Top Places to See When Driving From Bakersfield, California to Tulsa, Oklahoma

Are you planning a road trip from Bakersfield, California to Tulsa, Oklahoma? The drive is long, covering approximately 1,400 miles and taking about 20 hours non-stop. However, the journey is worth it – you’ll experience the beauty of different states, from California to Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma. Along the way, there are several interesting places to see and things to do. In this post, we’ve rounded up the top places to visit during your road trip from Bakersfield to Tulsa.

Majestic Grand Canyon

Start your journey by taking a detour to the Grand Canyon, a natural wonder that should not be missed. It’s easily accessible from the drive, and there are several viewpoints you can stop at to marvel at the views. Consider visiting the South Rim, which is the most popular viewpoint for its incredible panoramas and hiking trails. You can also take a helicopter ride to see the Grand Canyon from a bird’s eye view.

Petrified Forest National Park

As you drive through Arizona, make a stop at the Petrified Forest National Park, a unique and fascinating natural attraction with a well-preserved petrified wood forest that dates back over 200 million years. The park is also home to colorful badlands, a painted desert, and ancient pueblo ruins.

Cadillac Ranch

If you’re an art lover, you should visit Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo, Texas. This outdoor art installation is a collection of old and graffiti-covered Cadillacs planted nose-first in the ground. It’s a colorful and creative roadside attraction that’ll make for a great photo opportunity.

Big Texan Steak Ranch

When you reach Amarillo, make sure to stop at Big Texan Steak Ranch. It’s a Texas landmark that’s famous for its 72-ounce steak challenge. If you’re brave enough, you can try to finish the steak, baked potato, salad, roll, and shrimp cocktail within an hour, and you’ll get it for free. Even if you’re not looking for a challenge, Big Texan Steak Ranch is a great place to grab a hearty meal after a long road trip.

Tulsa's Art Deco District

Finally, when you arrive in Tulsa, take a stroll through Tulsa’s Art Deco District. The area features stunning architecture and design from the 1920s and 1930s, including many restored buildings that have been transformed into museums, galleries, and boutiques. You can also visit the art deco-style Boston Avenue Methodist Church, which is considered one of the finest examples of art deco architecture in America.

Conclusion

Driving from Bakersfield, California to Tulsa, Oklahoma is a long journey, but it’s peppered with interesting sights to see and experiences to enjoy. From the Grand Canyon to Cadillac Ranch and Tulsa’s Art Deco District, there’s no shortage of attractions to break up the drive. So, gather your road trip snacks, fill up your gas tank, and hit the road – adventure awaits!