Road Trips from Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield is a solid base for exploring central California. You've got a good mix of short, quick escapes under two hours, perfect for a day trip, and longer hauls that can take up to five and a half hours. Many of these routes feature surface roads and include access to parks, with the César E. Chávez National Monument appearing frequently. If you're looking for varied terrain, some options offer flat stretches, while others present more rolling or hilly landscapes. It's a good starting point whether you want a brief outing or a more substantial drive.
Total Routes
105
Shortest
1.3h
With Parks Nearby
105
Under 2 hours
Full-day getaway
Weekend trip
90 total in this range
Big River, CA
6h 24m336.5 mi one way
Cameron Park, CA
5h 41m295.3 mi one way
Folsom, CA
5h 29m286 mi one way
This is one of your longest options at 286 miles and 5.5 hours, with a high drive score of 10. It's a mostly flat terrain drive that includes park access. If you're looking for a longer journey from Bakersfield with a good driving experience, this is a top contender.
Sacramento, CA
5h 14m276.9 mi one way
Citrus Heights, CA
5h 28m289.9 mi one way
Similar to Folsom, this drive is 289.9 miles and takes about 5.5 hours, also earning a drive score of 10. The terrain is mostly flat, and it offers park access. It's a significant drive, ideal if you're aiming for a longer trip north.
Long-haul ideas
13 total in this range
Willow Creek, CA
10h 7m537.4 mi one way
Susanville, CA
9h 13m464.9 mi one way
Hayfork, CA
9h 27m499 mi one way
McCloud, CA
9h 25m504 mi one way
Ferndale, CA
10h 26m535 mi one way
Browse by Mood
Salida, CA
3h 55m209.4 mi one way
Big River, CA
6h 24m336.5 mi one way
Cameron Park, CA
5h 41m295.3 mi one way
Folsom, CA
5h 29m286 mi one way
Salida, CA
3h 55m209.4 mi one way
Folsom, CA
5h 29m286 mi one way
Sacramento, CA
5h 14m276.9 mi one way
Citrus Heights, CA
5h 28m289.9 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring offers pleasant temperatures for exploring the various terrains and parks accessible from Bakersfield, including the César E. Chávez National Monument.
Summer
Summer drives are viable, though heat may be a factor. The parks, including César E. Chávez National Monument, remain accessible for day trips.
Fall
Fall provides favorable weather for the diverse drives, from flat to hilly terrain, and visits to nearby parks like César E. Chávez National Monument.
Winter
Winter drives are generally clear, offering access to all routes and the included parks, such as César E. Chávez National Monument.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Bakersfield, CA city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.