15 Wonderful Day Trips From Bakersfield (By a Local)

15 Best Day Trips From Bakersfield:

1. Sequoia National Forest

When the Central Valley temperatures start picking up in the summer season, the nearby mountains offer a great place where you can go to escape the scorching heat. I lived in Bakersfield for several years, and during that time, one of the places that I visited the most was Sequoia National Forest.

Sequoia National Forest offers many incredible day hikes and is also free to visit (a nice perk compared to the nearby National Parks that require an entrance fee).

A few of my favorite Sequoia National Forest trails within a short drive of Bakersfield include:

• Trail of 100 Giants
• Johnsondale Bridge River Trail
• Unal Trail
• Mill Creek Trail
• Isabella Peak – Coso Mine Loop Trail

If you haven’t done any of these hikes before, I recommend starting with the Trail of 100 Giants, which is located two hours north-east of Bakersfield.

This beautiful forest trail is home to enormous Sequoia trees that you can see up close. The pathway that travels through the Sequoia grove is short and mostly paved, making it a great adventure for the entire family!

Read Next: 8 Best Day Hikes In Sequoia National Forest

2. Lake Isabella

Lake Isabella is another one of my favorite day trips from Bakersfield. This hidden gem is located just an hour northeast of Bakersfield along scenic Highway 178.

Lake Isabella offers plenty of fun outdoor adventures for visitors. You can spend the day on Lake Isabella’s shoreline, head on hiking trails that offer incredible viewpoints of the lake, grab a beer at Kern River Brewing Company, or stay to camp at one of the campgrounds that surround the lakefront.

If you wish to stay for longer than a day, there are plenty of incredible vacation rentals at Lake Isabella that are great for weekend getaways. From here, you can also head on day hikes within Sequoia National Forest or arrange whitewater rafting trips in Kern River with Kern River Outfitters.

In the winter, sports enthusiasts can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and tubing at the Alta Sierra Ski Resort which typically operates on the weekends, from December to March.

Read More: 7 Wonderful Things To Do At Lake Isabella All Year Long

3. Ventura

If you’re looking for a quick coastal getaway, Ventura is located just a 2-hour drive from Bakersfield. Ventura’s mild coastal weather stays cool even in the summer months, offering a great escape from the Bakersfield heat. It’s also a good place to stop for those planning a road trip from LA to San Francisco!

I recently relocated to Ventura, and my Bakersfield friends often come to visit, especially in the summer. This cozy beach town has so many fun activities, from surfing lessons, hiking, and mountain biking to fun outdoor events in the charming downtown area.

As a day visitor, you can lounge on the beach at San Buenaventura State Beach, take a walk along the bike path down to the Ventura Pier, grab seafood at the Ventura Harbor Village, or watch surfers catch waves at the Surfers Point at Seaside Park.

Be sure to check out my Ventura guide next, covering 26 Best Things To Do In Ventura, California (By a Local)!

4. Hart Memorial Park

Looking for something fun to do a bit closer to Bakersfield? Hart Memorial Park is situated just 20 minutes outside of downtown Bakersfield and is a wonderful, quick getaway for families!

Hart Memorial Park offers multiple hiking and mountain biking trails that travel on top of cliffs and through rolling hills. After hiking, you can enjoy lunch along the lakefront in one of the large, grassy picnic areas. 

If you want to cool down in the water, you can rent small boats and kayaks from Clagg’s Kayak Rentals to paddle around Hart Park Lake.

Kids are sure to enjoy visiting the nearby California Living Museum Zoo, where you can see local animals such as black bears, mountain lions, red foxes, and birds, along with many others.

5. Sequoia National Park

If you’re looking for epic road trips from Bakersfield, be sure to add Sequoia National Park to the top of your list. This unique National Park is located just a two-hour drive north of Bakersfield, making it a great option for a longer day trip (with an early head start).

If you can spare an extra day, even better! There is so much to see and do at Sequoia National Park that you can easily turn it into a weekend getaway!

Start your visit by stopping by the grand General Sherman Tree and hiking the Congress Trail that passes some of the largest sequoia clusters at the park. Then head over to Moro Rock for a jaw-dropping climb along 350 narrow stairs up a granite rock that leads to a panoramic viewpoint of the park.

End the day by hiking the Big Trees Trail, where you can learn more about these gentle giants and their natural habitat.

6. Wind Wolves Preserve

Wind Wolves Preserve is a wonderful outdoor area just 45 minutes south of Bakersfield. This nature preserve spans 30 square miles, offering plenty of hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and free overnight camping options.

Wind Wolves Preserve also plays an important role in preserving endangered Central Valley animal and plant species such as tule elk, kit fox, and Bakersfield cactus.  

I like to visit Wind Wolves Preserve as a quick day trip in the spring months before the weather gets too hot. For first-time visitors, I recommend hiking the San Emigdio Canyon Trail that passes next to San Emigdio Creek, providing a bit of shade.

Read Next: 15 Best Places For Viewing Wildlife In California

7. Remington Hot Springs

Remington Hot Springs is a hidden little gem near Bakersfield! This hot spring is located just an hour’s drive from Bakersfield, with easy access from Highway 178.

Once you reach the visitor parking lot, you can follow a narrow trail down to the river where the hot pools are located. Be sure to wear good hiking shoes with traction, as the trail is pretty slippery and steep.

In the spring months after heavy rainfall, Kern River and the hot springs might be flooded. I always check for the latest Remington Hot Spring Trail reviews on the AllTrails hiking app before heading out there.

Do note that this hot spring is ‘clothing optional’, so it may not be suitable for families with kids. If you come during the week or early in the mornings, you might catch the entire place to yourself, but on the weekends, it does get very crowded.

