| City Name | Bakersfield |
|---|
| Continent | North America |
| Country | United State (USA) |
| State | California |
| County | Kern |
| Area | 143.609 sq mi (371.946 km2) |
| Population | 347,483 (April 1, 2010) |
| Lat Long | 35°22′N 119°1′W |
| Official Language | English |
| Calling Code | 00 1 661 X |
| Time Zone | Pacific (UTC−8) Summer (DST) PDT (UTC−7) |
| Airport | Meadows Field Airport |
| Currency | United State Dollar (USD) |
Bakersfield, California
Bakersfield is all about the sun, fun, stay, and play. The city is located at the southern end of San Joaquin Valley in Southern California. It is the county seat of Kern County which is the largest oil producing county in the United States. It lies about 110 miles north of Los Angeles and 135 miles inland from the West Coast of the US. The city is named after Thomas Baker, a lawyer from Ohio. The city is known for rich agricultural produce since it lies in the San Joaquin Valley – The Food Basket of the World.
The region was populated by refugees from the Plains during the 'Dust Bowl' migration. It retains a small town (almost conservative) vibe and its rich historical roots. Here, Sundays are still devoted to church gatherings and traditional southern charm percolates the culture that lacks in the rest of California. The city is renowned for doo-wop music and Bakersfield sound made popular by country music icons Buck Owens and Merle Haggard.
Places to Visit in Bakersfield
The Bakersfield Museum of Art exhibits works by Californian artists, the Kern County Museum displays historical artifacts and chronicles local Native American and oil history.
California Living Museum (CALM) showcases state's diverse flora and fauna, with a reptile enclosure and botanical gardens with native flora. Its zoo houses animals from different habitats in California. A castle-themed amusement center – Camelot Park – features arcade games, go karts, and batting cages.
Things to Do in Bakersfield
Beach Park, located in the city center, is a recreation area with all the amenities like playing fields, bike path, skate park, horseshoe pits, and barbecue grills. Motor-boating and water-skiing in man-made Lake Ming is a popular pastime. Near the lake, Kern River County Park comprises 50 camp sites with picnic tables within its 28 acres.
Designed in the Western Revival style, Buck Owens Crystal Palace is an iconic landmark and a performance venue for country western music. The Fox Theater on 2001 H. Street in downtown hosts movie screenings, comedy shows, and other acts ranging from ballets to contemporary pop.
Develop your palate or get a “pickled tongue” as Bakersfieldians are real foodies. Sample authentic Mediterranean cuisine at Pita House, sweet and gooey Sticky Rice with Mango at Blue Elephant Thai Restaurant, and a killer salad at Athena’s Greek Café and Bakery. Many of the oldest restaurants in Bakersfield such as Wool Growers, Pyrenees Cafe, Sandrini's, and Narducci's serve Basque cuisine. Jerry's Pizza & Pub, The Mint, Guthrie's Alley Cat, and Goose Loonies Tavern & Grill is where locals wet their whistles.
When to Visit Bakersfield
The city witnesses desert climate with dry summers and brief but moist winters. Most rainfall occurs in the months of January through March. The three-day Kern County Basque Festival features exciting programs for food, music, dance, and games. Kern County Nut Festival celebrates the region's culinary delights. Every September, Bakersfield holds the Kern County Fair which showcases the county's agricultural produce, rodeo, concerts, and a traditional carnival.
DT.19.04.2017
Last Updated on: February 25, 2020
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