Best Landmarks in Bakersfield

Bakersfield Museum of Art (BMoA) is a hub for art enthusiasts seeking to appreciate and learn about visual arts. The museum's mission is to enrich the quality of life for Kern County residents by providing art appreciation and educational opportunities. Bakersfield Museum features four galleries, one of which showcases a permanent collection of regional artists, while another is dedicated to traveling art exhibitions. BMoA has become a valuable cultural institution, offering unique exhibitions and educational programs that have captured the interest of Bakersfield and the surrounding communities. The museum aims to promote diversity and inclusivity by displaying and preserving fine art and offering innovative visual arts experiences. Every year, thousands of visitors enjoy guided tours of the only certified art museum in Kern County, with free admission for children under five and museum members.

Historic Union Cemetery, located in Bakersfield, California, is a meticulously maintained cemetery that was established during the mid-19th century by Colonel Thomas Baker. Today, it is owned and managed by the non-profit organization Union Cemetery Association. The cemetery has served as a final resting place for pioneers, immigrants, Civil War veterans, influential families, cowboys, farmers, bankers, and other notable individuals who helped shape the city's history for over 150 years. In 2012, the cemetery was officially renamed to "Historical Union Cemetery" in recognition of its role in preserving the region's heritage. Visitors can take complimentary self-guided walking tours to explore the graves of some of the pioneers and founders buried here.

The Historic Sunset Camp, constructed in 1930, provided cabins and one-room tents to house approximately 300 people. The camp served as a secure location for many families, resulting in a strong community that founded its school, which later became the Weedpatch camp's foundation. Initially, the camp had canvas tents on plywood platforms for residents and permanent buildings. The camp's old buildings are located in a fenced area at the site's northeast corner. The community hall, the post office, and the library are the three remaining buildings from the camp, which is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Additionally, it has over twenty full-time personnel, including nurses, physicians, dentists, social workers, maintenance workers, and management personnel.