Bakersfield is one of the most popular cities to live in California. The city has a lot of amenities, great weather, and is close to many different attractions. However, one of the best things about Bakersfield is the number of parks that are available for residents to enjoy.
These parks range from small neighborhood parks to large regional parks that offer a variety of different activities. And with so many parks to choose from, it can be tough to decide which ones to visit. To help make the decision easier, here are 12 of The Best Parks in Bakersfield you won’t want to miss.
Best Parks in Bakersfield, CA
1. Hart Park
Hart Park is one of the oldest and most popular parks in Bakersfield. It is also one of the largest parks in the city, encompassing over 370 acres. The park is located on the north side of town and features a wide variety of amenities, including a disc golf course, playgrounds, hiking trails, and plenty of open space for picnics and running around.
The centerpiece of Hart Park is Hart Lake, which is a man-made lake that was created in the early 1900s. A paved path encircles the lake, making it a popular spot for walkers, runners, and cyclists. In addition to the lake, Hart Park features several other scenic areas. The park has a number of mature trees that provide shade and beauty, and there are also several open fields perfect for picnicking or playing games.
Hart Park is a great place to spend a day outdoors with the family. There is something for everyone at this large city park, and you can easily spend a few hours here without getting bored. If you’re looking for a place to get some exercise, relax, and enjoy the outdoors, Hart Park is a great option.
2. Wilderness Park
If you’re looking for Bakersfield parks with a more natural setting, check out Wilderness Park. This park is located on the southwestern edge of the city and offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle.
The park features a playground, walking paths, and green spaces. The playground is modern and has a few different structures for kids to play on. The walking paths are well-maintained and offer great views of the surrounding area. In addition, this is a dog-friendly park, so feel free to bring your furry friend along.
I would recommend this park if you’re looking for a place to take a leisurely walk, get some fresh air, and enjoy the outdoors. This is also a great park for kids, as there is plenty of open space to run around.
3. Central Park at Mill Creek
Central Park at Mill Creek is a linear park that runs along Mill Creek on the eastern edge of downtown. The park is situated between Truxtun Avenue and 21st Street, featuring a variety of upgraded landscapes, including the renovated Mill Creek Bridge.
This park is a great place to come for a walk, with picnic benches and plenty of open space to enjoy the outdoors. The paved pathway is well maintained and offers scenic views of the water fountains. In addition, the park features a modern playground, making it a great place to bring the kids.
Next to the park is the Bakersfield Museum of Art, a non-profit art museum that is definitely worth a visit. The museum features a variety of rotating exhibits and a permanent collection of art from local artists. This is a great place to come if you’re looking to spend some time exploring the arts scene in Bakersfield.
I spent an hour or so at the park and enjoyed the experience. The park was also pretty active with other visitors, including a few groups of people out for a walk. I would recommend this park if you are looking for a great place to get some fresh air, take in the scenery, and do a little light hiking.
4. Jastro Park
Next on the list of best parks in Bakersfield is Jastro Park, which is a favorite among locals for its playgrounds, open spaces, and scenic views. The park is located on the west side of Bakersfield and offers plenty of parking in a large lot next to the park. The lot can fill up quickly on weekends, so arrive early if possible.
The park features a playground, a splash pad, an amphitheater, and a large grassy area perfect for picnicking or flying a kite. There are also several walking trails that wind through the park, offering a chance to explore the local flora and fauna. The playground is large and well-equipped, and the splash pad is a great way to cool off on a hot day.
Overall, Jastro Park is a great place to spend an afternoon with family or friends. The park is well-kept and provides ample opportunity for recreation and relaxation. I would recommend this park if you are looking for a place to enjoy the outdoors and take advantage of all the amenities this park has to offer.
5. Kern River Parkway Trail
Kern River Parkway Trail is a scenic walking, biking, and running trail that runs along the Kern River in Bakersfield. The trail is 30 miles long and is a great place to get some exercise, enjoy the outdoors and take in the scenic views.
The trail is mostly flat and relatively wide, making it ideal for walking, jogging, biking, and rollerblading. There are also several playgrounds and picnic areas along the route. In addition to the recreational opportunities, the Kern River Parkway Trail also provides access to several important city parks. These include panoramic park, Beach Park, and River Walk Park. There are also several access points along the trail, including parking areas, restrooms, and water fountains.
The Kern River Parkway Trail is definitely one of the best places in Bakersfield to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you are looking for a place to get some exercise, relax in nature, or learn about the history and culture of the area, this trail is a great choice.
6. Panorama Park
Another one of the best parks in Bakersfield is Panorama Park, which is located in the northeastern part of town. This linear park sits on a bluff overlooking the Kern River Valley and provides visitors with sweeping views of the river valley and the surrounding area.
The park also has a few miles of hiking trail, perfect for those who want to get some exercise while enjoying the scenery. In addition, there are several picnic areas and a playground, making it a great place to bring the whole family.
The highlight of the park is definitely the panoramic views. On a clear day, you can see for miles in every direction. The sunset was especially beautiful, and I even got to see the moonrise over the mountains in the distance.
