Bakersfield · Kern County, CA
Cheap things to do in Bakersfield
Scout analyzed 66 Bakersfield places and surfaced the ones that actually fit cheap day out.
Places analyzed
66
Matches
24
Typical spend
$35
Typical visit
1.4 hr
Scout-verified spots
Outdoors
Hart Memorial Park
Hart Memorial Park is a versatile outdoor destination offering a range of activities like hiking, fishing, and picnicking. A visit could last half a day and typically costs little to nothing, making it a great option for a spontaneous family outing or solo exploration.
Food & Drink
Huevo House
Huevo House is a casual breakfast and lunch spot, good for a relaxed meal that will take about an hour and cost around $10-25 per person. It pairs well with morning errands or a casual weekend outing.
Artisan
Greystone Park
Greystone Park is a standard neighborhood park good for a low-key outdoor outing with kids or a relaxed solo walk. Plan for an hour or so, and it is free.
Food & Drink
Luigi's Restaurant and Delicatessen
Luigi's is suitable for a casual lunch, either solo or with family, offering classic Italian fare. Expect to spend $15-30 per person for a meal that lasts about an hour.
Food & Drink
Yard House
Yard House is a reliable spot for a casual meal or drinks with friends and family, often paired with watching a game. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and around $30-60 per person.
Sports & Recreation
Wind Wolves Preserve
This nature preserve is a good option for a half-day outdoor excursion with hiking and wildlife viewing, best suited for families or solo adventurers. It's a free activity and pairs well with a picnic.
Downtown
Cafe Smitten (Downtown)
Cafe Smitten is good for a casual breakfast or lunch, potentially pairing with a downtown errand or brief solo outing. Expect to spend $10-25 per person for about an hour.
Silver Creek
Silver Creek Park
Silver Creek Park is a free outdoor space suitable for a 2-hour family outing or solo sports activity. It's ideal for a casual weekend visit, potentially followed by a meal elsewhere.
Villages of Brimhall/Brimhall Classics
Flame & Fire Brazilian Steakhouse
Flame & Fire is a good choice for a celebratory dinner or a substantial family meal. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and around $50-80 per person for the rodizio experience.
Mondavi
Sonder
Sonder offers a relaxed spot for American comfort food and drinks. Expect a meal to last 1-1.5 hours and cost $25-50 per person, fitting for a casual evening out or weekend meal.
Fruitvale
Emerald Cove Park
Emerald Cove Park is a free outdoor space ideal for families with young children, offering play structures and open fields for about 1.5 hours of activity. It pairs well with a picnic or a stop at a nearby casual eatery.
Food & Drink
Old River Grill at the Marketplace
Old River Grill is suitable for a casual, affordable meal like breakfast or lunch, often paired with errands or shopping. Expect to spend about an hour and $15-30 per person.
Food & Drink
Wool Growers Restaurant
Wool Growers is a classic Bakersfield stop for a Basque meal, suitable for a family dinner or a relaxed date night. Expect to spend 1.5 hours and $25-50 per person on hearty food and drinks.
Downtown
Filling Station
This drive-thru coffee shop is good for a quick stop for a drink or pastry on the way to work, school, or another activity, costing around $5-10 per person. It's a convenient option for a solo grab-and-go or a family with kids.
Seven Oaks
River Walk
River Walk is suitable for a free, leisurely stroll or family time outdoors, often taking 1-2 hours. It pairs well with a picnic or a visit to nearby shopping or dining.
Oleander/Sunset
Beale Park
Beale Park is suitable for a free family outing or solo exploration, offering open green space, sports facilities, and unique bird watching opportunities. Expect to spend 1-2 hours here, with minimal to no cost.
Riviera/Westchester
Jastro Park
Jastro Park is suitable for a casual, free outdoor activity for families or individuals, offering sports courts and a jungle gym. Expect to spend 1-2 hours here, possibly combined with a picnic or other local errands.
Downtown
Caffeine Supreme
This is a coffee shop best for a quick solo stop or a relaxed meet-up with a friend, typically lasting under an hour. Expect to spend $5-10 per person for a drink and perhaps a small bite.
Riviera/Westchester
Beach Park
Beach Park is a good free stop for a casual outdoor activity, like a bike ride or picnic, typically lasting 1-2 hours. It can pair well with other local attractions or a meal out.
Seven Oaks
Eureka!
Eureka! is suitable for a casual dinner or drinks, pairing well with a movie or shopping trip. Expect to spend 75-120 minutes and $25-$50 per person.
Downtown
Dagny's Coffee Co
Dagny's is suitable for a casual stop for coffee, pastries, or a light lunch. Plan for about an hour and expect to spend $5-15 per person.
Pheasant Run
Frugatti's
Frugatti's is a solid choice for a sit-down Italian dinner, suitable for family celebrations or a relaxed date night. Expect a visit of 1.5 to 2 hours with a typical spend of $20-45 per person for food and drink.
Outdoors
The Park at River Walk
This 32-acre park is good for a relaxed family outing, offering open space and an amphitheater for occasional live music. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours here, with costs ranging from free entry to around $10 if food or specific event tickets are purchased.
West Park Community
Yokuts Park
Yokuts Park is suitable for a free family outing with a playground and picnic areas, or a solo bike ride. Plan for 1-2 hours, potentially longer for special events.
Under $35
Cheap dates and low-spend afternoons.
Worth the splurge
When the night needs to land.
Outdoors
Patio, trail, or open-air.
No reservation needed
Walk in tonight.
What Scout found
- 60 of the 66 analyzed Bakersfield places fit cheap day out.
- 33% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
- 82% have easy parking.
- Dominant moods: Relaxed, Social, Playful, Scenic, Adventurous, Upscale.
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