About
Bakersfield is a city in California, United States, set in the southern part of the Central Valley. It is a place where the flat agricultural landscape of the valley meets a lively city life, and it makes an easy stop for travellers passing through the state's interior.
What to expect
Bakersfield is known in some circles as the Country Music Capital of the West, a nickname that points to the local music scene and the musical heritage associated with the area. Visitors who enjoy live music, roadside venues and the rhythm of a working valley city will find the name a good reason to stop.
- A city in the southern Central Valley, shaped by farmland and open skies
- A base for exploring the surrounding valley and the wider region of California
- A destination with a strong association with country music
Planning a visit
Because Bakersfield sits in the heart of the valley, it suits a visit built around a few days of driving and local exploration. Travellers heading north or south along the state's inland route can break their journey here. Those who come specifically for the music will want to check ahead on what is playing during their dates, as the city's venues change over time.