Road Trips from Bakersfield, CA
Where to drive next — curated by how much time you have and what you're in the mood for.
Total Routes
105
Shortest
0.2h
With Parks Nearby
88
Under 2 hours
21 total in this range
Alta Sierra, CA
1h 20m55.9 mi one way
Green Valley, CA
1h 51m81.5 mi one way
Lost Hills, CA
58m46.4 mi one way
Castaic, CA
1h 24m72.5 mi one way
East Porterville, CA
1h 9m53.8 mi one way
Full-day getaway
36 total in this range
Salida, CA
3h 55m209.4 mi one way
Mariposa, CA
3h 39m180.4 mi one way
Lake Nacimiento, CA
2h 37m123.1 mi one way
Templeton, CA
2h 20m114.7 mi one way
Mira Monte, CA
2h 38m123.7 mi one way
Weekend trip
45 total in this range
Arbuckle, CA
6h 6m324.4 mi one way
Folsom, CA
5h 29m286 mi one way
Citrus Heights, CA
5h 28m289.9 mi one way
Lodi, CA
4h 34m242.5 mi one way
Forest Ranch, CA
7h 16m379.4 mi one way
Long-haul ideas
Browse by Mood
Salida, CA
3h 55m209.4 mi one way
Arbuckle, CA
6h 6m324.4 mi one way
Folsom, CA
5h 29m286 mi one way
Citrus Heights, CA
5h 28m289.9 mi one way
Salida, CA
3h 55m209.4 mi one way
Folsom, CA
5h 29m286 mi one way
Citrus Heights, CA
5h 28m289.9 mi one way
Lodi, CA
4h 34m242.5 mi one way
Salida, CA
3h 55m209.4 mi one way
Arbuckle, CA
6h 6m324.4 mi one way
Folsom, CA
5h 29m286 mi one way
Citrus Heights, CA
5h 28m289.9 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Long daylight returns and parks begin peak bloom.
Summer
Avoid low-desert routes at midday; pick mountain destinations instead.
Fall
Cooler temps and foliage make it the underrated season here.
Winter
Desert driving is at its best — cool days, clear light.
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.