Downtown Bakersfield
Encyclopedia
Downtown in the central business district for Bakersfield
, California
. Located in the heart of the city, it is easily accessible from all its other parts. It is also reemerging as the center of Bakersfield’s arts, culture and entertainment sectors. Downtown contains several of the cities major theaters, sporting complexes, museums, and historical landmarks.
What is considered “downtown” varies depending on who a person talks to. Before defining downtown, it is important to first define the Central Bakersfield Region. Starting from the north and traveling clockwise, it is generally bounded by the Kern River, Union Ave, state route 58
, and state route 99
. Most people (including the Downtown Business Association) define it as: 24th St. (SR 178), Union Ave. (SR 204), California Ave, and F St. Other people extend the boundaries east to SR 99 and north to Golden State Ave (SR 204). Some people consider all of Central Bakersfield as being “downtown.”
Unlike most downtown areas in major cities, downtown Bakersfield does not have a towering skyline, although it has a few tall buildings such as the Bank of America Building (10 stories), the Bakersfield Marriott Hotel (9 stories), and the Padre Hotel (9 stories).
(20th St. and H St), Stars Theater (Chester Ave. and 20t h St) and Spotlight Theater (19t h St. and H St). In addition, several art galleries are located around the intersection of 19t h St. and Eye St. The arts district is also home to the historic Padre Hotel
, which was recently remolded and reopened as a boutique hotel.
and the County of Kern
. It is roughly bordered by Truxtun Ave, Q St, BNSF railroad yard, and H St. Major government buildings include Bakersfield City Hall
, County of Kern administrative building, hall of records
, superior court, and municipal court.
Although structures representing the center of government, such as city hall and the court house are located there, growth has resulted in many services being moved to other places throughout the city. Also, many state and federal services are also placed in locations outside of the civic center.
Civic center has also become one of Bakersfield’s sport centers. The Rabobank Arena
(formerly known as the Centennial Garden), is a large indoor multipurpose arena. McMurtrey Aquatic Center
houses a 50 meter competition swimming and diving pool. There is also the Bakersfield Ice Sports Center
, an indoor ice rink used for junior and adult league hockey and recreation.
Civic center also houses the Rabobank Theater and Convention Center
(formerly known as the Civic Auditorium). This is the largest theater and convention facility in the city. It is also conveniently located next to the Marriott convention hotel.
. This runs along the Kern Island Canal, which was redesigned to have the look of a natural river.
A major attraction in the area is the Bakersfield Museum of Art
. The Beale Memorial Library, which is the headquarters for the Kern County Library System, is also located in the district. Another important structure is the Amtrak station
, which is Bakersfield’s rail link to the San Joaquin Valley
.
legend Buck Owens
. This area is located next to Highway 99, between Rosedale Highway/24th Street in Bakersfield, and Airport Drive in Oildale
. It is the heart of the Bakersfield's Country Music scene. The main attractions are the Bakersfield Sign
(formerly located at intersection of California and Union Ave.) and the Buck Owens Crystal Palace
night club, museum, and restaurant. It is also located near Beach Park
.
, F St, BNSF railroad yard and state route 99
(or Oak St). Westchester is a mostly residential neighborhood. The neighborhood is known for large shady trees and historic homes built between the 1900s and 1960s. Main points of interest include the Kern County Museum
(with the Beale Memorial Clock Tower
), and Sam Lynn Ballpark
.
ends at the eastern edge, and provides connection to the northeast. State route 99
is approximately 1/2 miles west, and provides north/south connection to the rest of the city. Golden State Ave (state route 204
), as a freeway ends at the north edge of downtown, and provides access to the northwest.
Downtown also is the primary hub for all modes of intracity and intercity transportation, except air travel. Golden Empire Transit
(GET) provides transportation to Greater Bakersfield from the downtown transit center. Kern Regional Transit
provides intercity transportation from GET downtown transit center or Amtrak station. Amtrak
provides rail connection to the San Joaquin Valley north of Bakersfield, and several bus routes to points west, south and east of the city (with tickets that travel by train at least once).
Although traveling to downtown is relatively easy by car, traveling through it is more difficult. Since SR 178 freeway and Golden State Ave. (SR 204 freeway) stop at the edge of downtown, cars must travel on surface streets to connect to additional freeways. This has created heavy traffic on major connecting arterial roads, especially on 23rd/24th St. (one way in each direction). This is especially a problem for cars traveling from the northeast to the southwest, since 23rd/24th St. is the most direct route between those two points.
