Planning a travel adventure for 2026 but on a tight budget? New data from Expedia highlights some of the most affordable destinations this year, focusing on places where hotel stays average under $150 per night. Sitting near the top of the list is a California city that many travelers might overlook.
Set along the Kern River north of Los Angeles, Bakersfield offers a completely different experience than the bustling metropolis to the south. Bakersfield offers many of the cultural experiences expected in California, but with far fewer crowds and a friendlier price tag. There’s a reason it’s considered one of the best places to retire in California. Many hotels still average under $150 per night, making Bakersfield one of the most budget-friendly destinations in California.
But Bakersfield isn’t just a cheap alternative to Los Angeles. It has an identity all its own. Known as the “Country Music Capital of the West Coast,” the city helped shape a unique style of country music while also developing a growing arts scene and easy access to outdoor adventures. For travelers looking to stretch their dollars in 2026, Bakersfield offers history, culture, live music, and scenery all in one destination.
Bakersfield, California Is The “Country Music Capital Of The West Coast”
Bakersfield, CACredit: Shutterstock
Located in the San Joaquin Valley, Bakersfield sits roughly two hours north of Los Angeles and serves as a gateway between Southern California and the Sierra Nevada mountains. While it is one of California’s larger cities with a population around 425,000, Bakersfield feels far more manageable than Los Angeles, which is home to nearly 4 million residents.
Despite its smaller size, Bakersfield has made a big impact on American music history. During the 1950s and 1960s, country legends like Buck Owens and Merle Haggard developed what became known as the “Bakersfield Sound,” a raw, honky-tonk style with electric guitars and a driving rhythm section. The sound later helped inspire the rise of country rock, influencing artists such as the Byrds and Eagles, while even The Beatles recorded Owens’ song “Act Naturally,” showing how far Bakersfield’s musical influence reached. Because of its legacy, the city is often referred to as the “Country Music Capital of the West Coast.”
Bakersfield, CaliforniaCredit: Shutterstock
That musical heritage was visible throughout the city for decades. Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, a combination museum, restaurant, and live music venue dedicated to the Bakersfield sound, was one of the best places to experience the city’s musical roots. Visitors could explore memorabilia from Owens’ career while watching live performances in the same venue. After Owens’ death in 2006, the landmark struggled in the years following the pandemic and closed in 2025. Even so, the Crystal Palace remains one of the most memorable chapters in Bakersfield’s music history.
A view of the Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame, Bakersfield, California, CA, USACredit: Shutterstock
Bakersfield is sometimes called “Nashville West,” reflecting how deeply country music is woven into the culture of the city. Music lovers will still find plenty to explore in Bakersfield. The Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame celebrates the artists who shaped the region’s signature sound, while the historic Fox Theater and Nile Theater host concerts and touring acts. Spots like Rooster’s Honky Tonk and Temblor Brewing Company feature local bands, and the Dignity Health Amphitheater at The Park at River Walk hosts larger outdoor shows. Best of all, tickets and nights out in Bakersfield are far more affordable than comparable entertainment in Los Angeles.
Affordable Things To See & Do In Bakersfield
Beyond the music, there is plenty to see and do in Bakersfield. The city’s arts scene has grown steadily in recent years. The Bakersfield Museum of Art showcases regional artists and contemporary exhibits, while the Downtown Arts District features murals, galleries, and creative spaces. Antique lovers will enjoy browsing the nearby Antique District, where shops specialize in everything from vintage furniture to rare collectibles. If your visit falls in October, try to catch the Via Arte Italian Chalk Art Festival. During the event, artists transform downtown streets with elaborate chalk murals, turning the area into an open-air gallery.
The wild Kern River turns tame flowing through Hart Park, Bakersfield, California, as trees display fall colorCredit: Richard Thornton via Shutterstock
Outdoor recreation is another major draw. Arguably America’s most beautiful (and deadly) river, the nearby Kern River offers opportunities for white water rafting, kayaking, and fishing, especially during the warmer months. Visitors can also explore paved walking trails and wildlife habitats at Panorama Vista Preserve or enjoy a relaxing stroll around the lakes and gardens at The Park at River Walk.
Adventurous travelers can also venture about an hour into the surrounding mountains to see the towering trees of Sequoia National Forest and scenic stops along the Kern River Canyon. Other Popular Stops Around Bakersfield Include:
Best of all, many of these attractions are inexpensive or even free, making it easy to explore Bakersfield without the high price tags often found in nearby Los Angeles.
Where To Stay & Eat In Bakersfield
When it comes to places to stay and eat, Bakersfield offers plenty of variety for different travel styles and budgets. Travelers can book lodging at the conveniently located Doubletree by Hilton Bakersfield, where rooms often start around $130 per night, or choose reliable comfort at Homewood Suites by Hilton Bakersfield, with rates beginning near $137 depending on the season. Campers and RV travelers often choose Bakersfield River Run RV Park, where sites start around $54/night. For those looking to splurge, the stylish Padre Hotel offers boutique accommodations in the heart of downtown, with rooms starting around $170/night.
Dining in Bakersfield is just as varied. Visitors can enjoy classic steakhouse fare at Hungry Hunter Steakhouse, fresh Mexican and seafood at La Costa Mariscos, or modern American fare at The 18hundred. For something more casual, Andre’s Drive-I, has been serving burgers and sandwiches to locals since 1955. Altogether, lodging and dining in Bakersfield often cost far less than a comparable stay in nearby Los Angeles.
Best Time To Visit Bakersfield, California
Thanks to its location in California’s Central Valley, Bakersfield experiences long, sunny seasons and relatively mild winters. For most travelers, the best time to visit falls between late May and mid-October, when conditions are generally dry and skies are clear. Late spring and early summer are especially popular for outdoor activities. During this time, the nearby Kern River often has strong water flow from snowmelt in the mountains, making it ideal for rafting and kayaking. Hiking trails in surrounding areas like Sequoia National Forest are also accessible and comfortable before the peak summer heat arrives.
Early fall is another excellent time to plan a trip. Temperatures usually settle into the comfortable 65–80 degree range, making it perfect for exploring downtown, hopping on the wine trail, or attending outdoor festivals. Many visitors find September and October offer the best balance of warm weather and fewer crowds.
Season
What To Expect
Why Visit?
Spring
Mild weather
Great for hiking and sightseeing
Summer
Hot and sunny
Best for river activities and mountain exploration
Fall
Comfortable temperatures
Festivals and ideal outdoor conditions
Winter
Cooler and quieter
Lower crowds and a relaxed experience overall
Often overshadowed by larger California destinations like Los Angeles, Bakersfield is a quieter place worth discovering. Its rich musical heritage, expanding arts scene, and proximity to mountains and rivers make it far more than a simple stop along the highway.
For travelers planning affordable trips in 2026, this city offers a compelling alternative to nearby Los Angeles. With live music history, a creative culture scene, and outdoor adventures all within easy reach, Bakersfield truly lives up to its reputation as not only the “Country Music Capital of the West Coast,” but also a cheaper alternative to its more popular neighbor.