Top rated rental cars in Bakersfield, CA
Situated in the heart of Kern County, Bakersfield is an underrated city with a rich history and classic vibe. Nicknamed the country music capital of the West Coast, it was home to Buck Owens and Merle Haggard, pioneers of the Bakersfield Sound that revolutionized both country and rock in the 1950s.
Today, Bakersfield is still a destination for live music, but it’s also home to award-winning museums, exciting restaurants, and a lively community.
Natural beauty meets old-timey music venues in classic Bakersfield.
A restaurant, museum, and music venue, the Crystal Palace honors music star and local legend Buck Owens, creator of the Bakersfield Sound subgenre of country music. One of Bakersfield’s hottest spots, the Palace also hosts a fun nightclub and plenty of concerts.
Catch a theatrical performance, comedy show, or concert inside the famous Fox Theater. This historical gem, which opened Christmas day 1930, has stood the test of time, and served as a venue for early “talkies” and renowned classical musicians back in the day.
Vast parks and nature trails surround Bakersfield, but it’s hard to beat Hart Memorial Park. Located along the Kern River in the Sierra Nevada foothills, this 370-acre park is a great place to hike, cycle, and picnic.
Diana N.
Diana N.’s vehicles
Joe T.
Joe T.’s vehicles
Rent cars in Bakersfield, CA
It’s no wonder Bakersfield was a magnet for country music stars like Buck Owens and Merle Haggard. The area around Bakersfield is a cowboy’s paradise: natural marvels and mining towns give way to panoramic scenery and vibrant California wildflowers. A short drive away, take your pick from mountain lakes and desert hills to delightful vineyards and living ghost towns.
Rent the perfect carJust an hour northeast of Bakersfield is gorgeous Lake Isabella. Grab an innertube, a kayak, or a fishing pole and prepare for a cool day by the lake. Or check out the thousands of miles of hiking trails in nearby Sequoia National Forest.
Located in nearby Cantil, Red Rock features stunning rock formations, numerous petroglyphs, and colorful spring wildflowers. If the five-hour hike along the Nightmare Gulch Trail intimidates you, don’t worry. There are plenty of shorter, family-friendly trails in this massive state park.
A living ghost town may sound like a contradiction, but that’s exactly what Randsburg is. This old mining town still has a functioning ice cream parlor to stave off that sweltering California heat, as well as other shops and exhibits.
Recent reviews
Nice car, ez to drive, went to Santa Rosa and back to Bakersfield with zero issues.
Not my first time renting from Joe, essentially the old reliable of Turo here in Bakersfield.
Fantastic experience Brno was above and beyond we would love to rent from him again if we are back!
The car was also very clean, and the a/c works great in the Bakersfield heat.
I enjoyed my trip with Diana's Kia Optima, nice luxurious ride without the price tag!
I have booked with him several times during my stay in Bakersfield, CA and have never been disappointed.
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Not only does the route to Lake Isabella have a great payoff at the end, it’s also fun getting there. On your way to the lake, you’ll pass the Kern River, Breckenridge Mountain, Miracle Hot Springs, and Silver City Ghost Town. So many places to stop along the way easily turns this into an exciting day trip.
Grab a full fuel tank and travel toward Lake Ming, then continue on Rancheria Road/Forest Rte 25S03. This scenic route travels past the Kern River before winding through orchards, cattle ranges, and the striking Greenhorn Mountains.
Driving the Central Valley Highway toward Colonel Allensworth State Park, you’ll see desert hills and vast, rolling farmlands. Take a side trip to the Kern National Wildlife Refuge, where you can drive past flocks of wild birds and other animals.
* Any personal insurance you may have that covers damage to the host’s vehicle would kick in before your protection plan, except in limited situations for trips booked in Maryland, but this protects your own wallet. Liability insurance is provided under a policy issued to Turo by Travelers Excess and Surplus Lines Company. Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. The policy does not provide coverage for damage to a host’s vehicle.
For questions or information about the third party liability insurance that is included in protection plans, consumers in Maryland and the licensed states listed here may contact Turo Insurance Agency at (415) 508-0283 or claims@turo.agency. For questions about how damage to a host’s vehicle is handled, visit the Turo Support site.
When a trip is booked in the state of Washington, physical damage to the host’s vehicle is covered by insurance purchased by Turo, but Turo’s insurance does not change the contractual responsibilities of hosts or guests with respect to physical damage to a host’s vehicle.