Bakersfield, California
Bakersfield is a city near the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley in Kern County, California. It is roughly equidistant between Fresno and Los Angeles, to the north and south respectively....
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
. Located in the heart of the city, it is easily accessible from all its other parts. It is also reemerging as the center of Bakersfield’s arts, culture and entertainment sectors. Downtown contains several of the cities major theaters, sporting complexes, museums, and historical landmarks.
What is considered “downtown” varies depending on who a person talks to. Before defining downtown, it is important to first define the Central Bakersfield Region. Starting from the north and traveling clockwise, it is generally bounded by the Kern River, Union Ave, state route 58
California State Route 58
State Route 58 is an east-west highway across the California Coast Ranges, the southern San Joaquin Valley, the Tehachapi Mountains, which border the southern Sierra Nevada, and the Mojave Desert. It runs between its western terminus near Santa Margarita and its eastern terminus at Barstow...
, and state route 99
California State Route 99
California State Route 99 , commonly known as Highway 99 or, simply, as 99 , is a north–south state highway in the U.S. state of California, stretching almost the entire length of the Central Valley...
. Most people (including the Downtown Business Association) define it as: 24th St. (SR 178), Union Ave. (SR 204), California Ave, and F St. Other people extend the boundaries east to SR 99 and north to Golden State Ave (SR 204). Some people consider all of Central Bakersfield as being “downtown.”
Unlike most downtown areas in major cities, downtown Bakersfield does not have a towering skyline, although it has a few tall buildings such as the Bank of America Building (10 stories), the Bakersfield Marriott Hotel (9 stories), and the Padre Hotel (9 stories).
Districts
Bakersfield has always had some districts located downtown. Recently, as part of a redevelopment effort, others are being created.Arts
Arts District is one of the newer districts defined in downtown. It is roughly bordered by 21st St, L St, 17th St, and G St. Theaters in the district include the Fox TheaterFox Theater (Bakersfield)
The Fox Theater is located at 2001 H Street in Downtown Bakersfield, California. The theater, which opened on Christmas Day, 1930 is the performing arts hub of downtown Bakersfield, and hosts a variety of performing talent, ranging from ballets to contemporary pop and rock acts.- The early years...
(20th St. and H St), Stars Theater (Chester Ave. and 20t h St) and Spotlight Theater (19t h St. and H St). In addition, several art galleries are located around the intersection of 19t h St. and Eye St. The arts district is also home to the historic Padre Hotel
Padre Hotel
The Padre Hotel is a historical Landmark hotel and restaurant located on the corner of 18th and "H" streets in Bakersfield, California....
, which was recently remolded and reopened as a boutique hotel.
Civic Center
Civic Center is the center of government for both the City of BakersfieldBakersfield, California
Bakersfield is a city near the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley in Kern County, California. It is roughly equidistant between Fresno and Los Angeles, to the north and south respectively....
and the County of Kern
Kern County, California
Spreading across the southern end of the California Central Valley, Kern County is the fifth-largest county by population in California. Its economy is heavily linked to agriculture and to petroleum extraction, and there is a strong aviation and space presence. Politically, it has generally...
. It is roughly bordered by Truxtun Ave, Q St, BNSF railroad yard, and H St. Major government buildings include Bakersfield City Hall
Bakersfield City Hall
Bakersfield City Hall is the center of government for the City of Bakersfield, California. It houses the Mayor's office and the City Council Chambers. It is located in the Civic Center, Downtown. A statue of Colonel Thomas Baker, the city's founder, is in front of the building and is marked as a...
, County of Kern administrative building, hall of records
Kern County Hall of Records
The Kern County Hall of Records is a government building in Bakersfield, California. It is the repository of records for Kern County. The building is located in the Civic Center, Downtown. Constructed in 1909, it is the longest continuously used government building in the county...
, superior court, and municipal court.
Although structures representing the center of government, such as city hall and the court house are located there, growth has resulted in many services being moved to other places throughout the city. Also, many state and federal services are also placed in locations outside of the civic center.
Civic center has also become one of Bakersfield’s sport centers. The Rabobank Arena
Rabobank Arena
Rabobank Arena is a 10,000-seat multi-purpose arena, Bakersfield, California, USA. Located downtown at the corner of Truxtun Avenue and N Street, it was built in 1998, and was originally known as Centennial Garden. The city-owned arena sold naming rights to the Dutch cooperative bank Rabobank in...
