Discover the enchanting charm of Bakersfield, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of California’s Central Valley. This guide invites couples to explore the romantic side of Bakersfield, offering a blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and intimate adventures.
Whether you’re seeking a serene escape in nature or a taste of local culture and cuisine, Bakersfield’s diverse offerings promise memorable moments for lovebirds. Embark on a journey through this quaint city, where romance blossoms in unexpected places.
Nestled in California’s fertile Central Valley, Bakersfield offers couples plenty of romantic activities away from fast-paced city life.
| # | Activity | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Take a Romantic Kern River Cruise | Scenic cruises along Kern River with dining options. |
| 2 | Wander Around Hart Park | Strolls in a scenic park with gardens and lakes. |
| 3 | Bike Along the Kern River Parkway Trail | Biking trail with beautiful river views. |
| 4 | Attend Centennial Garden’s Evening Concerts | Outdoor concerts in a garden setting. |
| 5 | Take a Cooking Class Date | Couples cooking classes in various cuisines. |
| 6 | Sunset at Sequoia National Forest | Romantic sunsets amidst towering trees. |
| 7 | Attend Ice Sports Center Public Skating Sessions | Ice skating sessions for couples. |
| 8 | Dogsled Down Forest Trails | Dogsledding tours through Sequoia National Forest. |
| 9 | Hot Air Balloon Rides Over Bakersfield | Hot air balloon rides with stunning views. |
| 10 | Attend Shows at Bright House Networks Amphitheatre | Concerts in an open-air venue. |
| 11 | Wine Taste at Local Vineyards | Wine tasting experiences at Kern County vineyards. |
| 12 | Shop and Dine on 18th Street | Shopping and dining on a popular urban street. |
From picturesque nature spots and wine-tasting experiences to exciting seasonal events, Bakersfield caters to lovebirds looking for unique date ideas. Here are the top 12 most romantic things to do in Bakersfield that are sure to kindle the flames of love.
Take a Romantic Kern River Cruise
Name and Location: Kern River, Bakersfield.
History and Significance: The Kern River is an essential part of Bakersfield’s natural landscape, offering recreational activities.
What to Expect: Scenic river cruises, ideal for romantic outings. Expect to see the natural beauty of the area and possibly some wildlife.
Visitor Information: Booking in advance is recommended. Check with local operators for cruise times and prices.
A cruise along the Kern River makes for an incredibly romantic Bakersfield experience as you and your loved one relax onboard and take in gorgeous nature views. Multiple cruise companies offer scenic sightseeing trips ranging from wildlife tours to sunset dinner cruises along the emerald waters.
Premier cruises feature live music, dancing, and fine dining options sure to spark conversation and connection with your special someone. Or opt for peaceful twilight floats ideal for cuddling close while the moon rises over the gentle river.
Wander Around Hart Park
Name and Location: Hart Park, northeast of downtown Bakersfield.
History and Significance: One of the oldest parks in Bakersfield, named after Dr. Hart, a local physician and philanthropist.
What to Expect: Walking trails, picnic areas, fishing in the Kern River, and wildlife viewing. Playground and sports facilities are also available.
Visitor Information: Open year-round with no admission fee. Ideal for picnics, leisurely walks, and family outings.
Spanning over 400 acres, the gorgeous Hart Park provides plenty of scenery to kindle romance as you meander along tree-lined paths and lush lakeside lawns. Made for leisurely strolls hand-in-hand, Hart Park contains beautiful formal gardens exploding in colorful blooms, water features like Swan Lake and romantic white bridges to pause upon.
Historic ranch buildings hearken back to earlier eras. And the park often holds exciting events from summer concerts to holiday light displays perfect for snuggling up together and making magical memories.
Bike Along the Kern River Parkway Trail
Name and Location: Kern River Parkway Trail, Bakersfield.
History and Significance: A crucial part of Bakersfield’s outdoor recreational offerings, providing a greenway along the Kern River.
What to Expect: A scenic route for biking, running, and walking. The trail offers beautiful views of the river and surrounding nature.
Visitor Information: The trail is open year-round and is free to use. Access points are available throughout the city.
Pedaling alongside your sweetheart on the Kern River Parkway Trail makes for active, breezy fun with bewitching river views all along the route. Well-paved and mostly flat, this scenic bike path stretches over 16 miles one-way paralleling the Kern River through the heart of Bakersfield.
