California Dreamin': Top Places to See When Driving from Bakersfield to Thousand Oaks
California is a beautiful state with a lot of diversity in scenery, from hot deserts to snow-capped mountains, glamorous cities to small towns, and the coastline of the Pacific Ocean. If you decide to take a road trip from Bakersfield to Thousand Oaks in Southern California, it's an opportunity to take in some of the most picturesque locations in the state. This blog post will outline the best destinations to stop at on your journey and explore the beautiful scenery.
Heading South: Bakersfield to Ventura
1. Wind Wolves Preserve
Our first stop on this road trip is Wind Wolves Preserve, located 30 miles southwest of Bakersfield. This preserve is one of the largest non-profit nature reserves on the West Coast, with over 93,000 acres of diverse ecosystems, including grasslands, oak woodlands, and chaparral. There are over 40 miles of trails available to hike and explore. Visitors can also enjoy wildlife watching, picnics, and stargazing at this breathtaking preserve.
2. San Emigdio Canyon
After leaving Wind Wolves Preserve, head to San Emigdio Canyon. It is around 30 miles west of the preserve and has one of the largest concentrations of birds of prey in North America. There are many hiking trails for visitors to walk around and water activities such as fishing and kayaking at the nearby Lake of the Woods.
3. Carpinteria State Beach
After taking in the natural beauty above, hit the beach for some sun and surf. Carpinteria State Beach is a must-see destination that is 17 miles from San Emigdio Canyon. It is a family-friendly state park with a mile-long pristine beach that is perfect for swimming, camping, and picnics. Sunsets at the beach are particularly stunning, and visitors can witness the bluffs turn to vibrant colors.
4. Santa Barbara
Continue on to the historic town of Santa Barbara, where you can indulge in the town's architecture, culture, and food. A 15-mile drive from Carpinteria, Santa Barbara is home to beautiful Spanish colonial architecture, charming public beaches, and the Santa Barbara Courthouse. It is also known for its delicious cuisine, particularly fresh seafood.
5. Ventura Harbor Village
Lastly, before reaching our final destination, stop and explore the Ventura Harbor Village, which is 14 miles from Santa Barbara. This picturesque harbor is full of boutiques, restaurants, and rich history. It offers excellent seafood, scenic views, and water activities such as kayaking and sailing.
Heading North: Ventura to Thousand Oaks
6. Channel Islands National Park
Our first destination heading north from Ventura is Channel Islands National Park. Aboard a short boat ride from Ventura or Oxnard, visitors can explore the five beautiful islands of the park. The area is known for its diverse flora and fauna, which include island foxes, sea birds, and marine mammals like sea lions and dolphins. It is located 28 miles west of Ventura.
7. Ojai
After the beach outings, head to Ojai for some quiet and peaceful downtime. It is 16 miles east of Ventura and is a charming bohemian town that offers endless shopping, fine-dining, golfing and more. It is known for its spiritual community and thermal hot springs. Visitors can take hikes in the surrounding hills or try activities like horseback riding.
8. Malibu Creek State Park
Malibu Creek State Park is 19 miles from Ojai and is one of the most famous parks in California. It has over 8,000 acres of trails and paths that lead to areas like the MASH Site, which filmed the famous television series. The park also has a visitor's center, camping grounds, and equestrian trails.
9. Getty Villa Museum
Just before we reach our final destination, we should stop briefly to explore the Getty Villa Museum. It is located in the beautiful Pacific Palisades, and although it is lesser-known than its sister institution, the Getty Museum in Brentwood, it is a beautiful and must-see destination. The museum has a collection of ancient art and antiques from Greece and Rome, and visitors can also find gardens, installations, and theaters.
10. Conejo Valley Botanic Garden
Lastly, we recommend that you head to Conejo Valley Botanic Garden, located in Thousand Oaks. This garden offers visitors the chance to take a nature walk with a stunning view of gardens, wildlife, and mountain trails. It is the perfect place to unwind after a long drive and take in the scenic beauty of California.
In conclusion, the drive from Bakersfield to Thousand Oaks is full of beautiful landscapes, historic towns, and unique destinations that should not be missed. We recommend planning the trip well enough to make the most of each destination, taking in the local flavor and, of course, the unforgettable beauty of California.