Bakersfield is a city surrounded by pristine mountain lakes, picturesque desert oasis, beaches with soft sand, and hills covered in vines. Within a short drive from Bakersfield are several popular destinations where you can bask in refreshing relaxation. You can also enjoy sightseeing, enjoy fun recreational activities, and enjoy fine dining. During your next weekend visit, you may want to consider staying in one of the California vacation rentals like the best hotel in Bakersfield. This post offers some suggestions for weekend getaways in Bakersfield.
Bakersfield’s Best Weekend Getaways
San Simeon
The town of San Simeon is located on the beautiful California Coast three and a half hours west of Bakersfield. There are many attractions in this town, including the magnificent Hearst Castle. This is a luxury hillside complex of ornate buildings built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. On a guided tour of the site, you will view the main castle, the guest cottages, the outdoor pool, and the extensive grounds. In Piedras Blancas Rookery, just a few miles north of San Simeon, visitors can observe elephant seals. Furthermore, San Simeon has many soft sand beaches suitable for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Ventura
In the breathtaking stretch of coastline between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, Ventura is just over two hours south of Bakersfield. In addition to kayaking, paddle boarding, and jet skiing, the beach offers a wide range of water sports. The Seaward Surf and Sports Center rents surfboards and offers lessons with experienced surfers. You can enjoy the thrilling sport of kiteboarding with Ventura Kiteboarding for a unique and exciting experience. A mile-long walking promenade, eclectic shops, art galleries, entertainment venues, and restaurants can be found across the street from Ventura Harbor Village.
Paso Robles
About two and a half hours northwest of Bakersfield, Paso Robles vacation rentals are surrounded by picturesque California wine country hills. An Uncorked wine tour takes you to some of the most renowned vineyards in the area in a comfortable van. Alternatively, you can take a bike tour to learn more about the area’s wineries and attractions with Paso Bike Tours. Horseback riding over the beautiful rolling hills is a great way to spend a day at Work Family Ranch. Ravine Waterpark has waterslides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and a kiddie pool. Wine pairings are available at Vine Restaurant, where char-grilled steaks complement fine wines.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a beautiful coastal town located on the Monterey Peninsula, approximately five hours northwest of Bakersfield. The town is renowned for its artistic community, and Carmel Art Tours can take you to the most prestigious studios and galleries. Carmel Plaza offers an elegant and eclectic shopping experience. In addition to swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, and water sports, Carmel Beach offers a wide expanse of soft white sand. Walking or jogging along the Scenic Bluff Path provides stunning views of the spectacular coastline.
Oakhurst
The town of Oakhurst, located about three hours north of Bakersfield, offers vacation rentals that offer easy access to Yosemite National Park’s south entrance. Discover Yosemite Tours, based out of Oakhurst, offers a comfortable van tour that allows you to experience the incomparably beautiful canyons, valleys, forests, and meadows of Yosemite. Airborne Aviation offers small plane trips out of nearby Mariposa that provide a bird’s eye view of Yosemite National Park and the surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountains. Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad provides a fun-filled steam engine train journey through Yosemite forest from Fish Camp. The Gold Gulch Adventures museum recreates the excitement of the California gold rush through its living history exhibits.
Lake Arrowhead
There are about three and a half hours between Bakersfield and Lake Arrowhead in the breathtaking San Bernardino Mountains. This area is named after the picturesque lake that bears its name. It is an enjoyable experience to tour the lakeside onboard the Lake Arrowhead Queen, a comfortable paddlewheel boat. Located in Lake Arrowhead Village, McKenzie Water Ski School teaches water skiing. SkyPark at Santa’s Village is a family-friendly theme park on Lake Arrowhead’s south side. An adventure zip-line through the treetops, a climbing tower, and an archery range are just some of the activities available in the mountain bike park.
Palm Springs
Palm Springs is a famous resort city located four hours southeast of Bakersfield in the scenic Coachella Valley. This valley provides sunshine and warmth throughout the year. The area is home to several outstanding golf courses, including the emerald-green Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort, situated just minutes from the city center. Located in Mount San Jacinto State Park, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway offers guests a revolving tram car ride through the Coachella Valley floor. It also travels through craggy Chino Canyon to San Jacinto Peak.
With the Celebrity Grand Tour, you will see the former homes of celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, Bob Hope, and Elvis Presley on a luxurious bus. If you visit this favorite gateway, you can easily reside in the best hotel in Bakersfield because palm springs nearby are home to some of the city’s best hotels.
Final Words
All in all, these are the 7 Best Weekend Getaways from Bakersfield. These are places you should check out if you plan to visit this beautiful city. Visiting these remarkable places in Bakersfield will provide you with a great deal of enjoyment during your leisure time.
