From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, this section covers the top places of interest in Bakersfield. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local looking for new experiences, these spots capture the essence of the city.
The Bakersfield Sign (or Bakersfield Neon Arch) is one of the most popular landmarks in Bakersfield. It is located to the northwest of Downtown Bakersfield, over Sillect Avenue, where the street connects with Buck Owens Boulevard. It was built by the California Neon Sign Company in 1949. The Bakersfield Sign …
Beale Memorial Clock Tower is a clock tower gifted to the city of Bakersfield from Truxtun Beale, in memory of his mother. It was built in the middle of the intersection of 17th St. and Chester Ave., and was dedicated on April 4, 1904. The clock tower was severely damaged …
Buck Owens Crystal Palace is a music hall in Bakersfield, named after its founder and today is home of the Buck Owens Museum, dedicated to his career. The Crystal Palace was built in the Western Revival style, which is reminiscent of buildings from the American Old West in the 19th …
The Kern Veterans Memorial is a monument that honors all Kern County residents who served in the armed forces. It’s on the corner of Truxtun Ave. and S St. in downtown Bakersfield. John Cohrs designed the memorial. It’s a circular plaza with two paths leading to it. The outer path …
The Padre Hotel is Bakersfield’s historic building on the corner of 18th and H streets. This eight-story luxury hotel was built in 1928 and renovated in 2010. It has a restaurant, a bar, a cafe, a bistro, and an outdoor bar with a cabana and fire pits along with 112 …
Mill Creek is a park in Bakersfield that extends between Golden State Avenue and California Avenue in the downtown area and runs along the Kern Island Canal. Central Park, the only park in downtown, is located in the heart of Mill Creek park. There is a lake with spray fountains …
The Park at River Walk is a public park with two lakes and a stream connecting them. It is also the location of the Spectrum Amphitheater, one of two large outdoor theaters in Bakersfield (the other is the Outdoor Theater at Bakersfield College). The park includes two lakes that serve …