Bakersfield on a Budget

Let's face it, Bakersfield does not make it on the radar for top travel destinations in California. Don't let that fool you...the city is vibrant and exciting. It is one of my top, and I mean TOP, weekend destinations. If you know where to look, it's incredibly fun. Not being a top "tourist" destination also makes it a wonderful trip for those on a tight budget .

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Best Western Crystal Palace Inn & Suites
Location, Location, Location. Not in the prettiest area but it's right next door to the Crystal Palace. Great pool area and the rooms facing it have nice patios for a little pre-concert get together. Rooms are nice too. Full breakfast is included in the rates that start at a measly $65.
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Buck Owens' Crystal Palace
Speaking of the Crystal Palace, you HAVE to go here when you're in Bakersfield. Built by country legend and hometown hero, Buck Owens, this dinner house and night club features great live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights frequently featuring Buck's son, Buddy (pictured above). Dinners start under $10 and there's a $5 cover... More >
Speaking of the Crystal Palace, you HAVE to go here when you're in Bakersfield. Built by country legend and hometown hero, Buck Owens, this dinner house and night club features great live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights frequently featuring Buck's son, Buddy (pictured above). Dinners start under $10 and there's a $5 cover charge for the show. Reservations are highly recommended and easy to get over the phone.
Want to go really low budget but still dine on outstanding food?
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Wool Growers Restaurant
Bakersfield is justifiably famous for the several Basque restaurants that call this city home. If you've never had a Basque meal, prepare for a feast with soup, salad, pasta, beans, fries, vegetables, and bread. That's before you choose a delicious and hearty entre. Wool Growers is about the lowest price you'll find here with comple... More >
Bakersfield is justifiably famous for the several Basque restaurants that call this city home. If you've never had a Basque meal, prepare for a feast with soup, salad, pasta, beans, fries, vegetables, and bread. That's before you choose a delicious and hearty entre. Wool Growers is about the lowest price you'll find here with complete meals starting under $15.
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Los Tacos de Huicho
Want to go really low budget but still dine on outstanding food? Los Tacos de Huicho has the best tacos I've ever had...and that includes many places in Mexico. It's all good...carne asada, fish tacos, sopes...but their specialty is their al pastor, pork constantly marinated on a rotating, vertical spit just dripping with juice and f... More >
Want to go really low budget but still dine on outstanding food? Los Tacos de Huicho has the best tacos I've ever had...and that includes many places in Mexico. It's all good...carne asada, fish tacos, sopes...but their specialty is their al pastor, pork constantly marinated on a rotating, vertical spit just dripping with juice and flavor. Their guacamole salsa is just incredible. There's also a full bar. And how much? 99 cents for the best taco you'll ever have. The Bakersfield location(pictured) is at 18th and Union.
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Kern River County Park
Where Bakersfield gets beautiful. This park, located on the Kern River as it exits the Sierra Nevada mountains, features lots of riverfront trails, lawns, playgrounds, picnic area, and even historical buildings. In spring, watch the rafters negotiate the rapids. Free.
Built by country legend and hometown hero, Buck Owens, this dinner house and night club features great live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights frequently featuring Buck's son, Buddy (pictured above).
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Chevron
Oil City, Bakersfield sits on one of the largest oil deposits in the United States. Take a drive along Panorama Drive, there's a beautiful jogging trail along the top of the bluffs. Below, hills drop down to the Kern River. Let you gaze wander up and you'll see it. Miles upon miles of oil rigs...mostly owned by Chevron...looking like you've been transported to the Middle East. Ugly to some, mesmerizing to others. Free. More
Oil City, Bakersfield sits on one of the largest oil deposits in the United States. Take a drive along Panorama Drive, there's a beautiful jogging trail along the top of the bluffs. Below, hills drop down to the Kern River. Let you gaze wander up and you'll see it. Miles upon miles of oil rigs...mostly owned by Chevron...looking like you've been transported to the Middle East. Ugly to some, mesmerizing to others. Free.
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About the Author

Darryl Musick
Darryl Musick
I produce a travel blog with my son, Tim, who uses a wheelchair. You can see our adventures at http://wheelstraveler.blogspot.com and you can send us a message at dmusick61-at-gmail.com
Websitefacebook.com/darryl.musick
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