California Road Trip: 5 Must-Visit Spots Between Bakersfield and Garden Grove
Ready to hit the open road for a California adventure? From Bakersfield to Garden Grove, you'll find plenty of incredible sights, attractions, and activities. Whether you're into scenic hiking trails, quirky museums, or hearty diner food, this road trip has something for everyone. Here are our top five picks for places to visit on your journey.
Valencia, CA: The Perfect Halfway Point
Before we get to our top five, let's take a moment to highlight the halfway point of our journey: Valencia, CA. This charming suburban city is located just north of Los Angeles and is home to Six Flags Magic Mountain, an amusement park with thrilling rides for all ages. If roller coasters aren't your thing, consider a visit to The Gentle Barn, an animal sanctuary where you can interact with rescued animals like cows, pigs, and horses. You'll also find plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops in Valencia - it's the perfect spot to take a break from the road.
- Buck Owens' Crystal Palace, Bakersfield
Bakersfield is known as the birthplace of the Bakersfield Sound, a popular country music genre that originated in the 1950s. Buck Owens is one of the most famous musicians associated with the Bakersfield Sound, and his Crystal Palace is a must-visit spot for any country music fan. The venue includes a museum dedicated to Owens' career, a restaurant serving classic American fare, and live music performances featuring up-and-coming artists as well as established stars.
- Sequoia National Park, Three Rivers
Just a few hours east of Bakersfield, you'll find Sequoia National Park - a breathtaking natural wonder that's home to some of the world's largest trees. With over 800 miles of hiking trails, you can spend days exploring the park's lush forests, soaring mountains, and crystal-clear lakes. Be sure to check out General Sherman, the largest tree in the world by volume, and Moro Rock, a granite dome with incredible views of the Sierra Nevada.
- Tehachapi Loop, Tehachapi
If you're a train enthusiast, don't miss the Tehachapi Loop in the town of Tehachapi. This engineering marvel is a 0.73-mile long spiral track that allows trains to climb over 77 feet in elevation without going backwards. You can watch trains traverse the loop from a viewing platform or from the nearby town of Keene, where you'll find the Tehachapi Depot Railroad Museum.
- Exotic Feline Breeding Compound, Rosamond
If you've ever dreamed of seeing a leopard, a tiger, or a lynx up close, the Exotic Feline Breeding Compound in Rosamond is the place to go. The compound is home to over 70 cats representing 17 different feline species, including endangered and rare ones. During your guided tour, you'll learn about the cats' behavior, habitats, and conservation efforts, and you'll even get the chance to watch them being fed.
- Original Pancake House, Anaheim
Finally, as you reach the end of your journey in Garden Grove, treat yourself to a hearty breakfast at the Original Pancake House in nearby Anaheim. This family-owned restaurant has been serving up fluffy pancakes, crispy waffles, and savory omelets for over 60 years, and it's a local institution. Don't forget to try the Dutch Baby, a fluffy German pancake that's baked in a cast iron skillet and served with lemon, whipped butter, and powdered sugar.
In Conclusion
There you have it - our top five picks for places to visit on a road trip between Bakersfield and Garden Grove. From music museums to natural wonders to animal sanctuaries, this journey has plenty of variety and adventure. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to make some memories.