Bakersfield, County seat in San Joaquin Valley, United States
This city sits at the southern end of California's Central Valley at about 400 feet above sea level. It covers roughly 150 square miles and is crossed by the Kern River, which flows down from the Sierra Nevada mountains.
The arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1874 transformed a small settlement into a major transport hub. Over the following decades, the population grew rapidly as oil fields were developed and irrigation systems brought agriculture to the valley floor.
Local musicians continue to play the raw electric country sound that was born in the city's clubs and bars decades ago. On weekends, dance floors fill with people who come to hear live music and enjoy the down-to-earth atmosphere.
Most places of interest are spread along wide main roads and are best reached by car. Summer temperatures regularly climb above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius), so plan visits for early morning or late afternoon.
Oil pumps often stand right next to fruit orchards and cotton fields, an unusual mix of industry and agriculture. You can see the nodding pump jacks even in residential neighborhoods, where they have been part of the everyday landscape for generations.
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