California Adventure. Magic Mountain - One of the nation's renowned roller coaster locations, just 90 minutes away. Hollywood - Man's Chinese Theater, Rodeo Drive, Universal Studios, Knott's Berry Farms, and much more.
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Kern County Museum