(formerly known as the Centennial Garden), is a large indoor multipurpose arena. McMurtrey Aquatic Center
McMurtrey Aquatic Center
The McMurtrey Aquatic Center is a state-of-the-art swimming, diving, and recreational facility in the City of Bakersfield, California, USA. It is located near Centennial Garden, newly renamed "Rabobank Arena", in downtown Bakersfield...
houses a 50 meter competition swimming and diving pool. There is also the Bakersfield Ice Sports Center
Bakersfield Ice Sports Center
The Bakersfield Ice Sports Center is a year-round, indoor ice rink in Bakersfield, California. The facility was completed in 2003. It contains a regulation size ice hockey rink, and seating for 500. It also contains locker rooms, and a snack bar. It is used for adult and youth hockey, ice skating...
, an indoor ice rink used for junior and adult league hockey and recreation.
Civic center also houses the Rabobank Theater and Convention Center
Rabobank Theater and Convention Center
The Rabobank Theater and Convention Center is a performing arts theater and convention facilities located in Bakersfield, California .-History:...
(formerly known as the Civic Auditorium). This is the largest theater and convention facility in the city. It is also conveniently located next to the Marriott convention hotel.
Mill Creek
Mill Creek is another one of downtown’s newer district, and is still being developed. When fully completed, the district will consist of a mixture of both low and high density residential, commercial and retail. The redevelopment area is defined to be Golden State Ave, Union Ave, California Ave, and Q St. Running through the center of the district is the Mill Creek Linear ParkMill Creek (Bakersfield)
Mill Creek is a linear park located in Bakersfield, California. It runs along the Kern Island Canal between Golden State Ave. and California Ave. in downtown, although there is a gap between 19th St. and the BNSF railroad yard. The center of the park is Central Park, the only park in downtown. The...
. This runs along the Kern Island Canal, which was redesigned to have the look of a natural river.
A major attraction in the area is the Bakersfield Museum of Art
Bakersfield Museum of Art
The Bakersfield Museum of Art is an art museum, in Bakersfield, California. It is located in Central Park, on the corner of 19th St. and R St. It has four galleries, which contains a permanent collection mainly from regional artists, as well as room for traveling art exhibits...
. The Beale Memorial Library, which is the headquarters for the Kern County Library System, is also located in the district. Another important structure is the Amtrak station
Bakersfield (Amtrak station)
The Bakersfield Amtrak Station is a train station in Bakersfield, California. It is the southern terminus of Amtrak's San Joaquin route operated by Amtrak California, with Thruway Motorcoach service continuing to Amtrak stations and bus stops throughout Southern California and Nevada...
, which is Bakersfield’s rail link to the San Joaquin Valley
San Joaquin Valley
The San Joaquin Valley is the area of the Central Valley of California that lies south of the Sacramento – San Joaquin River Delta in Stockton...
.
Other Neighborhoods and Districts
The following are neighborhoods and districts which are near downtown. Some people consider them apart of downtown.Buck Owens Boulevard
Formerly named Pierce Rd, it was renamed Buck Owens Boulevard in 1998 after country musicCountry music
Country music is a popular American musical style that began in the rural Southern United States in the 1920s. It takes its roots from Western cowboy and folk music...
legend Buck Owens
Buck Owens
Alvis Edgar Owens, Jr. , better known as Buck Owens, was an American singer and guitarist who had 21 No. 1 hits on the Billboard country music charts with his band, the Buckaroos...
. This area is located next to Highway 99, between Rosedale Highway/24th Street in Bakersfield, and Airport Drive in Oildale
Oildale, California
Oildale is a census-designated place in Kern County, California, United States. Oildale is located north-northwest of downtown Bakersfield, at an elevation of 469 feet . The population was 32,684 at the 2010 census, up from 27,885 at the 2000 census...
. It is the heart of the Bakersfield's Country Music scene. The main attractions are the Bakersfield Sign
Bakersfield Sign
The Bakersfield Sign is one of the more recognizable landmarks in Bakersfield, California. It is located over Sillect Avenue, where the street intersects with Buck Owens Blvd. . The sign can be seen from state route 99 , and is just past the freeway off-ramp...
(formerly located at intersection of California and Union Ave.) and the Buck Owens Crystal Palace
Buck Owens Crystal Palace
Buck Owens Crystal Palace is a music hall located in Bakersfield, California. It was constructed by Buck Owens, and was opened in 1996. Primarily it is a performance venue for country western music, although other music genres have been heard there...
night club, museum, and restaurant. It is also located near Beach Park
Beach Park (Bakersfield)
Beach Park is a public park in Bakersfield, California. It is located at the major intersection of 24th street and Oak street, which makes it one of the more visible parks in the city. It is directly adjacent to the Kern River Parkway, and is used as a staging area for the various trails in the...
