Bakersfield, California, Where Work and Play Collide
Take a tour of one of the city’s college campuses, or plan a business conference at Central California’s premier corporate gathering point. Stroll through one of the area’s many museums, or get your heart racing with a white water rafting trip. Trek through the hills of Bakersfield by day, and sample Basque cuisine by night. In this central Californian city, there are as many opportunities to be successful as there are to have fun and enjoy your surroundings.
Business & Colleges
Bakersfield is located in Kern County, which produces the largest volume of oil of all counties in the U.S. It is also part of the San Joaquin Valley and is one of the most productive agricultural regions in the country. Specifically, the area produces almonds, carrots, grapes, and citrus fruit. Because the city is the population centre point of the state of California and is located roughly halfway between the cities of Los Angeles and Fresno, it is an ideal location for holding corporate meetings and events. The hotels in Bakersfield, CA can accommodate large volumes of attendees and are typically priced at reasonable rates in comparison to some of the state’s larger cities. Each year, the city also hosts the Bakersfield Business Conference, where upwards of 9,000 guests gather to hear noteworthy political speakers. If you plan to attend, just be sure to reserve a hotel in the area early in advance. The city is also a premier destination for aspiring professionals, as it is home to California State University, Bakersfield, Santa Barbara Business College, and Bakersfield College.
Basque Dining & “The Bakersfield Sound”
The city of Bakersfield is known for its Basque cuisine, a style with Spanish influences that incorporates the process of grilling meat and fish over hot coals. Some other popular Basque dishes include lamb stews, bean dishes, and a basquaise, which features tomatoes and peppers. There are several Basque restaurants you can visit, but if you want to experience the fullest range of tastes that this style of cuisine encompasses, consider visiting during Memorial Day Weekend for the Kern County Basque Festival. Of course, there are also options for entertainment year-round. Known for birthing the “Bakersfield sound,” a style of country-music made popular by performers like Merle Haggard and Jean Shepard, the city has a longstanding history of musical influence. Today, you can catch a concert at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, which is not only a music venue but also a restaurant and museum. The Fox Theater is another popular hub for music acts, as is the nearby Rabobank Arena. As these venues are located in the Downtown section of the city, there are plenty of nearby hotels that are convenient for catching a show.
Museums & More
If you or your fellow travellers enjoy visiting museums, you’ll have no trouble filling your travel itinerary during your visit to Bakersfield. First and foremost, there’s Kern Pioneer Village (formerly known as the Kern County Museum), which has been captivating visitors with thousands of artefacts across its 16 acres for more than 75 years. It highlights important events in California’s history, including the Gold Rush and development of the state’s oil industry. There’s also Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, which is home to rare fossils, dinosaur exhibits, and Native American artefacts. Many of the fossils on display were discovered right in Bakersfield’s foothills. From there, you can travel to CA’s leading facility for viewing wildlife, the California Living Museum (“CALM;” also known as the Bakersfield Zoo). The animals and plant species within the facility are exclusively native to the state, and include bears, coyotes, eagles, reptiles, and the felines that make up the Cats of California exhibit, such as mountain lions and bobcats. Last but not least, there’s the Bakersfield Museum of Art, which has both indoor galleries and an outdoor garden, and is easily accessible from a number of hotels which are just a few blocks away.
Unique Outdoor Fun
Like many other California cities, Bakersfield has opportunities for enjoying outdoor activities like cycling, golfing, and hiking. The trails at Kern River Parkway and Panorama Park are two of the city’s most popular hiking destinations. If you simply want to enjoy the outdoors without the challenge, you can make your way to the beautiful Park at River Walk or Hart Memorial Park, where you can enjoy fishing or catch a glimpse of the wildlife that frequents the area, including peacocks, turtles, and herons. Or, if outdoor thrills are what you’re looking for, you can challenge yourself to a white water rafting adventure at Rivers End Rafting & Adventure. The centre welcomes rafters of all skill and experience levels and will take you for an unforgettable trip down the Rio Bravo Section of Bakersfield’s Kern River. Should you wish to enjoy an adventure on land, the city is also a popular destination for Off Highway Vehicles, as it has a number of parks and off-road trails where drivers can explore what lies beyond the pavement.