Situated at the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley about 150 miles north of Los Angeles, Bakersfield is an agricultural hub of California that boasts easy access to the Sequoia National Forest.
No matter if your trip to Bakersfield is for business or pleasure, you’re sure to enjoy your time here. Just read up on some fun things to do, and make sure you’re covered by visitors medical insurance .
Visitors Medical Insurance for Travelers visiting Bakersfield – FAQs
No matter how healthy or careful you might think you are, illnesses and accidents can happen, so you need to have insurance. For those visiting the United States from abroad, the right coverage to have is visitors medical insurance.
Do I need visitors medical insurance for Bakersfield?
While visitors insurance isn’t legally required if you’re on a B1 or B2 visa, it’s smart to have. Healthcare in the US is expensive. You could easily bankrupt yourself if you don’t have insurance that’s accepted here, and the domestic health insurance from your home country probably won’t be. Visitors medical insurance can keep you covered.
Why buy visitors medical insurance before visiting Bakersfield?
It comes down to the cost of treatment. If you have to visit the hospital for a sickness or injury and you don’t have insurance coverage that’s accepted, the resulting bill cost more than you can afford to pay. You can avoid this worry by getting visitors medical insurance, which is specifically designed to cover those traveling outside their home country to the United States.
Bakersfield’s Most Popular Activities
Hit the Links
With over 300 days of sunshine per year, Bakersfield is perfect for golf enthusiasts. The city boasts public courses such as Buena Vista Golf Course, Kern River Golf Course, North Kern Golf Course, and the Links at Riverlakes Ranch. In addition to the nice weather, many of these courses have very reasonable green fees.
Explore Local Agriculture
Bakersfield is a fertile area for growing all manner of crops, and visiting a local farm can be a great activity for families. Murray Family Farm offers you the opportunity to pick your own fruits and vegetables, while the California Fruit Depot has some of the freshest oranges you’ll find anywhere. If you’d rather shop for your crops, head down the Haggin Oaks Farmers Market to browse.
Go Whitewater Rafting
Several outfitters in Bakersfield and the surrounding region can provide you with memorable experiences on a whitewater rafting tour. Companies like River’s End Rafting specialize in Class I-II rapids, so their trips are suitable even for beginners.
Hit the Antique District
Find hidden treasures in Bakersfield’s downtown antique districts. You can browse shops like Downtown Antiques, Curiosity Shop Antiques, and the Central Park Antique Mall for all sorts of wares. For those more interested in contemporary goods, Bakersfield is packed full of local stores and national chains as well.
Satisfy Your Need for Speed
Bakersfield Speedway is known as one of the fastest high-banked clay oval tracks in the area. It hosts stock cars, modifieds, and other classes every weekend between March and October. You can often see up-and-coming racers here, as the track is an important stop between Las Vegas and California.
Key Guidelines for Visitors to Bakersfield
Air Pollution
Bakersfield sits in the San Joaquin Valley, which naturally tends to trap air pollution. On average, the city may have 20-40 days per year where the air quality is considered unhealthy. This number can rise when California is experiencing a bad wildfire season. Though unlikely to cause much issue for healthy individuals, those with breathing difficulties may want to bring along an N95 mask.
Crime and Safety
Bakersfield does have a rather high crime rate by American standards. To stay safe, try not to walk alone or near abandoned areas at night, and avoid wearing jewelry that will attract attention. Do not flash large amounts of cash or other valuables, and keep your doors locked at all times when in your hotel room or vehicle. Crime is certainly nothing to be scared of here, but it pays to be vigilant.
Best Time to Visit
Unlike coastal cities in California, Bakersfield gets extremely hot in the summer. If excessive heat bothers you, you’ll be better off visiting in the spring or fall. You can even visit in winter, as the temperature reaches nearly 60°F even during the coldest months of the year.
Before You Visit Bakersfield – Do This
- Purchase an N95 mask if you’re sensitive to air pollution.
- Save room in your luggage for the antiques you’re sure to purchase.
- Buy visitors medical insurance .