California Living Museum


The zoo and botanical gardens showcase over 200 native animals and a rattlesnake house, which has every type of rattler in the state. It’s about a 20-minute drive northeast from downtown Bakersfield.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Kern County Museum

7.99 MILES

This museum brings local history to life with a pioneer village of more than 50 restored and replicated buildings (including Merle Haggard's childhood…

2. Five & Dime Antique Mall

8.36 MILES

Three stories hold vintage wares that date back to at least the same era as the Woolworth building they're housed in. Try to go when the diner is open.

3. Cesar E Chavez National Monument

23.34 MILES

This newly designated national monument, Nuestra Señora Reina de la Paz, is the national headquarters of the United Farmworkers of America and was the…