THE BAKERSFIELD ROUND - STOP BY STOP
First Baptist Church
You will first notice the Bell Towers, a structure known as the First Baptist Church. This Protestant church building is designed in the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture style. It is a National Register of Historic Places listed place, having been officially added to the register on January 2, 1979. The building was constructed in 1931, but the church moved to a new campus in 1977. Because of this move, the structure is presently used as an office building. It remains a notable example of its architectural style in the city, preserving the visual history of the area even as the internal purpose of the space has changed from a place of worship to a place of business.
Bakersfield Civic Auditorium
The Bakersfield Civic Auditorium is a convention center that has evolved over time. Today, it is part of the Dignity Health Theater and Convention Center located in Bakersfield, California. This larger complex functions as both a convention facility and a performing arts theater, making it a central hub for events in the city. If you are visiting the area, you can pick out the Dignity Health Arena, which is located adjacent to the theater and convention center. It is a sprawling area with plenty of activity to watch from above. I usually find the open spaces around these large venues are the best spots for a quick stretch of the wings before I head back to my favorite ledge. Whether you are here for a show or a meeting, the scale of the facility is the first thing you will notice.
Central Park
You will likely notice the spray fountains of the lake first when you enter Central Park. Located in Bakersfield, this is the only park in downtown and was started in 1921. It is the center of Mill Creek, and as you wander through the grounds, you can find the Mill Creek bridge. For those interested in local culture, the park is home to the Bakersfield Museum of Art and the Bakersfield Community House. I usually find the water features are the best spot to take a breather while you are exploring the city center. It is a nice change of pace to see the greenery and the lake right in the middle of the urban environment, providing a bit of a sanctuary for anyone passing through the area.
Weill Park
As you move through the city, you will find yourself arriving at Weill Park. This location is a park in Bakersfield. I always find that these open spaces are the best spots to stretch your legs after a long walk through the urban center. It is a simple, green escape for anyone visiting the area.
Pentecostal Tabernacle
Kern County Museum and Pioneer Village
Located in Bakersfield, California, the Kern County Museum and Pioneer Village is a museum that preserves local heritage. The site was founded in 1941 and now draws 85,000 annual visitors. You can spend a lot of time wandering through Pioneer Village, which occupies 16 acres and contains over 50 original buildings from around the county. It is a great spot to see how the area used to look before the city grew around it. The museum is also accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. I've found that the open layout makes it a breeze to navigate, though you'll want comfortable shoes for all that walking. It is one of those places where the scale of the outdoor exhibits really catches you by surprise once you step inside the gates.
United Pentecostal Church
Metropolitan Recreation Center
Let me show you the Metropolitan Recreation Center. This site is a park that provides a dedicated space for the community to gather and spend time outside. Whether you are looking for a place to stretch your legs or just want to see a bit of the local greenery, this spot is a reliable choice for a visit to the outdoors. I've found that these open areas are the best places to get a feel for the pace of the neighborhood. It is a straightforward, functional space designed for the people of Bakersfield to relax and recreate.
Riverview Park
This isn't a shopping mall or a busy intersection; it is Riverview Park. As a park, it provides a dedicated space for visitors to step away from the urban bustle of Bakersfield. I find it is a great spot to just watch the world go by for a while. Whether you are passing through on a tour or staying for the afternoon, it is a useful place to stretch your legs and enjoy some open air. Let me show you around this green space.