.
Westchester
The Westchester neighborhood is just west of Downtown Bakersfield, although some people consider it part of downtown. It is bounded by the Kern RiverKern River
The Kern River is a river in the U.S. state of California, approximately long. It drains an area of the southern Sierra Nevada mountains northeast of Bakersfield. Fed by snowmelt near Mount Whitney, the river passes through scenic canyons in the mountains and is a popular destination for...
, F St, BNSF railroad yard and state route 99
California State Route 99
California State Route 99 , commonly known as Highway 99 or, simply, as 99 , is a north–south state highway in the U.S. state of California, stretching almost the entire length of the Central Valley...
(or Oak St). Westchester is a mostly residential neighborhood. The neighborhood is known for large shady trees and historic homes built between the 1900s and 1960s. Main points of interest include the Kern County Museum
Kern County Museum
The Kern County Museum is a history museum located in Bakersfield, California. Its main focus is the history of Kern County . One of the prominent features is Pioneer Village. Located on , it contains over 50 original buildings from around the county, related to life in the late 19th century...
(with the Beale Memorial Clock Tower
Beale Memorial Clock Tower
Beale Memorial Clock Tower is a clock tower located in Bakersfield, California. It was a gift to the city; built by Truxtun Beale in memory of his mother, Mary Edwards Beale. It was dedicated on April 4, 1904, and was built in the middle of the intersection of 17th St. and Chester Ave. When he was...
), and Sam Lynn Ballpark
Sam Lynn Ballpark
Sam Lynn Ballpark is a baseball venue located in Bakersfield, California and is the oldest ballpark of the Class-A Advanced California League. It was built in 1941 for the Bakersfield Badgers who began that season as a charter member of the California League...
.
Transportation
Being located in the heart of Bakersfield, getting to and from downtown is relatively easy. State route 178 freewayCalifornia State Route 178
State Route 178 is a route that exists in two constructed segments. The gap in between segments is connected by various local roads and State Route 190 through Death Valley National Park....
ends at the eastern edge, and provides connection to the northeast. State route 99
California State Route 99
California State Route 99 , commonly known as Highway 99 or, simply, as 99 , is a north–south state highway in the U.S. state of California, stretching almost the entire length of the Central Valley...
is approximately 1/2 miles west, and provides north/south connection to the rest of the city. Golden State Ave (state route 204
California State Route 204
State Route 204 is a short state highway in the Bakersfield, California, United States area. It connects SR 99 and SR 58 with downtown. It also connects Bakersfield's three major freeways together . Only the north 1.4 miles has been built to freeway standards; the rest is a six-lane arterial...
), as a freeway ends at the north edge of downtown, and provides access to the northwest.
Downtown also is the primary hub for all modes of intracity and intercity transportation, except air travel. Golden Empire Transit
Golden Empire Transit
Golden Empire Transit is the operator of mass transportation in Bakersfield, California. There are 18 routes serving Greater Bakersfield, which includes both the City of Bakersfield and adjacent unincorporated communities. It, however, does not serve Rio Bravo. Although apart of the city, the area...
(GET) provides transportation to Greater Bakersfield from the downtown transit center. Kern Regional Transit
Kern Regional Transit
Kern Regional Transit is the operator of mass transportation in Kern County, California. Primarily, it provides inter-regional transportation, connecting outlying regions with the City of Bakersfield...
provides intercity transportation from GET downtown transit center or Amtrak station. Amtrak
Amtrak
The National Railroad Passenger Corporation, doing business as Amtrak , is a government-owned corporation that was organized on May 1, 1971, to provide intercity passenger train service in the United States. "Amtrak" is a portmanteau of the words "America" and "track". It is headquartered at Union...
provides rail connection to the San Joaquin Valley north of Bakersfield, and several bus routes to points west, south and east of the city (with tickets that travel by train at least once).
Although traveling to downtown is relatively easy by car, traveling through it is more difficult. Since SR 178 freeway and Golden State Ave. (SR 204 freeway) stop at the edge of downtown, cars must travel on surface streets to connect to additional freeways. This has created heavy traffic on major connecting arterial roads, especially on 23rd/24th St. (one way in each direction). This is especially a problem for cars traveling from the northeast to the southwest, since 23rd/24th St. is the most direct route between those two points.