Stop at one of many riverside rest areas to unpack a romantic picnic or simply relax in nature’s beauty with your beloved while waterfowl paddle nearby. Rent bikes and pack refreshments for an effortless, affordable outdoor date floating in scenic bliss.
Attend Centennial Garden’s Evening Concerts
Name and Location: Centennial Garden, Bakersfield.
History and Significance: Centennial Garden serves as a cultural venue, hosting various events including evening concerts.
What to Expect: Outdoor concerts featuring a variety of music genres. A great place to enjoy live music in a pleasant outdoor setting.
Visitor Information: Event schedules and ticketing information are available online. It’s recommended to bring lawn chairs or blankets.
For amorous evenings spent swaying to live bands with your honey as stars emerge overhead, attend the summer Twilight Concerts at Centennial Garden. This hidden downtown garden oasis transforms into an intimate concert venue on balmy nights.
Lay a blanket on the grass by flowerbeds bursting in vibrant blooms and get cozy while talented tribute bands perform classic hits from artists like Journey or Frank Sinatra. Centennial Garden’s beautiful fountain and lights add ambiance while singers croon love songs sure to have you snuggling closer to your special someone.
Take a Cooking Class Date
Name and Location: Various locations in Bakersfield.
History and Significance: Cooking classes have become popular for date nights, offering a fun and interactive experience.
What to Expect: Learn to cook new dishes under the guidance of professional chefs. A fun and educational experience ideal for couples.
Visitor Information: Advance booking is usually required. Check local cooking schools and culinary institutes for class schedules and themes.
Create mouthwatering memories together in the kitchen during a romantic couple cooking class in Bakersfield. Options range from pasta-making get-togethers where you roll and cut noodles by hand to sessions crafting seasonal appetizers side-by-side while sipping wine.
Or try cake decorating classes where you personalize sweet treats with loving messages. Mastering new culinary skills sparks fun bonding time filled with mixing, tasting and frosting-flavored kisses. And cooking cheek-to-cheek often brings couples closer as meals cooked with care taste even more delicious.
Sunset at Sequoia National Forest
Name and Location: Sequoia National Forest, east of Bakersfield.
History and Significance: Known for its giant sequoia trees, this national forest offers spectacular natural beauty and is a significant conservation area.
What to Expect: Breathtaking sunset views amidst giant sequoias. Ideal for photography and nature appreciation.
Visitor Information: The forest has various access points. Check the National Park Service website for visitor centers, trail maps, and regulations.
Watching the sunset at Sequoia National Forest makes for a magical shared experience overlooking nature’s awe-inspiring beauty in solitude with your beloved. The towering trees of California’s oldest national forest cast dramatic silhouettes as dusky colors paint the sky in roses and violets.
Pull off Skyline Drive overlooking the Kern River canyon, break out blankets and cuddle close as the golden orb sinks below the horizon. The occasional canyon breeze whispers secrets between lovers against an orange-hued backdrop creating lifelong romantic memories.
Attend Ice Sports Center Public Skating Sessions
Name and Location: Ice Sports Center, Bakersfield.
History and Significance: A popular venue for ice skating and hockey, contributing to the local sports and recreation scene.
What to Expect: Public skating sessions for all skill levels. Skate rentals are usually available.
Visitor Information: Check their schedule for public skating times and any associated fees. The center also offers skating lessons.
Gliding hand-in-hand across the ice brings couples together for an active date night adventure at the Ice Sports Center. During weekly public skating sessions, this Olympic-sized rink opens for recreational fun and romantic memories. Laugh together learning to skate side-by-side or impress your sweetie with graceful moves across the expansive ice.
Then break to warm up with hot cocoa kisses in the lobby before hitting the rink again. Ice Sports Center outings make for budget-friendly winter indoor fun while getting your hearts racing in new recreational ways.
Dogsled Down Forest Trails
Name and Location: Location unspecified, as dogsledding is typically associated with colder, snowier regions.
History and Significance: Dogsledding is a traditional mode of transportation in arctic regions and has become a recreational activity.
What to Expect: If available, expect an adventurous ride through forest trails. It’s a unique way to experience the wilderness.
Visitor Information: Further information would be needed to provide accurate visitor details for dogsledding in or near Bakersfield.
For outdoor couples seeking adventure together, enjoy a dogsled tour through the Sequoia National Forest with a professional musher leading the way. Sit snuggled among new furry friends as the enthusiastic Husky team pulls you briskly along snowy forest paths.
