Location: Bakersfield, CA
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Hey AV explorers, Thomas here with a fantastic family-friendly day trip that’s less than 2 hours away. The California Living Museum – affectionately known as CALM – is Bakersfield’s hidden gem, a zoo and botanical garden dedicated entirely to California’s native wildlife and plants. Think mountain lions, black bears, golden eagles, and desert tortoises, all species that call our great state home. It’s educational, it’s beautiful, and it’s a genuinely great day out.
What makes CALM special is its singular focus – everything here is native to California, with a strong spotlight on Kern County’s own backyard ecosystem. Accredited by the Zoological Association of America, this isn’t your average roadside attraction. It’s a legitimate, well-run wildlife experience that happens to be right in our neighboring city. Late winter is a sweet time to visit – comfortable temperatures, thinner crowds, and animals that are active and visible rather than retreating from summer heat.
Making it a Full Day:
Plan to arrive at CALM when doors open at 9:00 a.m. to beat any crowds and catch animals at their most active. Give yourself a solid two to three hours to explore the zoo and botanical garden grounds – there’s more to see than most first-timers expect.
Grab lunch in Bakersfield before or after; the Stockdale area near the museum has plenty of casual dining options. If the family still has energy, swing by Barnes & Noble or stroll the outdoor shops at The Marketplace on your way home. Head back to the AV by mid-afternoon feeling like you accomplished something fun with your day!
Thomas’s Local Tips:
- 🦁 Go early – Animals are most active in the morning hours, especially on warmer days when they tend to find shade by afternoon. Early arrival also means first pick of parking and shorter lines at entry.
- 🌿 Don’t skip the botanical garden – It’s easy to focus on the animals and rush past the native plant sections, but the botanical displays are genuinely impressive and add great context to everything you’re seeing. Slow down and take it in.
- 👟 Wear comfortable walking shoes – The grounds cover a good amount of terrain and some paths are uneven. Leave the flip flops at home, especially if you’re bringing little ones who will want to run ahead at every exhibit.
- 💰 Check for memberships and discounts – If you have kids and think you might visit more than once, a CALM membership pays for itself quickly. Also check their website before you go for any current promotions, school holiday events, or special programming that might line up with your visit.
Nature’s calling, it’s time to pick up… See you out there!
