Overview
Bakersfield is the country music capital of the West Coast, home to legends Buck Owens and Merle Haggard, and also the birthplace of the band Korn. It is a fast-growing city with a population of about 323,000, offering a conservative, religious atmosphere distinct from coastal California.
Day Trips · Family Travel · Festivals · History · Museums
Before you go
Culture
Bakersfield is a very conservative, religious city compared to most of California.
Food
Bakersfield has the largest cluster of Basque restaurants in California.
Safety
Avoid Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, Union Ave, parts of East Bakersfield, and near the fairgrounds at night.
Transport
GET bus fare is $1.65 per ride; no transfers, so day passes recommended.