Dogsledding trips tailored for two provide cozy private excursions through wintry woodland scenes straight from a fairy tale. Feel your adrenaline and affections surge in tandem during this once-in-a-lifetime romantic rush exploring wilderness rarely accessible except by sled.
Hot Air Balloon Rides Over Bakersfield
Name and Location: Various locations around Bakersfield.
History and Significance: Hot air ballooning offers a unique perspective of the region’s landscape and has become a popular recreational activity.
What to Expect: Panoramic views of Bakersfield and its surroundings. A peaceful and exhilarating experience.
Visitor Information: Advance booking is typically required. Check with local operators for flight schedules and pricing.
Spectacular bird’s-eye views of Bakersfield set the scene for romance aboard a hot air balloon floating on sunrise wind currents. Cuddle close next to your sweetheart in the basket as your pilot gently lifts off and soars over lush green patchworks of farmland and winding Kern River vistas.
Many excursions even toast successful landings with a bottle of champagne and commemorative flight certificates. Catch amazing aerial sunrises then cap off your airborne adventure with sweet kisses over morning coffee. Hot air ballooning makes for literally elevating date memories.
Attend Shows at Bright House Networks Amphitheatre
Name and Location: Bright House Networks Amphitheatre, Bakersfield.
History and Significance: This outdoor venue hosts a variety of concerts and events, contributing to Bakersfield’s cultural scene.
What to Expect: Live performances in an outdoor setting. The venue hosts various musical genres and entertainment acts.
Visitor Information: Check their schedule for upcoming events. Ticket purchases are usually required for shows.
World-class concerts at the gorgeous Bright House Networks Amphitheatre provide perfect evenings out for couples to sing along to beloved bands together. Nestled against the foothills of the Sequoia National Forest, attendees at this open-air venue enjoy panoramic mountain views that inspire awe.
Cozy up on the expansive lawn to talent like Kenny Chesney or Lady Antebellum while twilight colors the scenic stage. Picnic under the stars before the show then dance the night away with your number-one fan and lover by your side at this iconic Bakersfield entertainment spot.
Wine Taste at Local Vineyards
Name and Location: Various vineyards in and around Bakersfield.
History and Significance: The region’s climate is conducive to vineyard cultivation, and local wineries have been gaining recognition.
What to Expect: Wine tasting sessions, vineyard tours, and the opportunity to learn about winemaking.
Visitor Information: Many vineyards require reservations for tastings. Check individual vineyards for their offerings and hours.
Savoring flights of local California wines makes for enlightening couples experiences at one of Kern County’s many vineyards near Bakersfield. Meander through picturesque vineyards hand-in-hand then belly up to tasting bars side-by-side to try varietals like Tempranillo and Sauvignon Blanc.
Palates align as you learn one another’s wine preferences in cozy tasting rooms built for lingering over glasses with your sweetie. Many regional vineyards also host live music events perfect for dancing amid the vines on balmy evenings. However you choose to sip, wine tasting remains eternally romantic.
Shop and Dine on 18th Street
Name and Location: 18th Street, Bakersfield.
History and Significance: A bustling area in Bakersfield known for its shopping and dining options, reflecting the city’s urban culture.
What to Expect: A variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. A great place for leisurely shopping and enjoying local cuisine.
Visitor Information: Most establishments are open daily. It’s a walkable area, making it easy to explore different shops and dining venues.
For an entire day of quintessential couple fun, head to the chic boutiques and popular eateries along local favorite 18th Street. This urban artery serves up blocks of trendy shopping perfect for a little affectionate retail therapy choosing new outfits to admire on one another.
Then refuel with mouthwatering brunch, lunch or dinner side-by-side at the street’s hot dining and entertainment hub. People watch from sunny patios holding hands between bites of Californian cuisine. And cap off 18th Street excursions toasting your Sweetheart over artisan ice cream and coffee strolls.
With gorgeous nature views, exciting seasonal festivities and adventurous activities, Bakersfield surprises couples with numerous romantic opportunities off the beaten path. Plan your next idyllic escape or momentous event around these top suggestions for amorous fun certain to spark true affection all year long.
Conclusion:
Bakersfield’s allure lies in its unique blend of serene landscapes, cultural richness, and intimate experiences, making it an ideal destination for couples seeking romance. Each activity in our top 12 list not only offers a chance to bond and create lasting memories but also reveals the heart and soul of this charming city.
Whether it’s through a tranquil nature walk, a culinary adventure, or a cultural escapade, Bakersfield beckons couples to discover love and connection in its many enchanting corners.