Read Next: 15 Incredible Hot Springs To Visit In California

Visitor Tip: While at Remington Hot Springs, be sure to follow ‘Leave No Trace Guidelines’ and pick up any items and trash after you. These are natural hot springs, and it’s up to the visitors to keep them clean!

8. Mount Pinos

Due to its close location and beautiful scenery, Mt Pinos is one of my favorite day trips from Bakersfield. Here you can enjoy hiking through serene trails within Los Padres National Forest, go mountain biking, or stay to camp overnight. 

Mount Pinos is located at the beginning of Grapevine, about 1 hour and 20 minutes south of Bakersfield. I usually hike the 3.5-mile-long Mt Pinos Trail that travels to a scenic overlook of the Central Valley from the top.

In the winter months, Mount Pinos is a wonderful place for snow activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snow play for the kids.

9. Cambria

If you’re looking for quick day trips in the summer to get away from the heat, Cambria is a great option! Cambria is located on the Central California Coast near San Simeon and can be reached by following Highway 46 West from Bakersfield.

The drive from Bakersfield to Cambria takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes of travel time, so I usually get an early head start. Some of the most popular things to do in Cambria include visiting Fiscalini Ranch Preserve and Moonstone Beach Boardwalk, which is a wooden boardwalk next to the ocean.

If you decide to stay for a longer vacation, you can also visit the nearby Hearst Castle, drive up to San Simeon, or stop by the highly popular Elephant Seal Vista Point at the southern point of Big Sur.

Read Next: 17 Best Places To Stay In Cambria On The Coast

10. Tehachapi Mountain Park

If you want to spend a few hours hiking in the mountains, check out Tehachapi Mountain Park! Tehachapi is located just southeast of Bakersfield, making it a great place for outdoor adventures like hiking, mountain biking, and camping.

The most popular hike at this nature park is the Tehachapi Mountain Trail, which is 4 miles long and gains around 2000 feet of elevation. This hike is also dog-friendly, so you can bring your four-legged friend along.

The Tehachapi Mountain Trail starts in a shaded, serene forest and climbs up in elevation at a steady pace. Once you reach the summit, the trail will flatten out and you will be greeted with some of the best views in Central California.

11. Silver City Ghost Town

Silver City Ghost Town is an interesting open-air museum in Bodfish, just a 50-minute drive from Bakersfield.

Here you can explore historic buildings that used to house miners during Gold Rush times, old saloons, banks, and even a jail for those who didn’t follow the law.

To visit Silver City Ghost Town, there is a small entrance fee of $7.50 per person. The buildings featured at this museum were relocated from different areas within Kern County and are at least 100 years old.

After paying the entrance fee, you’ll be able to roam around the outdoor courtyard and see the various structures dating back to 1858. Overall, this is a great adventure for the whole family, including little kids!

12. Kern River Canyon

Visiting Kern River Canyon is one of the best day trips from Bakersfield. This riverside canyon offers a scenic drive along Highway 178, riverfront picnic tables, and many wilderness hiking trails.

The best time of year to visit Kern River Canyon is in the winter months, early spring, or late fall when the weather is at its best. Do note that after heavy rainfall, the canyon road might be closed due to high Kern River water levels.

Two of my favorite trails within Kern River Canyon include Mill Creek Trail and Kern River Trail. Both hikes are great options for those wanting to get out of the city to stretch their legs and get a workout in.

Visitor Tip: It can get very hot within Kern River Canyon in the summer months. Packing extra water bottles, sunscreen, lip balm, and a hiking hat is essential! And be sure to check the weather conditions on the AllTrails hiking app before heading out there.

13. Santa Barbara

If you’re planning a trip for two, Santa Barbara is one of the most romantic getaways near Bakersfield, California, for couples!

In Santa Barbara, you can soak up the sunshine on the beach, go on scenic hikes overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and enjoy a variety of water activities like kayaking, surfing, and whale watching.

Santa Barbara region is also home to over 280 wineries that produce some of the best wines in California. As a fun day adventure, I recommend signing up for a Santa Barbara wine-tasting tour so you can visit some of the top wineries near the coast.

Planning an overnight trip there? Here are 10 of the best hotels in Santa Barbara for a perfect seaside escape!

14. Kings Canyon National Park

The Sierra Nevada mountains offer some of the best outdoor getaways in California. If you’re planning a trip to the mountains and are looking for lesser-known places, be sure to check out Kings Canyon National Park.

It’s best to visit Kings Canyon National Park over a multi-day trip, but you can make it into a day trip with a very early head start from Bakersfield. Kings Canyon is one of my favorite National Parks in California because not that many people visit it, compared to Yosemite National Park and Sequoia National Park.

Some of the best day hikes at Kings Canyon are the General Grant Trail, the Roaring River Falls Trail, and Zumwalt Meadow.

15. Three Rivers

Three Rivers is a small town, only 1 hour and 30 minutes north of Bakersfield. While the town is tiny and doesn’t have any major tourist attractions, it does offer excellent whitewater rafting in Central California. Three Rivers also serves as a gateway into Sequoia National Park, so many people stop by here on the way to the mountains.

If you enjoy water sports, you can spend the day on Lake Kaweah. Have some fun by renting patio boats, kayaks, paddle boards, or aqua cycles from the Kaweah Marina next to the lake.

After a day full of fun outdoor recreation activities, grab an ice-cold beer at the Three Rivers Brewing Co. For a quick meal, I highly recommend stopping by Sierra Subs & Salad, which serves some of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had!

Have you done any of these day trips from Bakersfield? Let us know your favorites in the comment section below!

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This post is written by Laura Sausina. Hi, I’m a California local and the founder of the California Wanderland travel blog. I currently live in Ventura County and help 50,000 readers a month discover things to do in Central California! Read more about me here.

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