$56 Rental Cars in Bakersfield, CA

Find the best car rental deals in Bakersfield, California

Like many US cities, Bakersfield is built for cars, and having a rental car while you’re visiting this Californian gem will mean you get the most out of your trip.

The city offers up a wealth of attractions, from cultural delights including the charming Kern County Museum and the historic Fox Theater to the vast expanses of wildlife-rich wilderness that lie beyond the city boundaries in Sequoia National Forest. A rental car from Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, Economy, Rent One, Budget or one of the many other car rental firms located throughout the city is your key to discovering them, and Orbitz is here to help you.

Bakersfield and Beyond: Three Destinations by Car

Bakersfield’s setting amid gorgeous countryside means you can have a truly varied vacation here, especially if you’ve got a rental car. Here are some places to check out close by.

Kern River Preserve

This natural beauty spot would win anyone’s heart, but wildlife lovers in particular should make sure it’s on their itinerary. The drive here past Isabella Lake is scenic, and the preserve’s thick forest is a haven for over 300 species of birds. Directly to the north lie the endless picturesque hiking routes of Sequoia National Forest.

Journey time: Around one hour 10 minutes

Distance: Approximately 55 miles

Ventura

Get active in this coastal city, where you can try your hand at everything from kayaking, biking and paddle boarding to more adrenaline-pumping pursuits such as kite surfing. Unwind afterward with a relaxing wander around the lovely independent stores, galleries and restaurants clustered in Ventura Harbor Village.

Journey time: Around 2 hours

Distance: Approximately 120 miles

Red Rock Canyon State Park

The brightly colored, multilayered rock formations in this protected area lend the landscape an alien feel. No surprise, then, that movies including Planet of the Apes have used it as a set. This is a truly atmospheric place for hiking and camping, and the sunsets must be seen to be believed.

Journey time: Around one hour 15 minutes

Distance: Approximately 80 miles