Visit museums, try Basque cuisine, or find other things to do in Bakersfield

You’ll find plenty of things to do in vibrant downtown Bakersfield, located about five miles away from the Country Inn & Suites. Enjoy live country music at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, and discover why the city is known as “Nashville West.” Want to get outdoors? You can bike along the scenic Kern River Parkway or take in the river views on a whitewater rafting expedition. Our location also makes it easy to explore the fertile Central Valley countryside and take in awe-inspiring landscapes at Wind Wolves Preserve. If you want to try one of the area’s celebrated Basque restaurants, our hotel suites place you within easy reach of local favorites.

Select what to see in a map

  • Culture
  • Family
  • Landmark
  • Nature
  • Nightlife
  • Shopping

The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater

3.12 mi / 5.03 km from the hotel
Located in downtown Bakersfield, this historic theater showcases a beautiful blend of Art Deco and Spanish Colonial architecture. Check the schedule for upcoming performances by celebrated comics and musicians.

The Park at River Walk

5.17 mi / 8.32 km from the hotel
Enjoy some fresh air at this scenic park located along the Kern River. In addition to a playground area, the grounds include a picture-perfect picnic spot.

Bakersfield Museum of Art

3.38 mi / 5.44 km from the hotel
Open Tuesday through Saturday, this museum exhibits modern and contemporary works by California artists. After you’ve checked out the latest exhibition of photography or paintings, stroll through the tranquil, sculpture-dotted garden.

Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace

3.57 mi / 5.75 km from the hotel
Gather your friends and loved ones for a fun night of live country music and great food. Be sure to visit the museum, which displays guitars, suits, and other memorabilia of famous country stars.

Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science

3.21 mi / 5.17 km from the hotel
Spread over three floors, this museum has exhibits to fascinate the whole family, from lion and dinosaur specimens to a recreated Yokuts village. Don’t miss the collection of Miocene fossils, including huge shark teeth, from a renowned local site.

California Living Museum

10.98 mi / 17.67 km from the hotel
Also known as CALM, this 14-acre zoo focuses on conservation, providing recreated habitats for animals who were injured or can’t survive on their own. Kids love riding the mini railroad against a mountain backdrop and seeing black bears and bobcats.

Kern County Fairgrounds

1.63 mi / 2.62 km from the hotel
Enjoy livestock shows, food, and entertainment at the Kern County Fair. Concerts, sports, games, and trade shows are just a few of the events you might experience when the fair isn’t in town.

Kern County Raceway Park

12.69 mi / 20.42 km from the hotel
Get ready for daring, fast-paced entertainment at the racetrack. This park features a dirt track, an asphalt track, and a motocross track, giving racing fans a variety of shows.

Mechanics Bank Arena, Theater and Convention Center

2.99 mi / 4.8 km from the hotel
Catch concerts and other live shows at this modern venue. The arena also serves as the home for the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors hockey team.

Valley Plaza Mall

0.32 mi / 0.51 km from the hotel
Shop, eat, and catch a movie at Valley Plaza Mall, which has more than 140 stores.