Buckle up and get ready for an exciting road trip from Bakersfield, California to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma! This journey is filled with amazing attractions and scenic views that will make your trip memorable.
Gallup, New Mexico serves as the halfway point between Bakersfield and Oklahoma City, making it the perfect place to stop and stretch your legs. This small town offers a charming blend of Native American and Southwestern culture, and is the ideal place to grab a bite to eat and explore before continuing your journey.
Top Five Popular Attractions
1. Petrified Forest National Park Make sure to visit the Petrified Forest National Park, known for its fossilized trees and colorful rock formations. You can take a leisurely drive through the park and marvel at the unique landscape, or take a hike to get an up-close look at the beautiful petrified wood.
2. Cadillac Ranch Located in Amarillo, Texas, Cadillac Ranch is an iconic art installation consisting of ten graffiti-covered Cadillac cars buried nose-down in the ground. It's a quirky and fun stop that allows visitors to leave their mark by adding their own graffiti to the cars, creating a unique piece of public art.
3. Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum A visit to the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum is a must. This poignant and moving tribute honors the lives lost in the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. The outdoor memorial features a reflecting pool, field of empty chairs, and the Survivor Tree, while the museum provides an in-depth look at the events of that tragic day.
4. Route 66 Museum While passing through Clinton, Oklahoma, take some time to visit the Route 66 Museum, which showcases the history and impact of the iconic Mother Road. From vintage cars to neon signs, the museum provides a nostalgic look at the golden age of Route 66 and its influence on American culture.
5. Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge A bit off the beaten path, but well worth the detour, the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Lawton, Oklahoma offers stunning scenery and a chance to see free-ranging bison, elk, and longhorn cattle. With plenty of hiking trails and photo opportunities, this refuge is a nature lover's paradise.
As you plan your journey from Bakersfield to Oklahoma City, consider taking the I-40 route for the most scenic and enjoyable drive. This route will take you through Petrified Forest National Park, Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, and the charming town of Gallup, providing plenty of opportunities to stop and explore along the way. Safe travels!