About Bakersfield

Described as the “Southern Gateway to the Central Valley,” Bakersfield, California, is a popular stop in Golden State travel. More than-800,000 people call Bakersfield home, making it the 11th most-populous city in California and the 58th most-populous city in the U.S.

Bakersfield is located in south-central California, about 300 miles south of Sacramento, California, and 110 miles north of Los Angeles, California. Bakersfield falls in the Pacific Standard time zone and is 143 square-miles in area. On average, Bakersfield’s hottest month is July, its coldest month is January, and its wettest month is March.

The city is located in Kern County and also is the county seat. Among its larger employers are State Farm nsurance, Frito-Lay, Nestlé, and Chevron. The largest oilfield in California, the Midway-Sunset Field, is located near the city. Bakersfield is listed by Inc.com as “one of the top Medium-Sized Cities for Business,” and the Bakersfield Business Conference has showcased keynote speakers including Presidents Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, ex-U.K. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, and astronaut Neil Armstrong.

There is no want for something to do when in Bakersfield. The city is the home of three raceways: Auto Club Famoso Raceway, Bakersfield Speedway and Buttonwillow Raceway. Art and history lovers can find enjoyment in a number of museums, such as the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History and the Bakersfield Museum of Art. For family fun, Camelot Park is host to bumper boats, a large video arcade, mini-golf, and a go-kart track.

Accommodations in Bakersfield include the Hotel Rosedale, a complex centered on a gorgeous outdoor pool and located near the Buck Owens Crystal Palace. The Marriott Bakersfield is near the McMurtrey Aquatic Center and features high-speed Internet and is a non-smoking facility. Check the attractions that seem the most interesting for your needs when considering alternate lodging around the city.

Written by Michael Paul Maupin