Top Places to See When Driving from Bakersfield, CA to Riverside, CA

Taking a road trip from Bakersfield, CA to Riverside, CA is an exciting experience, with plenty of breathtaking views and attractions to see along the way. You won't be disappointed with your journey as you'll pass through an area with plenty of activities and sights to see. In this blog post, we have highlighted five of the top places you should visit on your road trip from Bakersfield to Riverside.

Before starting a journey, always ensure your vehicle is well-maintained and has enough fuel, water, and snacks before hitting the road. Based on your preference, you might want to take Interstate 5, California 99, or Interstate 215 to get to Riverside. Regardless of your route, we guarantee it will be a memorable one filled with exciting experiences.

1. Kern County Museum

A few minutes drive from Bakersfield on Chester Avenue, Kern County Museum stands as one of the tourist attractions you wouldn't want to miss. The museum covers about 16 acres and showcases historical artifacts associated with Kern's history. You'll get to learn the history of air travel, railways, and oil production in California. The museum provided an opportunity to see the preserved houses, a schoolhouse, and a train station replica of the 1860s.

You'll get to learn about the people who built the rich agricultural land of Bakersfield and the town's past as you tour the restored buildings. Among the exhibits are the oil derricks, drilling equipment, and geology displaying the Oil boom in Kern. The museum also offers old-time games, interactive displays, and activities like rope-making.

2. Lake Isabella

Lake Isabella is the outdoor recreational spot conveniently located on your way to Riverside. This 11,000-acre lake offers an incredible view of the southeastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, secluded bank fishing, and boating opportunities. A perfect relaxation spot for fishing enthusiasts and a place to hike and observe wildlife. For adventurers who enjoy a dash of adrenaline in their day, white water rafting is an option in the river near the lake.

The lake offers numerous amenities for picnicking, boating, and camping. Facilities like showers, drinking water, campfire rings, and picnic tables are available in the three campgrounds. The lake is a perfect spot to spend the night while en route to Riverside.

3. Calico Ghost Town

Calico Ghost Town is a unique and exciting place located on Interstate 15, about 3 miles from Barstow. This Historic silver mining town operated between 1881 and 1896 and was producing tons of silver ore. Remarkably, much of the town has stayed untouched, open for the public to experience the Wild West's old-time feel.

Stroll down Main Street, check out the old schoolhouse, and see the original homes and saloons. While here, grab a cold beer, shop for souvenirs, and even try your luck at the mine tour. The excellent museum in town offers a generous amount of silver, gold, and mineral samples found during the mining era.

4. March Field Air Museum

March Field Air Museum is a top-rated aviation museum spanning 7 acres, established in 1979. Located close to the March Air Reserve base in Riverside, along I-215, the museum houses numerous aircraft from all over the world.

The museum holds a collection of over 70 classic and historical aircraft, ranging from World War II planes to modern aircraft. Visitors can also experience the thrilling feeling of sitting in the cockpit of an aircraft and even taking a guided tour. You wouldn't want to miss the museum's display of military uniforms, artifacts, photographs, and documents.

5. Oak Glen

Oak Glen is the perfect stop for apple picking and a scenic drive before arriving in Riverside. Ten minutes drive east of the I-10 freeway, Oak Glen is known for its abundant apple orchards, cider mills, and pumpkin patches. You can spend the day picking apples, sampling apple cider, or pies produced by the town's several famous orchards.

Oak Glen's scenic surroundings also offer hiking trails surrounding one of nine mountain communities on the Yucaipa Ridge. The natural beauty of the landscape and small-town feel makes Oak Glen the perfect location for relaxation and exploration.

Conclusion

If you're looking to take a road trip from Bakersfield to Riverside, you're guaranteed to have a memorable time. There are plenty of attractions, both man-made and natural, to enjoy, ensuring you have a fantastic time while taking your time on this journey. We hope this article has given you an idea of some of the great places to visit on your next road trip from Bakersfield to Riverside.