The history of Bakersfield, California dates back thousands of years ago. The first settlers to the area were Native Americans who lived along the banks of the Kern River. In the early 1800s, Spanish missionaries established a mission in the area, and later a fort was built to protect settlers from attacks by Indians. In 1851, gold was discovered in the Sierra Nevada foothills, and a rush of prospectors came to the area. A town soon grew around the fort, named Bakersfield after Colonel Thomas Baker, who owned the land on which the town was built.
It was incorporated as a city in 1873 and became the county seat of Kern in 1874. During the Great Depression, Dust Bowl migrants arrived searching for work, and in the 1950s and 1960s, the city became a hub for the oil industry. An earthquake struck in 1952, causing damage to many of the city's buildings and infrastructure. Today, Bakersfield is a vibrant and prosperous city with interesting visitor attractions. The Kern County Museum has a wonderful collection of artifacts and documents that tell the story of the city's history.
You can enjoy one of the many outdoor activities in Bakersfield, like camping, fishing, or hiking. There are several parks and trails to explore, including Kern River Parkway and Greenlawn Park. For a unique experience, you can take a scenic drive along the Kern River Canyon and admire the stunning views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The city also has great restaurants, from traditional steakhouses to Mexican and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Flame and Skewers Mediterranean will tantalize your taste buds with its delicious kabobs and falafels. Alternatively, you can visit Red Pepper Restaurant for some of the best Mexican dishes in town. Bakersfield is also home to great live music venues like The Fox Theater and Riley's Music Hall. No trip to Bakersfield is complete without a stop at the California Living Museum, a zoo and botanical garden that offers educational programs for children.
Campgrounds Near Bakersfield, California
Bakersfield River Run RV Park is one of the best campgrounds in Bakersfield, with 123 sites with full hookups. The park is near stores like Walmart and Costco. You will love its pool and hot tubs. Pets are allowed, and the area has a strong cell reception signal.
Visit the family-owned Country RV Park, which charges $36 to $45 daily. It has 120 sites with full hookups. These sites offer back-in and pull-through access. You can enjoy this campground with your pets, as they are allowed. Propane and showers are also available.
You can enjoy an orange at Orange Grove RV Park in Bakersfield. The campground has 185 sites with full hookups and charges $265 monthly. Pets are allowed, and you can cool off at the pool or dip yourself in a hot tub. The park has good cell reception, and the playground is free.
You will love Bear Mountain RV Park's spacious lot for your RV. You can enjoy camping with your pet, and showers are available if you want a shower. You do not have to worry about calls, for the park has excellent cell reception.
State Parks Near Bakersfield, California
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is 45 miles from Bakersfield and is a wonderful place to explore the history of California's African American pioneers. It preserves the early California town founded in 1908 by African American Civil War veterans. Learn about the town's beginnings as an all-black town focused on social and economic cooperation. Colonel Allensworth was one of the town's founders, and it was named in his honor. The park has many historic buildings, including an old schoolhouse, a church, and more. You will also find a museum, camping sites, and equestrian trails.
Visit Mountain Home Demonstration State Forest and enjoy the beauty and serenity of its wildlands. The park is located 86.6 miles from Bakersfield in Sequoia National Forest. It preserves the beauty of nature, with plenty of tall pine trees and meadows. The forest is home to various wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and many species of birds. You can participate in hiking, horseback riding, and camping. In addition, the park also has a playground and picnic areas for families to enjoy.
You will have to travel 72 miles from Bakersfield to Castaic Lake State Recreation Area, where you will find plenty of activities to enjoy. The park is surrounded by mountains, with Castaic Lake in the middle. You can enjoy water sports like swimming, boating, and fishing. Enjoy the campgrounds with RV hookups and other amenities such as showers and restrooms. Take part in hiking and biking trails, or explore the nature center, which offers educational activities and events. The many scenic spots allow you to take pictures of the majestic views while picnicking.
National Sites Near Bakersfield, California
César E. Chávez National Monument is just 31 miles from Bakersfield and is a great place to learn about the civil rights leader César E. Chávez. You will find a visitor center with an interactive exhibit, outdoor rose and cactus gardens, and a memorial wall. Take part in the free ranger-led programs that illustrate the life and legacy of César E. Chávez. Walk the 1.5-mile loop trail, which offers stunning views of the nearby mountains and farmland. You will find the gravesite of César E. Chávez and his wife in the park.
Drive your RV 117 miles from Bakersfield to Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and enjoy exploring over 500 miles of trails. You will be able to participate in activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping. You can also find plenty of recreational areas and picnic spots. The area is home to various wildlife species, like mountain lions, mule deer, and coyotes. Enjoy the vast beauty of the mountains and take pictures at numerous overlooks. You can also learn about the area's cultural history with some historical sites.
Learn some history by exploring Manzanar National Historic Site, 179 miles from Bakersfield. It was the site of one of 10 concentration camps that were used to imprison Japanese Americans during World War II. Take a guided tour and learn about the experiences of prisoners and the importance of civil rights in America. Take part in a ranger-led program or watch a movie at the theater which shows a documentary about the camp. You can also explore the cemetery and many original structures used during this period.
National Forests Near Bakersfield, California
If you want to see some of the largest trees in the world, visit Sequoia National Forest. It is just 111 miles from Bakersfield. The forested area makes hiking enjoyable, with plenty of trails and activities. You can learn about the natural and cultural history of the area at one of the many interpretive sites or join a ranger-led program. You can also explore some wild areas and see if you can spot any native wildlife, like bighorn sheep, elk, or black bears. Take advantage of the campgrounds, picnic spots, and fishing areas where you can explore some of the 43 rivers and streams.
Los Padres National Forest is located just 129 miles from Bakersfield and is a great place to experience the outdoors. This forest has a coastline and wilderness, making it a great spot for camping and picnicking. Sisquoc Condor Sanctuary is in the forest and is a great place to participate in bird-watching. Enjoy steelhead trout fishing on the Sisquoc River or take part in a nature hike. Joaquin Rocks are located on the forest's coastline and are a great spot to take pictures as you explore the many sea caves.
Angeles National Forest is 134 miles from Bakersfield and covers over 700,000 acres. You will see wildlife like gray foxes, bighorn sheep, and bobcats. Fishing is allowed in the many streams and lakes, and hiking and camping opportunities abound. Take part in a ranger-led program or join a guided horseback ride to explore the many trails. You can also participate in educational programs and learn about the area's natural history.
