Sightseeing
Local GemBakersfield
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MuseumsFamily FavoriteRainy-Day Pick
Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science
2018 Chester Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301 · Bakersfield, CA
Why you should go…
The Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science, founded in 1995, sits in downtown Bakersfield's Arts District and covers geology, anthropology, and paleontology. Its collection is centered on the Bob and Mary Ernst Collection of Miocene fossils from Shark Tooth Hill, alongside African, Asian, and North American animal mounts, dinosaurs, Native American artifacts, and petrified wood. The museum includes the Oh! Zone interactive discovery center for children and a working Paleo Lab.
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- #fossils
- #science
- #family
- #history
Good to know
General museums guidance
Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.
Check the special exhibition separately
Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.
Look for the free window
Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.
Travel light through the door
Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.
Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons
School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.
What's around here?
The closest stops to Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science, ordered by straight-line distance.
0.7 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing