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Day Trips from Bakersfield

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Day Trips from Bakersfield: Art Galleries & Cultural Attractions

The best art galleries, cultural attractions, and creative destinations within driving distance of Bakersfield, CA. World-class museums, local galleries, sculpture gardens, and artist communities worth the trip. Ratings, drive times, and booking info included.

12 art & culture near Bakersfield

Garden Studio Gallery, CA 90002, USA

Garden Studio Gallery

CA 90002, USA

Just 2 hrs 6 min from Bakersfield, rated 5.0 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.

2 hrs 6 min5.0 (2)Attraction$10 - $40

Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.

Scherich-Nepstad Studio, Sculpture Garden and Art Gallery, Quartz Hill, CA 93536

Scherich-Nepstad Studio, Sculpture Garden and Art Gallery

Quartz Hill, CA 93536

Just 1 hr 34 min from Bakersfield, rated 5.0 stars, a cultural standout with galleries and local arts.

1 hr 34 min5.0 (4)Arts & Culture$10 - $30

Best time to visit: Year-round. Check local event calendars for festivals and seasonal exhibits.

Art in the Park at Dinosaur Caves, Pismo Beach, CA 93449

Art in the Park at Dinosaur Caves

Pismo Beach, CA 93449

Just 2 hrs 23 min from Bakersfield, rated 4.9 stars, a cultural standout with galleries and local arts.

2 hrs 23 min4.9 (21)Arts & Culture$10 - $30

Best time to visit: Year-round. Check local event calendars for festivals and seasonal exhibits.

South Gate Museum and Art Gallery, South Gate, CA 90280

South Gate Museum and Art Gallery

South Gate, CA 90280

Just 2 hrs 9 min from Bakersfield, rated 4.9 stars, rich in history and well worth exploring.

2 hrs 9 min4.9 (12)History$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

Museum West Pavilion, Los Angeles, CA 90049

Museum West Pavilion

Los Angeles, CA 90049

Just 1 hr 47 min from Bakersfield, rated 4.8 stars, rich in history and well worth exploring.

1 hr 47 min4.8 (53)HistoryAdventure$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

The Getty, Los Angeles, CA 90049

The Getty

Los Angeles, CA 90049

Just 1 hr 42 min from Bakersfield, rated 4.8 stars by 36,305 visitors, rich in history and well worth exploring.

1 hr 42 min4.8 (36,305)HistoryAdventure$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, San Marino, CA 91108

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

San Marino, CA 91108

Just 1 hr 55 min from Bakersfield, rated 4.8 stars by 8,052 visitors, a cultural standout with galleries and local arts.

1 hr 55 min4.8 (8,052)Arts & CultureHistoryAdventure$10 - $30

Best time to visit: Year-round. Check local event calendars for festivals and seasonal exhibits.

B. Gerald Cantor Sculpture Garden, Ahmanson Building, 5905 Wilshire Blvd

B. Gerald Cantor Sculpture Garden

Ahmanson Building, 5905 Wilshire Blvd

Just 1 hr 60 min from Bakersfield, rated 4.8 stars, rich in history and well worth exploring.

1 hr 60 min4.8 (5)History$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

CACHE- Center for Art, Culture, and History Exeter, Exeter, CA 93221

CACHE- Center for Art, Culture, and History Exeter

Exeter, CA 93221

Just 1 hr 18 min from Bakersfield, rated 4.8 stars, rich in history and well worth exploring.

1 hr 18 min4.8 (4)History$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, Los Angeles, CA 90012

LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes

Los Angeles, CA 90012

Just 1 hr 53 min from Bakersfield, rated 4.8 stars by 164 visitors, rich in history and well worth exploring.

1 hr 53 min4.8 (164)HistoryAdventure$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

Morro Bay Art Association Gallery, Morro Bay, CA 93442

Morro Bay Art Association Gallery

Morro Bay, CA 93442

Just 2 hrs 21 min from Bakersfield, rated 4.8 stars, a cultural standout with galleries and local arts.

2 hrs 21 min4.8 (35)Arts & CultureAdventure$10 - $30

Best time to visit: Year-round. Check local event calendars for festivals and seasonal exhibits.

The Hollywood Sculpture Garden, Hollywood, CA 90068

The Hollywood Sculpture Garden

Hollywood, CA 90068

Just 1 hr 46 min from Bakersfield, rated 4.7 stars, a cultural standout with galleries and local arts.

1 hr 46 min4.7 (83)Arts & CultureHistory$10 - $30

Best time to visit: Year-round. Check local event calendars for festivals and seasonal exhibits.

Frequently Asked Questions About Art & Culture Day Trips from Bakersfield

What are the best art galleries near Bakersfield, CA?

The best art destinations near Bakersfield include regional art museums, contemporary galleries, sculpture gardens, and artist colony towns. Check the cards above for top-rated cultural spots with drive times.

Are there free art galleries near Bakersfield?

Yes. Many galleries near Bakersfield are free to visit, and several museums offer free admission days or pay-what-you-wish hours. Check individual listings for current admission policies.

What cultural events happen near Bakersfield?

Art walks, gallery openings, sculpture exhibitions, and cultural festivals run throughout the year in communities near Bakersfield. Summer and fall tend to have the most events. Check local calendars before planning your trip.

When is the best time to visit art destinations near Bakersfield?

Art galleries and museums are great year-round. For outdoor sculpture gardens, spring through fall is ideal. Many communities host art festivals and open studio events in summer and early fall.

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