Bakersfield is situated in the southern San Joaquin Valley. It is a fast growing city brimming with art, culture, history, sports and many beautiful cultural attractions. Experience the oil-rich history in the Bakersfield, get a glimpse of the city’s past at the museums and historical sites, enjoy the country western music, and indulge in the outdoor activities and sports. The city is full of attractions that wow the visitors. Rest, relax and unwind in the California’s Country Music Capital!
Image by Bobak Ha'Eri
History of Bakersfield
Yokuts Indians were the original inhabitants of the Bakersfield 8000 years old. In the late-18th century, Spanish missionaries and explorers came to this area. In 1851, gold was discovered on the Kern River which attracted several pioneers. The city experienced a growth in the 1850s and 60s. Bakersfield was established in 1858 with about 300,000 people. The travelers while traveling to the gold fields generally stopped at the Colonel Thomas Baker’s alfalfa fields to water and feed their animals. This area began to be known as the Baker’s field, thus later it was named Bakersfield in 1869 when Baker’s was appointed to form the boundaries of a township.
In 1873, the City of Bakersfield was incorporated and in 1898, it was officially incorporated again. In 1899, the Kern River oil field was discovered, and today the oil industry of the city along with agriculture is one of the mainstays of the city’s economy.
Important Locations in Bakersfield
Bakersfield is known for its oil industry, California country music and several tourist spots that appeal to a great number of people, from museums to casinos to zoos to historic sites. Experience the entertainment, culture and history the city has to offer!
Kern County Museum: Know the Kern County rich history at the
Kern County Museum. Explore the facets of Kern County’s past, like the historic signage, music scene and other interactive history.
California Living Museum: Check out the flora and fauna at the
California Living Museum. It also houses a botanical garden and a reptile house.
Bakersfield Museum of Art: Bakersfield Museum of Art features a rotating art collection, from folk art to contemporary. It has exhibits of California’s artists, and several sculptures, paintings, and other works of art.
Buena Vista Museum of Natural History: Explore the earth-science, such as paleontology, geology and archaeology through artifacts and hands-on exhibits at the
Buena Vista Museum.
Lake Ming: Go for boating, sailing, windsurfing and water skiing at the Lake Ming, a man-made recreational lake.
Fox Theatre: The
Fox Theatre is an attraction and entertainment stop in Bakersfield that features top-notch performing arts, movies and concerts.
Lori Brock Children’s Discovery Museum: Lori Brock Children’s Discovery Museum has many interactive exhibits and is for children of all ages. Kids can role play at a library, bank or any other office at this spot to learn about different careers and their talent.
To know more about the important locations in Bakersfield, click here.
People and Culture of Bakersfield
Bakersfield is the 9th largest city in California. It is one of the fastest growing cities in the country. The city has many world-class tourist spots and host many events/festival throughout the year thus attracting hordes of people every year. It is popular for Bakersfield-style Country Music.
Some of the popular personalities who have their roots in Bakersfield are: Buck Owen (country music artist), Lawrence Tibbett, Kelli Garner, Derek Mears, Merle Haggard (Country Music Hall of Fame), and many more.
Time Zones and Phone Code of Bakersfield
Time Zone
Bakersfield, California is in the Pacific Time Zone
UTC-GMT Offset: 8h during Standard Time; 7h during Daylight Saving Time
Daylight Saving Time Usage: Bakersfield does utilize Daylight Saving Time.
Phone Code
Area Code: 661
Best Time to Visit Bakersfield
Bakersfield is one of the sunniest cities in the US. The best time to visit Bakersfield is summer. Another pleasant time to visit the city is spring and fall months. The city host numerous events and festival throughout the year.
Bakersfield General Information Map Guide