Overall, I thought Panorama Park was a great place to spend your day. The scenery is beautiful, and there’s plenty to do. I would definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Bakersfield.
7. The Park at River Walk
The Park at River Walk is another great option for getting fresh air in Bakersfield. This park is located on the west side of the city and offers a few different activities for visitors.
The park encompasses 32 acres of land along the Kern River. The Kern River Parkway Trail is the primary attraction here, which offers a paved path for walking, running, or biking. Several picnic areas are located throughout the park, making it a great spot for a family outing.
The park also has two beautiful lakes and an amphitheater located within the park. The lakes are a great place to relax and take in the scenery, while the amphitheater is perfect for enjoying a concert or play. This is a great place to catch a show while spending time outdoors.
Overall, I would recommend The Park at River Walk if you are looking for a place to relax, go for a walk or run, or just enjoy the outdoors. It is also a great option if you are looking for things to do in Bakersfield with kids.
8. Stramler Park
If you’re looking for the best parks in Bakersfield for a family outing, you’ll want to check out Stramler Park. This 3-acre park has something for everyone in the family, including a playground, batting cages, baseball fields, and a radio-controlled car raceway.
The playground is the park’s focal point and is designed for children of all ages. It has a variety of swings, jungle gyms, and other climbing structures. The batting cages and baseball fields are popular with the local youth, and the radio-controlled car raceway is a hit with kids (and adults) of all ages.
The park is well-lit and clean, and the staff is friendly and helpful. The only downside is that it can be a bit noisy from the traffic on the nearby freeway. Overall, Stramler is one of the Bakersfield parks that is great to take the kids for a few hours of fun.
9. Beale Park
Beale Park is a great place to take the kids in Bakersfield. It’s located south of downtown and features a large playground, a splash pad, and a few picnic tables.
The playground is geared towards younger children and has a variety of climbing structures, slides, and swings. The splash pad is a great place to cool off on a hot day, and the picnic tables are perfect for a family lunch. There is also a large grassy area perfect for flying a kite or playing catch.
The highlight of Beale Park is its outdoor Greek Theatre. The Beale Park Band hosts free concerts in the theatre every Sunday evening throughout the summer. Concerts are family-friendly and feature a variety of genres, from country to rock.
Beale Park is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening with the family. The playground and splash pad are perfect for kids, and the concert series is a great way to enjoy some free live music. I would definitely recommend checking it out if you are looking for a nice park in Bakersfield.
10. Emerald Cove Park
Emerald Cove Park is a hidden gem in Bakersfield, located in the Fruitvale neighborhood. This 12-acre park is one of the best places in town to take a stroll, relax, or have a picnic.
The park has several family-oriented amenities, including a playground, a picnic area, a basketball, and a tennis court. The walking trails are well-maintained, and there is plenty of green space to enjoy. I loved that the walking paths were shaded by mature trees, making them perfect for a hot day.
One of the best things about Emerald Cove Park is that it never gets crowded. Even on summer weekends, you’ll find plenty of open space to enjoy. This is in stark contrast to some other parks on my list, which can get pretty crowded.
Emerald Cove Park is a great option if you’re looking for a quiet place to relax or take a walk. It’s also one of the best parks in Bakersfield if you’re looking to avoid the crowds and just enjoy some peace and quiet.
11. Silver Creek Park
If you’re looking for a little more excitement, Silver Creek Park is your place. This park, located southwest of downtown, is home to Silver Creek Park Pool, two playgrounds, a golf course, and picnic areas.
The pool at Silver Creek Park is open to the public during the summer months and features six swimming lanes, a diving board, and a wading pool. The playgrounds feature a variety of equipment for kids of all ages, and the picnic areas are perfect for a family outing. There is also an introductory nine-hole course for golfers of all skill levels. The course is open to the public and has a putting green, and chipping area.
In addition to the amenities, Silver Creek Park is also home to Reservable Community Center, perfect for birthday parties or other events. The community center has a kitchen, restrooms, and a large meeting room.
I spent a couple of hours at Silver Creek Park, and I really enjoyed the pool and the playground. The picnic areas were also nice, but they were a little too crowded for my taste. Overall, I would recommend this park if you’re looking for a place to cool off in the summer or get some exercise.
12. McMurtrey Aquatic Center
The McMurtrey Aquatic Center is one of the best places in Bakersfield to cool off during the hot summer months. The center features two large pools, a waterslide, and a variety of other amenities.
The main pool is an Olympic-sized pool perfect for lap swimming or just cooling off. The second pool is a much smaller pool that is perfect for small children or those who just want to wade in the water. The waterslide is also a lot of fun for kids and adults alike.
In addition to the pools, the McMurtrey Aquatic Center also has a locker room, showers, and a concession stand. The center is open to the public for a small fee and offers swimming lessons and water exercise classes.
In summary
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy the outdoors, Bakersfield is a great place to be. With many parks and open spaces, there are plenty of opportunities to get some fresh air and take in the scenery. These are some of the best parks in Bakersfield that are worth visiting. No matter what your preference, Bakersfield has a park that will suit your needs. So get out there and explore!
