8 Quietest Small Towns Near Bakersfield
Wide highways, oil fields, and steady activity define Bakersfield, yet a short drive from town reveals a quieter side of Central California. Tucked into river canyons, open farmland, and desert edges, nearby small towns trade traffic for stillness and wide views. Places like Kernville, set along the Kern River, and Buttonwillow, surrounded by vast plains, offer calm settings with distinct character. Here are eight peaceful towns near Bakersfield that make ideal weekend escapes for slowing down and reconnecting.
Kernville, California
Kernville is an inviting weekend escape where appealing scenery meets small-town allure. Set along the Kern River, the town attracts visitors for white-water rafting, kayaking, fly fishing, and quiet riverside moments with sweeping canyon views. Outdoor lovers can also explore mountain biking routes, rock climbing spots, and nearby trails that showcase the region’s natural beauty. Each Presidents’ Day weekend, Whiskey Flat Days fills the streets with parades, historical reenactments, rodeo events, and pioneer camps, celebrating Kernville’s Wild West roots. Downtown retains an Old West feel, lined with antique stores, casual restaurants, and the Kern Valley Museum. For a relaxing stay, Riverview Lodge provides rustic comfort beside the river, complete with picnic areas, gardens, and easy access to local attractions.
Lake Isabella, California
Lake Isabella encourages travelers to slow down and soak in wide-open scenery where the North and South Forks of the Kern River meet. Mornings often start on the water, whether boating, kayaking, or casting a line in search of the prized golden trout that trace their origins to nearby high country streams. Adventure seekers can book a guided trip with Kern River Tours, a longtime outfitter known for unforgettable white-water experiences. For some quieter moments in town, Mountain Mesa Park has shaded picnic spots, while South Fork Recreation Campground provides lakeside access and sweeping views. Those craving a night under the stars can settle into Paradise Cove Campground for a restful stay, where open landscapes and calm evenings make it easy to unwind by the water.
Buttonwillow, California
Buttonwillow offers a quiet weekend escape rooted in Central Valley history and wide-open landscapes. Founded in 1895 as Buena Vista, the town soon took its current name from a lone buttonbush that once marked a gathering spot for the Yokuts people and later hosted early settlers’ rodeos. That historic tree still stands as a California Historical Landmark, for visitors to spend some time admiring it. Visitors also often stop by the playful Water Wizard Tower 2.0 before heading to Buttonwillow Raceway Park, known for high-speed track experiences. Alongside this, Nature lovers can explore the Tule Elk Reserve, home to a small conservation herd roaming open land. For an easy overnight stay, National 9 Inn I-5 has comfortable rooms, free parking, and a convenient base for exploring the area.
Frazier Park, California
With a population of around 2,500, Frazier Park feels like a true mountain hideaway tucked along the Grapevine. Surrounded by pine forests and cool breezes, the town offers a slower pace with a touch of Hollywood history, having appeared in The Waltons and the 1973 film The Clones. History buffs should not skip the Ridge Route Communities Museum, a small but impressive space packed with artifacts and photographs that tell the area’s story. Outdoor time comes easy at Frazier Mountain Park, where shaded paths, birdlife, and sweeping views create a peaceful afternoon escape. Adventurous drives over Tejon Pass add dramatic scenery, while nearby Frazier Mountain rewards explorers with forested slopes and crisp air. For an overnight stay, Frazier View Motel has comfortable rooms, mountain views, and a central location close to dining and essentials.
Wofford Heights, California
For a laid-back mountain escape, Wofford Heights delivers fresh air, lake views, and outdoor adventure in every direction. Lake Isabella sits just below town, offering a scenic setting for kayaking, fishing, rafting, or an easy afternoon by the water. Hikers can tackle the Isabella Peak Trail in Sequoia National Forest, where rocky paths lead to sweeping views across the lake basin and frequent wildlife sightings. In town, Wofford Heights Park is a simple place to unwind, while winter brings skiing, snowboarding, and tubing at nearby Alta Sierra Ski Resort. For overnight stays, Barewood Inn & Suites has quiet, comfortable rooms with thoughtful touches that make settling in after a full day outdoors easy and relaxing.
Bodfish, California
Bodfish is a quiet mountain town shaped by frontier history and dramatic Kern River scenery. Named for early settler George Homer Bodfish, who arrived in 1867, the area mixes outdoor adventure with unusual attractions. Remington Hot Springs attracts visitors to its natural geothermal tubs set beside the river, while spring wildflowers add color to the canyon. Nearby, Silver City Ghost Town preserves mining-era buildings and artifacts, giving an eerie look at the past. At the same time, adventurous hikers can tackle the Lightner Peak trail, a challenging route with rewarding summit views. For lodging in town, the Mountain Top Barn Retreat offers a secluded stay on 40 acres, complete with a cozy fireplace, scenic views, a unique stone shower, seasonal hot tub access, and peaceful surroundings shared with rescued animals.
Mojave, California
Let Mojave surprise you with its vast desert horizons and deep ties to aviation history. Set in the western Mojave Desert near Oak Creek Pass and the Tehachapi Mountains, this quiet town offers a change of pace framed by open skies. Start your visit at the Mojave Air & Space Port, where experimental aircraft and space technology continue a legacy that began in 1935 as a mining-era airfield. Outdoor explorers can stop by Jawbone Station Visitor Center for trail guidance, maps, and local insight before heading into the surrounding desert terrain. For a delicious meal, Mojave Thai Cuisine serves flavorful dishes in a relaxed setting. Additionally, a comfortable overnight stay can be enjoyed at Budget Inn of Mojave, providing convenient lodging with free parking and Wi-Fi, ideal for a simple desert weekend escape.
Boron, California
Boron presents a weekend escape unlike anywhere else in California, defined by desert landscapes and industrial history. Named after the element boron, the town sits beside the world’s largest source of boric acid and the massive Rio Tinto Borax Mine. Begin your visit at the Borax Visitor Center, where exhibits explain mining operations and the community that grew around them. Continue exploring at the Twenty Mule Team Museum, filled with unexpected local artifacts and film memorabilia from Erin Brockovich. Aviation fans will enjoy the Boron Aerospace Museum, which highlights research conducted over the surrounding desert skies. To experience the town at an easy pace, visitors can spend the night at the Boron Motel, a centrally located stay within walking distance of downtown sights and museums.
A Slower Pace Awaits Just Beyond Bakersfield
Whether you are drawn to pine-covered mountains, peaceful lakeshores, or wide-open desert horizons, these quiet towns near Bakersfield offer space to slow down and reset. Frazier Park invites calm with forest air and scenic drives, while Wofford Heights blends stillness with lakeside adventure and high-country views. Boron delivers a completely different kind of escape, where desert silence and fascinating industrial history create an unexpectedly reflective experience. Together, these destinations prove that tranquility comes in many forms, each just a short drive from the city. Sometimes, the best getaways are not about doing more, but about enjoying less noise, fewer crowds, and a gentler pace of life.
