With oil fields surrounding Bakersfield contributing to lower costs of living, visitors can enjoy an array of quality free attractions across this Central Valley city. From hiking nature preserves to touring museums illuminating the region’s history, many of Bakersfield’s top sights come without a hefty price tag. Take advantage of these 12 favorite free things to do for an entertaining visit to Budget-Friendly Bakersfield.
Wander Downtown Bakersfield
Get better acquainted with Bakersfield by strolling its revitalized downtown showcasing the city’s heritage. Pop inside the historic Woolworth’s building, now The Liberty Shop, featuring antique décor holding court since 1940. View rotating exhibits at The Bakersfield Museum to learn about local history from founding and oil boom eras to agricultural innovations that built the city. Check event schedules for First Friday Art Walks or Second Saturday festivals with live music and vendors held monthly around F Street’s museums, shops, restaurants and theaters. With compact walkability, downtown offers affordable entertainment for visitors of all ages and interests.
Tour Kern County Museum
From early fossil discoveries to country music fame, the Kern County Museum brings regional history to life through immersive experiences and exhibits. Wander through a recreated pioneer town complete with rustic buildings, wagons and even a historic saloon. See minerals and mining equipment that spurred local oil booms in the energy exhibition hall. And for music lovers, the country music gallery showcases local legend Merle Haggard’s boxcar home along with Hall of Fame memorabilia. With free general admission, everyone enjoys affordable insight into events and people shaping Kern County’s fascinating path at this sprawling outdoor history park.
Bike the Kern River Bike Path
Pedaling along green space always appeals, making a trip to the Kern River Bike Path perfect for an afternoon escape beside refreshing waters. Nearly seven miles of paved trails at the Kern River Parkway follow gentle flowing waters shaded by tall sycamores, willows and valley oak. Made for leisurely cycling, the route never climbs above a comfortable grade for riders of all skill levels. Interpretive signs identify native plants and wildlife active in the habitat like great blue herons silently stalking fish near the rocky banks. Pack a lunch to enjoy at one of the picnic areas dotting this oasis.
See Stars at River Walk Park’s Astronomical Observatory
Gaze at glittering galaxies and intricate nebula from River Walk Park’s George M. Lowery Astronomical Observatory without paying steep admission costs. One evening monthly, volunteer astronomers open the observatory doors to seduce stargazers with telescopic views of cosmic wonders millions of lightyears away. Glimpse Jupiter’s swirls, Saturn’s rings, analyze craters on the Moon or identify star clusters twinkling overhead. Inside, simulated journeys display surreal visions of planets in orbit and undulating colorful clouds as narrators explain more about space. Amateur astronomers love the free admission to forbidden cosmic views.
Browse the Murals at The Marketplace
Downtown between 18th and 19th streets, The Marketplace beckons visitors to explore its collection of more than 20 large building murals showcasing Bakersfield’s heritage. Vibrant photorealistic paintings capture iconic landmarks like The Padre Hotel and Fox Theater. Others depict the daily hustle of agricultural workers picking citrus fruits under sunny skies, families eating out at local taquerias and more slices of Latino life. Many murals honor legendary figures who instilled community pride like civil rights activist Cesar Chavez while also celebrating traditions like Dia de Los Muertos. Guided trolley tours occur monthly to detail the artistic efforts revitalizing downtown.
Hike Panorama Vista Preserve
Just outside Bakersfield near Bear Mountain, hikers flock to Panorama Vista Preserve to traverse more than 3 miles of dirt trails with spectacular valley views. Under canopy shade from oak and juniper trees, take a moderately strenuous uphill path leading towards spectacular vistas at the Lookout Point and Vista Grande Overlook. From these lofty perches, see the entire San Joaquin Valley unfurl below with Bakersfield and its surrounding farmlands set against the blue silhouettes marking the Sierra Nevada. Remember to pause enjoying scenic picnicking spots perfect for recharging before descending back to the parking lot.
Enjoy Sunday Concerts at The Park at River Walk
Summertime Sunday evenings pulse with the sounds of live music wafting through The Park at River Walk. Concerts in the park feature local and regional bands covering popular tunes from country and Latin pop to blues and rock. Spread a blanket across the sprawling grassy field to soak up beloved hits as lead singers work the stage with enthusiastic crowds singing along. Vendor booths sell cold beer and wine by the glass to sip on as the colors of sunset cast a glow on the laidback festivities. Visitors find the free admission and roster of family-friendly bands the perfect way to end their Bakersfield weekend escape before returning home.
Tour Fruit and Nut Farm Stands
While touring the bountiful orchards and fields around Bakersfield, don’t miss an opportunity to stop at local farm stands overflowing with regional produce. Roadside stands like Giumarra Vineyards U-Pick and Weill’s Family Farm Lemon Shack let you sample citrus fruits straight from the grove or select ripe peaches and plums from harvest bins. Many family-owned farms like Murray Family Farms even host free events like corn mazes in autumn and chili cook-offs pairing nicely with their fresh ingredients. Touring the farms harvesting almonds and berries makes appreciating agriculture integral to the Bakersfield lifestyle.
Browse Bargains at Bakersfield Flea Market
For some old-fashioned bargain hunting, head to the Bakersfield Flea Market open every Sunday to scour through hundreds vendor booths. Snag great deals on clothing, jewelry, garden plants, antique furniture and more quality items offered at reasonable prices. Inside covered pavilions, browse sporting goods, tools or craft supplies while outside, scan tables overflowing with fresh flowers, homemade jams and tempting snacks. Let the kids enjoy amusement rides while adults find the perfect souvenirs showcasing classic flea market charm reminiscent of simpler times.
See Exotic Animals at CALM Zoo
Both kids and adults appreciate a chance to observe exotic wildlife up close and personal. The California Area Living Museum (CALM) provides that opportunity as a zoo showcasing only native animals that couldn’t survive elsewhere if injured. Beyond mingling with fawns, foxes, hawks and owls, visitors can get near hissing cockroaches and slimy tiger salamanders. Outdoors, CALM’s shaded paths display larger creatures like bears, mountain lions, zebras and leopards lounging around habitats crafted to mimic their natural territories. With free general admission, CALM offers families affordable entertainment appreciating native species on intimate terms.
Play Disc Golf at Beach Park
In a gorgeous setting beside the Kern River, Beach Park gives everyone 18 and older access to its scenic 18 hole disc golf course free of charge. Like regular golf, players throw discs aiming for elevated baskets along fairways through groves of willow trees and shady oak offering cooling respite. Mornings tend to stay calmest before winds pick up for more challenging play. Novices enjoy the beginner-friendly layout with interpretive signs detailing rules and par scores per hole. Bring your own discs or rent them affordably onsite afterwards to enjoy fishing from the park’s sandy beach along gently flowing river waters.
Exploring history and culture needn’t break the budget in Bakersfield with this selection of top free attractions pleasing visitors across generations. From hiking panoramic vistas to grooving to free concerts downtown on sultry summer nights, many of Bakersfield’s cherished destinations come gratis. Tour museums chronicling the city’s path, embrace the slower rhythms wandering fruit farm stands or tap your feet during Sunday flea market jaunts. Enjoy Bakersfield’s offerings captaining your vacation itinerary.