Day Trips & Weekend Getaways
Best Day Trips & Weekend Getaways from Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield sits in California's San Joaquin Valley with access to Sierra Nevada foothills, Kern River canyons, and the high desert.
The Kern River and Sequoia National Park offer outdoor adventure within a couple hours.
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or browse all12 destinations near Bakersfield
General Grant Tree
California, CA 93633
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.9 by 5.1k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 33 min from Bakersfield · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
The Big Stump Grove
CA 93641, USA
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.8 by 0.3k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 24 min from Bakersfield · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Forestiere Underground Gardens
Fresno, CA 93722
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.8 by 2.8k+ visitors) · 1 hr 49 min from Bakersfield · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Woodlake Botanical Garden
Woodlake, CA 93286
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.7 by 0.3k+ visitors) · 1 hr 29 min from Bakersfield · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
CA 91302, USA
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 7.3k+ visitors) · 1 hr 54 min from Bakersfield · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Prime Desert Woodland Preserve
Lancaster, CA 93536
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 1.1k+ visitors) · 1 hr 34 min from Bakersfield · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Underwood Family Farms
Moorpark, CA 93021
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Food & Wine destination · highly rated (4.7 by 4.8k+ visitors) · 1 hr 54 min from Bakersfield · fits $25 - $75 budget
Best time to visit: Year-round, but harvest season (Sep-Oct) is peak for wineries and farm-to-table.
Conejo Valley Botanic Garden
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.7 by 0.6k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 1 min from Bakersfield · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve
Victory Blvd, Woodland Hills
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 0.9k+ visitors) · 1 hr 51 min from Bakersfield · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Garden of the Gods
Redmesa Rd, Chatsworth
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.7 by 0.1k+ visitors) · 1 hr 37 min from Bakersfield · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Tunnel Rock
Generals Hwy, Three Rivers
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.6 by 0.9k+ visitors) · 1 hr 57 min from Bakersfield · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Squirrel Kingdom
1339 CA-1, Santa Monica
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · well rated (4.6 stars) · 1 hr 49 min from Bakersfield · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best day trips from Bakersfield, CA?
The best day trips from Bakersfield include state parks, historic towns, scenic drives, wineries, and outdoor recreation. Our page shows top-rated destinations with real drive times, Google ratings, and budget estimates so you can pick the right trip for your schedule and interests.
How far should I drive for a day trip from Bakersfield?
Most great day trips from Bakersfield are between 1 and 3 hours away. Under an hour gets you local parks and nearby towns. Two to three hours opens up state parks, lakefront destinations, and small cities worth a full day of exploring.
What are cheap things to do near Bakersfield?
Many of the best day trips near Bakersfield are free or low-cost. State parks, hiking trails, scenic drives, and small-town Main Streets are all great options. Check the budget estimates on each destination card above to plan a trip that fits your wallet.
What is the best time of year for day trips from Bakersfield?
Spring and fall are ideal for most destinations near Bakersfield, with mild weather and smaller crowds. Summer is great for beaches and water activities. Winter works well for indoor attractions like museums, historic sites, and food-focused trips. Check the seasonal notes on each card for specific timing tips.
Are there weekend getaways near Bakersfield?
Yes. Many destinations within 2-4 hours of Bakersfield make excellent overnight trips. Look for spots with multiple activities, good dining, and nearby lodging. Use the "Plan This Trip" button on any card to start building an itinerary, or check our drive-time pages for destinations at specific distances. If you need a car, compare rental options to find the best deal.
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