Insider's Guide
Bakersfield, CA
Welcome to Bakersfield Insider's Guide
Bakersfield offers a blend of small-town friendliness and big-city amenities in California’s southern Central Valley. Known for its rich agricultural roots, energy industry, and country music heritage, the city features parks, museums, family attractions, and easy access to the Sierra Nevada mountains and nearby outdoor recreation.
Weather
Bakersfield has a hot desert-like climate with long, dry summers where temperatures often exceed 95°F. Winters are mild and short, with occasional fog and cooler nights. Rainfall is limited, mostly in winter, and sunshine is abundant year-round.
Avg. Temperature
66°F
Avg. Annual Rainfall
6"
Weather Patterns
Hot Desert Climate
High
Low
Rain
January
60°F
42°F
1.6"
February
65°F
45°F
1.8"
March
71°F
49°F
1.4"
April
78°F
53°F
0.7"
May
85°F
59°F
0.2"
June
93°F
66°F
0.0"
July
98°F
71°F
0.0"
August
97°F
71°F
0.0"
September
91°F
66°F
0.1"
October
81°F
57°F
0.4"
November
68°F
47°F
0.8"
December
60°F
41°F
1.4"
Local Sports
Bakersfield has a lively sports scene centered on minor league and community teams. The AHL’s Bakersfield Condors and Pecos League’s Bakersfield Train Robbers foster strong local support. The city also values college athletics, motorsports, and youth leagues, making sports a key part of community life.
Bakersfield Condors (AHL)
The Bakersfield Condors are a professional minor league hockey team in the American Hockey League and an affiliate of the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers. Known for strong fan support, they play at Dignity Health Arena and are a key part of Bakersfield’s sports culture.
Sport: Hockey
Founded: 1984
Dignity Health Arena
Bakersfield Train Robbers (Pecos League)
The Bakersfield Train Robbers are an independent professional baseball team competing in the Pecos League. Founded in 2013, they offer affordable, community-focused entertainment and have quickly built a loyal local following at Sam Lynn Ballpark.
Sport: Baseball
Founded: 2013
Sam Lynn Ballpark
Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners (NCAA)
The CSUB Roadrunners represent California State University, Bakersfield in the NCAA Division I level. They compete in sports like basketball, baseball, soccer, volleyball, and wrestling, with strong programs across both men’s and women’s teams and a growing fan base in the community.
Golf Courses
Bakersfield offers several well-regarded golf courses, blending public and private options. Courses like The Links at Riverlakes Ranch and Kern River Golf Course feature scenic fairways, while clubs such as Seven Oaks provide premium play. The area’s sunny climate allows for year‑round golfing.
Country Clubs
Golf Courses
Schools
Bakersfield has a diverse school system with public, private, and charter options. It is served by multiple districts, including Kern High School District and Bakersfield City School District. The area also offers higher education through California State University, Bakersfield, and Bakersfield College.
Colleges and Universities
School Districts
Private Schools
Performing Arts Schools
Things to Do and See
Bakersfield offers a mix of outdoor fun, culture, and entertainment. Visit Hart Park or the Kern River Parkway for nature, explore museums like Buena Vista and BMoA, catch shows at the Fox Theatre, and enjoy family-friendly fun with fruit picking and activities at Murray Family Farms.
Bakersfield Museum of Art
The Bakersfield Museum of Art showcases regional and contemporary works, with a focus on California artists. Located in Central Park, it features rotating exhibitions, sculpture gardens, and educational programs, offering a vibrant space for creativity and community engagement.
Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science
The Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science explores local geology, paleontology, and archaeology. It features fossil exhibits, Native American artifacts, and interactive displays, making it a family-friendly destination for learning about the region’s natural history.
California Living Museum (CALM)
The California Living Museum (CALM) in Bakersfield is a zoo and garden showcasing native California wildlife and plants. Visitors can see animals like bears, birds, and reptiles, explore desert and wetland exhibits, and enjoy family-friendly trails focused on conservation and education.
Dewar’s Candy Shop
Dewar’s Candy Shop, founded in 1909, is a beloved local institution known for its handmade confections. Famous for its taffy chews, chocolates, and ice cream, it offers a nostalgic experience and continues a long tradition of quality sweets and family ownership.
Dignity Health Arena, Theater & Convention Center
Dignity Health Arena, Theater & Convention Center is a premier events complex featuring a large indoor arena, performing arts theater, and convention space. It hosts concerts, sports, shows, and community events, serving as a central hub for entertainment and gatherings.
Hart Memorial Park
Hart Memorial Park is a large scenic park located along the Kern River. It features picnic areas, fishing lakes, hiking trails, and historical sites. Popular for outdoor recreation, it offers wildlife viewing, camping, and family-friendly spaces.
Kern County Fair
The Kern County Fair, held each September, is a lively celebration of the region’s agricultural roots. It features carnival rides, live concerts, livestock exhibits, food vendors, and family attractions, drawing large crowds for entertainment, tradition, and community fun.
Kern County Museum
The Kern County Museum in Bakersfield is a history museum featuring over 50 historic buildings, exhibits, and artifacts. It highlights the region’s past, including oil, agriculture, and pioneer life, with interactive displays and events that bring local history to life.
March Meet at Famoso Dragstrip
The March Meet at Famoso Dragstrip is a historic drag racing event held annually near Bakersfield. Dating back to 1959, it features classic and modern hot rods, Top Fuel dragsters, and Funny Cars, drawing fans nationwide as a cornerstone of NHRA heritage racing.
Sequoia National Forest
Sequoia National Forest, about 60 miles northeast of Bakersfield, spans over a million acres in California’s Sierra Nevada, offering towering giant sequoias, rugged mountains, and scenic trails. Popular for hiking, camping, and fishing, it provides diverse landscapes, outdoor recreation, and access to stunning wilderness.
The Big Red Barn at Murray Family Farms
The Big Red Barn at Murray Family Farms is a popular family attraction offering seasonal events, fresh produce, and farm experiences. Visitors enjoy fruit picking, a petting zoo, homemade treats, and a lively country atmosphere perfect for all ages.
The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theatre
The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theatre, opened in 1930, is a beautifully restored Spanish Colonial Revival venue. Located in downtown Bakersfield, it hosts concerts, films, and live performances, and is known for its ornate architecture and rich cultural history.
Directory
This directory serves as a valuable tool for efficiently locating and accessing essential resources, such as dining establishments, healthcare facilities, public service offices, and community events. By offering comprehensive details and contact information, it aims to streamline the process of finding necessary services and participating in local activities.
Coffee Shops
Cafeinado Coffee Co.
Ethnic Food Markets
Farmers Markets
Furniture Stores
Government Agencies
Grocery Stores
Health Food Stores
Hospitals
Newspapers
News Stations
Nightlife
Restaurants
Shopping
Bakersfield Plaza
College Shopping Center
Delano Marketplace
Mercado Latino
Northwest Promenade
Outlets at Tejon
Rosedale Village
Stockdale Village Shopping Center
The Marketplace
The Shops at River Walk
Town and Country Village Shopping Center
Valley Plaza
The business listings provided in this directory are for informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, not all listings may include complete information such as phone numbers, websites, or other contact details.