A Group Travel Guide to Bakersfield, California's Major Destinations & Events

Bakersfield is more than just a pit stop on the way to Los Angeles—it is a thriving hub for energy, agriculture, and world-class country music history. Planning group travel here means navigating the unique "Bakersfield Sound" and the sprawl of the Central Valley. Whether you are coordinating a field trip to the California Living Museum or a massive corporate convention at the Mechanics Bank Arena, the logistics of moving 50+ people through the intersection of State Route 99 and SR 58 can be daunting. At Charter Bus Bakersfield, we simplify your itinerary with an instant, 30-second online quote and a diverse fleet of 56-passenger motorcoaches and 25-passenger minibuses tailored for the 661.

A few of the companies we’ve worked with

Mechanics Bank Arena, Theater & Convention Center

As the premier venue for the Bakersfield Condors (AHL) and major concerts, this complex is a logistical focal point in Downtown Bakersfield. Located at 1001 Truxtun Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301, the arena seats over 10,000 people. For group arrivals, the traffic flow on Truxtun Avenue can become highly congested 60 minutes before puck drop. We recommend that your 56-passenger motorcoach utilizes the designated commercial loading zone on N Street for passenger offloading. This allows your group to enter via the main box office doors while your driver handles parking. Note: The arena parking lot is often restricted for buses; however, the drivers are familiar with staging at the nearby Amtrak station overflow lots or designated street parking on 14th Street to ensure a 5-minute return time once the event concludes.

California Living Museum (CALM)

For educational field trips and family reunions, CALM is a must-visit destination located at 10500 Alfred Harrell Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93306. Open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, this zoo and botanical garden showcases native California wildlife. Getting here requires navigating the winding Alfred Harrell Highway. While the drive offers scenic views of the Kern River, the turns can be tight for full-sized coach buses. The drivers are familiar with this specific route, ensuring a smooth ride in a climate-controlled cabin. Buses should enter via the main gates and proceed to the far east end of the parking lot where designated oversized vehicle stalls are located. During the "HolidayLights" event in December, parking is at a premium; booking a school bus rental or a 35-passenger minibus ensures your group skips the miles-long car line at the entrance.

The Buck Owens' Crystal Palace

You can't visit Bakersfield without paying homage to the king of the Bakersfield Sound. Located at 2800 Buck Owens Blvd, Bakersfield, CA 93308 , the Crystal Palace is a museum, restaurant, and concert venue all in one. Because it sits right off the busy Sillect Avenue and Hwy 99 interchange, the parking lot is frequently packed with tourists. For dinner groups or private parties, we recommend using a sleek black or silver 15-passenger executive Sprinter van or a 25-passenger minibus. Your driver can drop your group off directly under the porte-cochère at the front entrance, avoiding the walk across the hot asphalt. Operating hours vary, but the museum typically opens at 11:00 AM. After the show, your driver will be waiting in the staging area near the adjacent hotel row for an instant departure.

Kern County Fairgrounds

Home to the annual Kern County Fair, which attracts over 400,000 attendees over its 12-day run, the fairgrounds at 1142 S P St, Bakersfield, CA 93307 are a major destination for livestock shows and trade events. During the fair, traffic on Ming Avenue is notoriously slow. Our strategy for Bakersfield charter bus rentals is to approach from the south via Belle Terrace to avoid the Ming Avenue bottleneck. Buses are typically directed to enter through Gate 29 or Gate 39 for unloading. Oversized parking is available in the dirt lots for a fee (usually around $20 for buses), but we include these logistics in your planning so you don't have to worry about cash on hand. Whether it’s a school group or a corporate social, our buses provide the undercarriage storage you need for fair prizes and souvenirs.

Bakersfield Museum of Art (BMoA)

Situated in the beautiful Mill Creek district at 1930 R St, Bakersfield, CA 93301, BMoA is a cultural gem perfect for smaller, sophisticated group outings. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Because it is located adjacent to Central Park, parking for a 56-passenger motorcoach can be tricky on the narrow residential streets. We suggest using a 30-passenger minibus for these trips. Your driver will drop your group off on R Street directly in front of the museum entrance. While your group enjoys the rotating exhibitions and the Tejon Sculpture Garden, your driver can park at the nearby Mill Creek parking structure's designated bus areas. This ensures your group stays cool and hydrated in the Central Valley heat while transitioning between downtown stops.

The Park at River Walk

Located at 11298 Stockdale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93311, this park is the go-to spot for outdoor festivals and corporate picnics at the Bright House Networks Amphitheatre. Spanning 32 acres, it features two lakes and a massive stage. When events like the "Village Fest" occur, Stockdale Highway becomes a gridlock zone. The drivers know to utilize the Buena Vista Road entrance for easier bus access. We provide white or silver 56-passenger motorcoaches equipped with PA systems so organizers can make announcements during the transit. There is a specific bus turnaround lane near the amphitheater entrance that is perfect for unloading equipment and passengers before the driver moves to the designated overflow lot near CSUB.

California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB)

CSUB (9001 Stockdale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93311) is a frequent stop for academic competitions and Roadrunner athletic events. For games at the Icardo Center, buses must enter via Camino Media. The university has strict parking permit requirements for commercial vehicles; however, Charter Bus Bakersfield coordinates with the campus police to ensure your 56-passenger coach has the necessary clearance to park in Lot I or Lot J. Avoid the stress of navigating campus pedestrian traffic and the Stockdale Highway construction. The drivers stay with the vehicle or remain on-call via mobile, ensuring that as soon as the event ends, your students or athletes can board an air-conditioned bus and head to their next destination.

Mesa Marin Sports Complex

For travel baseball teams and soccer clubs, the Mesa Marin Sports Complex at 10315 Kern Canyon Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93306 is the premier destination. Located on the northeast edge of town, it features four lighted softball fields and several soccer fields. Parking is plentiful, but it fills up fast on tournament weekends. We recommend a 56-passenger motorcoach with massive undercarriage luggage storage for all the catchers' gear, coolers, and pop-up tents. Your driver can utilize the designated bus loading zone near the concession stands, saving your athletes from a long walk in the sun before their first game. With reclining leather seats and flat-screen TVs, the team can review game film or relax during the drive back to the hotel.

Instantly See Pricing and Pictures for Your Bakersfield Bus Rental!

Stop stressing over the logistics of Bakersfield traffic and venue parking. Whether you are heading to a Condors game at Mechanics Bank Arena or a wedding at a local vineyard, Charter Bus Bakersfield provides the immediate relief you need. We offer an instant 30-second online quote so you can see your pricing and vehicle options right now. Our expert reservation team is available 24/7/365 to help you choose between a 56-passenger motorcoach, a 25-passenger minibus, or a luxury Sprinter van. Call 559-372-3480 today and let us handle the road while you enjoy the ride!---